Ossian Collection > Ossian, his principal poems

APPENDIX TO THE BARDS, IxXV
No. 1, Dargo, a Celtic Poem. — The following poem cele-
bnites the exploits of Dargo, one of the chiefs of Scandinavia.
He undertakes an expedition to the Fingalian territory,
and gains the advantage in every combat, till Gaul, the son
of Morni, encounters and kills him.
I RELATE the exploits of the mighty chief that came from the east
with the hope of victory — a vaHant hero, full of wrath, the in-
trepid Dargo, Drudiu's son. Towards the mansion of Fingal's
illustrious race, advanced Dargo, the son of Drudin, from eastern
shores, the land of the brave, to destroy the Fions of Albion. The
accomplished champion pledged his word, soon as he launched on
the brine, that he should achieve the defeat of each warrior in
Fingal's train, however brave.
When the valorous chief arrived from the east, he eagerly sought
the combat. The bright-toothed, brown-haired Dargo, went to
Ben-chruachan of the crowded hosts. Two heroes that brooked no
shame, were watching the white foamed ocean, the gallant Ryno,
Fingal's son, and strong Caol, the offspring of Grudo. While these
watched the main, they sunk into a deep repose, until the skiff of
th.3 great warrior came near them, bounding on the strand. Forth
from his hollow bark sprung the beauteous hero ; he hauled her
over the ridges of the bright pebbled shore. His yellow hair
glittered as gold over the smooth brow and ruddy cheek ; his blue
eyes looked as the mountain berry, in the comely face of the chief.
The offspring of the king of princes grasped two spears for combat.
A gold-gleaming buckler hung on the left shoulder of the monarch's
illustrious son. Fearless of combat, he bore a sword of destructive
force. A helmet, polished and studded with gems, shone on the
temples of the thundering warrior. The champions of the eastern
land did homage to Dargo, the son of Drudin, for majestic and
graceful beauty, for equal combat, and for gallant soul.
The son of Momi, tremendous in might, and full of wrath,
advanced, armed for combat. The earth shook beneath him, as he
trod to meet Dargo, the son of Drudin. Then awoke the rage of
the two mighty warriors ; many were the strokes dealt on helm and