Ossian Collection > Fingal

CAprro III.
FINGAL. 81
Four steps of precious stones were laid,
Massive and broad, th' ascent to aid
To the area of the holy hill;
Jasper was one, one chrysolite,
The third was lazuli, the fourth
Cornelian of unblemish'd white,
All exquisitely wrought, their worth
Thrice trebled by the carver's skill.
Unsullied crystals fram'd in gold,
Join'd, as by workmanship divine,
In sparkling, wide, pellucid fold
Enwrap the area and the shrine.
Close to its base, on the outer side.
Low silver pedestals are plac'd,
Num'rous and large, in circuit wide ;
Most by rich plenteous off' rings grac'd,
But vacant some, of which with care,
The guide of those who the armor bear,
One choosing, straightway gives command,
That there the kingly gift should stand.
G