They were to be like insects, not bees or ants which could sting or bight, but, tiny flies which could do no harm as there was noting in creation so feeble as to not be able to molest them.

"We're human beings just like them!"

"The likes of you and me have just got to help it when our betters tell us."

"What is the matter, Neil? wailed Callum. "Why did you chace them away?"
"Because they were doing no harm."

"If you get drunk, Neil," he said, "the policeman will lock you up."
"... And what if he did? I'll tell you something: the cell he'd lock me up in would be bigger that our hut, aye, and cleaner."