Ossian Collection > Poetical works of James Macpherson, Esq

THE HIGHLANDER* ^^
Or awful thro' the forming fquadrons (nine,
Build up the ranks, and ftretch the lengthened line.
Each clan their ftandards from the beam unbind ;
They float along, and clap upon the wind :
The hieroglyphic honours of the brave
Acquire a double horror as they wave.
The Southern warriors ftretch the lines of war
Full on the right, obedient to Dumbar.
Harden'd to manhood in the fchool of arms.
He moves along fedately as he forms :
Next deeply ftretch their regular array,
To break the iron tempeft of the day,
The fons of Lennox, and their gallant Grahams,
Oft honoured with the bloody fpoils of fame.
He tow'rs along with unafFe6ted pride,
Whilft they difplay their blazing arms afide.
Great Somerled pofleft the middle fpace.
And rang'd the kindred valour of his race ;
The dauntlefs fons of Morchuan's rocky foil,
And the rough manhood of Mull's fea-girt ifle.
The mountain-chiefs, in burning arms incas'd,
And carrying all their country in their breaft,
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