Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

ARGUMENT TO BOOK I.
Cuthullin (general of the Irish tribes, in the minority of Cor-
mac, king of Ireland) sitting alone beneath a tree, at the gate
of Tura, a castle of Ulster (the other chiefs having gone on a
hunting party to Crorala, a neighbouring hill), is informed of
the landing of Swaran, king of Lochlin, by Moran, the son of
Fithil, one of his scouts. He convenes the chiefs ; a council
is held, and disputes run high about giving battle to the
enemy. Connal, the petty king of Togorma, and an intimate
friend of Cuthullin, was for retreating, till Fingal, king of
those Caledonians who inhabited the north-west coast of
Scotland, whose aid had been previously solicited, should
arrive ; but Calmar, the son of Matha, lord of Lara, a country
in Connaught, was for engaging the enemy immediately.
Cuthullin, of himself willing to fight, went into the opinion of
Calmar. Marching towards the enemy, he missed three of
his bravest heroes, Fergus, Duchomar, and Cathba. Fergus
arriving, tells Cuthullin of the death of the two other chiefs ;
which introduces the affecting episode of Morna, the daughter
of Cormac. The army of Cuthullin is descried at a di-tance
by Swaran, Avho sent the son of Arno to observe the motions
of the enemy, while he himself ranged his forces in order of
battle. The son of Arno returning to Swaran, describes to
him Cuthullin's chariot, and the terrible apjiearance of that
hero. The armies engage, but night coming on, leaves the
victory undecided. Cuthullin, according to the hospitality of
the times, sends to Swaran a formal invitation to a feast, by
his bard Carril, the son of Kinfena. Swaran refuses to come.
Carril relates to Cuthullin the story of Grudar and Brassolis.
A party, by Connal's advice, is sent to observe the enemy ;
which closes the action of the first day.