- Nell Gwynn: [after being mistaken for Charles' Catholic mistress Louise de Kéroualle] Good people, you are mistaken; I am the Protestant whore.
- King Charles II: As you intend on poetry, Rochester, why not provide it yourself?
- Rochester: A short epigram in your honour then, Your Majesty.
- [pause]
- Rochester: "We have a pretty, witty King, Whose word no man relies on. Who never said a foolish thing, Nor ever did a wise one"
- King Charles II: Be just, Rochester. The wise words are my own, the deeds are my ministers'.
- [speaking to Monmouth]
- George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham: Wait here to be arrested, or make your peace with the King... if you can.
- [pauses]
- George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham: For my part I am weary of Whitehall, I have neglected my wife these past twenty years. It is time I went home.
- Queen Henrietta Maria: Did you know that last night at dinner I was obliged to eat all five courses from the same plate? I've never heard of anything so disgusting.
- King Charles II: It's all been for nothing, Nell. The cause that gave my life meaning, will die with me. I fought to restore everything that was lost when my father was murdered but James will destroy it all. I know that, I've always known that.
- Nell Gwynn: Then why did you fight so hard for him?
- King Charles II: Not for him, for the principle. For the rights of Kings. Parliament will have its victory in the end.
- Nell Gwynn: You know what I think about politics; it's all a lot of foolish men scheming to ruin each other for no reason anyone can remember a few years later. If it was up to me, I'd give the throne to Monmouth. Because, in my opinion, a King should always be handsome.
- [laughs]
- King Charles II: Sweet Nell, how much better the world might be if it were arranged to your liking.
- Soldier: [busting a Millenarian prayer meeting] Good news, preacher, you'll be seeing Jesus sooner than you think!
- Nell Gwynn: I belong to the king. Not just because he bought me, but because I choose it. And as long as he wants me, I'll be his, and his alone. And you know what? I do love him. He's kind and decent, and he'll look after me. How's that for a transaction?
- George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham: I've seen many a lady turn into a whore, but I've never seen a whore make such a fine lady.