Ossian Collection > Poems of Ossian

282 OSS I AN
spreads green behind the hill, with its three blue
streams. The sun is there in silence. The dun
mountain-roes come down. On these are turned the
eyes of Sul-malla in her thoughtful mood.
Fingal beholds Cathmor, on high, the son of Borbar-
duthul ; he beholds the deep-rolling of Erin, on the dark-
ened plain. He strikes that warning boss, which bids
the people to obey, when he sends his chiefs before
them, to the field of renown. Wide rise their spears to
the sun. Their echoing shields reply around. Fear, like
a vapour, winds not among the host : for he, the king,
is near, the strength of streamy Selma. Gladness
brightens the hero. We hear his words vv^ith joy.
"Like the coming forth of winds, is the sound of
Selma's sons! They are mountain waters, determined in
their course. Hence is Fingal renowned. Hence is his
name in other lands. He was not a lonely beam in
danger ; for your steps were always near ! But never
was Fingal a dreadful form, in your presence, darkened
into wrath. My voice was no thunder to your ears.
Mine eyes sent forth no death. When the haughty ap-
peared, I beheld them not. They were forgot at my
feasts. Like mist they melted away. A young beam is
before you ! Few are his paths to war ! They are few,
but he is valiant. Defend my dark-haired son. Bring
Fillan back with joy. Hereafter he may stand alone.
His form is like his fathers. His soul is a flame of
their fire. Son of car-borne Morni, move behind the
youth. Let thy voice reach his ear, from the skirts of
war. Not unobserved rolls battle, before thee, breaker
of the shields !
The king strode, at once, away to Cormul's lofty
rock. Intermitting, darts the light, from his shield, as
slow the king of heroes moves. Sidelong rolls his eye
decisive battle between Fingal and Cathmor. It is described in
the seventh book, where it is called the vale of Lona. M.