Вступление
[Verse 1]
GCG
Oh say, what is truth? ’Tis the fairest gem
CD
That the riches of worlds can produce,
GCG
And priceless the value of truth will be when
CD
The proud monarch’s costliest diadem
GDG
Is counted but dross and refuse.
[Verse 2]
GCG
Yes, say, what is truth? ’Tis the brightest prize
CD
To which mortals or Gods can aspire.
GCG
Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,
CD
Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies:
GDG
’Tis an aim for the noblest desire.
[Verse 3]
GCG
The sceptre may fall from the despot’s grasp
CD
When with winds of stern justice he copes.
GCG
But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,
CD
And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast
GDG
And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.
[Verse 4]
GCG
Then say, what is truth? ’Tis the last and the first,
CD
For the limits of time it steps o’er.
GCG
Tho the heavens depart and the earth’s fountains burst,
CD
Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst,
GDG
Eternal, unchanged, evermore.