Ossian Collection > Waifs and strays of Celtic tradition > Volume 1

The Good Housewife. 59
than a louder knocking came, and a voice calling
out the self-same words :
" Tall I nary, good housewife, open your door ;
you'll get so long as I have anything."
When the housewife answered, another weird
woman came in, and took her place at the
distaff ; then a yet louder knocking and voice
came, in the same way demanding admission,
and proffering help. No sooner was the door
opened, than another strange being passed in,
and sat to card the wool. As soon as she began
to work a still louder knocking came to the
door, and also a voice shouting :
" Tall I nary, good housewife, open the
door quickly, and so long as I have you'll
get."
When the door was opened, another curious-
looking woman of the same appearance and
dress glided in, and seating herself, began wool-
teazing. Then another followed, with even a
louder din ; and when she got in she began
pulling wool. They now came faster and
quicker, one after another of them, with an
ever-increasing din and clatter, till the house
was quite full of fairies, men and women, each
at work ; and now their labours began in good
earnest, teazing, carding, pulling, and rolling ;
distaff, spinning-wheel, and weaver's shutde