Morse quotes from Inspector Morse

Lewis

You mean, you've never come across him at the Lodge, Sir?

Not exactly, Serg... (to Morse) And what exactly is SO funny?

Nothing. I was just reflecting on Sergeant Lewis' view of polite Oxfordshire society!

Something like what? I simply want you to go there early and get the li of the land.

Your gambling with that women’s life. At the very least it's a professional dubious course of action.

Don't you lecture me on professionalism matey. (quiet pause) Look what if we pull this off, ah. We’d of done everyone a favour.

I don’t know everyone! But I know who Holley Travis is and I know her husband. We put her in this predicament and now we’re guna compound that by trying some gun hoe rescue attempt.

I think you’ve said enough, don’t you chief inspector?

I really don’t know sir, but you can help me there. Is there any point in putting my argument to higher councils?

Absolutely none!

I see, calls to make and soundings to take.

You know the rules.

The rules.

I understand the lifestyles were incompatible.

No, No! she liked the life. She liked the money. (pause) It was the sex. He was no good, at sex, not even very interested and many artists have healthy appetites you know. Well Gwladys is not as beautiful as she once was perhaps and her taste is for very young men.

Where he’s been every few times he can, with her at the Marlborough Hotel on the Woodstock road. It’s alright it had to be someone; if it hadn’t been you then it would have been a stranger. Poor Allan!

Well!

Oh, and in these hard pressed times.

It’s all very well for you to sneer but you don’t know what it’s like sitting here forced to implement cuts. Solving crime, that’s the easy part.

Of course we haven’t solved this one yet sir but I must say Lewis has worked particularly hard on it. He’s been very imaginative.

Lewis, Imaginative?

It comes with these long years working with me. Somethings bound to rub off in the end.

It’s a bit early for patting ourselves on the back Morse. If you have the imagination to solve this case in double quick time then I may give consideration.

(over the top of Strange) Thank you sir.

If Morse, if.

Don’t worry about if sir, with Lewis on the ball the way he is.

If you don’t stop going on about Lewis you’re guna give me a heart attack.

Don’t worry about if sir, with Lewis on the ball the way he is. (pause) Perhaps you’d like to sit in on the questioning sir, see how well Lewis.

(interrupting) Morse! Go! .

I told you — my mother was a Quaker, and Quakers sometimes call their children names like 'Hope', and 'Patience'. My father was obsessed with Captain Cook, and his ship was called Endeavour. Why aren't you both laughing?

Lewis

You poor sod!

Adele Cecil

I'm not calling you "Endeavour".

Lewis

Call him "Sir". He likes that.

Adele Cecil

Oh, no, no,— I'll stick to "Morse", like everyone else.

[Raises his glass of beer.] Cheers!

That which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Trying too.

You got a temperature?

Everyone's got a temperature.

Not like that they haven't.

Adele Cecil

No idea, but have you learned the simple dues of fellowship?

I believe I have, do you know, Kershaw?

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Sir

Lewis

You think another one's a good idea?

Think! That's why I want it, to think! I don't drink for pleasure.

Lewis

You are alright, aren't you, sir?

Better off than Harry Repp, I suppose. At least I'll have a retirement. Bird watching, Wagner. You know, you really should persevere with Wagner, Lewis. It's about important things. Life and death... regret.

Lewis

Cheer up, sir, it's a lovely evening. Look at that sunset!

[quoting A.E. Houseman] "Ensanguining the skies. How heavily it dies. Into the west away; Past touch and sight and sound. Not further to be found, how hopeless under ground. Falls the remorseful day."