Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v1.djvu/227

Runo XVIII]

For he saw a red boat sailing

Out amid the Bay of Lempi,

And a handsome sledge was driving

On the shore of Sound of Sima.

After this the Lord of Pohja

To the house returned directly,

And beneath the roof he hastened,

And he spoke the words which follow:

“There are strangers swiftly sailing

O’er the blue lake’s watery surface,

And a gaudy sledge is gliding

On the shore of Sound of Sima;

And a large boat is approaching

To the shore of Bay of Lempi.”

Then said Pohjola’s old Mistress,

“Whence shall we obtain an omen

Why these strangers here are coming?

O my little waiting-maiden,

On the fire lay rowan-faggots,

And the best log in its glowing.

If the log with blood is flowing,

Then the strangers come for battle,

If the log exudes clear water,

Then is peace abiding with us.”

Then the little maid of Pohja,

She, the modest waiting-maiden,

On the fire laid rowan-faggots,

Placed the best log in its glowing.

From the log no blood was trickling,

Nor did water trickle from it;

From the log there oozed forth honey,

From the log dripped down the nectar.

From the corner spoke Suovakko,

Spoke the old dame ’neath the blankets:

“From the log if oozes honey,

From the log if drips the nectar,

Then the strangers who are coming,

May be ranked as noble suitors.”

Then did Pohja’s aged Mistress,

Pohja’s old dame, Pohja’s daughter,