Arthur and Merlin in “The Gates of Avalon”

I'm taking Sophia out for a ride today. You know, show her around.

Where do I come into this?

Well, I'm supposed to be on patrol with the guard and my father this morning, so... I need you to cover for me.

What, and lie to the king? No. No way. No, he'll see right through me. He'll have me in the stocks quicker than you can say 'rotten tomatoes'.

Merlin, I need you to do this for me.

I am a terrible liar. I start sweating, my vision blurs, my brain stops working...

Well, no change there then. Look, I promised Sophia I'd take her out, and if I don't turn up, it'll blow my chances.

You like her, then.

Yeah! What's not to like? I want to spend some more time with her but I need to get my father off my back. I can't order you to lie to the king, but I'll be a friend for life if you do.

(after a pause) Go on, then. You don't want to keep her waiting.