Ere the dead past its destined course outran: Now Nature hath resumed her primal rule,
While wasting Time destroys the work of man.
Duke William! that false oath makes England thine!
If thy soft spirit wander 'neath the shade
Of trees deep rooted in these crumbling mounds,
Let it not mourn the grandeur once displayed
Within thy Castle's moat-encircled bounds.
William the Conqueror was apparently declared as ruler of England at Berkhamsted Castle. Not sure why it would be a 'false oath'?