CROMA. THE ARGUMENT. CROTHAR, losing through age his sight, Rothmar, a neighbouring Prince, resolved to avail him self of the opportunity of annexing the old man's territory to his own. knowledge of Fingal, The design coming to the he sent Ossian to the assis tance of Crothar. But before he arrived, his son, Fovar-gormo, a youth of great promise, ventur ing to engage the enemy, is slain, and his army routed. Ossian, however, renews the war, kills Rothmar, and totally defeats his forces. The poem opens with the lamentations of Malvina for Oscar. It is to console her, that Ossian relates this story of Crothar; who, with uncommon fortitude, bore the death of his son. CROMA. IT was my Oscar spoke!-his voice I knew, Why would your murmurs restless winds forsake, From heav'n descended to delight my dream; O son O son of Ossian! my afflicted mind My sighs still heave, when dawning day appears, 66 Would to their harps a sprightly tune compose. Sometimes they said " Malvina! why complain? "Wilt thou forever weep the warrior slain? "Did birth and dignity the youth adorn, "Or was he lovely as the beaming morn? "However dear, forbear to weep the chief, "Or death must follow such excess of grief." O Toscar's daughter!* why this doleful strain? You wring your heart with ecstasy of pain! While laid at Morruth's gentle gliding streams, The ghosts of ancient bards inspir'd your dreams; Less sweet th' enchanting notes our youth essay, When from the hills return'd, at eve of day They * Ossian speaks. They sing the chase.—But cease those plaintive airs, They but excite afresh incessant tears. Light vernal show'rs refresh the flow'ry plains, The king commanding, to the northern gales, On landing I a herald sent before, And follow'd with my people from the shore. The |