The Tartars (1961)

Arnoldo Foà: Ciu Lang

Photos 

Quotes 

• Burundai : Did you plan to desert me, Ciu Lang, eh? Where were you bound for? Did you dream of bearing your lying reports of me to the court of the great Khan? Did you dare to think I would let you return to the east?

  Ciu Lang : You cannot stop me, Burundai, unless you kill me.

  Burundai : Why should I spare you, then? You give me no choice. I, who stand on the threshold of glory... What does your little life mean to me?

  Ciu Lang : Less than nothing. It means no more to me. We have no choice in the matter of death. It comes for us all, Burundai.

  Burundai : You seem to desire your own.

  Ciu Lang : No, I have have no desire. I follow the way.

  Burundai : The way... Your way is mystic humbug. It leads nowhere. Mine is forward... into greatness.

  Ciu Lang : Not forward, Burundai, but downward. Your way is all downward into the darkness. Wading in blood... drowning in blood.

  Burundai : You presume upon my patience. Would you dare to speak thus before the great Khan? I do not think so. I do not think that you would stand and face him as you dare now to stand and face me.

  [to Guards] 

  Burundai : Leave us.

  [Brandishes axe] 

  Burundai : I will see what reverence this wise old man will make to me. In the presence of that other Khan who is still called great, you would make the kowtow, wouldn't you, Ciu Lang? You would fall prostrate on your hands and knees and bump your head upon the ground. I would like to see that, Ciu Lang. I would like to see you make your kowtow... before me.

  [Ciu Lang stands defiantly and Burundai strikes him down with the axe] 

  Burundai : That's it, Ciu Lang. Even so, your head at my feet... Even so, you must make obeisance to the great Khan.

• Ciu Lang : We are often obliged to do things that are distasteful to us.

• Ciu Lang : Burundai, you cannot hope for Samia's return unless these Vikings are respected.

  Burundai : Respect me, Ciu Lang. Leave me. I am your Khan.

  Ciu Lang : You are my Khan, in deed, and I respect you in all things.

• Ciu Lang : They mustn't attack the Vikings if you wish Samia alive.

  Burundai : Great events are awaiting us. The life of my brother's child, the young girl, what can that weigh in the balance?

  Ciu Lang : Samia is the promised bride of the Great Khan of all the Tartars. And if we fail to bring her to him, his wrath will be terrible.

  Burundai : When I have conquered the west, the world will be at my feet and my wrath will be very terrible, Ciu Lang.