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.

I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.

I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.

And none speaks false, when there in none to hear.

And none speaks false, when there in none to hear.

A little inaccuracy sometimes saves a lot of explanations.

A little inaccuracy sometimes saves a lot of explanations.

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.]

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.

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 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.