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.

So near is falsehood to truth that a wise man would do well not
to trust himself on the read more

So near is falsehood to truth that a wise man would do well not
to trust himself on the narrow edge.
[Lat., Ita enim finitima sunt falsa veris ut in praecipitem locum
non debeat se sapiens committere.]

A liar is always lavish of oaths.
[Fr., Un menteur est toujours prodigue de serments.]

A liar is always lavish of oaths.
[Fr., Un menteur est toujours prodigue de serments.]

But that he wrought so high the specious tale,
As manifested plainly 'twas a lie.
[Lat., Se read more

But that he wrought so high the specious tale,
As manifested plainly 'twas a lie.
[Lat., Se non volea pulir sua scusa tanto,
Che la facesse di menzogna rea.]

A liar is not believed even though he tell the truth.
[Lat., Mendaci homini ne verum quidem dicenti credere read more

A liar is not believed even though he tell the truth.
[Lat., Mendaci homini ne verum quidem dicenti credere solemus.]

Shew me a lyer, and I'le shew thee a theefe.
[Show me a liar, and I'll show thee a read more

Shew me a lyer, and I'le shew thee a theefe.
[Show me a liar, and I'll show thee a thief.]

There are people who exaggerate so much that they can't tell the truth without lying.

There are people who exaggerate so much that they can't tell the truth without lying.

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.

You can best reward a liar by believing nothing of what he says.

You can best reward a liar by believing nothing of what he says.