Oh, think, Judah, *think*! It will tear them apart if they see you!

[Judah confronts Esther and Malluch in the Valley of the Lepers] Judah Ben-Hur:
[angrily, to Esther]
Why did you tell me they were dead? Esther:
It was what they wanted. Judah, I must not betray this faith. Will you do this for them? Judah Ben-Hur:
Not to see them? Esther:
[seeing Miriam and Tirzah approach]
They are coming... Judah! Judah, love them in the way they most need to be loved: not to look at them! Judah, let it be as though you had never come here. Please, Judah! [Judah hides behind a boulder as Esther goes to meet Miriam] Miriam:
Is Judah well? Is he happy? [Judah's face twists in anguish] Esther:
Yes. He is well. Your mind can be at rest for him. He is well, Miriam. Miriam:
[taking the basket of food]
God be with you. [Miriam and Tirzah go back into their cave] Esther:
[going back to Judah]
They are gone. We can go back. Judah Ben-Hur:
[bitterly]
Go back... to what? Esther:
Judah, they have one blessing left: to think you remember them as they were. Live your own life. Forget what is here. Judah Ben-Hur:
Forget? It's as if they were alive in a grave! Esther:
But what can you do? Judah Ben-Hur:
Undo what you've done! How could you have suffered them to come here? I must see them! Esther:
No Judah, please! Judah! [Judah starts toward the cave but is stopped by Malluch] Esther:
Oh, think, Judah, *think*! It will tear them apart if they see you!