On the Decay of the Art of Lying

In this witty, tongue‑in‑cheek essay a seasoned speaker addresses a gathering of historians and antiquarians, lamenting that the once‑refined art of lying has slipped into clumsy, uncrafted honesty. He treats deception not as a vice but as a timeless virtue—a “fourth Grace” that comforts and decorates everyday life—while playfully warning that today’s lies lack the polish of a well‑trained craft.

The author argues that lying is as essential as any moral principle, deserving of study in schools and newspapers alike. He peppers the argument with colorful examples: ladies who “pay calls” only to pretend they’ve found friends at home, and a chorus of gentlemen whose casual greetings are deliberate falsehoods. Sprinkled with references to philosophers and historians, the piece balances sharp satire with genuine curiosity about why we all, in one form or another, rely on gentle deception. Listeners will enjoy the clever blend of humor, social observation, and a heartfelt plea to revive a lost skill.