- Swann: As soon as he stood up in that court, I knew he meant to hang your father. The words flowed out of his mouth, and cast a spell upon the court. I tell you he was masterly - the jury hung on his every word. He's got a knighthood now.
- Sir Matthew Sprott: Swann! A drunken good-for-nothing with a chip on his shoulder as big as his thirst.
- Enoch Oswald: Paul, are you familiar with the words used in British law for a sentence of death?
- Paul Mathry: No, sir.
- Enoch Oswald: Well, like all good prose, they have a great simplicity and in this case fearful simplicity. As I remember, it's 'it is the verdict' - no, no it's better than that - 'it is the judgement of this court that you be taken from this place to another place and then to a place of execution, there to be hanged by the neck until you are dead, and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.' Well your father escaped all that...
- Chief Inspector Dale: Maybe they didn't teach you this at your training college, but an officer who loses a prisoner under escort is liable to some pretty nasty charges. So my advice to you is get him, and get him quick!
- Paul Mathry: [last lines - after his father has had a nightmare] He was dreaming about something that happened to him. But it's not going to happen any more.