68. O Say, What is Truth?

1. Oh say, what is truth? ’Tis the fairest gem
That the riches of worlds can produce;
And priceless the value of truth will be when
The proud monarch’s costliest diadem
Is counted but dross and refuse.

2. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize
To which mortals or Gods can aspire:
Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,
Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;
’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.

3. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,
When with winds of stern justice he copes,
But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,
And its firm-rooted bulwarks out-stand the rude blast,
And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.

4. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,
For the limits of time it steps o’er:
Tho’ the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,
Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst,
Eternal, unchanged, evermore.

Text Information
First Line: O say, what is truth? 'Tis the fairest gem
Title: O Say, What is Truth?
Author: John Jaques
Language: English
Publication Date: 1919
Tune Information
Name: [O say, what is truth? 'Tis the fairest gem]
Incipit: 53321 17615 55112
Key: G Major



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