Page:Laird of Ardenoaige and the Ghost of Fenhaglen.pdf/3

 THE

AND THE

Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear; Full many a flow'r is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desart air. G E

was born in Ardencaige about the middle of the fifteenth century, he was son and heir to Duncan Campbell, laird of Ardenoaige. As to his attainments in classical knowledge, we have no particular account ; but it is probable it was but limited, as science had made but small progress, especially in the remote parts of the country, in that dark age. However, we are told he was without a rival in all athletic exercises. It is said of him, that, in fencing, he could spring at one bound the length of eighteen feet on his antagonist and could use the broad-sword, in either hand, with equal dexterity. To be expert in sword exercises was the grand point at which Scotia’s sons aimed in these days; consequently there was nothing wanting to promote his proficiency in that. But he did not confine himself to this alone, for he was an expert huntsman, which he made his chief employment, or rather amusement. At the chase of the roe or the deer, he always