Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian, the son of Fingal

i^Book n. AN EPIC POEM. 165
Son of Semo," replied the chief, " the ghost of
Crugal came from the cave of his hill. ' The stars dim-
twinkled through his form ; and his voice was like the
sound of a distant stream. He is a messenger of death.
He speaks of the dark and narrow house. Sue for
peace, O chief of Dunscaich ; or fly over the heath of
Lena."
• He spoke to Connal," replied the hero, " though
stars dim-twinkled through his form. Son of Colgar,
it was the wind that murmured in the caves of Lena.
Or if it was the form" of Crugal, why didst thou not
force him to my sight ? Hast thou enquired where is
his cave ? The house of the son of the wind ? My sword
might find that voice, and force his knowledge from
'"i. And sm.all is his knowledge, Connal, for he was
here to-day. He could not have gone beyond our hills,
and who can tell him there of our death ?"
• Ghosts tiy on clouds, and ride on winds," said Con-
nal's voice of wisdom. *' They rest together in their
caves, and talk of mortal men."
' Then let them talk of mortal men ; of every man
but Erin's chief. Let me be forgot in their cave ; for
vill not fly from Swaran. If I must fall, my tomb
shall rise amidst the fame of other times. The hunter
shall shed a tear on my stone ; and sorrow dwell round
the high- bosomed Bragela. I fear not death, but I fear
to fly ; for Fingal saw me often victorious. Thou dim
phantom of the hill, show thyself to me I come on thy
beam of heaven, and show me my death in thine hand ;
yet will I, not fly, thou feeble son of the wind. Go, son
of Colgar, strike the shield of Caithbat ; it hangs be-
tween the spears. Let my heroes rise to the sound in
the midst of the battles of Erin. Though Fingal de-
lays his coming with the race of the stormy hills, we
shall fight, O Colgar's son, and die in the battle of he-
roes."
a The poet teaches us the opinion that prevailed in his time concerning the state of
I separate souls. From Connal's expression, " That the stars dici-twinkled through the
"■ form of Crugal," and CuthuUin's reply, we may gather ttat lUey boUi UiougW Uie
Bul was material.