Samuel Butler

I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.

I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is read more

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is no fowl,
And that a Lord may be an owl,
A calf an Alderman, a goose a Justice,
And rooks, Committee-men or Trustees.

And as the French we conquer'd once,
Now give us laws for pantaloons,
The length of breeches read more

And as the French we conquer'd once,
Now give us laws for pantaloons,
The length of breeches and the gathers
Port-cannons, periwigs, and feathers.

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.

He that complies against his will, Is of his own opinion still.

He that complies against his will, Is of his own opinion still.