Lie great number of lies, depending on how the political wind blows." The question of whether lies can reliably be detected through nonverbal means is a subject of some controversy. Polygraph "lie detector" machines measure the physiological stress a subject endures in a number of measures while he/she gives statements or answers questions. Spikes in stress are purported to indicate lying. The accuracy of this method is widely disputed, and in several well-known cases it was proven to have been deceived. Nonetheless, it remains in use in many areas, primarily as a method for eliciting confessions or employment screening. Polygraph results
The Lie (poem) remains the most likely candidate. This is one of Raleigh's most anthologized poems. The Lie (poem) The Lie is a political and social criticism poem probably written by Sir Walter Raleigh circa 1592. Speaking in the imperative mood throughout, he commands his soul to go "upon a thankless errand" and tell various people and organizations of their misdeeds and wrongdoings. And if they object, Raleigh commands, publicly accuse them to be lying, or "give them the lie." To "give the lie" was a common phrase in Raleigh's time of writing. <poem> Go, Soul, the body's guest, Upon a thankless errand;