- Lt. Columbo: [as Hassan removes an exquisite vase form the lieutenant's hands] This is a beautiful piece, sir. You know, we have one just like this back on the dining room table in our house. Almost the same design.
- Hassan Salah: Uh, this is third century; it's worth several thousand dollars.
- Lt. Columbo: No kidding. You know, I think my wife got ours at the farmer's market. Well, I guess ours is just a copy.
- Guard: No one is allowed to pass.
- Lt. Columbo: I know. That's what the other three guards told me, but I'd like to look around.
- Kermit Morgan: It is in the best interest of our government if there are no further contacts between yourself and Secretary Salah.
- Lt. Columbo: Well, that''s all very well and good except for one thing.
- Capt. August: What is that, Lieutenant?
- Lt. Columbo: He's the murderer.
- Hassan Salah: A thousand pardons, you majesty, but the man is a simple man, the lieutenant, and he is not used to our ways.
- The King: Yeah, but I like him, Hassan. You say "our ways," but you mean YOUR ways.
- Hassan Salah: The ways of your father and his father before him.
- The King: There is a place for tradition, Hassan, but we must learn to live in this world as neighbors. We can not be blind to the changes happening all around us.
- Lt. Columbo: [looking at a picture of Habib] The fact is he doesn't look like much of a murderer. You know, after fifteen years in this business, I can still look at a person sometimes and say to myself, "He can't be the murderer."
- Hassan Salah: And are you often right?
- Lt. Columbo: Oh, 20% or so, if that. Not too many times.
- Xenia: I gave Youseff this mug. You see the inscription here?
- Lt. Columbo: What does it say?
- Xenia: I'd rather not translate, Lieutenant. It's, uh... earthy humor.
- Lt. Columbo: Oh.
- Xenia: Each afternoon, Youseff would join our coffee break and tell us unrepeatable stories. It was his way, and we loved him very much.
- Xenia: His Majesty thought you might like something while you're waiting.
- Lt. Columbo: Oh. You're sure it was His Majesty, and not just an aide?
- Xenia: Yes.
- Lt. Columbo: Well, that's very thoughtful for a busy man. Imagine that.
- Kermit Morgan: [to Columbo] I like a man who espouses the pragmatic view, Lieutenant.
- Kermit Morgan: [to Capt. August] Thank you, Captain.
- Capt. August: Yes, sir.
- Lt. Columbo: [after Morgan leaves] What'd he say?
- Capt. August: [thinking about it] Don't make waves.
- Hassan Salah: Your presence here is a diplomatic affront. If you do not leave the legation in five minutes, I shall see that you are removed from the Los Angeles Police Department.
- Lt. Columbo: I've solved the murder, sir.
- Hassan Salah: What?
- Lt. Columbo: I think we should talk about it right away.
- Kura: [Watching the King board a plane] There's something of the father in the son, eh, Hassan?
- Hassan Salah: There's something of his father in many of us, Hajj, but the throne makes the man, not the blood.
- Lt. Columbo: A security man could only get hit by someone who didn't alarm him, someone that he knew and trusted, someone who could catch him off-guard.
- Lt. Columbo: Mr. Salah, I have made a discovery that you are going to find emotionally disturbing. I want you to be prepared for that.
- Hassan Salah: I can tell you, Lieutenant, in strictest confidence, of course, this envelope contains certain material which, in the wrong hands, could lead to the overthrow of my king.