Elegia [English translation]

My youth withering

like a rolling stream

strings that have become gray

put on life's golden reed

In vain, o' in vain

I try and seize the moment

Joy not granted

by joyous company, nor wine

Leaving behind me

the proud days of my will

my spirit's attraction

I burned, and left behind

I rose from a glen

again to leave is my way?

My hope only

is a small moment with no pain

Know I, peace

will be granted to me in dirt

The path of the searcher

no mellow rest created,

The north speaks,

to storm will the sun fall

and leave a red streak:

beauty's feeble longing

Sunk to the ocean

the flowering mounds of my dreams

Man I am poor:

expensive are the ransoms of songs

My all I gave,

awhile I managed to sway

my dreams golden

I paid for with my minds misery

Tired I am,

oh, to the roots of my heart!

Is it too much

the set pathic burden?

Or I am of those

who have the will, but not strength?

my victory empty,

works result is my feelings play

so in vain

endured, difficult troubles

broken chains,

burned, dear ships?

Now to fall

after everything I needed?

I froze to ice

when my wounds scarred?

Hopeless struggle

against heavens forces!

Echoing kantele;

the song does not please her child

the goddess of winter challenges,

play the tune of broken wings

into the ease of my gorge

like a beast dying I'll sneak

• Artist:Vesa-Matti Loiri
• Album:Eino Leino 1