Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v2.djvu/123

Runo XXXV]

And will smash your sledge to atoms,

Break the wretched sledge to pieces.”

Kullervo, Kalervo’s offspring,

With the very bluest stockings,

Opened then his hide-bound coffer,

Clanging raised the pictured cover,

And he showed her all his silver,

Out he spread the choicest fabrics,

Stockings too, all gold-embroidered,

Girdles all adorned with silver.

Soon the fabrics turned her dizzy,

To a bride the money changed her,

And the silver it destroyed her,

And the shining gold deluded.

Kullervo, Kalervo’s offspring,

With the very bluest stockings,

Thereupon the maiden flattered,

And he wheedled and caressed her,

With one hand the horse controlling,

On the maiden’s breast the other.

Then he sported with the maiden,

Wearied out the tin-adorned one,

’Neath the rug all copper-tinselled,

And upon the furs all spotted.

Then when Jumala brought morning,

On the second day thereafter,

Then the damsel spoke unto him,

And she asked, and spoke as follows:

“Tell me now of your relations,

What the brave race that you spring from,

From a mighty race it seems me,

Offspring of a mighty father.”

Kullervo, Kalervo’s offspring,

Answered in the words which follow:

“No, my race is not a great one,

Not a great one, not a small one,

I am just of middle station,

Kalervo’s unhappy offspring,

Stupid boy, and very foolish,

Worthless child, and good for nothing.