On the Decay of the Art of Lying | Page 6

object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not
our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully,
maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and
clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly,
tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high
calling. Then shall we be rid of the rank and pestilent truth that is
rotting the land; then shall we be great and good and beautiful, and
worthy dwellers in a world where even benign Nature habitually lies,
except when she promises execrable weather. Then--But am I but a
new and feeble student in this gracious art; I cannot instruct this club.
Joking aside, I think there is much need of wise examination into what
sorts of lies are best and wholesomest to be indulged, seeing we must
all lie and we do all lie, and what sorts it may be best to avoid--and this
is a thing which I feel I can confidently put into the hands of this
experienced Club--a ripe body, who may be termed, in this regard, and
without undue flattery, Old Masters.

End of Project Gutenberg Etext On the Decay of the Art of Lying, by
Twain

On the Decay of the Art of Lying

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