Samuel Butler

I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.

I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.

As men of inward light are wont
To turn their optics in upon't.

As men of inward light are wont
To turn their optics in upon't.

Nick Machiavel had ne'er a trick
(Though he gave his name to our Old Nick).

Nick Machiavel had ne'er a trick
(Though he gave his name to our Old Nick).

If he that in the field is slain
Be in the bed of honour lain,
He that read more

If he that in the field is slain
Be in the bed of honour lain,
He that is beaten may be said
To lie in Honour's truckle-bed.

Her voice, the music of the spheres,
So loud, it deafens mortals' ears;
As wise philosophers have read more

Her voice, the music of the spheres,
So loud, it deafens mortals' ears;
As wise philosophers have thought,
And that's the cause we hear it not.