Ossian Collection > Fingal of Ossian

Book II. F I N G A L. 107
The great Cuthullin leads himfelf the Hoft
Clad in bright Armour ; like an angry Ghoft
250 Before a Cloud, while Thunders roll on high,
And fiery Meteors brighten all the Sky :
Amidft furrounding Flames the Spirit Hands,
And the dark Winds of Heav'n are in his Hands.
No lefs refplendent, in the Front of War,
255 The Hero looks ; while on the Heath afar,
Old Carril bids the Horn of Battle found.
And pours his Soul into the Warriors round.
Where,
V. 257. And pours his Soul into the Warriors round.'] The chief Bards
of the Celtic, and other Northern Nations, followed their Patrons into the
Field, and were frequently of fignal Service. It was their Bufinefs and
Cuftom, upon the Eve of a Battle, to harangue the Army in a War-Song
compofed in the Field. This Species of Song was in the Earfe called
Brofnuha Cath, that is to fay, an Inspiration to War. The Poet addrefled
a Part of this Song to every diftindt Tribe, fhewing them the Rewards of a
glorious Death, and reminding them of the great Adlions performed by
their Anceftors. He began with a warm Exhortation to the whole Army,
and ended with the fame Words. The Exhortation turned principally on
the Love of Fame, Liberty, and their Prince. " The Germans" (fays
P 2 Tacitus^