Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

Book VI.] F I N G A L. 97
* Thcc, when beyond my own few were thy years,
' I saw, and struck with vast amazement said :
♦' When shall I lift tiie spear like great Fingdl ?"
* On shago;y Maimer's side we heretofore, 1^0
* Kenowned warrior, have together fought ;
' When to thy halls I on my ocean borne,
' Luxuriant feasted with a thousand shells.
* The name of him, wlio overcame in fight,
* Let sweetest bards to future years record ; 175
* For noble was the strife of Maimer's heath,
* But num'rous ships of Lochlin now remain,
' Whose vanquish'd youths on Lena's plains have faH'n,
* These Vdke, O king of Morven, and henceforth
* In firmest compact stand with Swaran join'd. ISO
' And when thy sons to Gormal's mossy tow'rs
* In future times shall come ; for them shall shine
* The feast of sounding shells ; whilst on the vale
' The joys of combat shall await their call.'
* Fingal no ship' (reply'd the king) ' will take, 185
* Nor land of many hills. The desert plain
' Me satisfies with all its deer and woods.
* Now on thy raging, roaring main again,
' Thou noble friend of Agandecca rise.
* To morning-beams thy snow-white sails expand, 190
* And straight to Gormal's echoing hills return.'
' Blest be thy soul, thou noble king of shells,'
Said stormy Swaran of the dark-brown shield.
* In peace, thou art the gentle gale of spring;
* But, when in war, the raging mountain storm. J95
' O Morven's king, my hand of friendship take,
* And let thy plaintive bards lament the slain.
' Lochlins fall'n sons let Erin give to earth,
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