- John Truscott: [In a letter to Cecil] Sharing is so much a part of their life that they have no word for "thank you".
- Neville: What did you say to her?
- John Truscott: Oh I told Tipong that if you hit her again she should wait till you're asleep and then cut off your testicles with a kitchen knife.
- Selima: You won't come! They'll say you're an Englishman!
- John Truscott: Then I'll tell them I'd rather have you than a country... or a language... or a history.
- Henry: Iban society is based on heavy drinking, violent sport and practical jokes. Just think of it as English public school, without the buggery.
- John Truscott: [Post-sex] I'm sorry that was too quick wasn't it?
- Selima: You teach me English, I teach you this.
- Henry: [Giving Selima to John] She will be living with you.
- John Truscott: As what?
- Henry: She performs wifely duties.
- John Truscott: What like sewing?
- Henry: [pause and snicker] She performs wifely duties in the bedroom.
- Selima: I sleep with you.
- John Truscott: [after a bad day] Sorry about this afternoon. I should've stopped her sooner. Selima... you had other lovers before me, didn't you? Did you and they have what we have?
- Selima: Yes. They were men like you.
- John Truscott: [He is a little surprised] I thought we had something special.
- Selima: No. We fuck. That's all.
- [She gets up and walks out of the room, and he goes after her]
- John Truscott: Wait! You're angry. You're not telling the truth.
- Selima: I'm angry! That's why I'm telling the truth! Half my blood is English. That is more that your king and queen, but for you that is not good enough. So Iban I'll be. Rule me if you must, but nothing else.
- [Sits on the bed and opens her legs]
- Selima: Go ahead. Do your sex. Don't mind me.
- [Imitates Cecil]
- Selima: Hands higher! That's it! Perfect.
- John Truscott: When I saw you lying there suddenly everything became clear. I want to stay with you forever... if you'll have me.
- Belansai: I am still the champion of ten Longhouses.
- John Truscott: Oh yes, they say you can beat any girl on the river.