Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

Duan V.] FIONNGAL. 179
Said Fionngal of the mighty deeds ;
" In my presence no foe prevails ;
My kindred are not humble, chief.
Then follow me, lord of the waves, 115
Take comfort on the knoll of feasts ;
Chase the fleet-footed mountain roes ;
Be a valiant friend of the king."
" I will not," was the chief's reply ;
" With the weak was ever my hand ; 120
My steel is unmatched on the hill.
Why yields not the brave to my sword ? "
" Young warrior, I never yielded,
Nor shall I yield to living man.
Select thou from my people, chief ; 125
Numerous and great is my race."
" Does the king then decline the combat ? "
Said Orla of the dusky shield ;
" Fionngal to the young man is equal,
And he of his heroes alone. 130
King of Morbheinn of great renown,
Should I be o'ercome in the strife,
Raise my dust in the midst of Lena ;
Let my tomb on the hill be greatest.
Send over the expanse of waves 135
To the island of ships my sword,
To the grief-laden fair, my love,
Lamh-geal, of the slow-moving eyes.
She will show the steel to her son,
While soothing tears course down her cheek."
"Young hero of the mournful tale, 141
Wherefore hast thou started my tears ?