First Knight (1995) · 13 quotes
2nd most-quoted character in First Knight (1995): in 5 of its 13 quotes
Most scenes with: King Arthur (2), Guinevere (2)
Self-sacrifice is very easy. It's having to sacrifice someone you love that puts your convictions to the test.
Malagant They say this was once the greatest castle ever built. Now grass grows in the halls where kings once feasted, and peasants cart away the mighty walls stone by stone to build shelters for their pigs. Ha! Such is glory.
Malagant May I congratulate the king on his forthcoming marriage. [points to the empty seat] I see my place hasn't been taken yet. [sets his sword down on the table] To think that I was once first among your knights.
You left this council of your own free will.
Malagant We each of us must follow our own road, my lord, and mine had further to go.
And where does your road take you, Malagant? To Lyonesse?
Malagant Lyonesse is my neighbor! I've offered the lady a treaty of friendship. I still await an answer.
You call burning villages an act of friendship?
Malagant Oh yes, my lady. Since your honored father's death, your land has been more lawless by the day. Were you yourself not attacked on the road here?
You know who attacked me.
Malagant I made it my business to know. The bandits have been hunted down. Justice has been done.
"Armed forces to be given access to all Lyonesse. Troops to assist in the enforcement of law in all Lyonesse." [to Guinevere] Do you want to sign this?
I'll never sign it.
There's your answer. She says no.
Malagant She's very brave. Now she's to be married. So, is Lyonesse to come under the protection of Camelot?
Is Lyonesse in need of protection?
Malagant Come, Arthur. I'm here to settle this business. We both know Lyonesse is too weak to stand alone. Let's say half each. The lesser gives way to the greater, and what nation could be greater than Camelot, the land of justice and the hope of mankind? Come. Your hand on it. We'll all live together as friends.
Malagant You all know me. You know I'm a man of my word. Don't make an enemy of me. I mean no harm to Camelot.
You know the law we live by. And where is it written, "Beyond Camelot live lesser people, people too weak to protect themselves; let them die", hmm?
Malagant Other people live by other laws, Arthur. Or is the law of Camelot to rule the entire world?
There are laws that enslave men, and laws that set them free. Either what we hold to be right and good and true is right and good and true, for all mankind, under God, or we're just another robber tribe.
Malagant Your fine words are talking you out of peace and into war.
There's a peace that's only to be found on the other side of war. If that battle must come, I will fight it!
And I! [the other knights echo him]
Malagant The great Arthur... and his great dream. No dream lasts forever.
Malagant Welcome to my palace, my lady. [bows mockingly] I think we can release the lady from her bonds. [draws a dagger] If she so wishes.
Malagant What's this? Your dress is torn. Ralf?
Yes, my prince?
Malagant I gave orders that the lady was not to be harmed.
But my prince, I didn't -- [Malagant backhands him, knocking him to the floor]
Malagant Your dress is quite spoiled, my lady. You're almost... [rips it off, leaving her in her undergown] a queen. Ralf?
My prince?
Malagant Did you do this?
Yes, my prince. [Guinevere looks at him in disbelief]
Malagant You see? This is what Arthur doesn't understand. Men don't want brotherhood. They want leadership. [claps his hands with a shout, and several men approach; he chuckles] Shall we?
I have no pride left in me. What I do, now I do for my people and for Camelot. And may they forgive me. This is my last act as your king. Do not be afraid. All things change. [thrusts sword onto the ground] I am Arthur of Camelot, and I command you now... all... [kneels but suddenly rises with sword] TO FIGHT!! [everybody is surprised and Malagant's men draw swords too] Fight like you've never fought before! Never surrender! Never surrender! Fight as you never- [gets shot by several crossbow bolts; loses sword]
NO!!!
CAMELOT LIVES!!!! [the citizens and knights start attacking Malagant's troops]
Malagant BURN IT! BURN EVERYTHING!
