Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

251
AN ANCIENT EPIC POEM,
BOOK I.
ARGUMENT.
Cuthullin (general of the Irish tribes, in the minority of Cor-
inac, kin? of Ireland) sitting alone beneath a tree, at the gate
of Tura, a castle of Ulster (the other chiefs having gone on a
hunting party to Cromla, a neighbouring hill), is inforraed of
the landing of Swaran, king of Lochlin, by Moran, the son of
Flthil, one of his scouts. He convenes the chiefs ; a coun-
cil is held, and disputes run high about giving battle to the
enemv. Connal, the petty king of Togorma, and au intimate
friend of Cuthullin, was for retreating, till Fingal, king of those
Caledonians who inhabited the north-west coast of Scotland,
whose aid had been previously solicited, should arrive ; but
Calmar, the son of Matha, lord of Lara, a country in Connaught,
was for engaging the enemy immediately. Cuthullin, of him-
self willing to fight, went into the opinion of Calmar. March-
ing towards the enemy, he missed three of his bravest heroes,
Fergus, Duchomar, and Cathba. Fergus arriving, tells Cu-
thullin of the death of the two other chiefs : which introduces
the affecting episode of Morna, the daughter of Cormac. The
army of Cuthullin is descried at a distance by Swaran, who
sent the son of Arno to observe the motions of the enemy,
while he himself ranged his forces in order of battle. The sun
of Arno returning to Swaran, describes to him Cuthullin's cha-
riot, and the terrible appearance of that hero. The armies en-
gage, but night coming on, leaves the victory undecided. Cu-
■ thuUin, according to the hospitality of the times, sends to
Swaran a formal invitation to a feast, by his bard Carnl, the
son of Kenfena. Swaran refuses to come. Carril relates to
Cuthullin the story of Grudar and Brassolis. A party, by Con-
nal's advice, is sent to observe the enemy ; which closes the
action of the first day.
Cuthullin sat by Tura's wall; by the tree of the
rustling sound. His spear leaned against the rock.
His shield lay on the grass, by his side. Amid his
thoughts of mighty Cairbar, a hero slain by the chief
in war; the scout of ocean comes, Moran the son of
Fithil !
' Arise,' says the youth, ' Cuthullin, arise. I see
the ships of the north ! Many, chief of men, are the
fqe. Many the heroes of the sea-borne Swaran!' —
'iVIoran!' replied the blue-eyed chief, 'thou ever
tremblest, son of Fithil! Thy fears have increased the
foe. It is Fingal, king of deserts, with aid to green
Erin of streams.'—' I beheld their chief/ says Moran,