A man would rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish should read more

A man would rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish should be known.

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.

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.

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.

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.]

The lie is a condition of life.

The lie is a condition of life.

Dare to be true: nothing can need a lie;
A fault which needs it most, grows two thereby.

Dare to be true: nothing can need a lie;
A fault which needs it most, grows two thereby.

Liars are always most disposed to swear.
[It., A giurar presti i mentitor son sempre.]

Liars are always most disposed to swear.
[It., A giurar presti i mentitor son sempre.]

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.