Ossian Collection > Fingal

82 CARTHON.
large limbs did not move in steps, for a ghost
supported it in mid air. It came towards Selma's
hall, and dissolved in a shower of blood.
'f] The king alone beheld the sight: he foresaw
the death of the people. He came in silence to
his hall, and took his father's spear. The mail
rattled on his breast. The heroes rose around.
They looked in silence on each other, marking
the eyes of Fingal. They saw battle in his face ;
the death of armies on his spear. A thousand
shields at once are placed on their arms; they
drew a thousand swords. The hall of Selma
brightened around. Tiie clang of arms ascends.
The grey dogs howl in their place. No word is
among the mighty chiefs. Each marked the eyes
of the king, and half- assumed his spear.
Sons of Morven , begun the king, this is no
time to fill the shell; the battle darkens near us,
death hovers over the land. Some ghost, the
friend of Fingal , has forewarned us of the foe.
The sons of the stranger come from the darkly-
rolling sea; for from the water came the sign of
Morvens gloomy danger. Let each assume his
heavy spear, each gird on his fathers sword.
Let the dark helmet rise on every head ; the mail
pour its lightning from every side. The battle
gathers like a storm; soon shall ye hear the roar
of death.
The hero moved on before his host, like a
cloud before a ridge of green fire, when it pours
on the sky of night and mariners foresee a storm.
On Cona's rising heath they stood: the white-
bosomed maids beheld them above like a grove:
they foresaw the death of the youth , and looked
towards the sea with fear. The white wave de
ceived them for distant sails; the tear is on their
cheek! The sun rose on the sea. and we beheld
a distant fleet. Like the mist of ocean they came,
and poured their youth upon the coast. The
chief was among them , like the stag in the midst
of the herd. His shield is studded with gold;
stately strode the king of spears. He moved to-
wards Selma; his thousands moved behind.
Go, with thy song of peace, said Fingal: go.