Splendidly mendacious.
[Lat., Splendide mendax.]

Splendidly mendacious.
[Lat., Splendide mendax.]

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.

Why would anyone lie? The truth is always more colorful.

Why would anyone lie? The truth is always more colorful.

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.

Resolved to die in the last dyke of prevarication.

Resolved to die in the last dyke of prevarication.

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.

Quoth Hudibras, I smell a rat;
Ralpho, thou dost prevaricate.

Quoth Hudibras, I smell a rat;
Ralpho, thou dost prevaricate.

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.