Ossian Collection > Ossian, his principal poems

OINA-MORUL. 259
Espouse the fair, — she will thy soul delight,
And shine in Selma, a distinguished light ;
Nor will the portion she can bring disgrace
Her union with the great Fingalian race."
Thus friendly he then left me to repose ;
But scarce laid down, my eyes began to close,
Than, sweetly breathing through the silent air,
The sudden sound of music charm'd my ear,
Soft as the breeze that whirls the thistle's beard,
And lowly whispering in the grass, is heard ;
The royal maid of Fuarfed it prov'd,
Who knew my soul by harmony was mov'd,
And plaintive sung ! — " Who, placed on yonder rock,
O'er rolling ocean casts a parting look ?
Upon the blast his hair dishevell'd flies ;
His bosom heaves, with sorrow streams his eyes.
Retire, disconsolate youth, thy love is gone
To wander in a distant land unknown ;
Though fame extols that race of kings, yet true
To her first love, she'll ever think of you ;
And doom'd in misery her days to end.
Shall curse the fate that made our sires contend."
" Sweet voice," I said, " forbear thy plaintive moan,
Thou shalt not wander in a land unknown.
Descended from the daring Trenmor's race,
This bosom cherishes no passion base ;
It scorns to act a low ignoble part ;
And knowing now to whom inclines thy heart,
Thy sire to mollify shall be my care ;
Then ease thy fears and back to rest repair."