- Lieutenant Bush: [Mr. Bush has noticed that there is no mention of Horatio's smothering the fuse of a cannon ball] Sir, I hope you will not fail to mention the incident.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: It has been recorded in the log.
- Lieutenant Bush: [reading] A five inch shot, fired from shore, landed on deck and failed to explode. Sir, that is not what happened.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: Was not a five inch shot fired from shore?
- Lieutenant Bush: Yes, sir.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: Did it not land on deck?
- Lieutenant Bush: Well, yes sir but...
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: Did it perhaps explode without my noticing?
- Lieutenant Bush: No, sir.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: Then my report is accurate.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: Don't judge a ship by the number of its guns, major, but by the skill of its crew.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: [Speaking of the loyalty of Irish sailors to the British Crown] It is better to earn loyalty than to demand it.
- Admiral Sir Edward Pellew: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: Sir?
- Admiral Sir Edward Pellew: Hmmm. You know, Hornbloer, it is very hard for a father to see his children grow up.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: I'm not sure I understand you, sir.
- Admiral Sir Edward Pellew: I dare say, you will.
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: Enjoy your meal, Wolfe. Once Admiral Pellew is done, you won't be dining on Breton lobster.
- Wolfe: When we're done, Breton lobster will be dining on Admiral Pellew.
- [after Horatio blows up the French batterie and takes a leaping dive to the ground to avoid the ball of fire]
- Styles: You all right, Sir?
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: I'm a bit singed, Styles.
- Styles: Oh no, Sir. You're done to a turn.
- [Pats him on the stomach]
- Styles: Trust me, I'm a cook.
- Wolfe: C'mon, lads! Explosives are nothing to worry about - unless you're careless. Then your worries are over.
- Lieutenant Bush: Well, as midshipmen, I expect you to know this ship like the back of your hand, otherwise, you'll know the back of mine... is that understood?
- Commander Horatio Hornblower: For a long time now no one ashore cared much whether I lived or died.
- Maria Mason: I care, Horatio. My heart leaps when I hear your footsteps on the stairs and when I hear your voice.