Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

?4< A PRELIMINARY DISCOURSE.
the young' shooting poplar in Lutha's streamy
vales ; but sorrow sate upon his brow ; languor
reigned on his cheek. My heart inclined to
the youth. My sword oft avoided to wound ;
often sought to save his days : but he rushed
eager on death. He fell. Blood gushed from
his panting breast. Tears flowed streaming
from mine eyes. I stretched forth my hand to
the chief. I proffered gentle words of peace.
Faintly he seized my hand. ' Stranger,' he
said, ' I willingly die, for my days were op.,
pressed with woe. Evir-allen rejected my
love. She slighted my tender suit. Thou
alone deservedst the maid, for pity reigns in
thy soul, and thou art generou'^ and brave. Tell
her, I forgive her scorn. Tell her, I descend
with joy into the grave ; but raise the stone of
!ny praise. Let the maid throw a flower on
my tomb, and mingle one tear with my dust ;
this is my sole request. This she can grant to
my shade.'
J would have spoken, but broken sighs is-
Buing from my breast, interrupted my faltering
wor-ds I threw my spear aside. I clasped
the youth in my arms : but, alas ! his soul was
already departed to the cloudy mansions of his
fathers.
Then thrice I raised my voice, and called
the chiefs to combat. Thrice I brandished my
spear, and wielded my glittering sword. No
warrior appeared They dreaded the force of
my arm, and yielded the blue-eyed maid.
Three days I remained in Branno's halls.
On the fourth he led me to the chambers of
the fair. She came forth attended by her
maids, graceful in lovely majesty, like the
moon, when ail the stars confess her sway, and
retire resjicctful and al)aslied. I laid my sword
at her feet. \\o\ds of love flowed faltering