The Kappillan of Malta Quotes

“Out on his flank, a soldier whipped up his crossbow, cocked it with a jerk on a leather thong, took aim and let fly. The iron-tipped arrow whistled through the air and found its mark, straight between the shoulder blades of the retreating spy. The man dropped like a stone. A short scream became a cough, and the cough a torrent of blood on the sand.”
― Nicholas Monsarrat, The Kappillan of Malta

“It was a marvellous morning, clear as a mirror, warm as the promise of love, bright as heaven.”
― Nicholas Monsarrat, The Kappillan of Malta

“A British voice, measured, low-keyed, almost mournful, yet confident—the voice of the island’s Governor, General Sir William Dobbie—assured them that all would be well. His message was brief, and none the worse for that. It was also clear. Hard times might lie ahead of them, but with divine aid they would maintain the security of their island fortress: "I therefore call on all humbly to seek God’s help, and then in reliance on Him to do their duty unflinchingly.”
― Nicholas Monsarrat, The Kappillan of Malta

“Father Salvatore lived here for the last thirty years,’ he answered. ‘He lived with the brothers in the monastery. I cannot tell you why. Some say he was sent there after the war, as a punishment. For what? Some say he went mad, and was put in a cell. I said to you before, who can tell? Some say he chose to live here, instead of Malta, because of something that happened.’ His thigh was twitching again, and he calmed it like a fractious child, a child with toothache or a high fever. ‘They say he never spoke of it. It was a secret between himself and God. And perhaps the archbishop—who knows? … But now he rests here for ever.”
― Nicholas Monsarrat, The Kappillan of Malta