For a Column at Runnymede
For a Column at Runnymede
Original Text
Akenside, Mark, An Ode to the Country Gentlemen of England (London: R. Dodsley, 1758). D-10 2119 Fisher Rare Book Library
1Thou, who the verdant plain dost traverse here
2While Thames among his willows from thy view
3Retires; O stranger, stay thee, and the scene
4Around contemplate well. This is the place
5Where England's ancient barons, clad in arms
6And stern with conquest, from their tyrant king
7(Then rendered tame) did challenge and secure
8The charter of thy freedom. Pass not on
9Till thou hast blest their memory, and paid
10Those thanks which God appointed the reward
11Of public virtue. And if chance thy home
12Salute thee with a father's honour'd name,
13Go, call thy sons: instruct them what a debt
14They owe their ancestors; and make them swear
15To pay it, by transmitting down entire
16Those sacred rights to which themselves were born.
Publication Start Year
1758
RPO poem Editors
N. J. Endicott
RPO Edition
2RP.1.725
Form