“Bright Ithuriel’s lance
Truth kindling truth where’er it glance.”
It is not shown here, for it is invisible, but none the less potent. With it Truth can indeed “shame the devil.” She not only shows what the liar is like outside, but reveals his inner hideousness, and actual shape, for all to see.
There are many sayings about Truth, and they are all awkward for the liar. “Truth will out,” said a witty English judge, “even in an affidavit.” It will out, even in a German Chancellor’s démenti.
The most famous is
“Magna est veritas et prævalet”
“Great is Truth and she prevails,” in the end.
Yes, “She is on the path, and nothing will stop her.” She started on the hills of the little but free republic of Switzerland; she is slowly traversing the plains of the vast free republic of America. Her last contest will be over the Germans themselves.
HERBERT WARREN
VON BETHMANN-HOLLWEG AND TRUTH