Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v1.djvu/40

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, old and steadfast

Passed the days of his existence

Where lie Väinölä’s sweet meadows,

Kalevala’s extended heathlands:

There he sang his songs of sweetness

Sang his songs and proved his wisdom.

Day by day he sang unwearied,

Night by night discoursed unceasing,

Sang the songs of by-gone ages,

Hidden words of ancient wisdom,

Songs which all the children sing not,

All beyond men’s comprehension,

In these ages of misfortune,

When the race is near its ending.

Far away the news was carried,

Far abroad was spread the tidings

Of the songs of Väinämöinen,

Of the wisdom of the hero;

In the south was spread the rumour;

Reached to Pohjola the tidings.

Here dwelt youthful Joukahainen,

He, the meagre youth of Lapland;

And, when visiting the village,

Wondrous tales he heard related,