And he spake the words that follow:
The eagle inquires of the ancient singer, Wainamoinen, why he has left the birch tree only standing; and upon being assured it was left solely for the use of the birds, he commends Wainamoinen's "hero-judgment." There is a lesson in forestry for the modern day.
Wainamoinen, old and trusty,
Turned his face and looked about him;
Lo! there comes a springtime cuckoo,
Spying out the slender birch tree—
Rests upon it, sweetly singing:
"Wherefore is the slender birch tree
Left unharmed of all the forest?"
Spake the ancient Wainamoinen: