FOR A COLUMN AT RUNNYMEDE

by: Mark Akenside (1721-1770)

HOU, who the verdant plain dost traverse here

While Thames among his willows from thy view

Retires; O stranger, stay thee, and the scene

Around contemplate well. This is the place

Where England's ancient barons, clad in arms

And stern with conquest, from their tyrant king

(Then rendered tame) did challenge and secure

The charter of thy freedom. Pass not on

Till thou hast blest their memory, and paid

Those thanks which God appointed the reward

Of public virtue. And if chance thy home

Salute thee with a father's honour'd name,

Go, call thy sons: instruct them what a debt

They owe their ancestors; and make them swear

To pay it, by transmitting down entire

Those sacred rights to which themselves were born.

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