Some truth there was, but dash'd and brew'd with lies,
To please the fools, and puzzle all the wise.

Some truth there was, but dash'd and brew'd with lies,
To please the fools, and puzzle all the wise.

Matilda told such dreadful lies It made one gasp and stretch one's eyes.

Matilda told such dreadful lies It made one gasp and stretch one's eyes.

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.]

It takes a wise man to handle a lie. A fool had better remain honest.

It takes a wise man to handle a lie. A fool had better remain honest.

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.]

A good memory is needed once we have lied.
[Fr., Il faut bonne memoire apres qu'on a menti.]

A good memory is needed once we have lied.
[Fr., Il faut bonne memoire apres qu'on a menti.]

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.

Urge him with truth to frame his fair replies;
And sure he will; for wisdom never lies.

Urge him with truth to frame his fair replies;
And sure he will; for wisdom never lies.

We payt a person the complement of acknowledging his superiority whenever we lie to him.

We payt a person the complement of acknowledging his superiority whenever we lie to him.