Ossian Collection > Critical dissertation on the poems of Ossian, the son of Fingal

ON THE POEMS OF O S S I A N. 41
very happily connefts all thefe poems. They form the poetical hiftory
of the age of Fingal. The fame race of heroes whom we had met
with in the Epic poem, CuchuUin, Ofcar, Connal and Gaul return
again upon the ftage ; and Fingal himfelfis always the principal
figure, prefented on every occafion, with equal magnificence, nay
rifing upon us to the laft. The ciicumftances of Offian's old age
and blindnefs, his furviving all his friends, and his relating their
great exploits to Malvina, the fpoule or miftrefs of his beloved fon
Ofcar, furniOi the fineft poetical fituations that fancy could devife
for that tender pathetic which reigns in Offian's poetry.
As each of thefe poems have their particular merit, there might
be room for examining them feparately, and for fliowing, in many
inftances, what art there is in the conduit and difpofition of the
incidents, as well as what beauty in the defcriptions and fentiments.
Carthon is a regular and highly finiflied piece. The main ftory is
very properly introduced by Cleflammor's relation of the adventure
of his youth ; and this introdudion is finely heightened by Fingal's
fong of mourning over Moina j in which Offian, ever fond of
doing honour to his father, has contrived to diftinguilli him, for
being an eminent poet, as well as warrior. Fingal's fong upon this
occafion, when " his thoufand Bards leaned forwards from their
" feat?, to hear the voice of the King," is inferior to no paflage
in the whole book ; and with great judgment put in his mouth,
as the ferioufnefs, no lefs than the fublimity of the ftrain, is peculiarly
fuited to the Hero's character. Temora is the opening of an Epic
Poem, which appears to be equal in every refpedt to Fingal. The
contrail: between the charafters of Cathmar and Cairbar, the death
of Ofcar, and the alfaffination of the young prince Cormac, are fuch
jnterefting fcenes, as give the greateft reafon to wifh the recovery
of the fcquel. In Darthula are affembled almoft all the tender
images that can touch the heart of man : Friendfliip, love, the
atfeflions of parents, fons, and brothers, the diftrefs of
the aged, and the unavailing bravery of the young. The beautiful
addrel's to the moon, with which the poem opens, and the tranfi-
tion from thence to the fubje<5l, moft happily prepare the mind for
that train of affedling events that is to follow. The ftory is regular,
dramatic, interefting to the laft. He who can read it without emo-
tion may congratulate himlelf, if he pleafes, upon being completely
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