Lancelot quotes from Merlin

Lancelot

(to Gwen) I would die for you a thousand times.

Merlin

You're not a nobleman by any chance, are you?

Lancelot

A nobleman? No. Good lord, no. Why do you ask?

Merlin

It's just that...

Gaius

The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight. Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who would wish to destroy it. He knew that he would have to trust each of his knights with his life, so he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him.

Merlin

Nobility.

Gaius

And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day only the sons of noble families have served as knights.

Merlin

That is not fair!

Gaius

Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly I am.

Merlin

Why do you want to be a knight so much?

Lancelot

When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the Northern Plains. They were slaughtered where they stood. My father, my mother, everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless against the face of tyranny. I made swordcraft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted to the art of combat. When I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now it seems my journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted.

Merlin

Hear my words. Whatever it takes, I will make this right.

Lancelot

Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking. I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land.

Merlin

Lancelot...

Lancelot

Yes?

Merlin

They are going to love you.

Lancelot

They are?

Merlin

Yes! I've seen you in action. You could shame the great Arthur himself.

Lancelot

I hardly think so.

Gwen

I think it's great Merlin's got you this chance. We need men like you. Well, not me, personally but, you know, Camelot. Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind but people like you and me.

Lancelot

Well, I'm not a knight yet, my lady.

Gwen

And I'm not a lady.

Merlin

I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot.

Lancelot

You're not to blame.

Merlin

Yes, I am. I pushed you. I made you lie.

Lancelot

The choice was mine. My punishment is mine to bear and mine to bear alone.

Merlin

I wish there was something I could do.

Lancelot

There is. You can stop blaming yourself.

Arthur

I should have known. How could I have been so stupid? You don't sound like a knight. You don't even look like a knight!

Lancelot

I'm sorry.

Arthur

I'm sorry too. Because, Lancelot, you fight like a knight. And I need... Camelot needs...

Lancelot

The creature?

Arthur

We could not kill it. I've never faced its like.

Lancelot

I faced it myself, sire, some days past. I struck it full square. I wondered how it endured.

Arthur

There are those who believe this creature, this griffin, is a creature of magic. It's only magic can destroy it.

Lancelot

Do you believe this?

Arthur

It doesn't matter what I believe. Use of magic is not permitted. Knights must prevail with steel and sinew alone.

Lancelot

Sire...

Arthur

There's a horse waiting outside.

Lancelot

Thank you. Thank you, sire.

Arthur

Lancelot, take it and never return to this place.

Lancelot

No, no... please... It's not my freedom I seek. I only wish to serve with honor.

Arthur

I know.

Lancelot

Then let me ride with you, sire.

Arthur

I cannot. My father knows nothing of this. I release you myself but I can do no more. Now go, before I change my mind.

Lancelot

I'm sorry to disturb you, my lady.

Gwen

Lancelot. What are you doing here?

Lancelot

I have no time to explain. I need weapons, armor, the best you've got.

Gwen

What's this all about?

Lancelot

Arthur stands in mortal peril. I must do what I can to protect him. It's my duty, knight or not.

Gwen

You really believe that, don't you?

Lancelot

Yes, my lady.

Gwen

Lancelot, I don't believe I've ever met your like before.

Lancelot

Guinevere, if I should not return...

Gwen

Don't go, Lancelot. Please.

Lancelot

But go I must.

Merlin

They'll restore your knighthood, of course they will. You killed the griffin.

Lancelot

But I didn't kill the griffin. You did.

Merlin

That's ridiculous.

Lancelot

'Brechdan An Weal'. I heard you. I saw you. Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me, but I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit.

Merlin

What are you going to do?

Lancelot

The only thing I can do. (Lancelot attempts to enter the chamber but is stopped by guards)

Uther

What is this?

Lancelot

(to the guards) Let me speak.

Uther

Wait. I will hear him.

Lancelot

Forgive me, sire. I have come to bid you farewell.

Arthur

What is this, Lancelot?

Lancelot

I lied to you both and now there is conflict between you. I cannot bear that burden, as you should not bear mine. I must start again, far from here, and maybe one day fate will grant me another chance to prove myself a worthy knight of Camelot.

Arthur

But, Lancelot, you've already proved that to us.

Lancelot

Well, I must prove it to myself. (bows) Your Highness. (bows) Prince Arthur. (Lancelot leaves the chamber)

Arthur

Here. Come and join me. [Everyone stops what they are doing and sits down around the Round Table.] This table belonged to the Ancient Kings of Camelot. The Round Table afforded no one man more importance than the other. They believed in equality above all things, so it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you, we would not be here. My father has languished in prison too long. Tomorrow, I make my bit to rescue him. Are there any around this round table who will join me?"

Lancelot

[Lancelot rises] You taught me the values of being a Knight, the code by which a man should live his life, to fight with honour, for justice, freedom, and all that's good. I believe in the world you will build.

Elyan

Even though I was a commoner and a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur. It is now my time to repay you.

Sir Leon

have fought alongside you many times. There is no other person I would rather die for.

Gwaine

I think we've no chance- but I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Your enemies are my enemies.

Gaius

If you need an old man...

Gwen

You know the answer.

Arthur

Merlin?

Merlin

No, I don't really fancy it.

Arthur

You don't have a choice, Merlin.

Merlin

[Stands up, smiles at Arthur, and nods.]

Arthur

I want to thank you all for staying with me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something my father wouldn't approve of. [He knights Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival, and Elyan.]

Arthur

Tomorrow when you fight, you can stand proud, knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known.

Lancelot

What are you planning? And don't even think about lying--I know you too well.

Merlin

It's too difficult to explain.

Lancelot

Tell me.

Merlin

Morgana has the Cup of Life. If I can find it and empty the blood within it, the army will be destroyed and Morgana will be powerless.

Lancelot

Aren't you forgetting something? It's guarded by an immortal army.

Merlin

Aren't you forgetting something- I have magic.

Lancelot

Doesn't make you immortal.

Merlin

No.

Lancelot

You know Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight. You're the bravest of them all and he doesn't even know it.

Gwen

Will you grant me a favour?

Lancelot

Anything.

Gwen

Look after him. Bring him home.

Lancelot

I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.

Gwen

Thank you.

Arthur

[About Merlin dying] This is my fault... and I'm sorry.

Merlin

[Struggles to talk] Take me with you... please.

Arthur

You'd die, Merlin.

Merlin

You don't understand... please, Arthur.

Arthur

Do you ever do as you're told?

Merlin

I have to come with you.

Arthur

Merlin...

Sir Lancelot

We need to leave.

Sir Lancelot

[Confused at Merlin's recovery] You're meant to be... dying.

Merlin

Sorry.

Merlin

You don't have to continue on this journey with me, you know?

Sir Lancelot

[Chuckles] Try and stop me.

Merlin

Why? Because you're a knight, you feel honour-bound?

Sir Lancelot

You wouldn't understand. It doesn't make any sense to me either.

Merlin

Gwen?

Sir Lancelot

I made her a vow I would keep Arthur safe.

Merlin

You don't have to worry. I'll keep him safe.