Ossian Collection > Original collection of the poems of Ossian, Orrann, Ulin, and other bards, who flourished in the same age

OSSIAN'S DISTRESS. 203
heir; tell my tale, as it was, in ancient times, re-
cited in a mild style. From the east came down,
with easy steps, an historian of elegant voice.
From his lips, noble as the dew, and as fresh vir-
gin-honey dropping from the comb; his style is
flowing, methodical, wise, and neat: melodious
is his speech with beauty and elegance. In his
countenance appears the bard, descending with
slow and gentle step. Another rose up in the
south, who strenuously pled my cause in the
battle, and who clothed me in my own garb, at
the time of reciting the tale of the brave. A brave
hero in Lismore prepared his arms ; he threw the
spear, and made a gap in the head of the filthy
bear, without virtue. A dauntless clerk stood up in
the high fort (Edinburgh), in the cause of the bards
against the wolf; he threw the real dog upon his
back, and the back of his head in the mire. Ano~
ther strenuous champion is coming fresh; strong
is his step, and mild his voice, and he shall over-
throw all those who have calumniated my people.
And now, since the two great men are fallen,
their armies are pursued in their flight, and they
shall never obtain the victory in the battle, nor
merit praise in the strife.
My blessing on the souls of the heroes, who
with ire are descending, to defend me and the Fin-
galians, from the will of our merciless foes. O
Ossian, of victorious deeds, my blessing attend
thee, and all thy people together; pleasant to my