- Marco Polo: We run, as you say. We make it past the guards, the gate, the mountains and praise our good fortune every day we awaken. Because there will not be a single night in which we are fully certain that a Mongol blade will not find us in our sleep. There is nothing beyond those walls but doubt and fear. All we can change is here in this place.
- Jia Sidao: A round-eye? What stake do you have in this fight?
- Marco Polo: Come down and surrender to your Khan.
- Jia Sidao: Surrender the Song dynasty to a Mongol, by order of a European?
- [first lines]
- Engineer: [proudly] The aim could not be more true.
- Marco Polo: [making notes] If the tree line is the wall, and we are two arrow flights scarce, true aim does not matter, does it?
- Engineer: We need to bring the engine closer.
- Marco Polo: Bring it closer, we will become pin cushions. We need a longer arm.
- Engineer: Longer arm is bigger frame. Bigger frame is giant wheel. Bigger rocks. You are making me to build a monster.
- Marco Polo: You were the finest engine builder in Damascus, no?
- Engineer: Yes.
- Marco Polo: Then build me a monster.
- Priest: The I Ching says this: Attempt to seize all of China and destruction will follow. The Silk Road you once opened will be overtaken by a black cloud from the West, leaving nothing but weeds and nettles.
- Kublai Khan: You speak any more poetry, Priest, you'll be growing weeds and nettles out of your dung hole.
- Empress Chabi: Mind your nature, husband!
- Marco Polo: Kaidu did not ride with the Khan. If we lose tomorrow, he will become Khan.
- Byamba: Of what? There will be nothing left to rule when Chinese loyalty returns to Jia Sidao. In truth, I fear what may happen should we win.
- Boy Emperor: [about battle noises] Teacher, I'm scared.
- Jia Sidao: Do not fear the wolves of the steppe. They are but wind howling in the night, rattling doors. An emperor does not fear the thunder.