Sanders of the River (1935)

Paul Robeson: Bosambo

Quotes 

• Bosambo : Lord Sandi, I lie to anybody if I think it is good for me. But, I will never lie to you.

  Commissioner R.G. Sanders : That will be very wise, Bosambo.

• Commissioner R.G. Sanders : Didn't you know that no man can be Chief in the River Territories without my permission?

  Bosambo : I knew, Lord.

  Commissioner R.G. Sanders : Well?

  Bosambo : But, I also knew that you also knew that I made myself Chief.

• Bosambo : I'm a Christian! I went to a mission school. I know all about the blessed Marky Lukey, and Johnny. And that other John who lost his head about a certain dancing girl.

• Bosambo : Lord Sandi, you rule two million people along the river; but, there is only one man who will not run away when he see's the ostrisch feathers of the old King's warriors.

  Commissioner R.G. Sanders : And you are that one man?

  Bosambo : I am the one man, Lord.

• Bosambo : [singing]  O-o-O-o-yo-yo-yo-yo, O-o-yo-yo-yo-yo, O-o-o-yo-yo, On, on, into battle, Make the war drums, rattle, Mow them down like cattle, Onward, on! On into battle, Stamp them into the dust, Into the dust, Charge! Cheer! Shoot! Spear! Onward, smash! Smite! Slash! Fight and - slay!

• Bosambo : What's your name, girl?

  Lilongo : Lilongo.

  Bosambo : Lilongo? Li-longo. Its like the sound of little streams running over the stone. Lilongo.

• Bosambo : [singing]  Sandi the strong, Sandi the wise, Righter of wrong, Hater of lies, Laughed as he fought, Worked as he played, As he has taught, Let it be made...

• Lilongo : I'm a Muhammadan.

  Bosambo : Oh, so am I!

  Commissioner R.G. Sanders : What?

  Lilongo : They said you were a Christian?

  Bosambo : I'm a Christian for Lord Sandi. But, for you, I shall be of the true faith.

  Commissioner R.G. Sanders : Well, you better make up your mind about it.

• Bosambo : Lord Sandi, I've learnt the secret of government from your lordship.

  Commissioner R.G. Sanders : You have?

  Bosambo : It is this: a king ought not to be feared, but, loved by his people.

• Bosambo : [singing]  Life is the burden of labor, When each bends his back with his neighbor, So, each for all, We stand or fall, And all for each, Until we reach, The journey's end...

• Bosambo : Is it no longer the custom for the women of the Ochori to greet their returning warriors? Lilongo? Lilongo? Lilongo? Lilongo? Where is she? Where is she?