Ossian Collection > Fingal

CANTO VI. FINGAL. 131
Bright, as the oceans sparkling Avave,
They glitter o'er th' expanded green,
In gaudy show, tho' fierce and dread,
With rising spears and ensigns spread.
Tarah the while at distance stood.
Nor spear nor streaming flag uprear'd ;
Dark as a lightning-stricken wood,
Alone unniarshall'd she appear'd ;
For at her head the great Fingal
Stood not, her banner'd strength to call ;
Fingal, whose shield for thirty years,
Bright guiding-star to Tarah's spears,
Had pour'd o'er many a fame-sang day
The glories of a cloudless ray.
But when the battle ceas'd to roar,
Fingal's great spirit glow'd no more,
No bonds of amity he form'd ;
Jle griev'd, but no man knew his woe ;