Ossian Collection > Fingal

38 FINGAL. ca
From 'neath each cowl gianc'd look severe,
Ruthless, dispassionate, and drear.
* Hither conduct,' the chief priest said,
* The woman impious, who hath dar'd,
From lips contaminate, to breathe
False, sacrilegious vows to heaven.
In fury, panting to be sped,
Vengeance her blood-red arm hath bar'd,
The sword hath sprang forth from its sheath,
The flames have their commission given.'
He ended. Aged matrons place
The victim bound within the pale,
And closely draw the impervious veil
Of black, that darkling, o'er her face
And round her slender limbs is thrown.
She speaks no word, she heaves no groan.
Kerthal, in bonds at distance laid.
Felt, tho' he knew not why, the dart
Of keen forebodence pierce his heart —
Can this be his dear blue-eyed maid ?