here are chosen fields of fairy revelry, which it is reckoned unsonsie
to plough, or to reap. Old thorn trees, in the middle of a field, are deemed
the rallying trystes of fairies, and are preserved with scrupulous care. Two
lads were opening with the plow one of these fields, and one of them had
described a circle around the fairy thorn, which was now to be plowed. They
were surprised when, on ending the furrow, a green table was placed there,
heaped with the choicest cheese, bread, and wine. He who marked out the
thorn, sat down without hesitation, eating and drinking heartily, saying "Fair
fa' the hands whilk gie." His fellow-servant lashed his steeds, refusing to
partake. The courteous plow-man, "thrave", said my informer, "like a breckan,
and was a proverb for wisdom, and an oracle of local rural knowledge ever
after!"
MOTIF: f336