Ossian Collection > Fingal

24 FINGAL.
» Cormar was the first of my race. He sported
through the storms of waves. His black skiff bounded
on ocean ; he travelled on the wings of the wind.
A spirit once embroiled the night. Seas swell and
rocks resound. Winds drive along the clouds. The
lightning flies on wings of fire. He feared, and
came to land, then blushed that he feared at all.
He rushed again among the waves, to find the son
of the wind. Three youths guide ths bounding bark;
he stood with sword unsheathed. When the low-
hung vapour passed, he took it by the curling head.
He searched its dark womb with his steel. The
son of the wind forsook the air. The moon and
stars returned! Such was the boldness of my race.
Calmar is like his fathers. Danger flies from the
lifted sword. They best succeed who dare !
"But now. ye sons of green Erin, retire from
Lena's bloody heath. Collect the sad remnant of
our friends , and join the sword of Fingal. I heard
the sound of Lochlin's advancing arms ! Calmar
will remain and fight. My voice shall be such,
my friends, as if thousands* were behind me. But,
son of Semo , remember me. Remember Calmar's
lifeless corse. When Fingal shall have wasted the
field, place me by some stone of remembrance,
that future times may hear my lame; that the
mother of Calmar may rejoice in my renown. ..
" No : son of Matha , „ said Cuthullin , " 1 will
never leave thee here. My joy is in unequal fight:
my soul increases in danger. Connal, and Carril
of other times , carry off the sad sons of Erin.
When the battle is over, search for us in' this
narrow way. For near this oak we shall fall , in
the stream of the battle of thousands ! Fithil's
son, with flying speed rush over the heath of Lena.
Tell to Fingal that Erin is faUen. Bid the king
of Morven come. let him come, like the sun
in a storm , to lighten , to restore the isle ! >.
Morning is grey on Cromla. The sons of the
sea ascend. Calmar stood forth to meet them in
the pride of his kindling soul. But pale was the
fece of the chief. He leaned on his lathers spear.
That spear which he brought from Lara, when the
soul of his mother was sad ; the soul of the lonely