13 quotes
The Dawn of Hong Kong's Destiny
Manuel
What's going on? Mr. Brock. Mr. Brock, what has happened?
Dirk
The China trade be done. They burned the opium. Heave away, lads. Manuel, there's something I want to show you. We're changing course.
Orlov
East nor'east. East nor'east, sir.
Dirk
I'm going to show you destiny's gift to taipan. The island of Hong Kong. A sailor's dream, Vargas. Deep water. Safe. And now she's going to be England's.
Manuel
England's?
Dirk
Yes, Manuel. I'm going back to England. And I'm going to use every penny I have to convince ] that the country cannot allow her merchants to be humiliated by a medieval monarch. And we're going to demand a piece of China for England-- this piece of China.
[[w:Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Struggle for Freedom and Identity
May-may
This slave begs her master to sell her.
Dirk
You're not a slave, and you'll not be sold.
May-may
Please to sell... to anyone, to whorehouse, to another slave.
Dirk
You're not for sale.
May-may
This slave have no face before her lord and owner. She cannot live here.
Dirk
Get up. You have not offended me. You surprised me. European clothes do not suit you. I will not sell you. But if you dinnae want to stay, you're entirely free to leave.
May-may
Please to sell. Until owner sell, a slave cannot go.
Dirk
By God. You are a miserable slave. I've a mind to sell you into the street of blue lanterns. But who'd want to buy a dirty baggage like you? I dinnae ken. I paid good silver for you, and I was cheated, by God. Am I not good to ya? Eh? Generous?
May-may
Yes, lord.
Dirk
You thievin', miserable slave. I'm gonna whip ya till my arm hurts. Lie down there! Go on! You dare to get clothes made behind my back!
May-may
No whip too hard! I'm three months with child!
Dirk
You dare to wear them without my approval! You worthless, dirty slave! How I put up with you these years, I dinnae ken! Stop your wailin'! Come, remove my shoes. Is it true? You be with child? Go wash yourself. And bring me tea, you motherless wretch. Quickly!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Fate and Possibilities at a Distant Ball
Dirk
Isn't this splendid? You look very beautiful, I must say. Ah, look at them. ], ], ], ]. They were all forbidden in China, but now they can land here, trade here. Oh, it's a glorious night, Mary Sinclair.
[[w:French people|French; [w:German people|German; [w:Russian people|Russian; [w:American people|American]
Mary
They all thought you mad. Even I had my doubts.
Dirk
Well, it had to be. I knew in my China bones... it was my fate to make it be no matter what. It may have its price.
Mary
I tell you, out here miles from home, more things can happen between a boy and a girl at one ball like this, than in a year of normal life.
Dirk
And how would you know? This is your home.
Mary
Perhaps. When the fleet returns to ]. Captain Glessing's staying on as commander of the harbor. He's asked for my hand.
[[w:Indi|India]
Dirk
Really?
Mary
It may only be the ball, but I'm sorely tempted. He's a fine man.
Dirk
Yes.
Mary
But do you think the Mary you know would be a fine wife for him?
Dirk
If you marry him proper... he would be a blessed man, whatever the past.
Mary
I love this one. it's my favorite. My God.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Discussion of Ship Operations and Crew Conduct
Crew
Mr. Brock, sir. We'll take her into the Pearl to unload on the noon tide.
Tyler
Alert the crew. We lift anchor at dawn.
Nagrek
Sir, welcome aboard. I was just looking to see if Miss Tess was all right. I was but checking, sir.
[''Promptly leaving has him caught shutting the door''; ''He attempts to walk past Tyler only to be thwarted'']
Tyler
Go below. I don't want to be discussing this around the crew.
[''He walks into Tess' quarters sternly observing her looking very violated and guilty'']
Nagrek
Mr. Brock, I didn't touch her. I didn't harm her, by God.
Tyler
You're a dead man, Nagrek.
Nagrek
I did nothing, sir. I swear. I were only checking--
Tyler
You put your stinkin hands under her shift.
[''Chops Chinese sword against a beam''; ''Nagrek attempts to flee and is grabbed by Gorth slamming him against a beam, then draws a knife with wrist slapped by Tyler's sword'']
Nagrek
No harm I done, I swear. It were only play.
[''Nagrek is then headbutted by Gorth, falling onto sacks'']
Tyler
I just want him dead.
Gorth
He'll be dead. But he won't die a man. ] him off camera]
[''Gorth gets on top of Nagrek, undoes Nagrek's pants and [[w:castration|castrates]
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Family, Fate, and Financial Troubles in Tai-Pan
Culum
So that was the China lady. Why couldn't I talk to him? Mr. Quance, please. Please leave me alone.
Aristotle
I'm sorry, lad. I haven't the strength to go back down. I'm sorry about your dad. it was his fate. Joss rules us all in the end. I hate that word. The oldest story in the world is of sons who didn't appreciate their fathers until they were dead. I wouldn't make a cross of it. L-Look, look, I know it's a bad time to bring it up, Tai-Pan... but could you conceivably lend me 150 guineas?
Culum
What did you say?
Aristotle
Oh, it's as embarrassing for me as it is for you, Tai-Pan... but that old witch Fotheringill-- she's so upset about the damage to her houseboat, she's going to throw me out unless I pay her.
Culum
You called me Tai-Pan.
Aristotle
Well... you are, aren't you?
[''Culum gives him coin purse who accepts it graciously'']
Orlov
Master Culum!
Culum
Aye.
Orlov
Captain Brock sent a parcel of orders aboard my ship.
Culum
What orders?
Orlov
He ordered us to put the flag at half-mast. Something that didn't need his telling. He also ordered your missus to go aboard the White Witch... and to tell you not to worry, he was arranging your dad's funeral... and would dispose of the China lady. He said you'd be joining him now, and I was to-- is that your wishes?
Culum
Gordon will make the arrangements for our father's funeral. And it is my wishes... he and his lady be buried together. Then go aboard White Witch and fetch my wife.
Orlov
Fetch"?
Culum
Aye. Fetch. And take as many men as you think you'll need. And, Captain Orlov, give these to Brock. They're his gold sovereigns. Tell him... if it's a funeral he wishes to arrange... the Tai-Pan suggests he buy himself a coffin.
Orlov
Aye, aye... Tai-Pan.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Introductions Among Characters in Tai-Pan
Culum
Good day, Miss Johnson. Beautiful day.
Tyler
That's enough, please. Thank you.
Tyler's wife
Ah!
Tyler
Mother, this be Culum Struan, once heir to Noble House.
Tyler's wife
Culum.
Culum
My pleasure, ma'am. I've never thought of myself as that.
Tyler
Still, it was true, lad. And if there be ought left when your father pays his bills... it'll be left to you. I hear you're a God-fearing lad. Though I'm no friend of your father, I'm pleased to meet you proper.
Culum
Oh, Tyler.
Tyler
Well. It's best the boy knows the truth. And whatever he holds against me for defeating his father... I expect the auction today to be done fair. It will be, I assure you. And this be my sister Tess.
Tyler's wife
Culum Struan.
Culum
It is my honor, miss.
Gorth
Mr. Struan. The Tai-Pan asked my father... to bring along the sight drafts he holds against Noble House. Has he decided not to bid?
Culum
I don't know. I know that he wants the knoll badly... but I hope he will not bid.
Dirk
Mary.
Mary
Tai-Pan.
Dirk
Is Quance painting your portrait?
Mary
No. Well, Dirk, champagne? Well, you always did have a style about you... even in defeat.
Dirk
I'm honored that you've come. Mrs. Brock. Tess. You too, Gorth. Now, Tyler, I wonder if you'd do me the courtesy... to let me see the sight drafts you say you hold against Noble House.
Tyler
I don't say.
Dirk
They're here for your own eyes. Check them against the ledger, Mr. Vargas. One million, two hundred thousand, Mr. Vargas. Make sure you add them right.
Tyler
Prawns are right tasty, Dirk. You can tell your cook he'll have a job with the new owner. I'll pass the message along. Now if you can free your hand, I'd like you to sign this receipt for me.
Dirk
What's that for?
Tyler
All correct, Mr. Struan. I've decided to pay in cash. I assume that's acceptable. Don't you pull one of your damn tricks on me.
Dirk
Captain Orlov, please. Haul away, lads. He's done it! It's all been weighed. But there's a scale if you wish to check the amount.
Tyler
God rot you to hell, Struan. Gorth! Get your bully boys ashore on the double, armed! Every heathen pirate in Asia will be on our backs. Captain Glessing... I'm asking your marines to guard this till I get it safely aboard a clipper.
Dirk
Aye, Mr. Brock.
Tyler
It'll be my pleasure, sir. Buy yourself a coffin.
Culum
Mr. Brock! Mr. Brock!
[''Chases after him and Tyler grabs him menacingly'']
Tyler
Let me tell you this! You do that auction fair, or no man'll save thee-- not thy father, not anyone. And I'll have that knoll. if he tries to outbid me, I'll use his own silver to drive him back to bankruptcy. You tell him that. Brock and Son will be the taipans.
[''Tyler and his family continue walking'']
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Judgment and Perception in Dress Contest
Manuel
She does not give you much of a choice when it comes to judging.
Aristotle
Oh, Manuel, you're like the rest. You're all transfixed by ]. True, they are impeccable... but the contest is for the best dressed... not the best undressed.
[[w:breast|her tits]
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A Chance for Forgiveness and Hope
Dirk
You be with child? Well, if that be the case, I may give you another chance.
[''Lying in bed with May-may standing at edge'']
May-may
Yes, please. Please, forgive.
Dirk
But it better be a son. Now, get into bed. I'm cold. In time, I may be forgiving you, lass. In time.
[''Blows out candle''; ''He shuffles over and May-may climbs in'']
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Marriage Proposal and Familial Concerns
Tyler
No, listen, I'm gonna pay all the same. Christ, if I just dinnae get sick. Your boy and mine be like old shipmates.
Dirk
Aye. They are.
Tyler
Tis about Tess I come to see you. Your boy wants to marry her. I'm against it, but the girl and her mother, they talked me into it. Somehow, I thought they would. Her dowry will be the richest in all Asia. They be marryin next year.
Dirk
I'll see ya in hell first.
Tyler
That be later, Dirk. That be later. First, they be marrying. I know what's in your mind, and Gorth's, but I'll not let you break Noble House through a girl's skirts. I hate your guts and I always will, but she loves Culum, and that's the mortal truth. She'll get over it. You don't love your Culum the way I love my Tess. I'll tell you this. You give them a fair wind and an open sea... and I'll be doing likewise.
Dirk
You know, when I was a cabin boy, and you were a bully of a third mate. I despised you. But by the Lord, I never dreamed you'd sink to using your own daughter to get something you're not man enough to take on your own. I'll use the devil to break you. And by God, break you I will. I know what's puttin you in bed.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Importance of Food and Potency
May-may
Eat. They make you very potent. It is fantastical true. ] are very important for your figure.
[[w:aphrodisiac|Prawns]
Dirk
That may be. But do you have to eat the heads? Ahh. Dinnae ken? They're the best part. That'll teach ya. I think... they are beginning... to work. By God... I've given you too much already.
May-may
More. Just one more. I want you to be fantastical good. That lump of dog meat Brock is breaking you by huge monies owed. Is it true?
Dirk
Who told you? It is terrifical simple to solve this business.
May-may
No sell May-may. Kill Brock. It is time now.
Dirk
That's one way. I've thought of it.
May-may
One way, another way-- you think of a way.
Dirk
Will I?
May-may
Yes. After tonight, you remember for sure... you do not want to lose May-may.
Dirk
I've paid for you, and too much.
May-may
Ay-ya! You not the only man in China! When I was virgin, Jin Qua could have sold me easy to Manchu prince... even to the emperor for a thousand taels! I was Jin Qua's gift to you for China trade. I know... you're not stupid. You will beat Brock... because I please you too much. Now, come to me, Tai-Pan.
May-may
No. It gives me pleasure... and it is my duty. Your custom is man have only one wife, ay-ya?
Dirk
Aye.
May-may
Chinese custom more better. Many wives. How soon will you marry? What is the custom?
Dirk
Oh, I dunna think i'll marry again.
May-may
You should-- ] or ]. But, first, you should marry me. So for once, I be your supreme lady.
[[w:English people|an English; [w:Scottish people|Scottish]
Dirk
Aye, perhaps I should.
May-may
Aye, perhaps you should.
Dirk
Come, lass. it is time.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Allure of Forbidden China
Narrator
China was an unknown, forbidden land. For four centuries, her shores had not been touched by the West. But in the early days of the great sailing ships. Western merchants, drawn by the wonders of tea and silk and jade teased at her coastline with the twin seductions of bribery and opium. In the south of China's vastness on the edge of ] they boldly established a trading center and defied the emperor to act.
[[w:Guangzhou|the inland city of Canton]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Conflict Over Land and Authority
Dirk
The view's extraordinary, do you not agree?
Culum
If the church is not built on the knoll--
Dirk
I know all about the church.
Culum
I'm not afraid of ya. You can kill me if you like, but you'll hang for it.
Dirk
You think I'd kill ya?
Culum
When I came here, you were God to me. Now I think you be the devil. I know you were a murderer and worse.
Dirk
Come here. Sit down.
Culum
I'm all right standin'.
Dirk
There's a wondrous land across that water, Culum. A strange, silent world that stretches for leagues and leagues... like an unsailed sea, and more people than we could ever dream of.
Culum
They hate us.
Dirk
Aye, some do. I feel I was meant to bring them to us and us to them.
Culum
About the church... I want you to understand that I was not defying you. It was the only way.
Dirk
I know. With all that silver, Brock would have slaughtered us. I couldn't have stopped it. The knoll was a matter of face.
Culum
And you weren't angry?
Dirk
Oh, aye, I was... at first. But then I saw it saved me, and it gave you face.
Culum
But you lost face.
Dirk
Oh, aye. But I've enough, and to spare. Now, why be I the devil?
Culum
You trade in opium. You smuggle. You've done it for years.
Dirk
Aye. And what did you think I did?
Culum
I thought you traded goods from England for tea from China.
Dirk
The emperor will not let us sell goods from England... yet he demands silver for his tea. And if we paid in silver, it would bankrupt England in a year. So we sell opium to the Chinese for their silver and give it back to them for tea. That's how the China trade works.
Culum
Opium for tea?
Dirk
Aye. Why not? I didn't invent opium, nor the trade.
Culum
Aye. You did not invent adultery either, but that doesn't make it right.
Dirk
Culum, you do not understand.
Culum
How old is Gordon?
Dirk
Nineteen or 20.
Culum
He's my age. And he's your son also. And you sold his mother to Chen Sheng when you tired of her and bought yourself a new mistress.
Dirk
I did not sell her! I gave her away with a dowry. She became Chen's third wife, and she is respected.
Culum
And then you bought a new, younger woman.
Dirk
Culum, I've not been livin in Throgmorton Street. This is the custom here.
Culum
Mr. Brock has one wife. Brock's wife is here!
Dirk
Your mother spent one year in Macao... and then went home never to return. Culum, I want you to take over from me. I need to be in London to stop Brock's maneuvers. And I want to be your friend.
Culum
You are my father. There is nothing I can do about that. But I choose my friends.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Conflict over Punishment and Trade Regulations
Merchant
Spare me, Commissioner Lin, spare me. I did nothing against the Emperor. You allowed me to trade with foreigners. Don't punish me for that. Spare my life.
[''Pleading before Emperor'']
Lin
Kill him!
[''Tosses red stick in his direction who is taken away and two guards bring forth Jin to his knees but Dirk still stands'']
Jin
Lin, the imperial High Commissioner... of the Court of Heaven... issues these commands. The barbarians are to deliver... every particle of opium... in their possession or submit like pirates... to the extreme penalty of the law.
Dirk
If the imperial Court will allow me--
Jin
Do not speak!
Dirk
Most honorable Lin... emissary of the Celestial Court... China has many riches. If we were allowed to trade freely through all the reaches of China, we--
Jin
When the emperor of the Celestial Kingdom... wants trade with barbarian warrior, he will make laws... not foreign devils who sell opium.
Dirk
If opium be surrendered, there would need to be compensation. And then there's the danger the opium will fall into the wrong hands.
Jin
There will be no compensation. The opium will be burned.
Dirk
Burned? We're talking about thousands of pounds of opium. Oh, quake and tremble at the imperial orders.
Jin
Do not resist.
Dirk
] in a row] The humble merchants of the West know the imperial Court... has many expenses to bear.
[''Dirk lays out five silver [[w:tael|taels]
Jin
Tai-Pan, the opium will be destroyed. You and all the merchants must leave Canton. That's good. Over here.
Lin
How dare you! You try to corrupt the Imperial Commissioner?! You deserve to die! The next time you dare to try to sell opium or bribe officials, you will be executed and your head hung in a basket for all to see. Take him away.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.