Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v1.djvu/21



driven by my longing,

And my understanding urges

That I should commence my singing,

And begin my recitation.

I will sing the people's legends,

And the ballads of the nation.

To my mouth the words are flowing,

And the words are gently falling,

Quickly as my tongue can shape them,

And between my teeth emerging.

Dearest friend, and much-loved brother,

Best beloved of all companions,

Come and let us sing together,

Let us now begin our converse,

Since at length we meet together,

From two widely sundered regions.

Rarely can we meet together,

Rarely one can meet the other,

In these dismal Northern regions,

In the dreary land of Pohja.

Let us clasp our hands together,

Let us interlock our fingers;

Let us sing a cheerful measure,

Let us use our best endeavours,

Rh