- The Dragon: [singing] I'm the Reluctant Dragon, what ho! Quite so! The very Reluctant Dragon, oh, very very, don't you know? They call me "timid dragon"! What rot! I'm not! I just won't fight, I'd rather play, I know I shan't get hurt that way!
- Sir Giles: You know, it's a shame. It doesn't seem right. This is really a beautiful spot.
- The Boy: For a fight.
- Sir Giles: Yes, quite right.
- The Boy: Why, I can almost see it. The flags are waving.
- Sir Giles: The people are cheering.
- The Boy: Bands are playing.
- Sir Giles: The dragon appears! What a beautiful sight, with his scales all agleam in the dawn's early light!
- The Dragon: Fight? Fight? There's nothing to fight about! Besides, I don't believe in it!
- The Boy: But dragons and knights always fight!
- Sir Giles: That's right, by jove!
- The Boy: You can't disappoint the whole village!
- Sir Giles: Not cricket, you know!
- The Dragon: Please! I... I do not wish to discuss it further! I refuse to listen! I absolutely will not fight! Goodnight!