When a Man Lies, He Murders Some Part of the World

Arthur:

Which is the greatest quality of knighthood? Courage? Compassion? Loyalty? Humility?

What do you say, Merlin?

Merlin:

Hmm? Ah, the greatest…. Well, they blend, like the metals we mix to make a good sword….

Arthur:

No poetry. Just a straight answer. Which is it?

Merlin:

All right, then. Truth! That’s it! It must be truth. Above all! When a man lies, he murders some part of the world.

You should know that.

— “Excalibur” (1981)