Tom Builder quotes from The Pillars of the Earth

What makes you think there'll even be a new church?

Tom Builder

Because I will build it. You house us, you feed us and I will defer payment. This may be the Devil's work, but it was God that sent you a master builder.

Tom Builder

I want you to make a statue of St. Adolphus.

Jack

Me? I've never worked in stone.

Tom Builder

That's not true. I saw the carvings you did in the cave. I think you'll manage.

Jack

I wouldn't know where to start.

Tom Builder

Take your time. Experiment. Listen.

Jack

To what?

Tom Builder

To the stone.

[About Jack] He's not dead. I would know it if he were dead. He can't be dead. I don't allow him to be dead. I dreamed this would happen and I didn't stop it. [Sobbing] Why? It makes no bloody sense!

Tom Builder

It doesn't have to make sense. This is part of God's plan and...

God's plan? If God has a plan, it's not working out very well, is it?

Tom Builder

I won't see this church completed.

Alfred

DA?

Tom Builder

Nor will you, Alfred. Nor you, Jack, most likely. I may see it roofed. You might see the interior well on its way. But it might be 50 years before it's finished, which is why I teach you. That's why you must never stop learning even after I'm gone.

Alfred

Learn from who?

Tom Builder

From your pupils. Your younger masters, they might find new ways to perfection.

Alfred

[after Philip says that either Alfred or Jack must leave after they fought and destroyed part of the cathedral] He's an apprentice! I'm a master stonemason. Send him away, DA, not me! I'm your real son! If Ma was alive, this wouldn't even be a choice! We were a team once, remember? I was supposed to be your successor!

Tom Builder

Alfred, you'll have to pay a fine for the damage caused. One month's wages.

Alfred

A month?

Tom Builder

Doubt the prior would accept any less. Could you leave us for a moment.

Alfred

Da!

Tom Builder

Go... before I double it. I'm sorry, Jack.

Jack

Why me?

Tom Builder

I pleaded with Philip, but he wouldn't soften.

Jack

This is my life.

Tom Builder

He's my son.

Jack

I'm your son too. You said it.

Tom Builder

You're the one that Philip will miss. You know, Alfred... he's competent. But you're brilliant. Now, in a week or a month, the Prior will see his mistake.

Jack

[Crying] And if he doesn't? You wouldn't even have a job if it weren't for me.

Tom Builder

That's enough.

Jack

Do you hear what I'm saying? I burned it down. I burned the old cathedral so that you would have work.

Tom Builder

God forgives you then. Get out. Get out!