How then may we devise one of those falsehoods in the hour of need, I said, which we lately spoke of—just one royal lie [γενναῖόν τι ἑν ψευδομένους] which may deceive the rulers, if that be possible, and at any rate the rest of the city? Plato, Republic, iii. 414 (Jowett's Translation). Relling. I'm fostering the vital lie in him. Gregers. Vital lie? Is that what you said? Relling. Yes I said vital lie-for illusion, you know, is the stimulating principle. Ibsen, The Wild Duck. Turnbull & Spears, Printers, Edinburgh |