The monarch rose, and eager to his breast, "My strength hath fail'd," the mournful king began, "And Crothar now can scarce be deem'd a man! "O that this hand could still the sword sustain, "As on the day, when fierce on Strutha's plain, "Your father fought! He was the first of men, "And him alone I own'd superior then. "My gallant actions his attention drew ; "He gave the praise that was to valour due, "And plac'd upon my arm the bossy shield "Of mighty Calthar, whom in war he kill'd.. "Behold where yet it hangs on yonder wall, Among the spoils that ornament my hall. "Is Ossian strong?-Approach, and let me feel "If like thy father thou canst lift the steel. I gave my arm, to please the good old man, Which having felt, he sigh'd, and thus began. 66 My son, thy arm is strong and form'd for war, "Yet to thy father's is inferior far! "But who of mortal men e'er equall'd him, "For great is this descendant of Fingal, "Who honours with his presence Crothar's hall." : He He said; and straight the joyous board is crown'd; But this ill-season'd merriment prov'd short. The passing moon darts through the clouds of night. "Ossian! thou seest that latent griefs destroy "Our eager efforts to afford thee joy. "But think not thus in Croma's hall, the shell "Went mournful round before my people fell: "Our pride was to regale the stranger guest, "While fair-hair'd Forvar-gormo graced the feast; "But that regretted youth now slain in fight, "Hath not behind him left one streak of light. "To save the realm he met a stronger foe, 66 "For this his father's and the people's woe! "Enfeebled, and unequal in their gait, "These trembling limbs could scarce support my weight. "'Twas then I wish'd the day, when firm I stood "The shock of war, and drench'd the field in blood. "When, from the chase return'd, my son beheld "His feeble sire accouter'd for the field; "(A miserable object old and blind!) "The noble youth indignant spoke his mind. 66 "Of Croma, let him this invader face. 66 My bosom beats, my heart is all on fire; "I will repel, or in th' attempt expire." “Go, meet him, I replied, my gallant son! "But be not by the heat of youth spurr'd on, "To rush amidst the battle's thickest rage, "Where, hand to hand, in front the strong engage. "Then shall I hear thy steps return with joy, "And cling transported to my darling boy. "Upon th' event tis painful long to dwell, "He went he met the foe-they fought—he fell; "And Tromlo's chief, elated with success, "Advances now our palace to possess." This is no time the song of bards to hear, Again the people to the hall repair, But handed round the shell with alter'd cheer. In words responsive to the minstrel's string. The hours in mirth, till morn restores the day: No cares molesting, and no dangers near, In Forvar-gormo's praise my voice was heard, He search'd the lifeless corpse, and when he felt, "The scars that seam his breast prove this, and shew "Till all their kindred, all their friends have past. " Then, |