Ossian Collection > Essay on the authenticity of the poems of Ossian

OF OSSIAN'S POEMS. 22&
sible that he could have borrowed from them.
The coincidence can only be accounted for,
by allowing, that both have derived these
verses from tradition.
Still, however, it must be remarked, that,
even in these verses from " Bas Ossian," Mr
Kennedy appears to have some claims, suffi-
ciently marked by a modern hand. He ap-
pears to have debased this passage, by seve-
ral interpolations, which declare their author,
by the same false taste that reigns through-
out his Carril. He introduces the heroes
" Musical, elegant, comely, brave,
" With wine, and conversation, and flesh :
" Esteemed enough; and we knew not falsehood.
" The heroes mild, brave, friendly,
" Of much kindness; and extensive was their fame,
" Generosity, hospitality," &c.
Now, let any person thus take, at ran-
dom, six verses, from the original of the
Seventh Book of Temora, and translate it li-
terally, or freely, at his pleasure, if he can