The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Morning Post. I lie for need,
And falsehood is worse in Kings than Beggars.
Shakespeare.
SIR,

Of all the evils to which Society is exposed, that of a LIAR is certainly the most pernicious. A man, who is possessed of a lying tongue, may divide families, and break the most durable barrier of friendship: for it is an evil, which we cannot always be aware of.

A fellow of dexterity, who has got into a knack of lying, may do an incredible deal of damage; but when a fool has got into it, in what a ridiculous, contemptible light do we look upon him, to hear a man advance a thing which contradicts the reason of every hearer, and even carries with it such an air of improbability, as stamps LYE in the front of it?

I say must not this inspire us with contempt for the author of such outrages to truth? A man of this cast ought always to confine his stories to probability; but some people have such a strange desire of appearing great, that they relate such miracles, as is scarcely in human nature to perform. This is the very worst method they can take for it saps the foundation of that grandeur they value so much, and lets every one see, that to appear great is their only aim; and to effect it, they would kick down every obstacle, let the consequence be what it will.

I was led into these reflections by being in company with a person, whom I shall distinguish by the name of Mendax.

Mendax is one of those Mortals, who prefer grandeur to every other sublunary happiness, to effect which he seldom leaves any stone unturned; but, unfortunately for him, he has not that penetrating eye to distinguish a probability from a possibility; for whatever does not amount to a direct impossibility, he thinks he has a right to relate, tho' the improbability of the fact immediately gives him the lye.

This want of discernment has a very good effect; it prevents the unwary from being taken in; and the wonderfulness of his story, like himself, dwindles into a mere nothing.

Mendax is a man of no address; yet, believe him, and he is intimately acquainted with every person of fashion in the beau monde, and solicits no favour, but he is sure of having it granted. It is really strange, that any one should become so habituated to LYING, as not to know when they speak truth. Did they but consider, how much cheerfulness and good company is spoiled by the ridiculous stories they relate about themselves, they would surely get rid of so detestable a faculty.

I am yours,
VERITAS.