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 gemn 11. 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, when 3And priceless the value of truth will be when
4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem 4The proud monarch’s costliest diadem
5Is counted but dross and refuse. 5Is counted but dross and refuse.
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72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize 72. Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize
n 8To which mortals or Gods can aspire: n 8To which mortals or Gods can aspire.
9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies, 9Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,
n 10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies; n 10Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies:
11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire. 11’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.
12 12
n 133. The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp, n 133. 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 blast 16And 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.
18 18
t 194. Then, say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first, t 194. 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.
24 24
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