Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian > Volume 1

XXX A DISSERTATION CONCERNING THE
empire could not spare aid) to the Saxons, a na-
tion equally barbarous and brave with the enemies
of whom they were so much afraid. Though the
bravery of the Saxons repelled the Caledonian
nations for a time, yet the latter found means to
extend tliemselves, considerably, towards the south.
It is in this period we must place the origin of the
arts of civil life among the Scots. The seat of
government was removed from the mountains to
the plain and more fertile provinces of the south,
to be near the common enemy, in case of sudden
incursions. Instead of roving through unfre-
quented v/ilus, in search of su]}sistence, by means
of ]iunting, men applied to agriculture, and rais-
ing of corn. This manner of life was the first
means of changing the national character. The
next thing which contributed to it was their mix-
ture with strangers.
In the countries which the Scots had conqiierc^d
from the Britons, it is probable that most of the
old inhabitants remained. These incorporating
with the conquerors, taught them agriculture and
otiier arts, which they themselves had received
from the Romans. The Scots, however, in
number as well as power, being the most predo-
ir-inant, retained still their language, and as many
of the customs of their ancestors as suited with
the nature of the country they possessed. Even
the union of the two Caledonian kingdoms did not
much afiect the national character. Being origi-
nally descended from the same stock, the manners
of the Picts and Scots were as similar as tha
difterent natures of the countries they possessed
permitted.
Vtliat brought about a total change in the gc*