Page:Genlis - The Palace of Truth (1819).djvu/48
34
behold objects as they are; let me hear sincerity; let those who speak express their real sentiments, and let those who wish to deceive be unconscious that they said the very contrary of what they meant to say: let them not hear themselves, but let them rest persuaded they really speak the flattering words, by which they mean to impose on their hearers; for without this double charm each would be silent, and I should never hear any thing but interrupted phrases.
The genius sighed: Imprudent Phanor, said he, what is it you ask?—But my oath is sacred; return to your own territories, and, instead of the palace you have hitherto occupied, you will have the one you have had the folly to desire. Here is a box, continued he, which will preserve you from the laws of this dangerous palace; while you keep it, you will say nothing but what you intend to say; or if you wish to lend it to any other, it will have the same effects on them; but I can only make one of the kind; it is impossible I should give you another talisman of that effect.