“We're all entitled to a little stupidity now and then. --Beldin”

“...it's as empty as a merchant's soul. Sorry, Kheldar, it's just an old expression.""That's all right, Beldin," Silk forgave him grandly. "These little slips of the tongue are common in the very elderly.”

“I was reading an old text on the exploits of Belgarath the Sorcerer, and I –“ Senji stopped, going very pale, turned, and gaped at Garion’s grandfather.“It’s a terrible letdown, isn’t it?” Beldin said. “We always told him he ought to try to look more impressive.”“You’re in no position to talk,” the old man said.“You’re the one with the earthshaking reputation.” Beldin shrugged. “I’m just a flunky. I’m along for comic relief.” “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you, Beldin?”“I haven’t had so much fun in years. Wait until I tell Pol.”“You keep your mouth shut, you hear me?”“Yes, O mighty Belgarath,” Beldin said mockingly.”

“Don't wrench your shoulder out of its socket trying to pat yourself on the back," Beldin said sourly.”

“Belgarath turned back to Senji. “All right,” he said. “The Sardion came to Zamad. How?”“It’s said to have fallen out of the sky.”“They always do,” Beldin said. “Someday I’d like to see something rise up out of the earth –just for the sake of variety.”

“...If there's a noise in the woods, and there's nobody around to hear it, is it really a noise?""Of course it is," she replied calmly."How did you reach that conclusion?" Beldin demanded."Because there's no such thing as an empty place, uncle. There are always creatures around --wild animals, mice, insects, birds --and they can all hear.""But what if there weren't? What if the woods are truly empty?""Why waste your time talking about an impossibility?”

“The policeman recognized me, but I suppose that’s only natural. Silk was going to kill him, but I said no.”“Why?” Beldin asked bluntly.“We were in the middle of a busy street for one thing. Killing somebody’s the sort of thing you ought to do in private, wouldn’t you say?”