What They Said: Favorite Quotes from Poldark “Part 4” 

“What have I told you, I don’t require my wife to crochet and sip tea, but I do require her to remember she’s not a beast of burden.”

No, I’m not talking about The Rolling Stones! I have to admit though, just for a second, the lyrics popped into my mind. This is just one of my favorite lines from the Poldark: Part 4.

I really enjoyed the writing, the looks between the characters and most of all some of the conversations. In the end, I loved when Ross finally admits his true feelings for Demelza. There’s a lot of great dialogue between the two of them and other characters, too.

I picked out some of my favorite lines and conversations. I’ve transcribed them to the very best of my ability. It was difficult to understand some of the dialogue; however, that’s a tribute actors and the fine writing. Keep in mind: while you are reading this piece, the quotes that I picked out are in no particular order. I simply found them amusing and important to the overall story.

Writers:
-The series is based on the Poldark novels by Winston Graham.
-The new Poldark Television adaptation is written by Debbie Horsfield.

News travels fast when everyone learns that Ross had taken a bride. Even though, Jud and Prudie served as witnesses to the nuptials, they aren’t very happy about them.

Jud:  ‘tisn’t right

Prudie: ‘tisn’t fair

Jud: ‘tisn’t fit

Prudie: ‘tisn’t proper

Jud: …won’t last

Prudie: …won’t work

Later, Demelza puts them in their place. She turns the tables on Jud and Prudie, suggesting that it’s their fault she’s now Mistress of Nampara.

Demelza:‘Tis you who raised me up and taught me all I know. So if I’m fit for better than I’d hoped, then blame ee’selves for eddycating me!

Meanwhile, Ross runs into Francis and shares the news with him, leaving his cousin in dumbfounded.

Francis: Your kitchen maid! Ross surely you must see that with such a wife, you cannot hope to gain entry into any respectable gathering. You will cut yourself out of society. Consign yourself to…

Ross: … to a life of peace and seclusion? I must try to bare it the best I can. May I leave you to share the glad tidings at Trenwith?

Francis wastes no time.

Elizabeth: Demelza? (I’m not sure if she’s asking a question or just dazed and confused)

Charles: Damn me! He’s gone and done it now.

Francis: What the devil can he mean by it?

Mrs. Chynoweth: He must be deranged. (Elizabeth’s mother never liked Ross anyway)

Of course, George Warleggan – an enemy of Ross – must weigh in on the matter.

George: He could have had his pick of any number of eligible girls from rising families. Instead of which he marries his servant wench. (Ouch)

That being said, George isn’t finished quite yet. He approaches Ross in a later scene.

George: I puzzled you out.

Ross: Is that so hard to fathom?

George: Well, I thought so, but your recent nuptials have made everything clear. It delights you to thumb your nose at society; that you consider yourself above the niceties by which it operates.

Ross: Not above… just indifferent (Ross walks away with a smirk on his face)

One of my favorite scenes and conversations takes place between Margaret and Ross. Ross could always turn to the town prostitute to fulfill his needs, but now he is a married man.

Margaret: I never thought you the marrying kind. Is she wealthy?

Ross: Not at all.

Margaret: Is she beautiful?

Ross: In a way.

Margaret: So you love her?

Ross: We get on.

Sadly for Margaret, she realizes that she’s not only losing a client, but also a friend.

As you know there’s plenty of superb dialogue between Ross and Demelza. Here are some of my favorite lines between the bride and groom.
Shortly after they’re married Ross walks in on Demelza preparing something in the kitchen.

Demelza: Sir. Ross. I was thinking you might stop over in town.

Ross: I have a home do I not and a wife?

Demelza: I do sometimes forget.

Ross: That I live here?

Demelza: That I’m your wife.

Ross: We’ll let this be a reminder (Ross takes her in his arms and plants a sensual kiss on her)

Here’s more loving or should I say… some sexy exchanges between the newlyweds.

Ross: Why are you up so late?

Demelza: I have chores.

Ross: Suppose I have other plans for you (I love the look on Aidan’s face at this moment)

Demelza: Tell me… (She giggles) Yes Ross (cute)

After the lovemaking scene… we get to see Aidan with his shirt off again. Eleanor Tomlinson is one lucky actress – at least I think so. I’d be smiling too!

Demelza: Folks will wonder. They’ll not understand. I don’t rightly understand.

Ross: What?

Demelza: How it came to happen… this… we

Ross: You’re not required to understand. You’re required to accept it as a fact of life.

Demelza: So it’s not to be a secret?

Ross: Why should it?

There are more delightful lines between Ross and Demelza, but first I want to share some of the special moments between Demelza and her new friend and cousin-in-law, Verity. Throughout the books and even during the first Television series, I always adored their relationship. In fact, Verity is the only one to write a congratulatory letter to Ross and Demelza. Soon she pays them a visit and a nervous Demelza does the best she can to impress her guest.

Demelza: Some Tea?

Verity: Oh… thank you… but no it’s a little early.

Demelza: Oh… so it is.

Verity: You know Ross is very dear to me, what woman should ever deserve him I couldn’t imagine, so when I heard he married you I was…

Demelza: Horrified?

Verity: Relieved. Before he met you he was broken, lost, so I was relieved to think he had found someone to console him to save him from his loneliness, but now I see it’s more than consolation you’ve given him hope, a life without hope is bleak and life without love…

Demelza: …it’s not love

Verity: … You do not?

Demelza:  Love him? Beyond anything, but I could never hope that he, that he would ever, he’s kind to me and when we are abed, I have reason to think I do please him.

(Poor Verity – Shocking to her Tender Trenwith Ears – She Politely Responds)

Verity: I’m sure you do.

Demelza: But I’d never call it love. He’s never used that word to me and I doubt he ever shall.

Verity: It’s life greatest treasure to love and be loved in return.

While visiting Nampara, Verity teaches Demelza how to dance, curtsy, fold napkins and other things that she’ll need to know as she rises in the ranks of society.

The two become even closer, when Verity buys her a new dress.

Demelza: Must you go home tomorrow?

Verity: Francis needs me, but I’ll come again soon.

Verity: Did you really hate it today?

Demelza: No I fear we spent too much money and it will all be wasted.

And that’s where I’ll leave that for now – I don’t want to give away a HUGE SPOILER.

Ross and Demelza make their way to Trenwith for Christmas Dinner and that’s when everything changes. After the meal, Elizabeth plays the harp for everyone. Demelza is taunted a bit by one of the guests; however, Ross quickly speaks up and says that his wife sings – and oh does she sing. Demelza astonishes everyone in the room with her beauty and her tender voice.  Ross is in awe of his wife.

Here are the words to Demelza’s Song:

I do pluck a fair rose for my love;

I do pluck a red rose blowing.

Love’s in my heart a-trying so to prove

What’s your heart’s knowing.

I do pluck a finger on a thorn,

I do pluck a finger bleeding.

Red is my heart a wounded and forlorn

And your heart needing.

I do hold a finger to my tongue,

I do hold a finger waiting.

My heart is sore until it joins in song

Wi’ your heart mating.

The heartwarming lyrics were written by Winston Graham. I found them on page 365 in Ross Poldark: A Novel of Cornwall, 1783-1787. That being said, there’s been several editions published; therefore, if you find these words on another page, that could the reason why.

Just to be clear, there’s no copyright infringement intended on my part or on the part of this website. By the way, if you’re looking for the scene itself, you can find it on YouTube. Several people have posted it.

Getting back to the story, Ross finally realizes that he is deeply in love with Demelza. When they return home, he tells her exactly how he feels.

Demelza: So how did I do Ross? … You are not too ashamed of me?

Ross: Why do you think I married you?

Demelza: I don’t rightly know.

Ross: To satisfy an appetite? to save myself from being alone… because it was the right thing to do… I had few expectations… at best you’d be a distraction… I was mistaken you redeemed me… I am your humble servant and I love you.

(Ross and Demelza share a very tender kiss)

Demelza: Well I hope you have a little love to spare.

Ross: For what?

Demelza: Our Child!

(Precious)

It was a beautiful ending to a very engaging episode. I wanted to make mention of a scene and some very important lines that took place earlier in the show.

As many of you already know, Warren Clarke, who portrayed Charles Poldark, died just weeks after filming his moving death bed scene. Here are some of the lines he left us with – some filled with laughter and others with tears.

Charles: How will you manage Ross without a kitchen maid?

Ross: My wife has this very day engaged another.

Charles:  (hearty laugh) …your father was no different

Charles: Francis was especially quick to see the advantage.

Ross: Of what?

Charles: A wife to divert you. He feels it’s marginally less likely that you’ll ride over and steal Elizabeth from him”

This is the scene when Charles suffers a heart attack. After seeing Francis, he asks to see Ross.

Charles:  I’ve lost all faith in this world of ours and my legacy. We both know Francis isn’t the man you are…

Ross: Uncle

Charles: Regard to him for me.

Ross: Of course…

Charles: … and our family… and our good name…

Ross: You have my word.

His real life passing left the cast grief-stricken. In honor of his memory, they dedicated the first episode of Poldark to his memory.

On a much happier note, Aidan Turner is starring in a new TV adaptation of the classic Agatha Christie novel, “And Then There Were None” – he plays a mercenary soldier.

Poldark airs on Masterpiece Theater, Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.