Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

216 TIGHMORA. [Duan I.
Oscar always is like a rock."
" Wilt thou not at once yield the spear ? "
Said Cairbre, in his rising wrath.
" Are thy words thus stormy and high
About Fionngal on Erin's shore, 240
About Fionngal of hoary locks,
From the forests of Morbheinn's hills ?
He always warred with feeble men ;
But let him come over to Cairbre ;
He'll fail in the glen like a shadow, 245
Or mist that is dull on the waste,
Descending and rolling from Atha."
" Were the chief who warred with the weak
But approaching near unto Cairbre,
Then would Cairbre from Atha of glens 250
Make o'er, without arming, green Erin.
But speak not of the mighty, chief ;
Against me turn thy sword and shield —
Whose strength no comparison bears ;
Fionngal of the shield is renowned, 255
The high leader of noble chiefs."
Both their friends together beheld
The stern lowering frown on their brows ;
Heard the sound of their hastening steps ;
Their eyes were like a raging fire ; 260
Half unsheathed were a thousand swords.
Knowing Olla suppressed the strain,
Red Olla of inciting lays.
His soul thrilled in Oscar with joy,
With joy that was wont to the chief 265
When the war-horn of the king rose.