[382a]
said
I; “would a god wish to deceive, or lie, by presenting in either
word or action what is only appearance?” “I don't
know,” said he. “Don't you know,” said I,
“that the veritable lie, if the expression is permissible, is a
thing that all gods and men abhor?” “What do you
mean?” he said. “This,” said I,
“that falsehood in the most vital part of themselves, and about
their most vital concerns, is something that no one willingly accepts, but
it is there above all that everyone fears it.” “I don't
understand yet either.” “That is because you suspect me
of some grand meaning,”
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