When Its Bad Manners to Say Thanks
The story of a ghost miller on Lough Gownas Inch Island
From the Irish Folklore Collection
On the waters of Gowna there rests Inch isle
On monastic fame, and the ringing bell
The shores of which array Derrycassin, Culray
Mullahoran, Dring and more places as well.
The tale is told of a mill of old
That ground through day and night
Its sound was heard on the shore throughout the dakness
Though of the miller there was never a sight.
Some farmers rowed with corn and more
To be processed their boats did fill…
On returning faithfully every time…
The work was done by the mill.
The phantom miller was a Puca it was supposed
So clothes in thanks to give it was planned
(How to make same for someone never seen
Was for any tailor a tall command!)
The clothes for the Puca in the mill were laid
Along with more work by the grateful men
Bewildered were they to find the work undone the next morning
The mill never turned again.
Thats the story that is told
Those that tell it suppose
Insult was taken by the Púca so kind
To be offered a mortals clothes!
