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'All is in God's hands, said Father Mikko reverently, 'and we must take both good and ill as they come to us it is not for us to say what we would wish. Let us be thankful that even a part of the Sampo floated hither, he added, smiling. There was a few moments' silence, and then Mimi asked what Wainamoinen had done about his lost kantele, so Father Mikko went on.
On he sailed to the land of the setting sun, and at length he reached the haven and anchored his boat, never again to return to Kalevala. But the wondrous kantele and all his songs and wisdom remain among us to this day. 'And now, said Father Mikko, 'I have told you my last story old Wainamoinen has left Kalevala and the rule of the Christ-child has begun.
All were pleased that the Rainbow-maiden had chosen Ilmarinen instead of the aged Wainamoinen, and little Antero asked 'Pappa' Mikko what they had had to eat at the wedding he was rather more deeply interested in things to eat than anything else so Father Mikko continued, after he had rested a while. Great preparations were now made in Louhi's home for her daughter's wedding with Ilmarinen.
O all ye people of Kalevala, both those now living and those to come, boast not of the work that ye have done but give to God the praise, for the great Ukko alone can make all things perfect, Ukko is the one master! There was a moment's pause, and then little Mimi said that she was so glad Wainamoinen was well again, and asked Father Mikko to tell them what happened to him next.
Then the father of the family went out and attended to Father Mikko's horse and sledge, and in a few minutes was back again and joined the old man by the fire. Next his wife brought out the brandy-bottle and two glasses, and after her husband had filled them, he and Father Mikko drank each other's health very formally, for that is the first thing one must do when a guest comes in that country.
Thus he had built the vessel with magic alone, and by magic art he launched it too, not touching it with foot or knee or hand, using only magic to push it. Thus was the task completed which should gain for him the Rainbow-maiden in her beauty. 'Oh! do hurry and tell us about that, said Mimi, and Father Mikko continued.
They were all silent for a moment when the sad story of Kullervo's life and death was ended, and then Mimi said: 'I wish you'd tell us about nice men like Ilmarinen and Wainamoinen, Pappa Mikko; Kullervo was real hateful. 'Well, then, I will tell you of what Ilmarinen did when he had lost his wife, the Rainbow-maiden, and the old man began.
So Father Mikko lit his queer little pipe, and settled down comfortably with Mimi in his lap, and a glass of beer at his side to refresh himself with when he grew weary of talking.
They were nearly finished about six feet long and five inches wide in the broadest part, with a place in the middle to fasten them on to the feet, and the front ends were turned up. All that now remained to be done was to polish them off, and Erik worked at this while Father Mikko told his stories.
Then Father Mikko began, and this is the first story that he told them. Long, long ago, before this world was made, there lived a lovely maiden called Ilmatar, the daughter of the Ether. She lived in the air there were only air and water then but at length she grew tired of always being in the air, and came down and floated on the surface of the water.
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