Ossian Collection > Ossian, his principal poems

to If. AX EPIC POEM. 91
" Seek not to share the glory of thy friend,
Conquest and honour on his steps attend ;
Behold him in the greatness of his might,
Hush like a tempest through the ranks of fight."
Cuchullin thus replied : " To Morven's lord,
Thou, Carril, bear thy leader's beamy sword ;
For I, alas ! deserve no more to wield
The arms of heroes in the marshall'd field.
When Lochlin falls, as roaring streams decay,
The tempest past, to him exalt thy lay.
Ye souls of mighty warriors ! now no more.
Ye ghosts of Crouila ! your fall'n chief deplore \
In Tura's lonely cave with me complain.
And raise around the melancholy strain !
No more shall I renown'd in battle stand.
Or shine among the mighty of the land.
jMy fame is transient as the lightning's gleam.
Or vapours fading to the morning beam.
Cease, Connal cease ! thy vain attempt give o'er ;
The charms of glory fire my soul no more !
Talk not of arms, — In Tura's cell I'll close
Life's clouded eve, and seek in death repose ;
And thou, Bragela, much-lov'd fair, adieu !
Thy vanquish'd cheftain thou no more shalt view!"