As Wainamoinen grew feeble with the passing years, he built himself a boat
of copper, and singing a plaintive song in which he said the people of
Suomi would look forward to his return as a time of peace and plenty, he
set forth, sailing through the dusk of evening to the fiery sunset, and
anchored in the purple horizon, leaving behind him for an heritage his
harp, his wondrous songs, and his wisdom sayings.
SELECTIONS FROM THE KALEVALA.
ILMARINEN'S WEDDING FEAST.
Ilmarinen, the blacksmith, visited the Northland, won the Rainbow Maid,
and successfully performed the tasks set by her mother Louhi. Great
preparations were made in Pohyola for the wedding, and the coming of the
bridegroom was anxiously expected.
Louhi, hostess of the Northland,
Ancient dame of Sariola,
While at work within her dwelling,
Heard the whips crack on the fenlands,
Heard the rattle of the sledges;
To the northward turned her glances,
Turned her vision to the sunlight,
And her thoughts ran on as follow:
"Who are these in bright apparel,
On the banks of Pohya-waters,
Are they friends or hostile armies?"
Then the hostess of the Northland
Looked again and well considered,
Drew much nearer to examine,
Found they were not hostile armies,
Found that they were friends and suitors;
In the midst was Ilmarinen,
Son in-law to ancient Louhi.
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