Thou, who the verdant plain dost traverse here <br /> While Thames among his willows from thy view <br /> Retires; O stranger, stay thee, and the scene <br /> Around contemplate well. This is the place <br /> Where England's ancient barons, clad in arms <br /> And stern with conquest, from their tyrant king <br /> (Then rendered tame) did challenge and secure <br /> The charter of thy freedom. Pass not on <br /> Till thou hast blest their memory, and paid <br /> Those thanks which God appointed the reward <br /> Of public virtue. And if chance thy home <br /> Salute thee with a father's honour'd name, <br /> Go, call thy sons: instruct them what a debt <br /> They owe their ancestors; and make them swear <br /> To pay it, by transmitting down entire <br /> Those sacred rights to which themselves were born.<br /><br />Mark Akenside<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-a-column-at-runnymede/
