You lie--under a mistake--
For this is the most civil sort of lie
That can be given read more

You lie--under a mistake--
For this is the most civil sort of lie
That can be given to a man's face, I now
Say what I think.

The lie is a condition of life.

The lie is a condition of life.

And, after all, what is a lie? 'Tis but
The truth in masquerade.

And, after all, what is a lie? 'Tis but
The truth in masquerade.

The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else.

The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else.

I tell him, if a clergyman, he lies!
If captains the remark, or critics, make,
Why they read more

I tell him, if a clergyman, he lies!
If captains the remark, or critics, make,
Why they lie also--under a mistake.

Quoth Hudibras, I smell a rat;
Ralpho, thou dost prevaricate.

Quoth Hudibras, I smell a rat;
Ralpho, thou dost prevaricate.

As ten millions of circles can never make a square, so the united
voice of myriads cannot lend the read more

As ten millions of circles can never make a square, so the united
voice of myriads cannot lend the smallest foundation to
falsehood.

The cruelest lies are often told in silence.

The cruelest lies are often told in silence.

Resolved to die in the last dyke of prevarication.

Resolved to die in the last dyke of prevarication.