"Can you nominate in order now the degrees of the lie? I will name you the degrees. The first, the Retort Courteous; the second, the Quip Modest; the third, the Reply Churlish; the fourth, the Reproof Valiant; the fifth; the Countercheck Quarrelsome; the sixth, the Lie with Circumstance; the seventh, the Lie Direct. All these you may avoid but the Lie Direct; and you may avoid that too, with an If. . . . Your If is the only peace-maker; much virtue in If."

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Source: 'As You Like It' (1599) act 5, sc. 4, l. [108]

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William Shakespeare

Playwright, Poet

William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet, renowned for his profound exploration of human emotions in works like 'Hamlet' and 'Othello.'

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William Shakespeare Playwright, Poet

"When I got enough confidence, the stage was gone. When I was sure of losing, I won. When I needed people the most, they left me. When I learnt to dry my tears, I found a shoulder to cry on. And when I mastered the art of hating, somebody started loving me."

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