Amazing Grace Quotes
The idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.
Lord Charles Fox: When people speak of great men, they think of men like Napoleon - men of violence. Rarely do they think of peaceful men. But contrast the reception they will receive when they return home from their battles. Napoleon will arrive in pomp and in power, a man who's achieved the very summit of earthly ambition. And yet his dreams will be haunted by the oppressions of war. William Wilberforce, however, will return to his family, lay his head on his pillow and remember: the slave trade is no more.
[Wilberforce receives a standing ovation from the entire House and the Gallery]
[Wilberforce receives a standing ovation from the entire House and the Gallery]
William Wilberforce: It's God. I have 10,000 engagements of state today but I would prefer to spend the day out here getting a wet arse, studying dandelions and marveling at... bloody spider's webs.
Richard the Butler: You found God, sir?
William Wilberforce: I think He found me. You have any idea how inconvenient that is? How idiotic it will sound? I have a political career glittering ahead of me, and in my heart I want spider's webs.
Richard the Butler: [sitting down next to WW] "It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else and still unknown to himself." Francis Bacon. I don't just dust your books, sir.
Richard the Butler: You found God, sir?
William Wilberforce: I think He found me. You have any idea how inconvenient that is? How idiotic it will sound? I have a political career glittering ahead of me, and in my heart I want spider's webs.
Richard the Butler: [sitting down next to WW] "It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else and still unknown to himself." Francis Bacon. I don't just dust your books, sir.
Thomas Clarkson: [to the baby in his arms] "Strange treasures in this fair world appear, strange all, and new to me." That is a poem by Thomas Traherne and I have absolutely no idea what it's about. But, when I was small I was made to learn it by heart so I don't see why you shouldn't suffer too.
William Wilberforce: [calling] Clarkson! Clarkson!
Thomas Clarkson: Good God, he's got his voice back.
William Wilberforce: [calling] Clarkson! Clarkson!
Thomas Clarkson: Good God, he's got his voice back.
Pitt the Younger: Barbara. You have my deepest condolescences.
Barbara Wilberforce: [feigning seriousness] Thank you.
Pitt the Younger: But do me a favour. Make him eat some of his pets.
Barbara Wilberforce: [picking up rabbit] I rather like them.
Pitt the Younger: I like them, too - in brandy sauce.
Barbara Wilberforce: [feigning seriousness] Thank you.
Pitt the Younger: But do me a favour. Make him eat some of his pets.
Barbara Wilberforce: [picking up rabbit] I rather like them.
Pitt the Younger: I like them, too - in brandy sauce.
Barbara Wilberforce: Mr. Wilberforce, I understand that you have an interest in botany.
William Wilberforce: Botany, Miss Spooner? What makes you think I would have interest in something as tedious as botany?
[pause, then snorts. Both Barbara and Wilberforce choke with laughter]
William Wilberforce: [to the concerned people at the table] Sorry, it's a private joke.
William Wilberforce: Botany, Miss Spooner? What makes you think I would have interest in something as tedious as botany?
[pause, then snorts. Both Barbara and Wilberforce choke with laughter]
William Wilberforce: [to the concerned people at the table] Sorry, it's a private joke.
