Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn quotes from True Grit (2010)

Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn

You go for a man hard enough and fast enough, he don't have time to think about how many's with him; he thinks about himself, and how he might get clear of that wrath that's about to set down on him.

Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn

If he [Tom Chaney] is not in a shallow grave somewhere between here and Fort Smith, he is gone, long gone. Thanks to Mr. LaBoeuf we missed our shot! He barked and the birds have flown. Gone, gone, gone! Lucky Ned and his cohort, gone! Your fifty dollars, gone! Gone the whiskey — seized as evidence. The trail is cold if there ever was one. I'm a foolish old man who has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop. Mr. LaBoeuf can wander the Choctaw nation for as long as he likes. Perhaps the local Indians will take him in and honor his gibberings by making him chief! Sister, you may go where you like. Our engagement is terminated. I bow out.

What did you do then?

Rooster Cogburn

Well, I backed away from the axe and tried to talk some sense into him [Aaron Wharton]. While this is going on, C.C., he edges over to the wash pot there behind the steam and picks up the shotgun. Potter seen him, but it was too late. C.C. Wharton pulled out on Potter with one barrel and turned to do the same for me and I shot him - the old man raised the axe, and I shot him - Otis lit out and I shot him. [thoughtful pause] C.C. Wharton and Aaron Wharton were dead when they hit the ground, Otis was just winged.

I believe you testified you backed away from Aaron Wharton.

Rooster Cogburn

That's right.

Which direction were you going?

Rooster Cogburn

I always go backwards when I'm backing up.

Rooster Cogburn

The jakes is occupied.

Mattie Ross

I know it is occupied, Mr. Cogburn. As I said, I have business with you.

Rooster Cogburn

I have prior business.

Mattie Ross

You have been at it for quite some time, Mr. Cogburn.

Rooster Cogburn

There is no clock on my business! To hell with you! How did you stalk me here?

Mattie Ross

The sheriff told me to look in the saloon. In the saloon they referred me here. We must talk.

Rooster Cogburn

Women ain't allowed in the saloon!

Mattie Ross

I was not there as a customer. I am fourteen years old.

Rooster Cogburn

The jakes is occupied, and will be for some time.

Rooster Cogburn

We'll sleep here and follow in the morning.

Mattie Ross

But we promised to bury the poor soul inside!

Rooster Cogburn

Ground's too hard. Them men wanted a decent burial, they should have got themselves killed in summer.

Lucky Ned Pepper

What is your intention, Rooster? You think one on four is a dogfall?

Rooster Cogburn

I mean to kill you in one minute, Ned. Or see you hanged in Fort Smith at Judge Parker's convenience. Which will you have?

Lucky Ned Pepper

I call that bold talk for a one-eyed fat man!

Rooster Cogburn

Fill your hand, you son-of-a-bitch!

LaBoeuf

You are getting ready to show your ignorance now, Cogburn. I don't mind a little personal chaffing but I won't hear anything against the Ranger troop from a man like you.

Rooster Cogburn

How long have you boys been mounted on sheep down there?

LaBoeuf

My white Appaloosa will be galloping when that big American stud of yours is winded and collapsed. Now make another joke about it. You are only trying to put on a show for this girl Mattie with what you must think is a keen tongue.

Rooster Cogburn

This is like women talking.

LaBoeuf

Yes, that is the way! Make me out foolish in this girl's eyes.

Rooster Cogburn

I think she has got you pretty well figured.

Mister Cogburn, in your four years as US Marshal, how many men have you shot?

Rooster Cogburn

Shot? Or killed?

Let us restrict it to killed, so we may have a manageable figure!

LaBoeuf

I was within three hundred yards of Chelmsford once. The closest I have been. With a Sharp's carbine that is within range, but I was mounted and had the choice of firing off-hand or dismounting to shoot from rest, which would allow Chelmsford to augment the distance. I fired mounted...and fired wide.

Rooster Cogburn

You cannot hit a man three hundred yards if your gun was resting on Gibraltar.

LaBoeuf

The Sharp's carbine is an instrument of uncanny power and precision.

Rooster Cogburn

Oh, I've no doubt that the gun is sound.