HISTORY OF THE MAGNA CHARTA.
KING JOHN, son of Henry II. of England, was one of the most wicked and overbearing of monarchs. At length, being overcome by the evils which had been brought on his kingdom by his own misconduct, he yielded his obstinacy, and became reconciled to the church. Fearing the invasion of his dominions by the French king, Philip II., he delivered his crown to the Pope, from whom he agreed to hold it as a vassal; but still his natural love for tyranny seemed to increase. He scorned his nobles, and sought every opportunity in his power of infringement upon their privileges. At length the barons were unable to endure his tyranny, and, directed by Lancton, the archbishop, they formed a conspiracy against him. They assembled at Runnymede, and after much opposition compelled him to sign and seal a famous document, called the Magna Charta, which is still regarded as the "great bulwark of English liberty." After he had signed it, and the people left, he gave vent to his rage in very exciting language. By it important liberties and privileges are secured to every order of men in the kingdom. The Magna Charta was signed on the 15th of June, A. D. 1215. King John died the following year, after a reign of eighteen years, "with scarcely a single virtue to redeem a thousand vices." He was succeeded by his son, Henry III., who was only nine years of age.—Selected.