Ossian Collection > Poetical works of James Macpherson, Esq

34 THE HIGHLANDER.
The Scots, a ftream, would fweep the Danes away,
The Danes, a rock, repell'd the Scots array.
They fight alternate, and alternate fly,
Both wound, both conquer, both with glory die.
Thrice Haco ftrove to break Dumb ar's array,
And thrice Dumbar impell'd him to the fea.
The fiery Magnus, foaming on the right,
Pours on the mountain-chiefs his warrior-might.
The mountain-youths the furious chief reftrain,
And turn the battle back upon the Dane.
The ranks of Sueno fland in firm array,
As hoary rocks repel the raging fea.
The hero to the phalanx crowds his might,
And calmly manages the {landing fight •,
Not idly madd'ning in the bloody fray,
He wears delib'rately the foe away.
Straight on his fpear the godlike Alpin flood,
His flaming armour *fmear*d with Danifh blood.
He cafts behind an awe-commanding look.
And to his few, but valiant, followers fpoke :
« The cautious Danes, O friends, in firm array*
With perfeverance may fecure the day ;
Our people fall. Let us their force divide;
Invade with flame their tranfports on the tide.