Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v1.djvu/325

Runo XXV]

“It was in this very winter,

In the summer just passed over,

That the pathways had been sighing

For the sweeper of the pathways,

And the cowsheds nearer drawing

To the cleanser of the cowsheds;

Songs and dances were abandoned,

Till should sing and dance our duckling.

“On this very day already,

And upon the day before it,

Early has the cow been lowing,

And her morning hay expecting,

And the foal has loud been neighing

That his truss of hay be cast him,

And the lamb of spring has bleated,

That its food its mistress bring it.

“On this very day already,

And upon the day before it,

Sat the old folks at the windows,

On the beach there ran the children,

By the wall there stood the women,

In the porch-door youths were waiting,

Waiting for the youthful mistress,

And the bride they all awaited.

“Hail to all within the household,

Likewise hail to all the heroes,

Hail, O barn, and all within thee,

Barn, and all the guests within thee,

Hail, O hall, and all within thee,

Birchbark roof, and all thy people,

Hail, O room, and all within thee,

Hundred-boards, with all thy children!

Hail, O moon, to thee, O monarch,

And the bridal train so youthful!

Never was there here aforetime,

Never yesterday nor ever,

Was a bridal train so splendid:

Never were such handsome people.

“Bridegroom, O my dearest brother,

Let the red cloths now be loosened,