Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v2.djvu/277

Runo L]

Always ready, heedless never,

Always quick, avoiding gossip,

Like a mist, away she hurried,

To the yard like snake she hastened,

With her hands her skirts she lifted,

In her hands her dress she twisted,

And upon her course she hastened

Straight unto the house of Ruotus.

Hills re-echoed to her footsteps,

Shook the mountains as she climbed them,

On the heath the cones were dancing,

Gravel scattered o’er the marshes;

Thus she came to Ruotus’ dwelling,

And the house she quickly entered.

In his shirt sat wicked Ruotus,

Eating, drinking like the great ones,

In his shirt at end of table,

In a shirt of finest linen,

And he asked as he was eating,

Grunted, leaning o’er the table,

“What have you to say, you beggar,

Wretch, why come you running hither?”

Then the little damsel Piltti

Answered in the words that follow:

“Here I seek a village bathroom,

Seek a bath near reed-fringed brooklet,

That relief may reach the suffering,

For the need is very pressing.”

Then the wicked wife of Ruotus

Presently with arms a-kimbo,

Slouched along upon the flooring,

Swept to middle of the flooring,

And she asked upon her coming,

Speaking in the words which follow:

“Who is seeking for a bathroom,

Who is seeking for assistance?”

Said the little damsel Piltti,

“Needed ’tis for our Marjatta.”

Then the wicked wife of Ruotus

Answered in the words that follow: