Inscription for a Column at Runnymede

    THOU 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 render'd tame) did challenge and secure
    The charter of thy freedom. Pass not on
    Till thou hast bless'd 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.

Mark Akenside