Oh Say, What is Truth -

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.

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.

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 bullwarks outstand the rude blast

and the wreck of the fell tyrant's hopes.

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.

- John Jaques, 1827-1900