Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v2.djvu/143

Runo XXXVII]

In the very words which follow:

“O thou aged Väinämöinen,

Here I bring a damsel for you,

And a damsel fair to gaze on,

And her mouth gapes not too widely,

And her chin is not too broadened.”

Väinämöinen, old and steadfast,

Looked upon the golden image,

Looked upon her head all golden,

And he spoke the words which follow:

“Wherefore have you brought her to me,

Brought to me this golden spectre?”

Said the smith, said Ilmarinen,

“With the best intent I brought her,

On your knee as wife to rest her,

Dovelike in your arms to nestle.”

Said the aged Väinämöinen,

“O thou smith, my dearest brother,

Thrust the damsel in the furnace,

Forge all sorts of objects from her,

Or convey her hence to Russia,

Take your image to the Saxons,

Since they wed the spoils of battle,

And they woo in fiercest combat;

But it suits not my position,

Nor to me myself is suited,

Thus to woo a bride all golden,

Or distress myself for silver.”

Then dissuaded Väinämöinen,

And forbade the wave-sprung hero,

All the rising generation,

Likewise those upgrown already,

For the sake of gold to bow them,

Or debase themselves for silver,

And he spoke the words which follow,

And in words like these expressed him:

“Never, youths, however wretched,

Nor in future, upgrown heroes,

Whether you have large possessions,

Or are poor in your possessions,