Ossian Collection > Fingal

48 FINGAL.
" Encavern'd deep, a city lies,
For peopling multitudes and size,
Compar'd to which, none that the earth
Lifts boastful to the beamy day,
But would seem 'merging from the birth
To fade in nothingness away ;
There neither hill, nor valle^ green,
Nor sun, nor starry heav'n is seen;
But colonnades, and arches wide
High tow'ring in gigantic pride,
Of polish'd metal dazzling bright,
Seem burning in the steadfast blaze
That num'rous flaming torches pour,
And back in rich reflected rays
Of brilliancy prismatic, shower
One vast continuous flood of light.
There, up to manhood's hardy prime,
Dwelt Marthon; nor of other clime ,