Quote by Hilaire Belloc, Cautionary Tales
Matilda told such dreadful lies,It made one gasp and stretch one's eyes;Her aunt, who from her earliest youth,Had kept a strict regard for truth,Attempted to believe Matilda:The effort very nearly killed her.
Summary
This quote by Hilaire Belloc portrays a young girl named Matilda who has a habit of telling outrageous lies. Matilda's aunt, who has always valued the importance of honesty, tries to trust her niece's words despite their incredibility. However, the act of believing Matilda's falsehoods takes such a toll on her aunt that it nearly overwhelms her. This quote highlights the destructive nature of deceit and exaggeration, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and the potential harm that can arise from dishonesty.