“Never,” answered Eustace; “the fairies are but figments of the imagination.”
“Dinna ca’ them by that name, whatever you may think o’ them,” said the other hastily. “You may freely ca’ them gude neighbours; but seelie wichts is the name they like best; for they say themsells—
“’Gin you ca’ me Imp or Elf,
I rede you look weel to yourself:
Gin you ca’ me Fairy,
I’ll work you muckle tarrie:
Gin Gude neighbour you ca’ me,
Then gude neighbour I will be:
But gin you ca’ me Seelie wicht,
I’ll be your friend baith day and nicht.”