What Is Truth? Poem by John Bowring

What is truth? said Pilate, groping
In the darkness of his ire.-
Trembling, doubting, fearing, hoping,
Calmer souls may well inquire,
What is truth?-that prize whose worth
Far exceeds the gifts of earth.


Truth-of love and light the presence,
Truth-the stepping-stone to heaven,
Truth-of knowledge soul and essence,
Truth-celestial pole-star given,
Wandering barks to cheer and guide
Through the tempest and the tide.