Ossian Collection > Selections from the Gaelic bards

42 MODERN GAELIC BARDS.
Their glaives they plied, and deep and wide
The wounds they gave to all they met.
Powder blazing — war smoke raising,
Till a cloud about them grew ;
The lively, fair, and quick youths there
Then cut ribs and marrow through :
With bitter blades — thick-back'd, dark blue-
In every stubborn stripling's hand,
That cleft the sturdiest body through —
My joy! I think their pride was grand.
Sufficient, strong, and manly —
A daring band, and clanish all —
The race of Collai red hand —
Full of might and spirits, tall.
Keen their ire as flames of fire,
When March's wind put strength in them-
Without failing, rust, or ailing,
In the breadth or length of them.
With buoyant life they go to strife.
No dread of wounds can hold them back;
They need no strain to make them fain.
Hearts, and brains, and reins they whack;
Heads they sweep off — hands and feet off —
In the smoke, with battle's mirth —
Each one so brave, with hardy glaive.
So manly, sharp, and full of worth.
The lovely race — the daring —
Well equipp'd in war array.
Their long smooth muskets wearing,
So deadly in the dread affray ;
With lock, and, flint, and hammer
Ready trimm'd to give the blow
That sends away the powder grey,
In a bright and fiery glow.
Then bullets red in showers are sped,
Through smoke and roar and lustre quick.