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 render'd tame) did challenge and secure <br />The charter of thy freedom. Pass not on <br />Till thou hast bless'd 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 intire <br />Those sacred rights to which themselves were born.<br /><br />Mark Akenside<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/inscriptions-vi-for-a-column-at-runnymede/