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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Verity, Inc. on Form S-8 (to register shares under the 1996 Nonstatutory Stock
Option Plan) of our reports dated June 18, 1997, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Verity,
Inc. as of May 31, 1997 and 1996, and the years ended May 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, which reports appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Verity, Inc.
filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


                                       Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

San Jose, California
January 8, 1998