human
Hyperbole is a fault of no trivial importance in conversation. Carried, as it generally is, to such an extent, it is nothing more nor less than equivalent to lying. It frequently places the Hyperbolist in a position of distrustful scrutiny and strong doubt, on the part of those with whom he converses. His authentication of a rumour reacts as its contradiction. He himself robs it of a large amount of evidence, by welcoming the proof of anybody else as better than his own. He anticipates the discount which will be made off his commodity, and so adds exorbitancy to his statements, which will leave a balance in hand after all. But people will not be deceived again and again. His credit becomes damaged. His moral bill returns dishonoured. His extravagance of diction, like extravagance in expenditure, involves him in difficulties, and thus the immediate fate of mendacity symbolizes that awful retribution which will finally exclude all liars from the society of the good and true.
gpt
Old Humphrey, in speaking of a painter who over-coloured his pictures, was wont to express the defect by saying,
human
Too much red in the brush. It would be well for the Hyperbolist to have some friend at his elbow, when he over-colours things, to say,
gpt
Too much red in the brush.
human
The Inquisitive will blab: from such refrain; Their leaky ears no secret can retain.
gpt
Private,