Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

CATH-LODA. 201
And \Aou, king of roaring Urlor, let the battle cease,
till Annir receive the shell from fiery-eyed Cruth-loda."
Bursting into tears, she rose, and tore a lock from
her hair ; a lock, which wandered in the blast, along
her heaving breast. Corman-trunar gave the she.l,
and bade me rejoice before him. I rested in the shade
of night, and hid my face in my helmet deep. Sleep
descended on the foe. I rose, like a stalking ghost.
I pierced the side of Corman-trunar. Nor did Foina-
bragal escape. She rolled her white bosom in blood.
Why, then, daughter of heroes, didst thou wake my
rage?
Morning rose. The foe were fled, like the depart-
are of mist. Annir struck his bossy shield. He called
his dark-haired son. I came, streaked with wandering
blood : thrice rose the shout of the king, like the burst-
ing forth of a squall of wind from a cloud by night.
We rejoiced three days above the dead, and called the
hawks of heaven. They came from all their winds to
feast on Annir's foes. Swaran, Fingal is alone in his
hill of night. Let thy spear pierce the king in secret ;
hke Annir, my soul shall rejoice.
" Son of Annir," said Swaran, " I shall not slay in
shades : I move forth in light : the hawks rush from all
their winds. They are wont to trace my course : it is
not harmless through war."
Burning rose the rage of the king. He thrice raised
his gleaming spear. But, starting, he spared his son,
and rushed into the night. By Turthor's stream, a
cave is dark, the dwelling of Conban-cai'glas. There
he laid the helmet of kings, and called the maid of
Lulan ; but she was distant far in Loda's resounding
hall.
Swelling in his rage, he strode to where Fingal lay
alone. The king was laid on his shield, on his own
Bccret hill.