Arthur: So? We have ridden since the snows of winter covered this land. Through the kingdom of Mercia, through... Guard: Where'd you get the coconuts? Arthur: (somewhat taken aback) We found them. Guard: Found them? In Mercia? The coconut's tropical! Arthur: What do you mean? Guard: This is a temperate zone! Arthur: The swallow may fly south with the sun, or the house maarten or the plummer may seek warmer climes in winter, but these are not strangers to our land! Guard: Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate? Arthur: Not at all! They could be carried. Guard: (indcredulous) What, a swallow, carrying a coconut? Arthur: It could grip it by the husk! Guard: It's not a question of where 'e grips it! It's a simple question of weight ratios! A five-ounce bird could *not* carry a one-pound coconut! Arthur: (exasperated) Well it doesn't matter! Will you go and tell your master that Arthur from the court of Camelot is here!
(pause)
Guard: Listen. In order to maintain air-speed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right?
Arthur: Please! Guard: (patiently) Am I right. Arthur: I'm not interested!
( A second guard appears on the rampart. )
G2: It could be carried by an African swallow! G1: Oh, yeah, an African swallow, maybe, but not a European swallow, that's my point. G2: Oh, yeah, I agree with that. Arthur: (extremely exasperated) Will you ask your master if he wants to join my court at Camelot!!
(pause)
G1: But then of course, African swallows are non-migratory. G2: Oh yeah...