For a Column at Runnymede

Thou, who the verdant plain dost traverse hereWhile Thames among his willows from thy viewRetires; O stranger, stay thee, and the sceneAround contemplate well. This is the placeWhere England's ancient barons, clad in armsAnd stern with conquest, from their tyrant king(Then rendered tame) did challenge and secureThe charter of thy freedom. Pass not onTill thou hast blest their memory, and paidThose thanks which God appointed the rewardOf public virtue. And if chance thy homeSalute thee with a father's honour'd name,Go, call thy sons: instruct them what a debtThey owe their ancestors; and make them swearTo pay it, by transmitting down entireThose sacred rights to which themselves were born.