Arthur Pendragon quotes from Merlin

Merlin

(picks up a sword)

Arthur

What are you doing?

Merlin

I'm coming with you.

Arthur

Merlin, chances are I'm going to die.

Merlin

Yeah, yeah, you probably would if I wasn't there.

Arthur

Right.

Merlin

Do you know how many times I've had to save your royal backside?

Arthur

Well, at least you've got your sense of humour back.

Merlin

Do you think we should be going after them?

Arthur

You are such a girls' petticoat.

Merlin

I've been on a horse all day!

Arthur

What, is your little bottom sore?

Merlin

Yes. It's not as fat as yours.

Arthur

You know, you've got a lot of nerve for a wimp.

Merlin

Well I may be a wimp, but at least I'm not a... dollop-head.

Arthur

There's no such word.

Merlin

It's idiomatic!

Arthur

It's what?

Merlin

You need to be more in touch with the people.

Arthur

Describe dollop-head?

Merlin

In two words?

Arthur

Yeah.

Merlin

Prince Arthur.

Uther

Standing here, seeing so many happy faces... it almost seems like a dream. I can tell you, I have not felt like this in a long time.

Arthur

What, drunk?

Uther

Drunk with happiness!

Arthur

Yes well you are the expert of fighting with your eyes closed.

Merlin

You didn't see what I did when we rescued Morgana.

Arthur

Because you were hiding behind a tree.

Merlin

No, I was not.

Arthur

(raises eyebrows) I'm not going to use the blindfold, I'm just going to fight like Merlin here. (holds sword in both hands, knees together, eyes shut and whimpering) I'm Merlin, don't hurt me, don't hurt me!

Merlin

It is your fate to be the greatest King Camelot has ever known, and your victory today will be remembered for every age until the end of time.

Arthur

There are times, Merlin, when you display a sort of - I don't know what it is. I want to say- it's not wisdom. But yes, that's what it is. Don't look so pleased, the rest of the time you look like a complete idiot.

Gwen

You should have more faith in yourself.

Arthur

What are the people saying?

Gwen

They are glad you have taken charge.

Arthur

I've committed them to a siege. There are going to be casualties, Gwen.

Gwen

I trust you Arthur, more than Uther, more than any man. Worry is not a wise council. Forget everything else. You have to do what you believe is right.

Merlin

Look at what you've got.

Arthur

What?-

Merlin

You... and me.

Arthur

Merlin, what exactly are you going to do?

Merlin

I'm going to be at your side - like I always am, protecting you.

Arthur

God help me.

Arthur

You know what you need after a hard day's hunt?

Merlin

Sleep.

Arthur

A nice cold tankard of mead.

Merlin

Mead. [Disbelievingly]

Arthur

[Adjusting horse straps] There's no better place to measure the mood of your people, than the local tavern.

Merlin

This is one of those moments where I tell you something isn't a good idea and you ignore me, isn't it?

Arthur

You're learning Merlin slowly, but, you're learning. [Pause] Now remember, in here, you're not my servant, I'm just a simple peasant like everyone else.

Merlin

The simple part's right.

Arthur

What?

Merlin

I said the sun is very bright.

Arthur

[looks around] Yeah, yeah it is.

Afternoon, what'll it be?

Arthur

Ah...

Mmm, you're a handsome fellow.

Arthur

Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it.

Oh no, sorry, I was talkin' about your friend here.

Arthur

Him? [Looking at Merlin incredulously]

Merlin

Thank you!

Arthur

[Flatly] Two tankards of mead, please.

Merlin

I was wrong. Coming here was a great idea.

Arthur

Take your hands, off her.

I'm gonna make you pay for that.

Merlin

[at table, laughs] I'd like to see you try.

Arthur

[through clenched teeth] You had to open your big mouth, didn't you, Merlin?

Gwaine

[walks up to thug] You two have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, haven't you?

Arthur

You should get out of here while you have the chance.

Gwaine

You're probably right. [takes drink, offers tankard to thug, smiles, punches thug in the face] [bar fight ensues]

Arthur

You look like a startled stoat.

Merlin

Yeah? Well, at least I don't look like a bone idle...toad. Let's go.

Arthur

Are you saying I look like a toad?

Merlin

Yeah, and maybe one day you'll magically transform into a handsome prince...just magic's outlawed, that'll probably never happen. Come on, let's go.

Arthur

Merlin! [Merlin turns] I'm the one who gives the orders, remember?

Merlin

Yeah. [pause] You ready? Let's go.

Merlin

I've brought you your ceremonial sword.

Arthur

Is that for me to fall on?

Merlin

Hopefully not. What's wrong?

Arthur

You wouldn't understand, Merlin. You have no idea what it's like to have a destiny... you can't escape.

Merlin

Destinies are troublesome things. You feel trapped? Like your whole life has been planned out for you and you've got no control over anything and sometimes you don't even know if what destiny has decided is really the best thing at all.

Arthur

How come you're so knowledgeable?

Merlin

I read a book.

Arthur

And what would this book tell you? Should I marry her?

Merlin

It's not really my place to say, sire.

Arthur

I'm asking you, it's your job to answer.

Merlin

If you really want to know what I think? I think you're mad. I think you're all mad. People should marry for love, not convenience. And if Uther thinks an unhappy king makes for a stronger kingdom, then he's wrong because you may be destined to rule Camelot but you have a choice... as to how you do it.

Arthur

I thought I told you to ride for Camelot?

Gwen

You may be a prince, but I don't always have to do what you tell me to.