Selections from the Writings of Mrs. Margaret M. Davidson; The Mother of Lucretia Maria and Margaret M. Davidson

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1843. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE SIX BOOKS OF FINGAL. That the following poems may be the better understood, and the chain of the story kept unbroken, I have taken the liberty to insert the entire argument of M'Pherson in the original, before the commencement of every book. J ARGUMENT TO BOOK I. Cuthullin (general of the Irish tribes in the minority of Cormac, king of Ireland), sitting alone beneath a tree at the gate of Tura, a castle of Ulster, (the other chiefs having gone on a hunting parly to Cromla, a neighbouring hill, ) is informed of the landing of Swaran, King of Lochlin, by Moran, the son of Fithil, one of his scouts. He convenes the chiefs; a council is held, and disputes run high about giving battle to the enemy. Connal, the petty king of Togorma, and an intimate friend of Cuthullin, was for retreating, till Fingal, king of those Caledonians who inhabited the northwest coast of Scotland, whose aid had been previously solicited, should arrive; but Calmar, the son of Matha, lord of Lara, a country in Connanght, was for engaging the enemy immediately. Cuthullin, of himself willing to fight, went into the opinion of Calmar. Marching towards the enemy, he missed three of his bravest heroes, Fergus, Duchomor, and Cathba. Fergus arriving, tells Cuthullin of the death of the two other chiefs; which introduces the affecting episode of Morna, the daughter of Cormac. The army of Cuthullin is descried at a distance by Swaran, who sent the son of Arno to observe the motions of the enemy, while he himself ranged his forces in order of battle. The son of Arno returning to Swaran, describes to him Cuthullin's chariot, and the terrible appearance of that hero! The armies engage, but night coming on, leaves the victory undecided. Cuthullin, according to the hospitality of the times, sends t..