Prince John Well, this is what we Normans like - good food, good company, and a beautiful woman to flatter me.
2nd most-quoted character in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938): in 11 of its 39 quotes
Most scenes with: Marian (3), Sir Robin of Locksley (2), Sir Guy of Gisbourne (2)
He's a reckless rogue who goes around the shires stirring up the Saxons against authority, and he has the insolence to set himself up as the protector of the people.
More lines from Prince John
2 quotes Prince John Prince John Let him approach...By my faith, but you're a bold rascal. Robin. I like you.
Scenes with Prince John
8 scenes Prince John Was it worthwhile, coming with me from London to see what stout fellows our Nottingham friends are? Take Sir Guy. He's from London, one of our most renowned defenders of the realm.
Must I take him, your Highness?
Prince John Why, you like him, don't you?
Well, he's a Norman, of course.
Prince John Is that the only reason for liking him?
Isn't that reason enough for a royal ward...?
Prince John Nay, I'll not force you, my lady. But he's our most powerful friend in these shires. And he's already in love with you. If I could promise him marriage to a royal ward, it might help my plans.
Perhaps when I know him better.
Prince John Of course. You're a very wise young woman.
Prince John Any more objections to the new tax from our Saxon friends?
Noble
Objections your Highness? With a Saxon dangling from every gallows tree...?
Prince John Well said...but not too many mind, else we'll have nobody left to till our land or pay the tax.
Prince John Bring Sir Robin food! At once do you hear. Such impudence must support a mighty appetite.
Robin
True enough, your Highness. We Saxons have little to fatten on by the time your tax gatherers are through.
Prince John Do you feel you are overtaxed?
Robin
Overtaxed, overworked and paid off with a knife, a club or a rope.
Why, you speak treason!
Robin
Fluently.
Bishop of the Black Canons I'd advise you to curb that wagging tongue of yours!
Robin
It's a habit I haven't yet formed, your grace.
Robin
[calling Prince John a traitor]
What else do you call a man who takes advantage of the King's misfortune to seize his power? Now, with the help of a sweet band of cutthroats, you'll try to grind a ransom for him out of every helpless Saxon, a ransom that will be used not to release Richard but to buy your way to the throne.
Let me ram those words down his throat, your Highness!
Prince John Oh no. Later. Let him spout for a moment. [To Robin] And what do you propose to do?
Robin
I'll organize a revolt, exact a death for a death, and I'll never rest until every Saxon in this shire can stand up free men, and strike a blow for Richard and England.
Prince John Have you finished?
Robin
I'm only just beginning. From this night on, I'll use every means in my power to fight you!
Little John
He's well named Friar Tuck. It would take half the deer in Sherwood Forest to fill that cabin.
Tuck And twice that to fill your empty head!
Not only has she consorted with this Saxon rebel, found guilty of outlawry, theft, murder, abduction, and high treason, but she has betrayed her own Norman people. Are you not ashamed my Lady Marian?
Yes, I am, bitterly, but it's the shame that I'm a Norman, after seeing the things my fellow countrymen have done to England. At first, I wouldn't believe. Because I was a Norman, I wouldn't let myself believe that the horrors you inflicted on the Saxons were just and right. I know now why you tried so hard to kill this outlaw whom you despise. It's because he was the one man in England who protected the helpless against a lot of beasts who were drunk on human blood. And now you intend to murder your own brother.
Prince John You'll be sorry you interfered.
Sorry? I'd do it again if you killed me for it.
Prince John A prophetic speech, my lady, for that is exactly what is going to happen to you.
You wouldn't dare. I'm the royal ward of King Richard and no one but the King himself has the right to condemn me to death.
Prince John You are quite right, my dear. And it shall be a King. I will order your execution for high treason exactly forty-eight hours from now. Take her away.
Robin Hood [to Prince John, carrying a deer over his shoulders]: Greetings, Your Highness! You know, you really should teach Gisbourne hospitality. No sooner do I enter his castle doors with a bit of meat than his starving servants try to snatch it from me! You should feed them, Gisbourne; they'll work better. [flinging the deer down onto the table in front of Prince John] With the royal compliments of your brother King Richard, God bless him!
Prince John By my faith, but you're a bold rascal. Robin... I like you.
Little John
[to the King, who is disguised as an abbot]
What? Are you friendly to our good King Richard?
I love no man better.
