--- title: The Wedding Feast — The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North · full text with trees description: The Wedding Feast, «The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North» by James Baldwin: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: Who shall find tongue to tell of the wonderful feast at Ilmarinen’s wedding? --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/27/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old No…](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/) / The Wedding Feast # The Wedding Feast The Wedding Feast of «The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North» by James Baldwin: the whole text, 111 sentences and 2042 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. Who shall find tongue to tell of the wonderful feast at Ilmarinen’s wedding?[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") Who shall invent words to describe its vastness, its grandeur, its joy?[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") Dame Louhi, the wise, the cunning Mistress, planned it.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") She it was who provided the food and the drink; she it was who directed the cooks, the butchers, the brewers, the bakers, the serving maidens; and she it was who invited the guests.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") First, she built in Pohyola a house so roomy and large that even minstrels blushed to tell its dimensions, and story-tellers feared to speak the truth.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") It was so long that when a dog barked at one end the sound of his voice could not be heard at the other.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") The roof was so high that when a cock crowed on the ridge-pole the hens on the ground below could not hear him.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") In this house the fires were kindled, the tables were set up, and the feast was prepared.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") Here, back and forth upon the planking, the aged Mistress walked, pondering, planning, instructing, commanding.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") “We must have roast meat and plenty of it,” she said.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") “So, bring hither the great bull of Carelia and let him be slaughtered.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") No finer beef was ever fattened; no nobler beast was ever butchered.”[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") The great bull was quickly brought—a ship’s rope around his horns, a hundred strong men tugging at the rope.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") A stupendous ox he was, larger by far than any that grows in our degenerate times.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Six fathoms long were his horns; and his back was a highway where squirrels frisked and birds built their nests as in the branches of a tree.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Think you he yielded much meat for the feast, much food for the hungry?[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") Of roasts and steaks there were certainly a hundred barrels; of sausages in large round links they made a hundred fathoms.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Seven boat loads of blood flowed from the great beef’s veins.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") Six strong sledges could scarcely hold the fat that was rendered from him.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") “Surely now we have meat in plenty,” then said the Mistress; “but what shall we do for pleasant drinks to give joy to our guests?[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") How shall we brew enough ale for the multitude that will come to the wedding feast?”[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") Forthwith she ordered all the tubs in Pohyola to be half filled with water, fresh water from the springs and rivers.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") Then into each she poured new barley and added flowers of hops in greatest plenty, stirring all with a magic paddle.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") Quickly the ale began its working, it filled the tubs, the white foam rose like mountains and poured itself in bubbles over the ground.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") “Surely the guests shall not go thirsty,” said the Mistress, well contented with her labor.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") And she called the serving-men to store the ale safely away in rock-walled cellars till the time for the wedding feast.[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus did Dame Louhi, the wise one, provide everything needed for eating or drinking.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") All the kettles were singing, all the stewpans were hissing on the glowing coals.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") The pots were full of porridge.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") In the ovens loaves of bread in great plenty were baking for the banquet.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") All day, all night, the fires were glowing; all day, all night, the bakers, the brewers, the kitchen maids were running hither and thither, each busily working, each busily preparing his part of the wonderful feast.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the Mistress, the wise but loveless one, sent out her messengers to invite the guests.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") “Invite all the folk of Pohyola,” she said; “forget not one.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") Invite the people of Hero Land to come in boats, in sledges, by sea, by land.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Ask Wainamoinen, the prince of minstrels, to come with his sweet songs.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") Call the blind, the lame, the poor and wretched.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Lead the blind ones kindly with your hands, bring the lame ones in sledges or on your backs, fetch the children, fetch the old and feeble, let not one be slighted or forgotten.”[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") And the messengers departed, carrying the invitations northward, southward, eastward, westward.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") In four directions they went, yes in eight directions they hastened, telling all the world how the hero, Ilmarinen, was to be wedded on a certain day to the Maid of Beauty, whom all the world adored.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") The day came, the morning dawned.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Bright was the sun above Pohyola’s chilly shores.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") The sea was calm, the air was mild, the meadows were golden.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Dame Louhi, wisest of women, rose early to put her house in order.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") First, she busied herself in-doors, then out she hastened.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") She put her hand to her ear and listened.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") Far out on the sea she heard the sound of oars splashing, she heard the rippling of the waves as they were cut by the prows of many vessels, she heard the voices of a multitude approaching.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") On land she heard the clatter of reindeers’ hoofs, the galloping of horses, the rattle of sledges and the grating of their birchwood runners upon the sand.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") “What do I hear?[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") What do I see?” cried she.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") “Is this a hostile army coming to attack me?[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") Or is it only the billows breaking on the beach, or the wind whistling and moaning among the pines?”[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") She looked again, and again she listened.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") Her face was less grim, her voice was less harsh; never did she appear so handsome.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") “Oh, no, no!” she muttered.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") “I thought I heard the North Wind blowing, a pine tree falling in the forest, the billows roaring and the breakers beating.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") But it is not so.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") The air is mild, the sea is calm, no storm is near.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") That which I hear is not the wind, it is not a hostile army.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") It is the multitude of guests assembling, the hosts of friends coming to rejoice with us because it is Ilmarinen’s wedding day.”[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") “How shall we know the bridegroom when we see him?[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") How can we distinguish him in the great crowd of friends and neighbors?” asked a little waiting-maiden.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") “You shall know him as you know an oak among the willows, as you know the moon among the tiny stars,” answered the Mistress.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") “The steed which he drives is as black as a raven.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") His magic sledge is glowing bright and golden as the sun. Six yellow birds sit on his shafts sweetly singing, and of bluebirds there are seven perched gayly on the dashboard.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") You cannot fail to distinguish the noble hero.”[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") Even while she spoke there was a clatter in the roadway, a humming and a bustling and a tramping of many feet.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") The bridegroom had arrived with all his friends around him.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") Swiftly he drove his bright-hued sledge into the courtyard, and quickly he alighted while the bluebirds sang and the cuckoos called lustily to the swallows beneath the eaves.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") The young men shouted, the old men laughed, and the very air was bubbling with joy.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") “Hostler, hasten!” called the Mistress.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") “Take the bridegroom’s horse, and loose him gently from the shafts.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Remove the copper-plated harness, the silver breast-band, the reins of silver.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Lead the noble steed to the spring and let him drink his fill of the gushing water.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") Then put him in the hindmost stable, in the stall reserved for heroes’ horses.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Tether him to the ring of iron that is set in the polished post of birchwood.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Set three trays of food before him, the first filled with oats, the second with soft hay, the third with finest chaff.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") And when you have curried him and smoothed his shining hair, cover him with a soft blanket and leave him alone, locking the stable door behind you.”[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") “I will do everything as you have bidden me,” answered the serving-man, and he led the steed gently from the courtyard.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") “Now, my boys,” said the Mistress, “you little lads of Pohyola\![79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Conduct the bridegroom to the house and show him the doorway.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Take off his hat gently, gently.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Remove his gloves also.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") Let us see if the door is wide enough for him to pass through; let us see if it is high enough to admit so great a hero.”[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") Without delay the waiting-lads took their appointed places, four at the right hand and four at the left, six in front of him and six behind, and thus they marched lightly and orderly into the dwelling.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") “Now let all give thanks to Jumala, the gracious,” said the Mistress, and her unlovely face grew pleasanter for the moment.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") “Give thanks to Jumala, for the hero has passed through the door in safety, he has entered the house of the bride.”[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") And the bridegroom responded, “Give thanks to Jumala, and may his blessing rest upon this house and all that abide beneath its roof.”[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") The table was ready, the feast was spread, the guests were waiting.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") The lads, with much ado, led the bridegroom to his place—the highest seat at the end of the room.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") He sat down by the side of the blushing bride, the Maid of Beauty, while all the guests clapped their hands and shouted for joy.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") Then, as one accustomed to entertaining a multitude, the wise old Mistress feasted her guests in the noblest fashion.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") Busy, very busy, were the little waiting-maidens, serving food to all the people.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") Of roast beef and savory sausages there was great plenty.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") Broiled salmon, pork, the meat of lambkins were served to each guest’s liking.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") The whitest of bread and the yellowest of butter, cream cakes, nuts, and apples—who could ask for more than these?[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") And there was the ale, the foaming white ale which the Mistress herself had brewed—it was handed round in great tankards so that each of the heroes present might drink his fill.[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") When it came to the Minstrel, old Wainamoinen, he rose and sang a new song:[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") “O ale, sweet ale\![98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Let no one fail To sing of thee And merry be.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") “O hero, strong\![100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") List to my song, Be glad, be gay On your wedding day.”[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") Then, changing his theme and the subject of his song he tuned his voice to a higher key.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") “What would our Creator do If to-day he sang to you?[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") He would sing the sea to honey, Sing the stones to precious money, Sing the sand to foaming ale, Sing the rocks to rain and hail, And the mountains sing to lakes, And the hilltops sing to cakes.[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") “As a minstrel and magician, He would bless this land’s condition; He would fill the fields with cattle, Make our treasure boxes rattle; He would fill the mines with metal, Fill each pot and fill each kettle; He would fill the lanes with flowers, Bless each day, bless all the hours.[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") “As a minstrel and a singer He would with this household linger, Give the bride a ring of gold, A dress of silk, and wealth untold; And to the bridegroom, he would give More skill than to all smiths that live.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") Let us therefore crave his blessing, All our prayers to him addressing.”[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus did the people feast, and thus did the mighty Minstrel sing on Ilmarinen’s happy wedding day.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") All day, all the long night, the guests sat at the table, eating and making merry and listening to the songs and pleasant speeches that were made in honor of the bride, the bridegroom, and the noble hostess.[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") Much good advice was given to her who had lately been the Maid of Beauty but was now the Bride of Beauty: how she should keep her husband’s house in order; how she should obey and serve him; how she should love and cherish her mother-in-law and all the members of her family.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") Much sage counsel also did the hero, Ilmarinen, receive: how he should always be very gentle to the dove that he had captured; how he should not forget to praise her industry in the kitchen, at the loom, in the hay field; how he should never upbraid her in hissing tones, or beat her with a slave whip; but how he should stand like a wall before her to protect and defend when others were unkind.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [The Bridegroom’s Triumph](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/26/) - next →: [The Home Coming](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/28/) - ↑ back to [The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/)