Alan Oppenheimer: Merlin

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  Merlin : The universe. Vast, desolate, cold. Still and lifeless, save for a solitary outpost. The planet Earth. Our fragile Eden. A precious vibrant stone glittering in the cosmic void. How is it that humankind seems so intent on charting a course that would lead to its destruction? Threatening it with the ruthless hand of war, dishonoring it with the grim parade of man's inhumanity to man? It seems at times that we have eaten of a vile root, that we have abandoned reason, leaving many of us to believe that peace on Earth is unattainable. A dream dreamed by a fool. But it is from such a dream that hope is born, and men of courage draw their strength.

• Merlin : We can no more abandon the celebration of Christmas than we can abandon hope itself.

  King Arthur : Hope is all we have now. Hope that Valiant and the others will put an end to this senseless violence... That they will soon find their way home to Camelot.

• Denys : I don't understand, Merlin. It's so peaceful here. People are fighting and dying... It's Christmas Eve. Can't they even stop for that?

  Merlin : War becomes a kind of addiction for some, Denys. A violent drug which leaves its victims only able to live in battle and feed on danger.

  Denys : How will it ever stop then?

  Merlin : Mmm, how indeed?

• [last lines] 

  Prince Valiant : I bring you tidings of hope, Your Majesties. For at this moment, there is peace on Earth.

  Merlin : Peace on Earth. There are those who call that notion the promise of fools, nothing but a dream, And if that is so, then, let us become dreamers. One and all.