Written in 1891 this poem gives a snapshot into the movements of Sir Stanley in this period. It has been widely recorded that he spent six months in Edinburgh and the surrounding towns and villages in this year. This exploration followed a disturbing experience that caused him to take a break from his work gathering lore in and around the North York Moors.
Whilst wandering the wilds of Scotland he began to investigate stories of the Fey and the Seelie and Unseelie courts. This poem, he reported, "encapsulated the myth and mystery of these ancient beliefs." He insisted that this poem was a translation from an original Gaelic rhyme but no version of the original exists on paper or in the oral tradition.
In his notes at the bottom of the page where this was recorded he did draw a dark figure and a black horse by what appears to be a loch. In the image an arrow points from the mouth of the horse to the poem above. Underneath the horse he has written the word "Kelpie".
Are you of the Seelie Court?
Do you give man no second thought
Except what kindness you can bring
And how to ease his suffering?
Are you of Unseelie Court?
Do you give man no second thought
Except what troubles you can bring
And to increase his suffering?
The Seelie Court, The Seelie Court
Blessings full of hopeful thought
Unseelie Court, Unseelie Court
Hope and prayer are all for naught
