I’m going to tell you something once and then whether you die is strictly up to you, " Westley said, lying pleasantly on the bed. "What I’m going to tell you is this: drop your sword, and if you do, then I will leave with this baggage here"–he glanced at Buttercup–"and you will be tied up but not fatally, and will be free to go about your business. And if you choose to fight, well, then, we will not both leave alive." You are only alive now because you said 'to the pain.' I want that phrase explained." My pleasure. To the pain means this: if we duel and you win, death for me. If we duel and I win, life for you. But life on my terms. The first thing you lose will be your feet. Below the ankle. You will have stumps available to use within six months. Then your hands, at the wrists. They heal somewhat quicker. Five months is a fair average. Next your nose. No smell of dawn for you. Followed by your tongue. Deeply cut away. Not even a stump left. And then your left eye–" And then my right eye, and then my ears, and shall we get on with it?" the Prince said. Wrong! " Westley’s voice rang across the room. "Your ears you keep, so that every shriek of every child shall be yours to cherish–every babe that weeps in fear at your approach, every woman that cries 'Dear God, what is that thing?' will reverberate forever with your perfect ears. That is what 'to the pain' means. It means that I leave you in anguish, in humiliation, in freakish misery until you can stand it no more; so there you have it, pig, there you know, you miserable vomitous mass, and I say this now, and live or die, it’s up to you: Drop your sword! " The sword crashed to the floor. . William Goldman
About This Quote

The word 'Pain' in this quote is not the word 'pain.' This quote is from the film, The Princess Bride. In this quote, the phrase 'to the pain' is a code phrase used by Westley to tell his father that he will be killed by the evil Count Rugen if he does not give up his sword. In this quote, it is important to remember that this speech was said at a very slow pace and with a slight pause after each sentence.

Some Similar Quotes
  1. When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable. - Jess C. Scott
  2. I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because... - Lisa Kleypas
  3. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever - Nicholas Sparks
  4. Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore. - Lady Gaga
  5. I heard what you said. I’m not the silly romantic you think. I don’t want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don’t want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want…a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and... - Shana Abe
More Quotes By William Goldman
  1. An hour later, a nameless, cold-faced man returned with a tray of fresh pasta, warm bread, and a few bags of brand new comfort clothes: yoga pants, tees, a few sports bras, and...pink thong underwear? Well, of course. Wouldn't want to be held prisoner and...
  2. I’m going to give you some advice: don’t be such a whiny asshole. It makes you look weak.
  3. There is new information.”“ Are you going to share it?”“ No.” Of course not. Because it would totally ruin his whole mysterious vibe. Can’t have that.
  4. When it comes to your looks, the only option in this world that matters is yours.
  5. I happen to be partial to humans - most, anyway. Clowns, not so much. Those evil bastards never stop smiling.
Related Topics