Ossian Collection > Authenticity of the poems of Ossian

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sails." Keats, it is said, was killed by the eftect pro-
duced on liis mind by Jefirey's adverse criticism of his
poems. It was on this element, so deeply rooted in
our nature, for the purpose of inciting us to the
achievement of whatever is great and noble — which
must and will be ministered to, if we are to be any-
thing more than the brutes that perish — that the bardic
institution rested. Other duties came to be associated
with it in the course of time, but it was in this that it
had its origin — for this end that it was upheld through
so many ages, with a stability that the Caledonians
believed could never be shaken. " Our names," said
Cuclmllin, " shall live in the songs of the bards while
ocean continues to pour its waters into the channel."
On every occasion they exercised their calling, at
friendly feasts, in their hunting excursions, and even
in the intervals of battle. The Caledonians are en-
gaged fighting with Swaran on the plains of Lena,
and hard jsressed. "Go," says Fingal, who had retired
with three bards to the height of Cromla, to watch the
engagement, " Go, Ullin, my bard, carry my words
over the field — carry them to Gaul, (the commander,)
remind him of war ; remind him of his departed sires;
strengthen his hands with song." When darkness has
fallen on the combatants without victory having de-
cided for either side, and both have retired to their
place for the night, " Go, Ullin," says Fingal, " invite
Swaran to our feast, the night shall be passed with
song ; to-morrow we shall break the spear." Oscar
has fallen in the war of Tighmora. The bards are
first enjoined to give his name to song. This done,
" Ullin, my aged bard," says the sorrowing Fingal,
"take a small ship, carry Oscar to Selma of woods;" and
so on through the whole poems, everything of impor-
tance being entrusted to the bards. They were the
teachers of morality, the inspirers of heroic virtue, the
historians of the community.
Entrusted with such great interests, is it surprising
that they were held in such liigh estimation ; and,
looking at the lofty position they occupied, need we
wonder if they exercised their power in upholding
reverence for their order, and enthusiasm for their pro-
ductions? So much was this the case that we find all
capable of repeating, from memory, long passages of
their compositions. What a nursery for poetic train-
ing ! What a premium on poetic excellence ! And