Ossian Collection > Fingal

PREFACE.
Ulfter, and difpatched fcouts along the coart:, to give the mofl early
intelligence of the enemy. Such is the fituation of affairs, when
the poem opens.
CucHULLiN, fitting alone beneath a tree, at the gate of Tura, ■^'"5- 'E^- 5^-
for the other chiefs had gone on a hunting party to Cromla, a
neighbouring hill, is informed of Svvaran's landing by Moran, the
fon of Fithil, one of his fcouts. He convenes the chiefs ; a council
is held, and difputes run high about giving battle to the enemy.
Connal, the petty king of Togorma, and an intimate friend of
Cuchullin, was for retreating till Fingal fliould arrive i but Calmar,
the fon of Matha, lord of Lara, a country in Connaught, was for
engaging the enemy immediately. — Cuchullin, of himfelf willing to
fight, went into the opinion of Calmar. Marching towards the
enemy, he miffed three of his braveit heroes, Fergus, Duchomar,
and Caithbat. Fergus arriving, tells Cuchullin of the death of the
two other chiefs ; which introduces the affeding epifode of Morna,
the daughter of Cormac — The army of Cuchullin is defcried at a
diftance by Swaran, who fent the fon of Arno to obferve the mo-
tions of the enemy, while he himfelf ranged his forces in order
of battle. The fon of Arno returning to Swaran, defcribes to
him Cuchullin's chariot, and the terrible appearance of that hero.
The armies engage, but night coming on, leaves the vidlory unde-
cided. Cuchullin, according to the hofpitality of the times, fends
to Swaran a formal invitation to a feafl, by his bard Carril, the fon
of Kinfena. — Swaran refufes to come. Carril relates to Cuchullin
the ftory of Grudar and Braffolis. A party, by Connal's advice, is
fent to obferve the enemy ; which clofes the adion of the
firft day.
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