Longshanks Quotes in Braveheart (1995)

Longshanks: The trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots.

Longshanks: Archers.

English Commander: I beg pardon, sire. Won't we hit our own troops?

Longshanks: Yes... but we'll hit theirs as well. We have reserves. Attack.

Longshanks: What news of the North?

Prince Edward: Nothing new, Your Majesty. We've sent riders to speed any word.

Longshanks: I heard the word in France where I was fighting to expand your future kingdom. The word, my son, is that our entire Northern Army is *annihilated*.

Longshanks: Who is this person who speaks to me as though I needed his advice?

Prince Edward: I have declared Phillip my high counselor.

Longshanks: Is he qualified?

Phillip: I am skilled in the arts of war and military tactics, Sire.

Longshanks: Are you? Then tell me, what advice would you offer on the present situation?

Longshanks: Not my gentle son. The mere sight of him would only encourage an enemy to take over the whole country. So whom do I send?

King's Advisor: Milord, the princess might be taken hostage or her life be put in jeopardy.

Longshanks: Oh, my son would be most distressed by that. Uh, but in truth, if she were to be killed, we would soon find the king of France a useful ally against the Scots. You see, as king, you must find the good in any situation.

Longshanks: Not the archers. My scouts tell me their archers are miles away and no threat to us. Arrows cost money. Use up the Irish. The dead cost nothing.

Longshanks: Bring me Wallace. Alive if possible, dead... just as good.

Longshanks: Scottish rebels have routed one of my garrisons and murdered the noble lord.

Prince Edward: I heard. This Wallace is a brigand, nothing more.

Longshanks: And how would you deal with this 'brigand?'

Prince Edward: Like any common thief. Have the local magistrate arrest him and punish him accordingly.

Longshanks: [to all] Leave us.

[room clears, then Longshanks strikes the Prince]

Longshanks: Wallace has already killed the magistrate, and taken control of the town!

Royal Magistrate: A most excellent idea, sire.

Longshanks: Is it?

Longshanks: [to Prince Edward] One day you will be a king. At least try to act like one.

Longshanks: My son's loyal wife returns, unkilled by the heathen.

[instituting the right of Prima Nocte]

Longshanks: If we can't get them out, we'll breed them out.