Robert Bolt

Roper: This was not practical; this was moral!More: Oh, now I understand you, Will. Morality's not practical. Morality's a gesture. A complicated gesture learned from books.

— Robert Bolt

Cromwell: You brought yourself to where you are now.More: Yes. Still, in another sense, I was brought.

— Robert Bolt

More: I will not take the oath. I will not tell you why I will not.More: The law requires more than an assumption; the law requires a fact.

— Robert Bolt

More: You want me to swear to the Act of Succession?More: What is an oath then but words we say to God?

— Robert Bolt

When a man takes an oath, Meg, he's holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. And if he opens his fingers then — he needn't hope to find himself again.

— Robert Bolt

Jailer: You understand my position, sir, there's nothing I can do; I'm a plain, simple man and just want to keep out of trouble.More: Oh, Sweet Jesus! These plain, simple men!

— Robert Bolt

Have patience, Margaret, and trouble not thyself. Death comes for us all; even at our birth — even at our birth, death does but stand aside a little. And every day he looks toward us and muses somewhat to himself whether that day or the next he will draw nigh. It is the law of nature, and the will of God. You have long known the secrets of my heart.

— Robert Bolt