Ossian Collection > Thoughts on the origin and descent of the Gael

450
" when the moon rises ; and, in converting Satan
" into Swaran, it was only necessary to suppress
" those images that are derived from the sciences,
" or from the arts of civiUzed hfe."
What are the simple words of Ossian?
" A shleagh mar gliiubhas air scor-bbeinn
Mar ghealach aig eiri' a sgia."
Latin version.
" Est hasta instar pini in jiigo niontis
Instar lu«iae surgeutis ejus clypeus."
Ossian.
" His spear is like a fir (tree) upon the rocky summit of a
mountain ;
Like the moon rising was his shield."
These are natural simple images, not derived
from the authority of Milton.
Criticism, p. 1 1. — " Rocks fell from their place,
" rivulets, changing their course, fled murmuring
^^ from our side.'' Virgil, M\\. viii. 239.
" DissuUant ripae, refluilque exterritus amnis."
" Imitated in Macpherson's Ode on the Earl
" Mareschai's return."
" When from their native rocks the frighted springs retire."