Oh Say, What Is Truth?

Author: John Jaques

This chart compares versions of the English text of Oh Say, What Is Truth?, as it appears in different publications.

Minor punctuation, capitalization, and spelling differences are shown, in addition to more substantial differences in words, phrases, or verses.

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1. O say, what is Truth? ’Tis the fairest gemn11. Oh say, what is truth? ’Tis the fairest gem 2That the riches of worlds can produce;2That the riches of worlds can produce, 3And priceless the value of truth will be, when3And priceless the value of truth will be when 4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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1. Oh say, what is truth? ’Tis the fairest gem 2That the riches of worlds can produce;2That the riches of worlds can produce, 3And priceless the value of truth will be, when3And priceless the value of truth will be when 4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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That the riches of worlds can produce; class="diff_next">2That the riches of worlds can produce, 3And priceless the value of truth will be, when3And priceless the value of truth will be when 4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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That the riches of worlds can produce, 3And priceless the value of truth will be, when3And priceless the value of truth will be when 4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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And priceless the value of truth will be, when3And priceless the value of truth will be when 4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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And priceless the value of truth will be when 4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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The proud monarch’s costliest diadem4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 5Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Is counted but dross and refuse.5Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Is counted but dross and refuse. 66 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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2. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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2. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire:n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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To which mortals or Gods can aspire: class="diff_next">n8To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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To which mortals or Gods can aspire. 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies;n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies; class="diff_next">n10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies: 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 1212 n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp,n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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3. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp, class="diff_next">n133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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3. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp 14When with winds of stern justice he copes,14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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When with winds of stern justice he copes, class="diff_next">14When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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When with winds of stern justice he copes. 15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,15But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, 16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast16And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast 17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.17And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes. 1818 t194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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4. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,t194. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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4. Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, 20For the limits of time it steps o’er:20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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For the limits of time it steps o’er: class="diff_next">20For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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For the limits of time it steps o’er. 21Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Though the heavens depart, and the earth’s fountains burst,21Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst, 22Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Truth, the sum of existence will weather the worst,22Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst, 23Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Eternal, unchanged, evermore.23Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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Eternal, unchanged, evermore. 2424
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The text of this song is in public domain (originally published before 1929, or published before 1964 and not renewed).