ON FAIRIES.
61
another word called fairies), by which their tender minds they so imbue, that they never depose these old-wifish ravings, but deliver them to others, and vulgarly affirm that groups of elves sometimes dance in bed-chambers, sometimes (that they may benefit the maids) scour and cleanse the pavement, and sometimes are wont to grind with a hand-mill."[1]
There is not a more generally received opinion, throughout the principality of Wales, than that of the existence of Fairies: amongst the commonalty it is, indeed, universal, and, by no means unfrequently, credited by the second ranks.[2]
- ↑ De Anglorum origine, p. 320. This is the observation of a gloomy and malignant mind; as the idea of a fairy could never inspire any but pleasing sensations; these little people being always distinguished for their innocent mirth, and benevolent utility. It was far otherwise, indeed, with superstition and witchcraft, which, though equally false, were nevertheless, as firmly believed; as they induced ignorance and bigotry to commit horrid crimes; but nothing of this kind is imputable to the fairies. So strongly, according to Waldron, are the Manks possessed of the belief of fairies, and so frequently do they imagine to have seen and heard them, that they are not in the least terrified at them, but, on the contrary, rejoice whenever visited by them, as supposing them friends to mankind, and that they never come without bringing good fortune along with them. They call them the good people, all the houses are blessed where they visit. The Scots, likewise, call them the good neighbours.
- ↑ Pratts Gleanings, &c. i, 137. He mentions a Welsh
