Mataleena [English translation]

Magdalene, young maiden

A maiden young and foul

She carries a darkness in her heart

The evil bygone land

When she had had three sons

When she had birthed three children

Three bundles in swaddling clothes

Given to her

Magdalene, young maiden

A maiden young and foul

She carries a darkness in her heart

The memory of bygone evil

She set one of them afire

It turned into a flaming ember

Now the fire cradles it

The flame laments

Magdalene, young maiden...

She threw another one into the water

She lowered it beneath he waves

Now the combers cradle the child

The black sea takes it away

She buried the third one in the woods

She laid it to rest in the grove

Now the birches cradle the cradle

Guarding eternal sleep

When she had had three sons

When she had birthed three children

Magdalene, young maiden...