Merlin Season 4 Episode 5

Agravaine: Your Majesty! Look what we have here.
Arthur: He comes with us. I'll deal with prisoners when we get back to Camelot.
Agravaine: I fear this is no ordinary prisoner, Your Highness (He tears a pendant off Caerleon's neck and offers it to Arthur)
Arthur: Well, well...
Merlin: What is it?
Arthur: This, Merlin, is the royal crest of Caerleon (To Caerleon) Is it not... Your Highness?

Agravaine: Arthur, your father was a strong King. His enemies feared and respected that strength.
Arthur: Are you saying I'm not worthy of that respect?
Agravaine: No, Sire. Not at all. There isn't a citizen of Camelot who would not lay down their life for you. But your enemies, to the enemies of Camelot you are still untested as a King. You must send a clear message that any action against Camelot will be met without mercy.

Agravaine: I suggest that we force him to accept a treaty on our terms. He must withdraw his men from our land, return our territories to us. He must surrender Everwick.
Arthur: He'd rather die than agree to such terms.
Agravaine: Then you are left with no choice.
Arthur: I can't just kill a man in cold blood.
Agravaine: Arthur, you must do what you need to to assert your authority on this land.
Arthur: There must be another way.
Agravaine: There's no other way.

Arthur: My father was a great king, but I don't have his wisdom or his conviction. I can only follow his example, and do what he would have done.
Merlin: You're going to draw up this treaty?
Arthur: I have to show my strength, show that I'm worthy of my father's name.
Merlin: Caerleon won't sign it. You know that?
Arthur: Caerleon brought this upon himself.
Merlin: Arthur, you've always shown mercy in battle. You've never sought to humiliate your enemy in this way. This isn't like you...
Arthur: You have no idea what it is to make these decisions, decisions that will shape the future of this land...
Merlin: Arthur...
Arthur: ... so please stick to what you do know.

Caerleon: You expect me to sign this? To humiliate myself before you?
Agravaine: You invaded our kingdom, took what did not belong to you.
Caerleon: And if I do not sign?
Agravaine: Then you will pay with your life.
Caerleon: And who makes these terms?
Arthur: Arthur Pendragon... King of Camelot.
Caerleon: Very well. Then make it quick (Kneels down)
Arthur: Think what you're doing, Caerleon. This treaty could seal a truce between us. There would be peace, like there was between your father and mine.
Caerleon: I am not my father. And you are not Uther. Do you really have the guts to kill me?
Arthur: You leave me no choice.
Caerleon: You do not choose anything, boy. It is I who choose to die and I alone. Get on with it.
Arthur: So be it.

Agravaine: Your resolve has already earned the respect of both the council and the people alike. Your father would have been proud of you.
Arthur: Thank you, uncle. I don't know what I would have done without your support and counsel.

(About Caerleon's execution)
Merlin: Can't have been easy having a man killed like that.
Arthur: I had no choice. A show of strength was necessary.
Merlin: Don't you think compassion can also show strength?
Arthur: Not to the likes of Caerleon, no. No, an example had to be made for the good of the kingdom.
Merlin: So you don't regret what you did.
Arthur: My conscience is clean, Merlin, which is more than I can say for my room so just do your job, will you?
Merlin: Look, I'm just saying, if there's something bothering you, you can talk to me. You shouldn't push your friends away, you know, not now, not when you need them most.
Arthur: You're wrong, Merlin. I don't need anyone. I can't afford that luxury. The kingdom is my responsibility now and mine to bear alone. And you must learn to accept that.

Queen Annis: (Uncovering Caerleon's body) This... this is no battle wound. This is the work of cowards. Arthur will pay for this, by God. The whole of Camelot will pay for this.

Agravaine: I dare to hope that my advice has been of some use these past months.
Arthur: Of course it has, you know that.
Agravaine: There's something I wish to discuss. But... it is a delicate matter.
Arthur: Yes.
Agravaine: It concerns Guinevere.
Arthur: What about her?
Agravaine: She's a beautiful woman, Sire, and possessed of many fine qualities, I have no doubt. But she is a servant.
Arthur: That doesn't matter to me.
Agravaine: Nor to me, I assure you, no. It's your people that concern me.
Arthur: Surely as king I can do as I see fit.
Agravaine: No, Sire, you can not. You must do what's expected of you.

Agravaine: You must present yourself in an appropriate manner. The people, your people, do not wish to see their king with the daughter of a blacksmith.
Arthur: This isn't a matter of state, this is a matter of the heart.
Agravaine: You can not rule the kingdom with your heart, Arthur. Your father understood that. You didn't want to kill Caerleon, I know that. But you were strong. You didn't let those emotions cloud your judgement. You ruled with your head, like a strong king must.
Arthur: Yes.
Agravaine: Now you must show that strength again. Set aside personal feelings for the good of your kingdom.
Arthur: Set aside my feelings for Guinevere.
Agravaine: I'm afraid so.

(Arthur is furiously hitting a punching bag that Merlin is holding for him)
Merlin: You seem tense.
Arthur: What do you mean, tense?
Merlin: You know, agitated, on edge, angry.
Arthur: This is not anger, Merlin. This is controlled aggression.
(The punching bag comes off and Merlin drops on his back to the ground under its weight)
Merlin: Great, I'm glad we cleared that up.

Queen Annis: Morgana Pendragon. Stealing into my castle in the dead of night, you must have a death wish.
Morgana: Sorry for the interruption, Your Majesty, but I've come on urgent business.
Queen Annis: What business could you possibly have with me, witch?

Morgana: I come in the name of my father.
Queen Annis: Is that so? When last I heard, you and he...
Morgana: I speak not of Uther but of Gorlois.
Queen Annis: Gorlois?
Morgana: Uther is my father by blood alone. Gorlois raised me as a child, he made me who I am.
Queen Annis: I remember him well. He was a good man, an honourable man.
Morgana: He was, Your Highness, and his sole reward was death betrayed by his King.
Queen Annis: Well, then... it seems we've both lost something at the hands of a Pendragon.

Morgana: (To Queen Annis) Your Highness, Uther was a curse upon this land, as is his son. I seek revenge for the wounds they have inflicted, as do you. If you'll accept it, I've come to offer my help.

Merlin: Off again? Another week in the wilderness? Eating weird animals, being eaten by weird animals. No hot water, no baths. This would be the last time either of us get to sleep in a proper bed.
Arthur: I'm prepared to face all manner of horrors in this world but if you think I'm sharing this bed with you...
Merlin: What? No, that's not what I meant.
Arthur: Right, good, comfort to know.

Arthur: Guinevere, please believe me when I say that you've done nothing wrong. And that none of this has anything to do with you.
Gwen: None of what? I don't understand.
Arthur: Things have changed for me. With my father gone, it falls to me to rule this land.
Gwen: I know what a responsibility that must be.
Arthur: And now that I am king... it's no longer relevant what I may or may not want for myself. My only duty is to the people of this land. I will be judged by my actions, who I am seen with.
Gwen: Are you ashamed to be seen with me?
Arthur: No. No. But now that I'm king it's not appropriate.
Gwen: I'm not appropriate?
Arthur: It seems not.
Gwen: Arthur... listen to yourself. This doesn't sound like the man I know. You've been talked into this, haven't you?
Arthur: I haven't been talked into anything. I'm my own man, I make my own decisions.
Gwen: (At the verge of tears, her voice breaking) And you decided we can't be together.
Arthur: Yes.
Gwen: I see.
Arthur: I'm sorry, Guinevere. It's just the way it has to be (He turns to leave)
Gwen: Arthur... don't let anyone tell you what to do. You said you are your own man. You've a good heart. Be true to it. Only then will you be the king you want to be.
(He leaves and she sheds a tear)

(Gaius and Gwen watch Arthur and his men leave Camelot to face a battle)
Gaius: Don't worry, Guinevere. He'll be back soon, I'm sure.
Gwen: It's different this time though, isn't it? Arthur's King now. The fate of Camelot rests on his shoulders alone.
Gaius: He's not alone, Gwen. You above all people should know that.
Gwen: I do know that. But I'm not sure he does.

(Arthur is watching Merlin and the knights chat and laugh around the fire from his tent)
Gwaine: Is he all right?
Merlin: He's our king. If anything were to happen to any of us, he'd hold himself responsible.

Sir Elyan: We just want you to know there isn't a man among us who would not die for you. We've made our pledge and we wear the Pendragon crest with pride. Tomorrow, we fight in your name, Sire, for freedom and justice in this land.
Arthur: Thank you, Elyan. Thank you all.
(The knights leave)
Merlin: They mean it, Sire, every word.
Arthur: I never once questioned their loyalty. I do wonder if I deserve it.
Merlin: No one could care more for their men than you do. To send them into battle is not a decision you would make lightly. They know that.
Arthur: But was it the right decision?
Merlin: If there was any other way out of this situation you would take it, but you must defend Camelot. You have no choice.
Arthur: I had a choice... to let Caerleon live or die. I made the wrong decision. But now I've brought this war upon Camelot myself.
Merlin: Arthur... no one is prepared to sacrifice more for the sake of this kingdom than you. Your decision was made in the best interests of Camelot.
Arthur: Maybe. Now my men must pay for it with their lives.

(Arthur has been caught sneaking into Queen Annis' campsite)
Queen Annis: What is the meaning of this?
Arthur: Your Highness, I have come here to...
(She slaps him)
Arthur: Your Highness, I know you feel nothing but contempt for me. You feel I've done you a grievous wrong and you'd be right. I'm ashamed of what I did. It was cowardly, unjust and I am deeply sorry.
Queen Annis: Sorry does not bring back my husband. Sorry does not give my people back their king.

Arthur: I want to call off the battle.
Queen Annis: It's a little too late for that.
Arthur: I don't propose a truce, but an alternative. I invoke the right of single combat... two champions settle this matter between them.
Queen Annis: And why should I grant you this favour?
Arthur: There has been bloodshed enough already, Your Highness. Many hundreds of lives will be saved this way.
Queen Annis: And your terms?
Arthur: If my man wins, you must withdraw your army.
Queen Annis: And if mine is the victor?
Arthur: Then half of all Camelot is yours.

(Merlin has been caught watching over Arthur)
Merlin: Sorry about this.
Queen Annis: You know him?
Arthur: He's my servant. He must have followed me here. I… I knew nothing about it.
Queen Annis: Kill him.
Arthur: Wait! Please. Let him go. He's just... a simple-minded fool.
Queen Annis: That is two favours you have asked me this night, Arthur Pendragon. Very well. You shall have your trial by combat. Announce your champion by noon tomorrow.
Arthur: Thank you, Your Highness.
Queen Annis: And take your fool with you.

Merlin: Simple-minded fool?
Arthur: I was being kind, believe me. You almost got me killed in there.
Merlin: Me? You seemed to be doing a good job yourself.
Arthur: What's wrong with you? Why can you never just let me be?
Merlin: I'm your friend. I was looking out for you.
Arthur: I appreciate that, in your very confused way, you were only trying to help, but, please... don't do it again.

Sir Leon: Sire, we can win this battle. I know we can.
Arthur: I don't doubt it. But at what cost? How many men would be slaughtered?
Sir Elyan: What if we were to lose this trial? We can't give up our land.
Arthur: That's the deal I've struck. I believe it to be fair and I'll stand by it.
Agravaine: Well, then... all that remains, my Lord, is for you to choose your champion.
Sir Percival: (Stepping up to volunteer) It would be a privilege, Sire.
Sir Elyan: (Doing the same) Sire.
Arthur: There can only be one choice... one choice which is just and honourable. This fight's mine.

Queen Annis: I don't like it. It must be a trick.
Morgana: What concerns you, Your Highness?
Queen Annis: Arthur. Why would he choose himself as the champion?
Morgana: Because he's Arthur. He'll always risk his own life before those of his men. Trust me, it's no trick, Arthur will fight.
Queen Annis: It's as if you were pleased, Morgana. Whatever else he is, Arthur is a great warrior. You have as much to lose as I if he wins. You desire the throne of Camelot, do you not?
Morgana: I don't deny it. It's rightfully mine after all. Arthur will not win.
Queen Annis: How can you possibly know that?
Morgana: Because I have the power to ensure that he doesn't.
Queen Annis: Then you must use it.

Morgana: (After enchanting his sword) Arthur is as good as dead.

Arthur: (Handing over his ring to Merlin) If this day should prove to be my last, give this to Guinevere. Tell her I'm sorry.

Merlin: Arthur, do you really think this is worth the risk? You're king now. Camelot needs you... alive.
Arthur: I don't know what'll happen... but for the first time since I became king, I know in my heart I've made the right decision.
Merlin: Well, whatever happens out there, um... (Looks away as he struggles to find the words)
Arthur: You're not about to start crying on me, are you?
Merlin: No. Just... good luck.
Arthur: Thank you, old friend.
(They shake hands)

Queen Annis: You have served my husband well, Derian. I know you will do the same for me.
Morgana: And Derian... no pity. No quarter. Do not hesitate for one second. Arthur Pendragon must die.

(Arthur and Queen Annis' champion are fighting together)
Morgana: This has gone on long enough. Time to turn the tide. I've enchanted Arthur's sword. It holds the weight of a thousand ages. No one could bear it for long.

Queen Annis: You are victorious, Arthur Pendragon. You may rest assured that I shall comply absolutely with the terms of our agreement. My army will be gone by nightfall.
Arthur: Thank you, Your Highness.
Queen Annis: Tell me something, you spared my champion, why?
Arthur: Because it's not victory I seek... it is peace. I hope that today will mark a new beginning for our kingdoms.
Queen Annis: There is something about you, Arthur Pendragon. Something which gives me hope for us all.

Queen Annis: It seems you did not have the power after all, Morgana. Arthur was made of sterner stuff than you imagined.
Morgana: (Scoffs) There will be other opportunities, Your Highness. Next time, he won't be so lucky.
Queen Annis: There won't be a next time. Not for me, anyway.
Morgana: What are you talking about?
Queen Annis: I believe I may have misjudged our young king.
Morgana: Don't be taken in by his fine words!
Queen Annis: It wasn't Arthur who mislead me, it was you. You are consumed by bitterness, Morgana. It spreads within you like a disease. In my grief I let you infect me with your hate.
Morgana: That is untrue! Have you forgotten how Arthur killed your husband? Do you deny you sought revenge?
Queen Annis: I sought revenge. But that does not mean it was the right thing to do.
Morgana: (Scoffs) You are weak, Annis, as I thought you were. Go ahead. Make peace with Arthur, but I will not rest until all of Camelot bows before me.

Queen Annis: Morgana? You came to me in the name of Gorlois, but I fear you are more like Uther than you realise.

(Camelot citizens welcome Arthur and his men back with big cheers)
Merlin: You're a hero.
Arthur: Thank you, Merlin.
Merlin: Not to me, to your people.
Arthur: Right. You think different?
Merlin: Maybe I know something they don't.
Arthur: Which is?
Merlin: You know... that you're a cabbage head.
Arthur: Maybe. I should've listened to you, Merlin. Just this once, I think you were right. Even if you are the worst servant in the five kingdoms.
(Merlin laughs)