Ossian Collection > Fingal

FINGAL. 133
And cautious look oft round he cast,
While to the outer port he sped.
A page stood ready with his steed,
He mounted, and the winged speed
That bore him from my wond'ring view,
My mind to unwonted notice drew."
« Old man, hast thou not nam'd this thing
'Till now ?" the king dark frowning cried.
" No, not to any man, great king,"
The old warrior lowlily replied.
" More dost thou know than thou hast told ;
But torture shall unloose thy tongue;
E'en now thine insolence grows bold.
And clouds upon thy brow are hung.
Stripes shall disperse them,— strip thee kern,
That thou respect for kings may'st learn."