Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

66 Critical Dissei-tation
was tliis the warrior's liighest glory. He who as-
pires to the love of virgins, ought always to be
foremost in the roar of arms. It appears to me,
of truth, that we are led by the Fates. Seldom
can any overcome the appointment of destiny.
Little did I foresee that Ella was to have my life
in his hands, in that day when fainting I concealed
my blood, and pushed forth my ships into the
waves ; after we had spread a repast for the beasts
of prey throughout the Scottish bays. But this
makes me always rejoice, that in the halls of our
father Balder (or Odin) I know there are seats
prepared, where, in a short time, we shall be
drinking ale out of the hollow sculls of our enemies.
In the house of the mighty Odin, no brave man
laments death. I come not with the voice of de-
spair to Odin's hall. How eagerly would all the
sons of Aslauga now rush to war, did they know
the distress of their father, whom a multitude of
venomous serpents tear ! I have given to my chil-
dren a mother who hath filled their hearts with
valour. I am fast approaching to my end. A
cruel death awaits me from the viper's bite. A
snake dwells in the midst of my heart. I hope
that the sword of some of my sons shall yet be
stained with the blood of Ella. The valiant youths
will wax red with anger, and will not sit in peace.
Fifty and one times have I reared the standard in
battle. In my youth I learned to dye the sword in
blood : my hope was then that no king among men
would be more renowned than me. The goddesses
of death will now soon call me ; I must not mourn
my death. Now I end my song. The goddesses
invite me away ; they whom Odin has sent to me
fi-om his hall. I will sit upon a lofty seat, and
drink ale joyfully with the goddesses of death.
The hours of my life are run out. I will smile
when I die."
This is such poetry as we might expect from a