Sir Arthur Robertson Quotes in 55 Days at Peking (1963)

Maj. Matt Lewis: He's a good soldier when he knows what he's fighting for.

Sir Arthur Robertson: It's easy when it's something you can see; a wall, a hill, a river, but how can you explain to them when it's for a principle.

Maj. Matt Lewis: You can't. Not here in China, it's too far from home.

Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi: The boxer bandits will be dealt with, but the anger of the Chinese people cannot be quieted so easily. The Germans have seized Kiaochow, the Russians have seized Port Arthur, the French have obtained concessions in Yunnan, Kwan See and Kwantang. In all, 13 of the 18 provinces of China are under foreign control. Foreign warships occupy our harbours, foreign armies occupy our forts, foreign merchants administer our banks, foreign gods disturb the spirit of our ancestors. Is it surprising that our people are aroused?

Sir Arthur Robertson: Your Majesty if you permit me to observe, the violence of the Boxers will not redress the grievances of China.

Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi: China is a prostrate cow, the powers are not content milking her, but must also butcher her.

Sir Arthur Robertson: If China is a cow, Your Majesty, she is indeed a marvelous animal. She gives meat as well as milk, and yet grows stronger.

Lady Sarah Robertson: [Unannounced, entering her husband's study] I'm sorry, Arthur. Are you busy?

Sir Arthur Robertson: Of course I am. I *always* am.

Lady Sarah Robertson: Busier than usual? Or just busy?

Sir Arthur Robertson: Both.

Lady Sarah Robertson: Do you remember what Napoleon said about China?

Sir Arthur Robertson: I never forget it: "Let China sleep. For when she awakens, the world will tremble."

Lady Sarah Robertson: He did say an awful lot, didn't he?

Tommy, Sir Arthur Robertson's son: [Arguing with his sister about the family's pet dog, Ming] Mother says we can't take Ming back to England with us.

Sir Arthur Robertson's daughter: I *won't* leave my dog!

Tommy, Sir Arthur Robertson's son: He's *my* dog!

Sir Arthur Robertson's daughter: [indignant] Who feeds him?

Tommy, Sir Arthur Robertson's son: Who taught him to sit up? He's *mine*!

Sir Arthur Robertson: I'll tell you what: we'll cut him exactly in two, and you'll each get half.

Sir Arthur Robertson's daughter: Oh, father, don't play King Solomon.

Sir Arthur Robertson: [chuckles] I tried...