1643 “VERITAS.” 1878

TRUTH: So the frontlet's older legend ran,

On the brief record's opening page displayed;

Not yet those clear-eyed scholars were afraid

Lest the fair fruit that wrought the woe of man

By far Euphrates — where our sire began

His search for truth, and, seeking, was betrayed —

Might work new treason in their forest shade,

Doubling the curse that brought life's shortened span.

Nurse of the future, daughter of the past,

That stern phylactery best becomes thee now

Lift to the morning star thy marble brow

Cast thy brave truth on every warring blast!

Stretch thy white hand to that forbidden bough,

And let thine earliest symbol be thy last!