Sa di

Ch 08 On Rules For Conduct In Life - Maxim 60

Mendacity resembles a violent blow, the scar of which remains, though the wound may be healed. Seest thou not how the brothers of Joseph became noted for falsehood, and no trust in their veracity remained, as Allah the most high has said: Nay but ye yourselves have contrived the thing for your own sake. One habitually speaking the truth Is pardoned when he once makes a slip But if he becomes noted for lying, People do not believe him even when speaking truth. THE GULISTAN OF SA'DI Translated by Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890)