Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

Book v.] FINGAL. 83'
Tlic starting tear stands on the royal check :
For terrible had i)cen his son in war.
His son! in semblance like a beam of fire
In midnight-gloom coruscant on the hill, 205
When sinking forests fall beneath its course,
And the lone trav'ller trembles at the sound.
Then thus hegan the king of Ejen'rous shells :
* Whose fame in that dark tomb interred lies ?
* Four stones conspicuous with their mossy heads 210
* There standing, mark the narrow house of death,
' Near it let my dear Ryno lie in peace,
* And neighbour to the once great heroes sleep.
* Perhaps here also rests some chief of fame,
* Consorted with my son on clouds to lly. — • 215
* Back to my memory again to bring
* The sable tenants of the silent tomb,
^ The songs of other times, O Ullin, raise,
* If, in the field where valiant heroes fought,
* They from approaching danger never fled : 220
' Far from his friends, on Lena's shaggy heath,
' W^ith them my once brave son shall ever rest.'
* Here rest the chief of heroes. — In this tomb
* Still Lamderg lies; and Ullin, king of swords ! 225
* And who, soft smiling from her azure cloud,
* Darts to my sight her matchless face of love ?
* Why, daughter, why — thou first of Cromla's maids,
* Appear'st thou pale ? Dost thmi, Gelchossa, sleep
* Promiscuous with the foes in battle, say ? 230
* Tho' thousands made to thee their suit of love,
* Tuathal's daughter with the breast like snow,
' Yet Lamderg reign'd the fav'rite of thy heart.
* To Seima's mossy tow'rs the warrior came.