“Path of Vengeance” quotes from Xena: Warrior Princess

Ares

(voice only) Xena, tell me, have you heard the story of the scorpion and the swan?

Xena

You haven't even got the guts to face me.

Ares

See, the scorpion needs to get across the river, and he asks the swan for a ride. And the swan figures it's not much of a risk. The scorpion wouldn't sting the creature who's carrying him over the raging river.

Xena

My daughter's about to die because of you, and you're feeding me fairy tales?

Ares

(appears behind Xena) Bear with me, it's worth the wait. So, about halfway across, the scorpion stings the swan, and as they're both being swept to their death, the swan asks the scorpion, "I was helping you. Why did you sting me?" And the scorpion answers...

Xena

"It's what I do."

Ares

Yeah, it's what I do.

Ares

Hey, can I help it if I've played this like the malevolent genius I am? Remember what the scorpion said.

Xena

Ares, the scorpion drowned.

Ares

You had this planned all along. You are so good.

Xena

It's what I do.

Ares

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Varia

As queen of the Amazon nation, I hereby sentence Livia, killer of the Amazons, to death. (gasps are heard among the chamber) So that Eve, the messenger of peace, may live.

Varia

You were ready to let me kill you just so that I could see I was headed down the wrong path.

Xena

I knew the truth was inside you. You just needed the chance to decide what was right.