Brian Jacques Quotes & Sayings

But the warriors true, the brave of heart
Who valiently upheld the right
They are raised on high to the velvet sky
Bringing light to the darkness of night — Brian Jacques

There is no greater evil than killing. I don't care whether they call it war or justice. Life is precious. — Brian Jacques

An early fly landed on Mara's eyelid.
She shooed it off with a dozy paw as she awakened to peachgold dawn stealing softly over the sleeping dunes.The land lay in a pool of serinity;the sand,now still and cool,awaited sun-warmed day.Somewhere a lark began trilling as it fluttered its morning ascent into the airy heights. — Brian Jacques

It's a long hard road ahead for you, little warrior. Enjoy a happy day while you can. - Boldred — Brian Jacques

You will stay and help defend our cave against all comers, protect those weaker than yourself and honor our code. Always use the sword to stand for good and right, never do a thing you would be ashamed of, and never let your heart rule your mind ... And never let another creature take this sword from you, not as long as you live. When the time comes, pass it on to another, maybe your own son. You will know instinctively if he is a warrior. If not, hide the sword where only a true warrior who is brave of heart would dare to go and find it. Swear this to me, Martin. — Brian Jacques

Tell the Queen that there's been a robin red-breast hanging about Kotir grounds. It flies down low and vanishes near the floor. Cludd thinks it might be something to do with those woodlanders. Now, I'm to say nothing to Fortunata or Ashleg ...
'I must tell the Queen that a robin has seen Cludd hanging about. No, that's not right. I must tellt he robin taht Cludd has been hanging the Queen. — Brian Jacques

All work and no play makes Matthias a dull mouse. — Brian Jacques

Sometimes the gift of an inquisitive nature to the young can be greater than that of the wisdom which comes of age. — Brian Jacques

Boorab's spear was a window pole. He stood on the second step, barring their way. "Who goes there? State y'business, wot?"
Brother Hoben tapped an impatient paw on the bottom step. "Come out of the way, please. We'ew going to the walltop."
The hare twitched his whiskers officiously. "No Dibbuns allowed up here. You're not Dibbuns, are you?"
Cregga took hold of the window pole he was clasping and lifted both Boorab and the pole, with one paw, down onto the grass. "Do we look like Dibbuns? Don't try my patience, sah!"
"Just doin' one's duty," he muttered up the steps after them, somewhat creastfallen. "I was only asking a civil question, wot. Humph, some creautres! — Brian Jacques

It's a jolly little junior vermin! — Brian Jacques

Food to eat and games to play.
Tell me why, tell me why.
Serve it out and eat it up.
Have a try, have a try. — Brian Jacques

Shake paws, count your claws, You steal mine, I'll borrow yours. Watch my whiskers, check both ears. Robber foxes have no fears. — Brian Jacques

Every Betrayal begins with trust-Phish
Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today-James Dean
Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live-Anonymous — Brian Jacques

So here is my story, may it bring
Some smiles and a tear or so,
It happened once upon a time,
Far away, and long ago,
Outside the night wind keens and wails,
Come listen to me, the Teller of Tales! — Brian Jacques

The seer crow was outraged. "Mangiz does not forget an insult, hedgepig."
Ambrose smiled cheekily. "Good, then here's a few more for you to remember, you pot-bellied, cross-eyed, feather-bottomed excuse for a duck. — Brian Jacques

Sighing restlessly, the boundless sea broke huge rollers into white cream which hissed hungrily up to the tideline. — Brian Jacques

He came with death held in his paw Which no rat born could face Oh woe to those who break the law Of Sunflash and his mace! — Brian Jacques

The Land of Dreams, that mystical realm,
where the oddest of visions appear,
come wander through scenes of joyful peace,
or stampeded through nightmares of fear.
Dare we open those secret doors,
down dusty paths of mind,
in long-forgotten corners,
what memories we'll find.
Who rules o'er the Kingdom of Night,
where all is not what it seems?
'Tis I, the Weaver of Tales,
for I am the Dreamer of Dreams! — Brian Jacques

In our imaginations we can go anywhere. Travel with me to Redwall in Mossflower country. — Brian Jacques

The very tiny mousebabe's paw shot up as he piped out, "Pleeze, Farver H'Abbit, can us stay up late to look for doors'n'keys pleeze?" Glisam sat watching the tiny mousebabe, scrambling up onto his lap. "No, I'm afraid you can't, little one." The Abbot rubbed his eyes wearily, knowing what was coming as the mousebabe stuck out his lower lip. "But why, Farver?" "Because you have to go to bed." "But why, Farver?" "Because you're only a babe, and you need your sleep." "But why, Farver?" "So you can grow up big and strong." "But why, Farver? — Brian Jacques

Sometimes friends do go from us-it will happen more and more as you grow up, Chugg. But if you really love your friends, they're never really gone. Somewhere they're watching over you and they're always there inside your heart.
-Martin — Brian Jacques

Was it magic? Of course it was. — Brian Jacques

Sometimes, I get ideas from dreams. Often, my stories are based on adventures that I, or my friends, have actually lived. — Brian Jacques

When the sun slips o'er the treetops,
then small birds fly off to nest.
Feel the peace lie on the meadows,
'tis a time that I love best.
Slumber on, little one,
I am ever near.
Drowsily, lean on me,
dream small dreams, my dear.
All the jewelled stars a-twinkle,
Watch the clouds drift through the night.
Sail upon thy boats of dreaming,
to the rays of dawning's light.
Slumber on, day is gone,
by thy side I'll lay.
Fear no harm, rest in calm,
'til the golden day. — Brian Jacques

You love young ones and babes, I know this. The young will always befriend and admire you ... all the young ones of the earth belong to you in friendship. Be good to them.
- Breeze, to Sunflash the Mace — Brian Jacques

I'd burn the salad, suh. Us of the fatal beauty type are pretty awful cooks if y' ask me. - Dorothea Duckfontein Dillworthy Dotti — Brian Jacques

I will not stand here to be insulted by you, hedgepig," Mangiz fumed.
"Then stand somewhere else and I'll insult you there, featherbag!! — Brian Jacques

Fate is fickle, and the company of unwilling friends short lived. — Brian Jacques

Kids are more drawn to animal characters than human. — Brian Jacques

There's me, Gurth, Dotti, Grenn an' about a hunnerd shrews. If'n we wants to lie 'round for a day or two then you'll find yore prob'ly outvoted!"
Lord Brocktree's eyes told the otter that he was not about to have his decision overruled. Swinging forth his battle blade, he stuck it quivering into the ground. "Lets's be reasonable about this, friend. Let me explain the rules. One Badger Lord carries two hundred votes and his sword carries another hundred. Agreed?"
Ruff looked from the sword to the badger. Sunlight gleamed from the blade lighting Brocktree's eyes with a formidable gleam. He smiled nervously at his huge friend. "Reason, that's wot I likes, mate. Vote carried. We go after brekkist tomarrer! — Brian Jacques

Songs just spring into my head. Silly, isn't it. Sometimes old Goody Stickle says that it's Mossflower singing through me. Now and then she'll say it's a sight of season the hasn't yet shone
upon.
-Gonff — Brian Jacques

Sala-manda-stron, look out here we come,
A thief a warrior and a mole.
Though the quest may take its toll,
We'll march until we reach our goal,
— Brian Jacques

There are enough cowards in the world without killing a brave creature for so little reason. — Brian Jacques

Friend is a very small word,
A little sound we make,
For one who is true, one who will do,
Great deeds for friendship's sake. — Brian Jacques

Any weapon is a good weapon as long as ye can use it with honor and skill. — Brian Jacques

You will find joy, frustration and sorrow in your quest. Never forget that friendship and loyalty are more precious than riches ... Happiness can be brief, but it knows no time in the land of dreams. — Brian Jacques

Tis a far cry from home for a poor lonely thing,
O'er the deeps and wild waters of seas,
Where you can't hear your dear mother's voice softly sing
Like a breeze gently stirring the trees.
Come home, little one, wander back here someday,
I'll watch for you, each evening and morn,
Through all the long season 'til I'm old and grey
As the frost on the hedges at dawn.
There's a lantern that shines in my window at night,
I have long kept it burning for you,
It glows through the dark, like a clear guiding light,
And I know someday you'll see it, too.
So hasten back, little one, or I will soon be gone,
No more to see your dear face,
But I know that I'll feel your tears fall one by one,
On the flowers o'er my resting place. — Brian Jacques

Death comes to us all sooner or later. We cannot escape it. — Brian Jacques

I am a people watcher and I have a very good memory. — Brian Jacques

If you wanna be a writer, you must learn to paint a picture with words. — Brian Jacques

Don't think about what you could have done, concentrate on what you plan to do; it is more useful. — Brian Jacques

We could have chopped down the sycamore with this ... — Brian Jacques

Friendship is the greatest gift one can give to another. — Brian Jacques

If y'can't see with yore own two eyes what's in front of them, then y'better off closin' 'em an' goin' t'sleep, 'tis far more restful!
- Gerul — Brian Jacques

Step aside? I step aside for nobeast, whether it be a hallowed hedgehog, an officious otter, a seasoned squirrel, a mutterin' mole or a befuddled badger! — Brian Jacques

When I need somebeast to tell me m'name I'll jolly well ask m'self. Pish tush! The very idea, tellin' a chap his own moniker! — Brian Jacques

I wrote about a bird that cleaned a crocodile's teeth. The story was so good that my teacher could not believe that a ten-year-old could write that well. I was even punished because my teacher thought I'd lied about writing it! I had always loved to write, but it was then that I realized that I had a talent for it. — Brian Jacques

A little (one) can sometimes see things in others that us older ones cannot because our judgement gets clouded.
- Abbot Saxtus — Brian Jacques

Have you been travelling, my young friend? Come in out of the darkness and rain. Sit by the fire, eat, drink and rest yourself. Life is one long journey from beginning to end, you know. We all walk different roads, both with our bodies and our minds. Some of us lose heart and fall by the wayside, whilst others go on to realise their dreams and desires. — Brian Jacques

Courage is the moment when an ordinary being becomes an extraordinary being. — Brian Jacques

The crafty otter produced a flat pebble from his helmet, spat on one side of it, and held it up for the bird to see. 'Right, I'll spin ye. Dry side, I win, wet side, you lose. Good?' The honey buzzard nodded eagerly ... Buteo's keen eyes watched every spin of the stone until it clacked down flat on the deck. Garfo grinned from ear to ear. 'Wet side! You lose! — Brian Jacques

Are you going to go down on your knees and beg for your life, old one?"
Abbot Mortimer stared calmly into Cluny's savage eye. "I will never bend my knee on my own behalf. However, if I thought I could save the life of one of my friends I would gladly fall down on both knees. But I know you, Cluny, better than you know yourself. There is not a scrap of pity or mercy in your heart, only a burning desire for vengeance. Therefore, I will not kneel to one who is consumed by evil. — Brian Jacques

A and B the C of D!! — Brian Jacques

Wait and wonder when we will return, mouse - then you will really see what a battle is like."
Simeon turned his head in the direction of Graypatch's voice. "Alas, I will never see anything for I am blind; but I can sense a lot. I can feel you are both evil and desperate. They say you have only one eye. I am surprised at you - even a fool with half an eye could see that you will never triumph against good if you are evil. — Brian Jacques

Capital," cried Basil. "I could eat a stag, antlers and all. I say they they do make a wonderful nosebag for us wounded heroes, y'know. — Brian Jacques

Aha! Today I shall become an author! And I will auth and auth and auth and make a squillion dollars, whoopee! — Brian Jacques

I still pinch meself when I wake up of a morning. Who ever thought I'd be a children's author - let alone a best-selling children's author? — Brian Jacques

When weary day does shed its light, I rest my head and dream, I ride the great dark bird of night, so tranquil and serene. Then I can touch the moon afar, which smiles up in the sky, and steal a twinkle from each star, as we go winging by. We'll fly the night to dawning light, and wait 'til dark has ceased, to marvel at the wondrous sight, of sunrise in the east. So slumber on, my little one, float soft as thistledown, and wake to see when night is done, fair morning's golden gown. — Brian Jacques

The young must grow old
Whilst old ones grow older.
And cowards will shrink
As the bold grow bolder.
Courage may blossom in quiet hearts,
For who can tell where bravery starts?
Truth is a song, oft lying unsung,
Some mother bird protecting her young.
Those who lay down their lives for friends,
The echo rolls onward, it seldom ends.
Who never turned and ran, but stayed?
This is a warrior, born, not made.
Living in peace, aye many a season,
Calm in life and sound in reason,
Till evil arrives, a wicked horde
Driving the warrior to pick up his sword
The challenger rings then, straight and fair,
Justice is with us, beware, beware. — Brian Jacques

All little creatures are beautiful ... every living thing when it first sees life is born in beauty. What they grow to be is a different matter. — Brian Jacques

Friar Hugo, old friend, brace yourself. I am the bearer of tragic news!"
Alarm spread across Hugo's pudgy features. "Tell me, Jess. What dreadful thing has happened?"
Jess spoke haltingly in a broken voice. "I fear that Cluny has tore up one of your oldest and most venerable dishrags. Alas, Redwall will never see it wipe another plate. — Brian Jacques

No doubt your sword is indeed a beautiful thing. It is a tribute to whoever forged it in bygone ages. There are very few such swords as this one left in the world, but remember, it is only a sword, Matthias! It contains no secret spell, nor holds within its blade any magical power. This sword is made for only one purpose, to kill. It will only be as good or evil as the one who wields it. I know that you intend to use it only for the good of your Abbey, Matthias; do so, but never allow yourself to be tempted into using it in a careless or idle way. It would inevitably cost you your life, or that of your dear ones. Martin the Warrior used the sword only for right and good. This is why it has become a symbol of power to Redwall. Knowledge is gained through wisdom, my friend. Use the sword wisely. — Brian Jacques

Imagination is a gift given to us from God and each one of us use it differently. — Brian Jacques

You may have enslaved our bodies, but our hearts and minds will always be free! — Brian Jacques

I say, sah! Sorry to trouble you to get off your big fat bottom and help a poor gel out!"
"I would not have helped if you hadn't have needed it. You were doing well on your own until the vermin started trying to use trickery." Dottie bounced on her footpaws, her large ears stand up straight. "I know, sah! The bally old blighters didn't know wot hit 'em!" Lord Brocktree hid a smile. — Brian Jacques

My values are not based on violence. My values are based on courage, which you see time and time again in my books. A warrior isn't somebody like Bruce Willis or Arnold Schwarzenegger. A warrior can be any age. A warrior is a person people look up to. — Brian Jacques

Is not the light of day a wondrous thing? It banishes all fears and worries of the previous night. — Brian Jacques

The more 'otter it is, the more 'otter otters likes it — Brian Jacques

The young mouse's eyes snapped open, clear and bright. He swung the ancient sword high and struck at the giant adder.
He struck for Redwall!
He struck against evil!
He struck for Martin!
He struck for Log-a-Log and his shrews!
He struck for dead Guosim!
He struck as Methuselah would have wanted him to!
He struck against Cluny the Scourge and tyranny!
He struck out against Captain Snow's ridicule!
He struck for the world of light and freedom!
He struck until his paws ached and the sword fell from them! — Brian Jacques

Go find someone who will care for ye good, to sit quiet by yore side at the fire, an' if he treats ye decent as you hoped he would, you'll have all that your heart can desire. — Brian Jacques

I love book signings: kids waiting in line for you to scribble on their new books, haha! — Brian Jacques

I fell, you see. Trod on my abbot, Father Habit. Oh, dear! I mean ... — Brian Jacques

I think that others can drive a creature to naughtiness, always accusing and blaming them. After a while it must make the creature unhappy and drive him ... to be naughty, because nobody expects them to be good ... — Brian Jacques

Armel shrugged. "I suppose so, Brother, but why do creatures have to fight?"
Demple picked Mudge up and placed him on his shoulder. "Because there's always good and bad in the land, and goodbeasts have to protect their friends an' families from evil ones who want nothing but to conquer an' destroy. — Brian Jacques

A mouse is small and can go unnoticed: but there is no limit to what a brave heart and a fearless spirit can achieve. — Brian Jacques

Don't be ashamed to weep; 'tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, trees, and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time, and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones is sealed inside to comfort us. — Brian Jacques

Peace has gone on too long. Something inside me says that trouble such as these shores have never known is headed our way. — Brian Jacques

is because you are kind and good, not a hard-hearted pitiless rat like Cluny. Please listen to me. Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep. It shows they have a great heart, one that can feel compassion for others. You are brave, Matthias. Already you have done great things for one so young. I am only a simple country-bred fieldmouse, but even I can see the courage and leadership in you. A burning brand shows the way, and each day your flame grows brighter. — Brian Jacques

Basil Stag Hare tut-tutted severely as he remarked to Ambrose Spike, 'Tch, tch. Dreadful table manners. Just look at those three wallahs, kicking up a hullaballoo like that! Eating's a serious business. — Brian Jacques

Who knows, my friend? Maybe the sword does have some magic. Personally, I think it's the warrior who wields it. — Brian Jacques

Each of us is born to follow a star, be it bright and shining or dark and fated. Sometimes the path of these stars will cross, bringing love or hatred. However, if you look up at the skies on a clear night, out of all the countless lights that twinkle and shine, there will come one. That star will be seen in a blaze, burning a path of light across the roof of the earth, a great comet. — Brian Jacques

Scoffin' a load of our grub an' not tellin' a story? I say, what a bally swizz! — Brian Jacques

Where's the point in fighting and slaying if you can make a friend out of anybeast instead of a foe? — Brian Jacques

Quick as a flash, Sawney Rath's eyes hardened. "Then I'm ordering you to skin Felch alive!" He took the otter's paw, closing it over the knife handle. "Obey me!"
The crowded clearing became as silent as a tomb. All eyes were upon the Taggerung, awaiting his reaction to the order.
Tagg turned his back on Sawney and strode to the side of the fox strung up to the beech bough. He raised the blade. Felch shut his eyes tight, his head shaking back and forth as his nerves quivered uncontrollably. With a sudden slash Tagg severed the thongs that bound him. Felch slumped to the ground in a shaking heap. Tagg's voice was flat and hard as he turned to face Sawney.
"I'm sorry to disobey your order. The fox is a sorry thief, but I will not take the life of a helpless beast. — Brian Jacques

The advice I continually give to young writers is this, "Learn to paint pictures with words." Not just once upon a time, but ... In the long secret dust of ages, beneath a blue forgotten sky, where trade winds caress the sun bleached shores of unknown realms ... See, as much as there are words in poetry, there is a poetry in words. Use it, stay faithful to the path you have set your heart upon and follow it. — Brian Jacques

Squirrels, otters, hedgehogs, mice,
Moles with fur like sable,
Gathered in good spirits all,
Round the festive table.
Sit we down to eat and drink.
Friends, before we do, let's think,
Fruit of forest, field and banks,
To the seasons we give thanks. — Brian Jacques

Defend the weak, protect both young and old, never desert your friends. Give justice to all, be fearless in battle and always ready to defend the right.
- The law of Badger Lords — Brian Jacques

I sometimes think it ironic for an ex-seaman, longshoreman, truck driver, policeman, bus driver, etc ... to find success writing children's novels. — Brian Jacques

Who says that I am dead
knows nought at all.
I am that is,
Two mice within Redwall.
The Warrior sleaps
Twixt Hall and Cavern Hole
I am that is,
Take on my mighty role ...
Look for the sword
In moonlight streaming forth
At night, when days first hour
Reflects the north
From o'er the threshold
Seek and you will see;
I am that is,
My sword shall wield for me. — Brian Jacques

I enjoy walking my dog and completing crossword puzzles. — Brian Jacques

Your lives be as full and happy as ours,and may the seasons be kind to you and your friends. The door of our Abbey is always open to any travellers roaming the dusty path between the woodlands and the plains. — Brian Jacques

Throughout his life the memory of that happy day stayed locked secretly in (his) heart. — Brian Jacques

Knowledge is a thing that one cannot have enough of. It is the fruit of wisdom, to be eaten carefully and digested fully, unlike that lunch you are bolting down, little friend. — Brian Jacques

Pick-a-lock, Pick-a-lock, you'll regret the day,
When you took a mouse thief and locked him away,
Silly cat, look at that, it's two for one,
A thief and a warrior, by dawn will be gone. — Brian Jacques

Weapons may be carried by creatures who are evil, dishonest, violent or lazy. The true warrior is good, gentle and honest. His bravery comes from within himself; he learns to conquer his own fears and misdeeds.
- Matthias — Brian Jacques

Absoballylutely top hole, wot. A and B the C of D I'd say ... Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. — Brian Jacques

Rakkety Rakkety Rakkety Tam, the drums are beatin' braw. Rakkety Rakkety Rakkety Tam, are ye marchin' off tae war? — Brian Jacques

Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep. It shows they have a great heart, one that can feel compassion for others. — Brian Jacques

I wanted to write something visual that I could read to the children. This was when I created the idea of Redwall Abbey in my imagination. As I wrote, the idea grew, and the manuscript along with it. — Brian Jacques

When the sun sets like fire, I will think of you, when the moon casts its light, I'll remember, too, if a soft rain falls gently, I'll stand in this place, recalling the last time, I saw your kind face. Good fortune go with you, to your journey's end, let the waters run calmly, for you, my dear friend. — Brian Jacques