Ossian Collection > Report of the Committee of the Highland Society of Scotland, appointed to inquire into the nature and authenticity of the poems of Ossian

DAUGHTER OF MEY. 10*^
This fruit, more sweet than virgin honey found,
Serv'd both alike for physic and for food :
It cur'd diseases, heal'd the bleeding wound,
And hunger's rage for three long days withstood.
But precious things are purchas'd still with pain,
And thousands tr^-'d to pluck it, bat in vain»
For at the rpot of tliis delightful tree,
A venoinous and awful dragon lay,
With watchful eyes, all horrible to sec.
Who drove th'a.Trighted passengers away.
Worse than the viper's sting its teeth did wound.
The wretch who felt it soon behov'd to die j
Hor could physicians ever yet be found
W^ho might a certain antidote apply;
Ev'n they whose skill had sav'd a mighty host;
Against its bite no remedy could boast.
Revengeful Mey, her fury to appease,
And him destroy who durst her passion slighi^
Feign'd to be stricken with a dire disease.
And cali'd the hapless Albin to her sight :
" Arise, young hero ! skill'd in feats of war.
On yonder lake your dauntless courage prove;
To pull me of the frnit, now bravely dare.
And save the mother of the maid you love.
I die without its influence divine :
Nor will I taste it from a hand but thine. "
With downcast look the lovely youth reply'd,
" Tiiough yet my feats of valour have been few,
My might in this adventure shall be try'd ;
I go to pull the healing fruit for you. "
With stately steps approaching to the deep.
The hardy hero swims the liquid tide :