Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

332 THE POiiMS or 03SIAN.
* Cormar \vas the first of my race. He sport-
ed through the stoirns of waves. His black skiff
bounded on ocean ; he travelled on the wings of
the wind. A spirit once embroiled the night.
Seas swell and rocks resound. Winds drive along
the clouds. The lightning flies on wings of fire.
He feared, and came to land, then blushed that
he feared at all. He rushed again among the
waves, to find the son of the wind. Three youths
guide the bounding bark : he stood with sword
unsheathed. When the low hung vapour passed,
he took it by the curhng head. He searched its
dark womb with his steel The son of the wind
forsook the air. The moon and the stars re-
turned ! Such was the boldness of my race.
Calmar is like his fathers. Danger flies from
the lifted sword. They best succeed who dare I
'But now, ye sons of green Erin, retire from
Lena's bloody heath. Collect the sad remnant
of our friends, and join the sword of Fingal. I
heard the sound of Lochlin's advancing arms;
Calmar will remain and fight- My voice shall
be such, my friends, as if thousands were behind
me. But, son of Semo, remember me. Re-
member Calmar's lifeless corse. When Fingal
shall have wasted the field, place me by some
stone of remembrance, that future times may
hear my fame ; that the mother of Calmar may
rejoice in my renown.*
' No : son of Matha,' said CuthuUin, ' I will
never leave thee here. My joy is in an unequal
fight : my soul increases in danger. Connal,
and Carril of other times, carry off the sad sons
of Erin. When the battle is over, search for us
in this narrow way. Foi near this oak we shall
fall, in the streams of the battle of thousands ! O
Fithal's son, with flying speed rush over the
heath of Lena. Tell to Fingal that Erin is fallen!
Jiid the king of Morven come. O let him come