Ossian Collection > Critical dissertation on the poems of Ossian, the son of Fingal

28 A CRITICAL DISSERTATION
fighting. Whereas in Offian, the mind is relieved by a more agree-
able diverfity. There is a finer mixture of war and heroifm, with
love and friend fhip, of martial, with tender fcenes, than is to be
met with, perhaps, in any other poet. The Epifodes too, have
great propriety ; as natural, and proper to that age and country :
confifting of the fongs of Bards, which are known to have been the
great entertainment of the Celtic heroes in war, as well as in peace.
Tbefe fongs are not introduced at random ; if you except the Epi-
fode of Duchommar and Morna, in the firft book, which, though
beautiful, is more unartful, than any of the reft, they have always
fome particular relation to the aftor who is interefted, or to the
events which are going on ; and, whilft they vary the fcene, they
preferve a fufficient connexion with the main fubjec^, by the fitnefs
and propriety of their introdudion.
As Fingal's love to Agandecca, influences fome circumftances of
the Poem, particularly the honourable difmiffion of Swaran at the
end ; it was neceffary that we fliould be let into this part of the
hero's ftory. But as it lay without the compafs of the prefent ac-
tion, it could be regularly introduced no where, except in an Epi-
fode. Accordingly the poet, with as much propriety, as if Ariftotle
himfelf had direfted the plan, has contrived an Epifode for this pur-
pofe in the fong of Carril, at the beginning of the third book.
The conclufion of the poem is ftridlly according to rule ; and is
every way noble and pleafing. The reconciliation of the contending
heroes, the confolation of Cuchullin, and the general felicity that
crowns the action, footh the mind in a very agreeable manner, and
form that paflage from agitation and trouble, to perfedl quiet and
repofe, which critics require as the proper termination of the Epic
work. " Thus they pafled the night in fong, and brought back
" the morning with joy. Fingal arofe ©n the heath ; and fhook
*' his glittering fpear in his hand. He moved firft towards the
" plains of Lena ; and we followed like a ridge of hre. Spread
" the fail, faid the King of Morven, and catcli the winds that
" pour from Lena. — We rofe on the wave with fongs ; and rufhed
" with joy through the foam of the ocean." — So much for the
unity and general condud of the Epic adion in Fingal.
With