Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)/Quotes

Batman formed the Outsiders so there would always be a "Batman" outside of Gotham. And as egotistical as it may sound, he hoped that a team representing different aspects of himself would fare best against the evil force that is gathering... that individuals with distinct abilities, when placed together, would form a unique unit capable of combating the darkness. Batman understood that there's no use in saving only one city from the abyss. That a world-view is necessary... and he wanted each one of you here to be a part of his vision to help save the future.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

We soldier on undaunted, you and I, Master Bruce. And if I may say so, sir... I couldn't beg, borrow or steal a finer way to live my life.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

He knew that Jason Todd was not Dick Grayson. It wasn't about skill, or endurance, or even their will to succeed. No. It was that Jason had a "mean streak". Jason was dangerous. And as a father... he was at a loss for what to do.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

As they say--lang may yer lum reek!''

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Master Dick, if I may ... The principality of Kravia is one of the most despotic nations in the world -- second only to Santa Prisca. They do not welcome strangers.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I can only tell you, Dick, something I wish I had said a long time ago to someone else. You are not alone. I imagine you will never be again...

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Are you expecting to do battle with a typhoon this evening, Master Bruce?

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Facts on faith. This should be quite interesting.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

You mean, he hasn't told you anything at all about that ni--? I see. Well, then. We'll simply have to find out for ourselves, won't we?

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

There are reasons not to kill. We've discussed these before. To say that murder is immoral is too vague. Killing, even once, even with reasons, strips you of your humanity. I do not mean this in an abstract way. Though we move about the world as individuals, the human race as a whole is spiritually-- necessarily, scientifically-- a single entity. You cannot afford to revoke that citizenship. You cannot work meaningfully for humanity from outside of it. I know you know this. I know you.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Teacher, mentor, partner, but never a father... of course, Master Bruce, of course.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Then the knight returned.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Very astute sir. Perhaps you should study to become a detective.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Forgive me, sir, but this is a conversational tone that I am unaccustomed to... pacifying a neurotic Batman.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

The past can talk to the future... if the present has ears to hear and eyes to see with.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Try to think of your Batman not as a memorial -- you and I know he'd hate that -- but as a performance. Think of Batman as a great role, like a Hamlet, or Willie Loman... or even James Bond. And play it to suit your strength.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

It's armchair psychology at best, lad, but as much as he would probably deny it-- I believe Master Bruce is almost as obsessive about family as he is about preventing crime.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

All the time I was with the master, I was isolated from the world. Now I've seen the lives of ordinary people. Their emotions run deep, but their understanding of themselves and their lives is shallow. Like children.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Master Bruce told me of your decision. I must confess that I approve. I've always secretly hoped that you would eventually choose your own path. Sometimes, I even hope that Master Bruce will find another venue for his talents. I also hope for world peace, environmental harmony and honest politicians.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Richard John Grayson! GET BACK INTO THIS BED THIS INSTANT!

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I will not stand here and let you butcher this man as though we were in some abbatoir.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

My god, man. I can only hope that Master Tim wished for you to journey to the Wizard and procure yourself a heart.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

If you're not cut out for this dangerous business, now is the time to admit it.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

You must decide, Master Timothy, if your sense of betrayal outweights your feelings for Master Bruce.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Godspeed, gentlemen... and I hope no one minds if I have a bit of a lie-down.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

You know them better than I... but if I might suggest? There are more important things in the world than secrets.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I assure you, sir, we are not gods. But we're here seeking someone. Three someones. A man of shadows. A man of wonders, bright with power. And a woman warrior.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Ah, I see. That friend. It's a pity Bruce Wayne would never pursue a woman of such a high caliber.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Yes, his parents are dead and it would be no small kindness not to remind the boy of it. All you need do, Master Bruce, is play the required role for one evening. It shouldn't prove too difficult for you. As simple as putting on a costume, one might say.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

He knew that Jason Todd was not Dick Grayson. It wasn't about skill, or endurance, or even their will to succeed. No. It was that Jason had a "mean streak". Jason was dangerous. And as a father... he was at a loss for what to do.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I do believe you've splashed Sulfuric acid on the Chippendale table. Personally, I prefer to use Lemon Pledge. Ah, well, what's a priceless antique in the pursuit of science?

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Would it be too much to inquire of your cloak? Did you perhaps give it to some particularly desperate charity?

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

You chose as your name "The Batman". I like to think you did so deliberately. As if you aspired to be both. Bat and man. Perhaps you can be.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I know you tend to heal faster and with more finality than my usual patient, Master Clark. But do make an effort not to fire any lasers from that eye for a few days. The cornea took a thrashing.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Despite my current predicament, I must say it is a pleasure to meet a kindred soul. You see, I am every bit as loyal to Batman as you are to Ra's, and I too cannot fail him.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Denied the opportunity to confront a psychotic arsonist. I can only imagine your disappointment.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Master Bruce has a very clear idea of human perfection towards which he constantly strives, you understand. The absolute physical mastery of the top martial artists, gymnasts or yogis... the logical deductive skills of master philosophers, forensic scientists and detectives... the understanding, discrimination and moral clarity of ultimate zen adepts... need I continue? His is a mind like no other. I have grave doubts either of us will ever fully comprehend its decisions, but we must never underestimate its strength and resilience.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Two children, both saw violence, and both wanted revenge. Two children. The same, and yet very different.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

It is my belief, sir, that the admirable manner in which you've recovered from your disastrous encounter with Bane indicates that on a certain level you've learned a lesson.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Master, if you need me I'll be in the west library. Weeping.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

It's this place...this Santa Prisca. I can't help remembering the last time we were here. I was nearly a shark's dinner--

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

"Intrepid?" I rather think of myself as "dauntless."

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Would you be so kind as to remove that dagger from my throath? I find it distracting.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Life was harder then--but there was a sense of belonging that's been lost in modern times. Everyone knew who he was, what his place was in the scheme of things.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I certainly don't need to be lectured about that. I believe I would know better than anyone what he would approve of. But we must accept that he is not coming back... and that we must find the means to replace what he did for this city. The concept of what he stood for may be more important than one man. Or one method. And if this network proves to be the method that allows his legacy to continue, it has my blessing. Whether he would have approved of it or not.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Master Richard carries so much on his young shoulders, the normal troubles associated with adolescence in addition to sharing Master Bruce's crusade. I only wonder if he knows how casually he is throwing away the years of his youth.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I do believe I have forgotten how to sigh. But if I could, I would.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Bruce... I have never questioned you before. Nor have I for one moment been disloyal. You have given me an extraordinary life-- a life I have cherished and hope to continue cherishing. But I will not be a part of your self-destruction. Anything but that. If you do not obey the doctor's orders, I shall resign my post.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

What? Me-- abed at two a.m.? Perish the thought, sir! I often sit around to see if you'll call.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I learned long since, Master Timothy, that all the worry in the world doesn't change a thing! So... I don't.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

So far as I can ascertain, this "comic book" purports to be the "unauthorized story of Gotham's dark knight detective."

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Someone once wrote that the past is a foreign country. Well, if it is, it's a country from which we can never ever quite escape.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

When it stops making you sick is the time to hang up the old cape, Sir.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

You're only human. Both of you. You'd do well to remember this the next time you're in Gotham -- every face you see, should it be an innocent or the basest villain... each and every one of them owes you their lives.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

This is the home of hopeless causes and blind faith.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I've been stabbed... Master Bruce... I'm not... bloody deaf...

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

The man is--was a complete maniac. His delusions led to his death. Both times. You have no cause to blame yourself.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

He chose you, and that choice was not made lightly. No one enters his confidence without his knowing, without his permission. However it came to pass, rest assured, it occurred because he wished it to. Take that for what it is worth.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Sir, as loath as you might be to hear this, I do not intend to spend the rest of my life playing nurse.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

What is this world coming to when giant black bats no longer instill fear into the minds of those superstitious and cowardly?

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

You must never ignore your intuitions. Detective work is often made up of intangibles. It's looking for the out-of-place, the unusual... even the unthinkable.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

If a wise man's mistakes are the thriumphs of a fool, you see, then every guilty man who "gets away with it" is punishment of the innocent.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

He's always alone, Timothy, even in a crowd.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Do keep your wits about you, sir! And don't let the mask slip as she charms you into carelessness.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Never say die, young sirs.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Do you know then? How or when Jason's body was taken from the coffin?

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I watched him smile. I watched him cry. I watched him grow. I watched him bleed. I did my best. I want you both to know that. But I failed him... and in the process failed you. And though it may not provide your spirits with any solace, I want you to know that I grieve as a parent... for he was my son, too.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

I will say one thing for your night time activities -- you do tend to antagonize the most interesting people.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

Seeing as how the fate of all human existence hangs in the balance ... perhaps you'd forgive my curiosity if I inquire after your progress?

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

If there were a thousand Batmen, sir, it still wouldn't be enough to save Gotham City

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

This is not a strike mission. This is a campaign, a campaign that will be long and bitter.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

No one can be him. But someone can represent what he stood for. The ideals that made Batman-- justice, consequence and ironclad resolve to protect. And there is none other that has the wherewithal to uphold those ideals than you... Richard Grayson.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)

So, in keeping with conventional wisdom, you've decided to secretly drug your girlfriend.

--Alfred Pennyworth (New Earth)