Chapter 5

[Contents]1.Within the gates | ere a man shall go,(Full warily let him watch,)Full long let him look about him;For little he knows | where a foe may lurk,And sit in the seats within.2.Hail to the giver! | a guest has come;Where shall the stranger sit?Swift shall he be | who with swords shall tryThe proof of his might to make.[30]3.Fire he needs | who with frozen kneesHas come from the cold without;Food and clothes | must the farer have,The man from the mountains come.4.Water and towels | and welcoming speechShould he find who comes to the feast;If renown he would get, | and again be greeted,Wisely and well must he act.5.Wits must he have | who wanders wide,But all is easy at home;At the witless man | the wise shall winkWhen among such men he sits.6.A man shall not boast | of his keenness of mind,But keep it close in his breast;To the silent and wise | does ill come seldomWhen he goes as guest to a house;(For a faster friend | one never findsThan wisdom tried and true.)7.The knowing guest | who goes to the feast,In silent attention sits;With his ears he hears, | with his eyes he watches,Thus wary are wise men all.[31]8.Happy the one | who wins for himselfFavor and praises fair;Less safe by far | is the wisdom foundThat is hid in another’s heart.9.Happy the man | who has while he livesWisdom and praise as well,For evil counsel | a man full oftHas from another’s heart.10.A better burden | may no man bearFor wanderings wide than wisdom;It is better than wealth | on unknown ways,And in grief a refuge it gives.11.A better burden | may no man bearFor wanderings wide than wisdom;Worse food for the journey | he brings not afieldThan an over-drinking of ale.12.Less good there lies | than most believeIn ale for mortal men;For the more he drinks | the less does manOf his mind the mastery hold.[32]13.Over beer the bird | of forgetfulness broods,And steals the minds of men;With the heron’s feathers | fettered I layAnd in Gunnloth’s house was held.14.Drunk I was, | I was dead-drunk,When with Fjalar wise I was;’Tis the best of drinking | if back one bringsHis wisdom with him home.15.The son of a king | shall be silent and wise,And bold in battle as well;Bravely and gladly | a man shall go,Till the day of his death is come.16.The sluggard believes | he shall live forever,If the fight he faces not;But age shall not grant him | the gift of peace,Though spears may spare his life.17.The fool is agape | when he comes to the feast,He stammers or else is still;But soon if he gets | a drink is it seenWhat the mind of the man is like.[33]18.He alone is aware | who has wandered wide,And far abroad has fared,How great a mind | is guided by himThat wealth of wisdom has.19.Shun not the mead, | but drink in measure;Speak to the point or be still;For rudeness none | shall rightly blame theeIf soon thy bed thou seekest.20.The greedy man, | if his mind be vague,Will eat till sick he is;The vulgar man, | when among the wise,To scorn by his belly is brought.21.The herds know well | when home they shall fare,And then from the grass they go;But the foolish man | his belly’s measureShall never know aright.22.A paltry man | and poor of mindAt all things ever mocks;For never he knows, | what he ought to know,That he is not free from faults.23.The witless man | is awake all night,Thinking of many things;Care-worn he is | when the morning comes,And his woe is just as it was.24.The foolish man | for friends all thoseWho laugh at him will hold;[34]When among the wise | he marks it notThough hatred of him they speak.25.The foolish man | for friends all thoseWho laugh at him will hold;But the truth when he comes | to the council he learns,That few in his favor will speak.26.An ignorant man | thinks that all he knows,When he sits by himself in a corner;But never what answer | to make he knows,When others with questions come.27.A witless man, | when he meets with men,Had best in silence abide;For no one shall find | that nothing he knows,If his mouth is not open too much.(But a man knows not, | if nothing he knows,When his mouth has been open too much.)28.Wise shall he seem | who well can question,And also answer well;Nought is concealed | that men may sayAmong the sons of men.29.Often he speaks | who never is stillWith words that win no faith;[35]The babbling tongue, | if a bridle it find not,Oft for itself sings ill.30.In mockery no one | a man shall hold,Although he fare to the feast;Wise seems one oft, | if nought he is asked,And safely he sits dry-skinned.31.Wise a guest holds it | to take to his heels,When mock of another he makes;But little he knows | who laughs at the feast,Though he mocks in the midst of his foes.32.Friendly of mind | are many men,Till feasting they mock at their friends;To mankind a bane | must it ever beWhen guests together strive.33.Oft should one make | an early meal,Nor fasting come to the feast;Else he sits and chews | as if he would choke,And little is able to ask.34.Crooked and far | is the road to a foe,Though his house on the highway be;But wide and straight | is the way to a friend,Though far away he fare.35.Forth shall one go, | nor stay as a guestIn a single spot forever;[36]Love becomes loathing | if long one sitsBy the hearth in another’s home.36.Better a house, | though a hut it be,A man is master at home;A pair of goats | and a patched-up roofAre better far than begging.37.Better a house, | though a hut it be,A man is master at home;His heart is bleeding | who needs must begWhen food he fain would have.38.Away from his arms | in the open fieldA man should fare not a foot;For never he knows | when the need for a spearShall arise on the distant road.39.If wealth a man | has won for himself,Let him never suffer in need;Oft he saves for a foe | what he plans for a friend,For much goes worse than we wish.40.None so free with gifts | or food have I foundThat gladly he took not a gift,[37]Nor one who so widely | scattered his wealthThat of recompense hatred he had.41.Friends shall gladden each other | with arms and garments,As each for himself can see;Gift-givers’ friendships | are longest found,If fair their fates may be.42.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,And gifts with gifts requite;But men shall mocking | with mockery answer,And fraud with falsehood meet.43.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,To him and the friend of his friend;But never a man | shall friendship makeWith one of his foeman’s friends.44.If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,And good from him wouldst get,Thy thoughts with his mingle, | and gifts shalt thou make,And fare to find him oft.[38]45.If another thou hast | whom thou hardly wilt trust,Yet good from him wouldst get,Thou shalt speak him fair, | but falsely think,And fraud with falsehood requite.46.So is it with him | whom thou hardly wilt trust,And whose mind thou mayst not know;Laugh with him mayst thou, | but speak not thy mind,Like gifts to his shalt thou give.47.Young was I once, | and wandered alone,And nought of the road I knew;Rich did I feel | when a comrade I found,For man is man’s delight.48.The lives of the brave | and noble are best,Sorrows they seldom feed;But the coward fear | of all things feels,And not gladly the niggard gives.49.My garments once | in a field I gaveTo a pair of carven poles;Heroes they seemed | when clothes they had,But the naked man is nought.50.On the hillside drear | the fir-tree dies,All bootless its needles and bark;It is like a man | whom no one loves,—Why should his life be long?[39]51.Hotter than fire | between false friendsDoes friendship five days burn;When the sixth day comes | the fire cools,And ended is all the love.52.No great thing needs | a man to give,Oft little will purchase praise;With half a loaf | and a half-filled cupA friend full fast I made.53.A little sand | has a little sea,And small are the minds of men;Though all men are not | equal in wisdom,Yet half-wise only are all.54.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;The fairest lives | do those men liveWhose wisdom wide has grown.55.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;For the wise man’s heart | is seldom happy,If wisdom too great he has won.56.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;[40]Let no man the fate | before him see,For so is he freest from sorrow.57.A brand from a brand | is kindled and burned,And fire from fire begotten;And man by his speech | is known to men,And the stupid by their stillness.58.He must early go forth | who fain the bloodOr the goods of another would get;The wolf that lies idle | shall win little meat,Or the sleeping man success.59.He must early go forth | whose workers are few,Himself his work to seek;Much remains undone | for the morning-sleeper,For the swift is wealth half won.60.Of seasoned shingles | and strips of barkFor the thatch let one know his need,And how much of wood | he must have for a month,Or in half a year he will use.61.Washed and fed | to the council fare,But care not too much for thy clothes;Let none be ashamed | of his shoes and hose,Less still of the steed he rides,(Though poor be the horse he has.)[41]62.When the eagle comes | to the ancient sea,He snaps and hangs his head;So is a man | in the midst of a throng,Who few to speak for him finds.63.To question and answer | must all be readyWho wish to be known as wise;Tell one thy thoughts, | but beware of two,—All know what is known to three.64.The man who is prudent | a measured useOf the might he has will make;He finds when among | the brave he faresThat the boldest he may not be.65.. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oft for the words | that to others one speaksHe will get but an evil gift.66.Too early to many | a meeting I came,And some too late have I sought;The beer was all drunk, | or not yet brewed;Little the loathed man finds.[42]67.To their homes men would bid me | hither and yon,If at meal-time I needed no meat,Or would hang two hams | in my true friend’s house,Where only one I had eaten.68.Fire for men | is the fairest gift,And power to see the sun;Health as well, | if a man may have it,And a life not stained with sin.69.All wretched is no man, | though never so sick;Some from their sons have joy,Some win it from kinsmen, | and some from their wealth,And some from worthy works.70.It is better to live | than to lie a corpse,The live man catches the cow;I saw flames rise | for the rich man’s pyre,And before his door he lay dead.71.The lame rides a horse, | the handless is herdsman,The deaf in battle is bold;The blind man is better | than one that is burned,No good can come of a corpse.[43]72.A son is better, | though late he be born,And his father to death have fared;Memory-stones | seldom stand by the roadSave when kinsman honors his kin.73.Two make a battle, | the tongue slays the head;In each furry coat | a fist I look for.74.He welcomes the night | whose fare is enough.(Short are the yards of a ship,)Uneasy are autumn nights;Full oft does the weather | change in a week,And more in a month’s time.75.A man knows not, | if nothing he knows,That gold oft apes begets;One man is wealthy | and one is poor,Yet scorn for him none should know.76.Among Fitjung’s sons | saw I well-stocked folds,—Now bear they the beggar’s staff;[44]Wealth is as swift | as a winking eye,Of friends the falsest it is.77.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,And so one dies one’s self;But a noble name | will never die,If good renown one gets.78.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,And so one dies one’s self;One thing I know | that never dies,The fame of a dead man’s deeds.79.Certain is that | which is sought from runes,That the gods so great have made,And the Master-Poet painted;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . of the race of gods:Silence is safest and best.80.An unwise man, | if a maiden’s loveOr wealth he chances to win,[45]His pride will wax, | but his wisdom never,Straight forward he fares in conceit.* * * * * *81.Give praise to the day at evening, | to a woman on her pyre,To a weapon which is tried, | to a maid at wedlock,To ice when it is crossed, | to ale that is drunk.82.When the gale blows hew wood, | in fair winds seek the water;Sport with maidens at dusk, | for day’s eyes are many;From the ship seek swiftness, | from the shield protection,Cuts from the sword, | from the maiden kisses.83.By the fire drink ale, | over ice go on skates;Buy a steed that is lean, | and a sword when tarnished,[46]The horse at home fatten, | the hound in thy dwelling.* * * * * *84.A man shall trust not | the oath of a maid,Nor the word a woman speaks;For their hearts on a whirling | wheel were fashioned,And fickle their breasts were formed.* * * * * *85.In a breaking bow | or a burning flame,A ravening wolf | or a croaking raven,In a grunting boar, | a tree with roots broken,In billowy seas | or a bubbling kettle,86.In a flying arrow | or falling waters,In ice new formed | or the serpent’s folds,In a bride’s bed-speech | or a broken sword,In the sport of bears | or in sons of kings,87.In a calf that is sick | or a stubborn thrall,A flattering witch | or a foe new slain.[47]88.In a brother’s slayer, | if thou meet him abroad,In a half-burned house, | in a horse full swift—One leg is hurt | and the horse is useless—None had ever such faith | as to trust in them all.* * * * * *89.Hope not too surely | for early harvest,Nor trust too soon in thy son;The field needs good weather, | the son needs wisdom,And oft is either denied.* * * * * *90.The love of women | fickle of willIs like starting o’er ice | with a steed unshod,A two-year-old restive | and little tamed,Or steering a rudderless | ship in a storm,Or, lame, hunting reindeer | on slippery rocks.* * * * * *91.Clear now will I speak, | for I know them both,Men false to women are found;When fairest we speak, | then falsest we think,Against wisdom we work with deceit.92.Soft words shall he speak | and wealth shall he offerWho longs for a maiden’s love,And the beauty praise | of the maiden bright;He wins whose wooing is best.[48]93.Fault for loving | let no man findEver with any other;Oft the wise are fettered, | where fools go free,By beauty that breeds desire.94.Fault with another | let no man findFor what touches many a man;Wise men oft | into witless foolsAre made by mighty love.95.The head alone knows | what dwells near the heart,A man knows his mind alone;No sickness is worse | to one who is wiseThan to lack the longed-for joy.96.This found I myself, | when I sat in the reeds,And long my love awaited;As my life the maiden | wise I loved,Yet her I never had.97.Billing’s daughter | I found on her bed,In slumber bright as the sun;Empty appeared | an earl’s estateWithout that form so fair.[49]98.“Othin, again | at evening come,If a woman thou wouldst win;Evil it were | if others than weShould know of such a sin.”99.Away I hastened, | hoping for joy,And careless of counsel wise;Well I believed | that soon I should winMeasureless joy with the maid.100.So came I next | when night it was,The warriors all were awake;With burning lights | and waving brandsI learned my luckless way.101.At morning then, | when once more I came,And all were sleeping still,A dog I found | in the fair one’s place,Bound there upon her bed.102.Many fair maids, | if a man but tries them,False to a lover are found;That did I learn | when I longed to gainWith wiles the maiden wise;[50]Foul scorn was my meed | from the crafty maid,And nought from the woman I won.* * * * * *103.Though glad at home, | and merry with guests,A man shall be wary and wise;The sage and shrewd, | wide wisdom seeking,Must see that his speech be fair;A fool is he named | who nought can say,For such is the way of the witless.104.I found the old giant, | now back have I fared,Small gain from silence I got;Full many a word, | my will to get,I spoke in Suttung’s hall.105.The mouth of Rati | made room for my passage,And space in the stone he gnawed;[51]Above and below | the giants’ paths lay,So rashly I risked my head.106.Gunnloth gave | on a golden stoolA drink of the marvelous mead;A harsh reward | did I let her haveFor her heroic heart,And her spirit troubled sore.107.The well-earned beauty | well I enjoyed,Little the wise man lacks;So Othrörir now | has up been broughtTo the midst of the men of earth.108.Hardly, methinks, | would I home have come,And left the giants’ land,Had not Gunnloth helped me, | the maiden good,Whose arms about me had been.109.The day that followed, | the frost-giants came,Some word of Hor to win,(And into the hall of Hor;)[52]Of Bolverk they asked, | were he back midst the gods,Or had Suttung slain him there?110.On his ring swore Othin | the oath, methinks;Who now his troth shall trust?Suttung’s betrayal | he sought with drink,And Gunnloth to grief he left.* * * * * *111.It is time to chant | from the chanter’s stool;By the wells of Urth I was,I saw and was silent, | I saw and thought,And heard the speech of Hor.(Of runes heard I words, | nor were counsels wanting,At the hall of Hor,In the hall of Hor;Such was the speech I heard.)[53]112.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Rise not at night, | save if news thou seekest,Or fain to the outhouse wouldst fare.113.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Beware of sleep | on a witch’s bosom,Nor let her limbs ensnare thee.114.Such is her might | that thou hast no mindFor the council or meeting of men;Meat thou hatest, | joy thou hast not,And sadly to slumber thou farest.115.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:[54]Seek never to win | the wife of another,Or long for her secret love.116.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If o’er mountains or gulfs | thou fain wouldst go,Look well to thy food for the way.117.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:An evil man | thou must not letBring aught of ill to thee;For an evil man | will never makeReward for a worthy thought.118.I saw a man | who was wounded soreBy an evil woman’s word;A lying tongue | his death-blow launched,And no word of truth there was.119.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,Then fare to find him oft;For brambles grow | and waving grassOn the rarely trodden road.[55]120.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:A good man find | to hold in friendship,And give heed to his healing charms.121.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Be never the first | to break with thy friendThe bond that holds you both;Care eats the heart | if thou canst not speakTo another all thy thought.122.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Exchange of words | with a witless apeThou must not ever make.123.For never thou mayst | from an evil manA good requital get;But a good man oft | the greatest loveThrough words of praise will win thee.124.Mingled is love | when a man can speakTo another all his thought;[56]Nought is so bad | as false to be,No friend speaks only fair.125.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:With a worse man speak not | three words in dispute,Ill fares the better oftWhen the worse man wields a sword.126.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:A shoemaker be, | or a maker of shafts,For only thy single self;If the shoe is ill made, | or the shaft prove false,Then evil of thee men think.127.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If evil thou knowest, | as evil proclaim it,And make no friendship with foes.128.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,[57]Great thy gain if thou learnest:In evil never | joy shalt thou know,But glad the good shall make thee.129.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Look not up | when the battle is on,—(Like madmen the sons | of men become,—)Lest men bewitch thy wits.130.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If thou fain wouldst win | a woman’s love,And gladness get from her,Fair be thy promise | and well fulfilled;None loathes what good he gets.131.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:I bid thee be wary, | but be not fearful;(Beware most with ale | or another’s wife,And third beware | lest a thief outwit thee.)[58]132.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Scorn or mocking | ne’er shalt thou makeOf a guest or a journey-goer.133.Oft scarcely he knows | who sits in the houseWhat kind is the man who comes;None so good is found | that faults he has not,Nor so wicked that nought he is worth.134.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Scorn not ever | the gray-haired singer,Oft do the old speak good;(Oft from shrivelled skin | come skillful counsels,Though it hang with the hides,And flap with the pelts,And is blown with the bellies.)[59]135.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Curse not thy guest, | nor show him thy gate,Deal well with a man in want.136.Strong is the beam | that raised must beTo give an entrance to all;Give it a ring, | or grim will beThe wish it would work on thee.137.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:When ale thou drinkest, | seek might of earth,(For earth cures drink, | and fire cures ills,The oak cures tightness, | the ear cures magic,Rye cures rupture, | the moon cures rage,Grass cures the scab, | and runes the sword-cut;)The field absorbs the flood.[60]138.Now are Hor’s words | spoken in the hall,Kind for the kindred of men,Cursed for the kindred of giants:Hail to the speaker, | and to him who learns!Profit be his who has them!Hail to them who hearken* * * * * *139.I ween that I hung | on the windy tree,Hung there for nights full nine;With the spear I was wounded, | and offered I wasTo Othin, myself to myself,On the tree that none | may ever knowWhat root beneath it runs.[61]140.None made me happy | with loaf or horn,And there below I looked;I took up the runes, | shrieking I took them,And forthwith back I fell.141.Nine mighty songs | I got from the sonOf Bolthorn, Bestla’s father;And a drink I got | of the goodly meadPoured out from Othrörir.142.Then began I to thrive, | and wisdom to get,I grew and well I was;Each word led me on | to another word,Each deed to another deed.143.Runes shalt thou find, | and fateful signs,That the king of singers colored,And the mighty gods have made;[62]Full strong the signs, | full mighty the signsThat the ruler of gods doth write.144.Othin for the gods, | Dain for the elves,And Dvalin for the dwarfs,Alsvith for giants | and all mankind,And some myself I wrote.145.Knowest how one shall write, | knowest how one shall rede?Knowest how one shall tint, | knowest how one makes trial?Knowest how one shall ask, | knowest how one shall offer?Knowest how one shall send, | knowest how one shall sacrifice?[63]146.Better no prayer | than too big an offering,By thy getting measure thy gift;Better is none | than too big a sacrifice,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .So Thund of old wrote | ere man’s race began,Where he rose on high | when home he came.* * * * * *147.The songs I know | that king’s wives know not,Nor men that are sons of men;The first is called help, | and help it can bring theeIn sorrow and pain and sickness.148.A second I know, | that men shall needWho leechcraft long to use;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[64]149.A third I know, | if great is my needOf fetters to hold my foe;Blunt do I make | mine enemy’s blade,Nor bites his sword or staff.150.A fourth I know, | if men shall fastenBonds on my bended legs;So great is the charm | that forth I may go,The fetters spring from my feet,Broken the bonds from my hands.151.A fifth I know, | if I see from afarAn arrow fly ’gainst the folk;It flies not so swift | that I stop it not,If ever my eyes behold it.152.A sixth I know, | if harm one seeksWith a sapling’s roots to send me;The hero himself | who wreaks his hateShall taste the ill ere I.153.A seventh I know, | if I see in flamesThe hall o’er my comrades’ heads;It burns not so wide | that I will not quench it,I know that song to sing.[65]154.An eighth I know, | that is to allOf greatest good to learn;When hatred grows | among heroes’ sons,I soon can set it right.155.A ninth I know, | if need there comesTo shelter my ship on the flood;The wind I calm | upon the waves,And the sea I put to sleep.156.A tenth I know, | what time I seeHouse-riders flying on high;So can I work | that wildly they go,Showing their true shapes,Hence to their own homes.157.An eleventh I know, | if needs I must leadTo the fight my long-loved friends;I sing in the shields, | and in strength they goWhole to the field of fight,Whole from the field of fight,And whole they come thence home.158.A twelfth I know, | if high on a treeI see a hanged man swing;[66]So do I write | and color the runesThat forth he fares,And to me talks.159.A thirteenth I know, | if a thane full youngWith water I sprinkle well;He shall not fall, | though he fares mid the host,Nor sink beneath the swords.160.A fourteenth I know, | if fain I would nameTo men the mighty gods;All know I well | of the gods and elves,—Few be the fools know this.161.A fifteenth I know, | that before the doorsOf Delling sang Thjothrörir the dwarf;Might he sang for the gods, | and glory for elves,And wisdom for Hroptatyr wise.162.A sixteenth I know, | if I seek delightTo win from a maiden wise;The mind I turn | of the white-armed maid,And thus change all her thoughts.[67]163.A seventeenth I know, | so that seldom shall goA maiden young from me;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164.Long these songs | thou shalt, Loddfafnir,Seek in vain to sing;Yet good it were | if thou mightest get them,Well, if thou wouldst them learn,Help, if thou hadst them.165.An eighteenth I know, | that ne’er will I tellTo maiden or wife of man,—The best is what none | but one’s self doth know,So comes the end of the songs,—Save only to her | in whose arms I lie,Or who else my sister is.[28]

1.Within the gates | ere a man shall go,(Full warily let him watch,)Full long let him look about him;For little he knows | where a foe may lurk,And sit in the seats within.2.Hail to the giver! | a guest has come;Where shall the stranger sit?Swift shall he be | who with swords shall tryThe proof of his might to make.[30]3.Fire he needs | who with frozen kneesHas come from the cold without;Food and clothes | must the farer have,The man from the mountains come.4.Water and towels | and welcoming speechShould he find who comes to the feast;If renown he would get, | and again be greeted,Wisely and well must he act.5.Wits must he have | who wanders wide,But all is easy at home;At the witless man | the wise shall winkWhen among such men he sits.6.A man shall not boast | of his keenness of mind,But keep it close in his breast;To the silent and wise | does ill come seldomWhen he goes as guest to a house;(For a faster friend | one never findsThan wisdom tried and true.)7.The knowing guest | who goes to the feast,In silent attention sits;With his ears he hears, | with his eyes he watches,Thus wary are wise men all.[31]8.Happy the one | who wins for himselfFavor and praises fair;Less safe by far | is the wisdom foundThat is hid in another’s heart.9.Happy the man | who has while he livesWisdom and praise as well,For evil counsel | a man full oftHas from another’s heart.10.A better burden | may no man bearFor wanderings wide than wisdom;It is better than wealth | on unknown ways,And in grief a refuge it gives.11.A better burden | may no man bearFor wanderings wide than wisdom;Worse food for the journey | he brings not afieldThan an over-drinking of ale.12.Less good there lies | than most believeIn ale for mortal men;For the more he drinks | the less does manOf his mind the mastery hold.[32]13.Over beer the bird | of forgetfulness broods,And steals the minds of men;With the heron’s feathers | fettered I layAnd in Gunnloth’s house was held.14.Drunk I was, | I was dead-drunk,When with Fjalar wise I was;’Tis the best of drinking | if back one bringsHis wisdom with him home.15.The son of a king | shall be silent and wise,And bold in battle as well;Bravely and gladly | a man shall go,Till the day of his death is come.16.The sluggard believes | he shall live forever,If the fight he faces not;But age shall not grant him | the gift of peace,Though spears may spare his life.17.The fool is agape | when he comes to the feast,He stammers or else is still;But soon if he gets | a drink is it seenWhat the mind of the man is like.[33]18.He alone is aware | who has wandered wide,And far abroad has fared,How great a mind | is guided by himThat wealth of wisdom has.19.Shun not the mead, | but drink in measure;Speak to the point or be still;For rudeness none | shall rightly blame theeIf soon thy bed thou seekest.20.The greedy man, | if his mind be vague,Will eat till sick he is;The vulgar man, | when among the wise,To scorn by his belly is brought.21.The herds know well | when home they shall fare,And then from the grass they go;But the foolish man | his belly’s measureShall never know aright.22.A paltry man | and poor of mindAt all things ever mocks;For never he knows, | what he ought to know,That he is not free from faults.23.The witless man | is awake all night,Thinking of many things;Care-worn he is | when the morning comes,And his woe is just as it was.24.The foolish man | for friends all thoseWho laugh at him will hold;[34]When among the wise | he marks it notThough hatred of him they speak.25.The foolish man | for friends all thoseWho laugh at him will hold;But the truth when he comes | to the council he learns,That few in his favor will speak.26.An ignorant man | thinks that all he knows,When he sits by himself in a corner;But never what answer | to make he knows,When others with questions come.27.A witless man, | when he meets with men,Had best in silence abide;For no one shall find | that nothing he knows,If his mouth is not open too much.(But a man knows not, | if nothing he knows,When his mouth has been open too much.)28.Wise shall he seem | who well can question,And also answer well;Nought is concealed | that men may sayAmong the sons of men.29.Often he speaks | who never is stillWith words that win no faith;[35]The babbling tongue, | if a bridle it find not,Oft for itself sings ill.30.In mockery no one | a man shall hold,Although he fare to the feast;Wise seems one oft, | if nought he is asked,And safely he sits dry-skinned.31.Wise a guest holds it | to take to his heels,When mock of another he makes;But little he knows | who laughs at the feast,Though he mocks in the midst of his foes.32.Friendly of mind | are many men,Till feasting they mock at their friends;To mankind a bane | must it ever beWhen guests together strive.33.Oft should one make | an early meal,Nor fasting come to the feast;Else he sits and chews | as if he would choke,And little is able to ask.34.Crooked and far | is the road to a foe,Though his house on the highway be;But wide and straight | is the way to a friend,Though far away he fare.35.Forth shall one go, | nor stay as a guestIn a single spot forever;[36]Love becomes loathing | if long one sitsBy the hearth in another’s home.36.Better a house, | though a hut it be,A man is master at home;A pair of goats | and a patched-up roofAre better far than begging.37.Better a house, | though a hut it be,A man is master at home;His heart is bleeding | who needs must begWhen food he fain would have.38.Away from his arms | in the open fieldA man should fare not a foot;For never he knows | when the need for a spearShall arise on the distant road.39.If wealth a man | has won for himself,Let him never suffer in need;Oft he saves for a foe | what he plans for a friend,For much goes worse than we wish.40.None so free with gifts | or food have I foundThat gladly he took not a gift,[37]Nor one who so widely | scattered his wealthThat of recompense hatred he had.41.Friends shall gladden each other | with arms and garments,As each for himself can see;Gift-givers’ friendships | are longest found,If fair their fates may be.42.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,And gifts with gifts requite;But men shall mocking | with mockery answer,And fraud with falsehood meet.43.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,To him and the friend of his friend;But never a man | shall friendship makeWith one of his foeman’s friends.44.If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,And good from him wouldst get,Thy thoughts with his mingle, | and gifts shalt thou make,And fare to find him oft.[38]45.If another thou hast | whom thou hardly wilt trust,Yet good from him wouldst get,Thou shalt speak him fair, | but falsely think,And fraud with falsehood requite.46.So is it with him | whom thou hardly wilt trust,And whose mind thou mayst not know;Laugh with him mayst thou, | but speak not thy mind,Like gifts to his shalt thou give.47.Young was I once, | and wandered alone,And nought of the road I knew;Rich did I feel | when a comrade I found,For man is man’s delight.48.The lives of the brave | and noble are best,Sorrows they seldom feed;But the coward fear | of all things feels,And not gladly the niggard gives.49.My garments once | in a field I gaveTo a pair of carven poles;Heroes they seemed | when clothes they had,But the naked man is nought.50.On the hillside drear | the fir-tree dies,All bootless its needles and bark;It is like a man | whom no one loves,—Why should his life be long?[39]51.Hotter than fire | between false friendsDoes friendship five days burn;When the sixth day comes | the fire cools,And ended is all the love.52.No great thing needs | a man to give,Oft little will purchase praise;With half a loaf | and a half-filled cupA friend full fast I made.53.A little sand | has a little sea,And small are the minds of men;Though all men are not | equal in wisdom,Yet half-wise only are all.54.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;The fairest lives | do those men liveWhose wisdom wide has grown.55.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;For the wise man’s heart | is seldom happy,If wisdom too great he has won.56.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;[40]Let no man the fate | before him see,For so is he freest from sorrow.57.A brand from a brand | is kindled and burned,And fire from fire begotten;And man by his speech | is known to men,And the stupid by their stillness.58.He must early go forth | who fain the bloodOr the goods of another would get;The wolf that lies idle | shall win little meat,Or the sleeping man success.59.He must early go forth | whose workers are few,Himself his work to seek;Much remains undone | for the morning-sleeper,For the swift is wealth half won.60.Of seasoned shingles | and strips of barkFor the thatch let one know his need,And how much of wood | he must have for a month,Or in half a year he will use.61.Washed and fed | to the council fare,But care not too much for thy clothes;Let none be ashamed | of his shoes and hose,Less still of the steed he rides,(Though poor be the horse he has.)[41]62.When the eagle comes | to the ancient sea,He snaps and hangs his head;So is a man | in the midst of a throng,Who few to speak for him finds.63.To question and answer | must all be readyWho wish to be known as wise;Tell one thy thoughts, | but beware of two,—All know what is known to three.64.The man who is prudent | a measured useOf the might he has will make;He finds when among | the brave he faresThat the boldest he may not be.65.. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oft for the words | that to others one speaksHe will get but an evil gift.66.Too early to many | a meeting I came,And some too late have I sought;The beer was all drunk, | or not yet brewed;Little the loathed man finds.[42]67.To their homes men would bid me | hither and yon,If at meal-time I needed no meat,Or would hang two hams | in my true friend’s house,Where only one I had eaten.68.Fire for men | is the fairest gift,And power to see the sun;Health as well, | if a man may have it,And a life not stained with sin.69.All wretched is no man, | though never so sick;Some from their sons have joy,Some win it from kinsmen, | and some from their wealth,And some from worthy works.70.It is better to live | than to lie a corpse,The live man catches the cow;I saw flames rise | for the rich man’s pyre,And before his door he lay dead.71.The lame rides a horse, | the handless is herdsman,The deaf in battle is bold;The blind man is better | than one that is burned,No good can come of a corpse.[43]72.A son is better, | though late he be born,And his father to death have fared;Memory-stones | seldom stand by the roadSave when kinsman honors his kin.73.Two make a battle, | the tongue slays the head;In each furry coat | a fist I look for.74.He welcomes the night | whose fare is enough.(Short are the yards of a ship,)Uneasy are autumn nights;Full oft does the weather | change in a week,And more in a month’s time.75.A man knows not, | if nothing he knows,That gold oft apes begets;One man is wealthy | and one is poor,Yet scorn for him none should know.76.Among Fitjung’s sons | saw I well-stocked folds,—Now bear they the beggar’s staff;[44]Wealth is as swift | as a winking eye,Of friends the falsest it is.77.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,And so one dies one’s self;But a noble name | will never die,If good renown one gets.78.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,And so one dies one’s self;One thing I know | that never dies,The fame of a dead man’s deeds.79.Certain is that | which is sought from runes,That the gods so great have made,And the Master-Poet painted;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . of the race of gods:Silence is safest and best.80.An unwise man, | if a maiden’s loveOr wealth he chances to win,[45]His pride will wax, | but his wisdom never,Straight forward he fares in conceit.

1.Within the gates | ere a man shall go,(Full warily let him watch,)Full long let him look about him;For little he knows | where a foe may lurk,And sit in the seats within.

1.Within the gates | ere a man shall go,

(Full warily let him watch,)

Full long let him look about him;

For little he knows | where a foe may lurk,

And sit in the seats within.

2.Hail to the giver! | a guest has come;Where shall the stranger sit?Swift shall he be | who with swords shall tryThe proof of his might to make.

2.Hail to the giver! | a guest has come;

Where shall the stranger sit?

Swift shall he be | who with swords shall try

The proof of his might to make.

[30]

3.Fire he needs | who with frozen kneesHas come from the cold without;Food and clothes | must the farer have,The man from the mountains come.

3.Fire he needs | who with frozen knees

Has come from the cold without;

Food and clothes | must the farer have,

The man from the mountains come.

4.Water and towels | and welcoming speechShould he find who comes to the feast;If renown he would get, | and again be greeted,Wisely and well must he act.

4.Water and towels | and welcoming speech

Should he find who comes to the feast;

If renown he would get, | and again be greeted,

Wisely and well must he act.

5.Wits must he have | who wanders wide,But all is easy at home;At the witless man | the wise shall winkWhen among such men he sits.

5.Wits must he have | who wanders wide,

But all is easy at home;

At the witless man | the wise shall wink

When among such men he sits.

6.A man shall not boast | of his keenness of mind,But keep it close in his breast;To the silent and wise | does ill come seldomWhen he goes as guest to a house;(For a faster friend | one never findsThan wisdom tried and true.)

6.A man shall not boast | of his keenness of mind,

But keep it close in his breast;

To the silent and wise | does ill come seldom

When he goes as guest to a house;

(For a faster friend | one never finds

Than wisdom tried and true.)

7.The knowing guest | who goes to the feast,In silent attention sits;With his ears he hears, | with his eyes he watches,Thus wary are wise men all.

7.The knowing guest | who goes to the feast,

In silent attention sits;

With his ears he hears, | with his eyes he watches,

Thus wary are wise men all.

[31]

8.Happy the one | who wins for himselfFavor and praises fair;Less safe by far | is the wisdom foundThat is hid in another’s heart.

8.Happy the one | who wins for himself

Favor and praises fair;

Less safe by far | is the wisdom found

That is hid in another’s heart.

9.Happy the man | who has while he livesWisdom and praise as well,For evil counsel | a man full oftHas from another’s heart.

9.Happy the man | who has while he lives

Wisdom and praise as well,

For evil counsel | a man full oft

Has from another’s heart.

10.A better burden | may no man bearFor wanderings wide than wisdom;It is better than wealth | on unknown ways,And in grief a refuge it gives.

10.A better burden | may no man bear

For wanderings wide than wisdom;

It is better than wealth | on unknown ways,

And in grief a refuge it gives.

11.A better burden | may no man bearFor wanderings wide than wisdom;Worse food for the journey | he brings not afieldThan an over-drinking of ale.

11.A better burden | may no man bear

For wanderings wide than wisdom;

Worse food for the journey | he brings not afield

Than an over-drinking of ale.

12.Less good there lies | than most believeIn ale for mortal men;For the more he drinks | the less does manOf his mind the mastery hold.

12.Less good there lies | than most believe

In ale for mortal men;

For the more he drinks | the less does man

Of his mind the mastery hold.

[32]

13.Over beer the bird | of forgetfulness broods,And steals the minds of men;With the heron’s feathers | fettered I layAnd in Gunnloth’s house was held.

13.Over beer the bird | of forgetfulness broods,

And steals the minds of men;

With the heron’s feathers | fettered I lay

And in Gunnloth’s house was held.

14.Drunk I was, | I was dead-drunk,When with Fjalar wise I was;’Tis the best of drinking | if back one bringsHis wisdom with him home.

14.Drunk I was, | I was dead-drunk,

When with Fjalar wise I was;

’Tis the best of drinking | if back one brings

His wisdom with him home.

15.The son of a king | shall be silent and wise,And bold in battle as well;Bravely and gladly | a man shall go,Till the day of his death is come.

15.The son of a king | shall be silent and wise,

And bold in battle as well;

Bravely and gladly | a man shall go,

Till the day of his death is come.

16.The sluggard believes | he shall live forever,If the fight he faces not;But age shall not grant him | the gift of peace,Though spears may spare his life.

16.The sluggard believes | he shall live forever,

If the fight he faces not;

But age shall not grant him | the gift of peace,

Though spears may spare his life.

17.The fool is agape | when he comes to the feast,He stammers or else is still;But soon if he gets | a drink is it seenWhat the mind of the man is like.

17.The fool is agape | when he comes to the feast,

He stammers or else is still;

But soon if he gets | a drink is it seen

What the mind of the man is like.

[33]

18.He alone is aware | who has wandered wide,And far abroad has fared,How great a mind | is guided by himThat wealth of wisdom has.

18.He alone is aware | who has wandered wide,

And far abroad has fared,

How great a mind | is guided by him

That wealth of wisdom has.

19.Shun not the mead, | but drink in measure;Speak to the point or be still;For rudeness none | shall rightly blame theeIf soon thy bed thou seekest.

19.Shun not the mead, | but drink in measure;

Speak to the point or be still;

For rudeness none | shall rightly blame thee

If soon thy bed thou seekest.

20.The greedy man, | if his mind be vague,Will eat till sick he is;The vulgar man, | when among the wise,To scorn by his belly is brought.

20.The greedy man, | if his mind be vague,

Will eat till sick he is;

The vulgar man, | when among the wise,

To scorn by his belly is brought.

21.The herds know well | when home they shall fare,And then from the grass they go;But the foolish man | his belly’s measureShall never know aright.

21.The herds know well | when home they shall fare,

And then from the grass they go;

But the foolish man | his belly’s measure

Shall never know aright.

22.A paltry man | and poor of mindAt all things ever mocks;For never he knows, | what he ought to know,That he is not free from faults.

22.A paltry man | and poor of mind

At all things ever mocks;

For never he knows, | what he ought to know,

That he is not free from faults.

23.The witless man | is awake all night,Thinking of many things;Care-worn he is | when the morning comes,And his woe is just as it was.

23.The witless man | is awake all night,

Thinking of many things;

Care-worn he is | when the morning comes,

And his woe is just as it was.

24.The foolish man | for friends all thoseWho laugh at him will hold;[34]When among the wise | he marks it notThough hatred of him they speak.

24.The foolish man | for friends all those

Who laugh at him will hold;[34]

When among the wise | he marks it not

Though hatred of him they speak.

25.The foolish man | for friends all thoseWho laugh at him will hold;But the truth when he comes | to the council he learns,That few in his favor will speak.

25.The foolish man | for friends all those

Who laugh at him will hold;

But the truth when he comes | to the council he learns,

That few in his favor will speak.

26.An ignorant man | thinks that all he knows,When he sits by himself in a corner;But never what answer | to make he knows,When others with questions come.

26.An ignorant man | thinks that all he knows,

When he sits by himself in a corner;

But never what answer | to make he knows,

When others with questions come.

27.A witless man, | when he meets with men,Had best in silence abide;For no one shall find | that nothing he knows,If his mouth is not open too much.(But a man knows not, | if nothing he knows,When his mouth has been open too much.)

27.A witless man, | when he meets with men,

Had best in silence abide;

For no one shall find | that nothing he knows,

If his mouth is not open too much.

(But a man knows not, | if nothing he knows,

When his mouth has been open too much.)

28.Wise shall he seem | who well can question,And also answer well;Nought is concealed | that men may sayAmong the sons of men.

28.Wise shall he seem | who well can question,

And also answer well;

Nought is concealed | that men may say

Among the sons of men.

29.Often he speaks | who never is stillWith words that win no faith;[35]The babbling tongue, | if a bridle it find not,Oft for itself sings ill.

29.Often he speaks | who never is still

With words that win no faith;[35]

The babbling tongue, | if a bridle it find not,

Oft for itself sings ill.

30.In mockery no one | a man shall hold,Although he fare to the feast;Wise seems one oft, | if nought he is asked,And safely he sits dry-skinned.

30.In mockery no one | a man shall hold,

Although he fare to the feast;

Wise seems one oft, | if nought he is asked,

And safely he sits dry-skinned.

31.Wise a guest holds it | to take to his heels,When mock of another he makes;But little he knows | who laughs at the feast,Though he mocks in the midst of his foes.

31.Wise a guest holds it | to take to his heels,

When mock of another he makes;

But little he knows | who laughs at the feast,

Though he mocks in the midst of his foes.

32.Friendly of mind | are many men,Till feasting they mock at their friends;To mankind a bane | must it ever beWhen guests together strive.

32.Friendly of mind | are many men,

Till feasting they mock at their friends;

To mankind a bane | must it ever be

When guests together strive.

33.Oft should one make | an early meal,Nor fasting come to the feast;Else he sits and chews | as if he would choke,And little is able to ask.

33.Oft should one make | an early meal,

Nor fasting come to the feast;

Else he sits and chews | as if he would choke,

And little is able to ask.

34.Crooked and far | is the road to a foe,Though his house on the highway be;But wide and straight | is the way to a friend,Though far away he fare.

34.Crooked and far | is the road to a foe,

Though his house on the highway be;

But wide and straight | is the way to a friend,

Though far away he fare.

35.Forth shall one go, | nor stay as a guestIn a single spot forever;[36]Love becomes loathing | if long one sitsBy the hearth in another’s home.

35.Forth shall one go, | nor stay as a guest

In a single spot forever;[36]

Love becomes loathing | if long one sits

By the hearth in another’s home.

36.Better a house, | though a hut it be,A man is master at home;A pair of goats | and a patched-up roofAre better far than begging.

36.Better a house, | though a hut it be,

A man is master at home;

A pair of goats | and a patched-up roof

Are better far than begging.

37.Better a house, | though a hut it be,A man is master at home;His heart is bleeding | who needs must begWhen food he fain would have.

37.Better a house, | though a hut it be,

A man is master at home;

His heart is bleeding | who needs must beg

When food he fain would have.

38.Away from his arms | in the open fieldA man should fare not a foot;For never he knows | when the need for a spearShall arise on the distant road.

38.Away from his arms | in the open field

A man should fare not a foot;

For never he knows | when the need for a spear

Shall arise on the distant road.

39.If wealth a man | has won for himself,Let him never suffer in need;Oft he saves for a foe | what he plans for a friend,For much goes worse than we wish.

39.If wealth a man | has won for himself,

Let him never suffer in need;

Oft he saves for a foe | what he plans for a friend,

For much goes worse than we wish.

40.None so free with gifts | or food have I foundThat gladly he took not a gift,[37]Nor one who so widely | scattered his wealthThat of recompense hatred he had.

40.None so free with gifts | or food have I found

That gladly he took not a gift,[37]

Nor one who so widely | scattered his wealth

That of recompense hatred he had.

41.Friends shall gladden each other | with arms and garments,As each for himself can see;Gift-givers’ friendships | are longest found,If fair their fates may be.

41.Friends shall gladden each other | with arms and garments,

As each for himself can see;

Gift-givers’ friendships | are longest found,

If fair their fates may be.

42.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,And gifts with gifts requite;But men shall mocking | with mockery answer,And fraud with falsehood meet.

42.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,

And gifts with gifts requite;

But men shall mocking | with mockery answer,

And fraud with falsehood meet.

43.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,To him and the friend of his friend;But never a man | shall friendship makeWith one of his foeman’s friends.

43.To his friend a man | a friend shall prove,

To him and the friend of his friend;

But never a man | shall friendship make

With one of his foeman’s friends.

44.If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,And good from him wouldst get,Thy thoughts with his mingle, | and gifts shalt thou make,And fare to find him oft.

44.If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,

And good from him wouldst get,

Thy thoughts with his mingle, | and gifts shalt thou make,

And fare to find him oft.

[38]

45.If another thou hast | whom thou hardly wilt trust,Yet good from him wouldst get,Thou shalt speak him fair, | but falsely think,And fraud with falsehood requite.

45.If another thou hast | whom thou hardly wilt trust,

Yet good from him wouldst get,

Thou shalt speak him fair, | but falsely think,

And fraud with falsehood requite.

46.So is it with him | whom thou hardly wilt trust,And whose mind thou mayst not know;Laugh with him mayst thou, | but speak not thy mind,Like gifts to his shalt thou give.

46.So is it with him | whom thou hardly wilt trust,

And whose mind thou mayst not know;

Laugh with him mayst thou, | but speak not thy mind,

Like gifts to his shalt thou give.

47.Young was I once, | and wandered alone,And nought of the road I knew;Rich did I feel | when a comrade I found,For man is man’s delight.

47.Young was I once, | and wandered alone,

And nought of the road I knew;

Rich did I feel | when a comrade I found,

For man is man’s delight.

48.The lives of the brave | and noble are best,Sorrows they seldom feed;But the coward fear | of all things feels,And not gladly the niggard gives.

48.The lives of the brave | and noble are best,

Sorrows they seldom feed;

But the coward fear | of all things feels,

And not gladly the niggard gives.

49.My garments once | in a field I gaveTo a pair of carven poles;Heroes they seemed | when clothes they had,But the naked man is nought.

49.My garments once | in a field I gave

To a pair of carven poles;

Heroes they seemed | when clothes they had,

But the naked man is nought.

50.On the hillside drear | the fir-tree dies,All bootless its needles and bark;It is like a man | whom no one loves,—Why should his life be long?

50.On the hillside drear | the fir-tree dies,

All bootless its needles and bark;

It is like a man | whom no one loves,—

Why should his life be long?

[39]

51.Hotter than fire | between false friendsDoes friendship five days burn;When the sixth day comes | the fire cools,And ended is all the love.

51.Hotter than fire | between false friends

Does friendship five days burn;

When the sixth day comes | the fire cools,

And ended is all the love.

52.No great thing needs | a man to give,Oft little will purchase praise;With half a loaf | and a half-filled cupA friend full fast I made.

52.No great thing needs | a man to give,

Oft little will purchase praise;

With half a loaf | and a half-filled cup

A friend full fast I made.

53.A little sand | has a little sea,And small are the minds of men;Though all men are not | equal in wisdom,Yet half-wise only are all.

53.A little sand | has a little sea,

And small are the minds of men;

Though all men are not | equal in wisdom,

Yet half-wise only are all.

54.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;The fairest lives | do those men liveWhose wisdom wide has grown.

54.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,

But never too much let him know;

The fairest lives | do those men live

Whose wisdom wide has grown.

55.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;For the wise man’s heart | is seldom happy,If wisdom too great he has won.

55.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,

But never too much let him know;

For the wise man’s heart | is seldom happy,

If wisdom too great he has won.

56.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,But never too much let him know;[40]Let no man the fate | before him see,For so is he freest from sorrow.

56.A measure of wisdom | each man shall have,

But never too much let him know;[40]

Let no man the fate | before him see,

For so is he freest from sorrow.

57.A brand from a brand | is kindled and burned,And fire from fire begotten;And man by his speech | is known to men,And the stupid by their stillness.

57.A brand from a brand | is kindled and burned,

And fire from fire begotten;

And man by his speech | is known to men,

And the stupid by their stillness.

58.He must early go forth | who fain the bloodOr the goods of another would get;The wolf that lies idle | shall win little meat,Or the sleeping man success.

58.He must early go forth | who fain the blood

Or the goods of another would get;

The wolf that lies idle | shall win little meat,

Or the sleeping man success.

59.He must early go forth | whose workers are few,Himself his work to seek;Much remains undone | for the morning-sleeper,For the swift is wealth half won.

59.He must early go forth | whose workers are few,

Himself his work to seek;

Much remains undone | for the morning-sleeper,

For the swift is wealth half won.

60.Of seasoned shingles | and strips of barkFor the thatch let one know his need,And how much of wood | he must have for a month,Or in half a year he will use.

60.Of seasoned shingles | and strips of bark

For the thatch let one know his need,

And how much of wood | he must have for a month,

Or in half a year he will use.

61.Washed and fed | to the council fare,But care not too much for thy clothes;Let none be ashamed | of his shoes and hose,Less still of the steed he rides,(Though poor be the horse he has.)

61.Washed and fed | to the council fare,

But care not too much for thy clothes;

Let none be ashamed | of his shoes and hose,

Less still of the steed he rides,

(Though poor be the horse he has.)

[41]

62.When the eagle comes | to the ancient sea,He snaps and hangs his head;So is a man | in the midst of a throng,Who few to speak for him finds.

62.When the eagle comes | to the ancient sea,

He snaps and hangs his head;

So is a man | in the midst of a throng,

Who few to speak for him finds.

63.To question and answer | must all be readyWho wish to be known as wise;Tell one thy thoughts, | but beware of two,—All know what is known to three.

63.To question and answer | must all be ready

Who wish to be known as wise;

Tell one thy thoughts, | but beware of two,—

All know what is known to three.

64.The man who is prudent | a measured useOf the might he has will make;He finds when among | the brave he faresThat the boldest he may not be.

64.The man who is prudent | a measured use

Of the might he has will make;

He finds when among | the brave he fares

That the boldest he may not be.

65.. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oft for the words | that to others one speaksHe will get but an evil gift.

65.. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Oft for the words | that to others one speaks

He will get but an evil gift.

66.Too early to many | a meeting I came,And some too late have I sought;The beer was all drunk, | or not yet brewed;Little the loathed man finds.

66.Too early to many | a meeting I came,

And some too late have I sought;

The beer was all drunk, | or not yet brewed;

Little the loathed man finds.

[42]

67.To their homes men would bid me | hither and yon,If at meal-time I needed no meat,Or would hang two hams | in my true friend’s house,Where only one I had eaten.

67.To their homes men would bid me | hither and yon,

If at meal-time I needed no meat,

Or would hang two hams | in my true friend’s house,

Where only one I had eaten.

68.Fire for men | is the fairest gift,And power to see the sun;Health as well, | if a man may have it,And a life not stained with sin.

68.Fire for men | is the fairest gift,

And power to see the sun;

Health as well, | if a man may have it,

And a life not stained with sin.

69.All wretched is no man, | though never so sick;Some from their sons have joy,Some win it from kinsmen, | and some from their wealth,And some from worthy works.

69.All wretched is no man, | though never so sick;

Some from their sons have joy,

Some win it from kinsmen, | and some from their wealth,

And some from worthy works.

70.It is better to live | than to lie a corpse,The live man catches the cow;I saw flames rise | for the rich man’s pyre,And before his door he lay dead.

70.It is better to live | than to lie a corpse,

The live man catches the cow;

I saw flames rise | for the rich man’s pyre,

And before his door he lay dead.

71.The lame rides a horse, | the handless is herdsman,The deaf in battle is bold;The blind man is better | than one that is burned,No good can come of a corpse.

71.The lame rides a horse, | the handless is herdsman,

The deaf in battle is bold;

The blind man is better | than one that is burned,

No good can come of a corpse.

[43]

72.A son is better, | though late he be born,And his father to death have fared;Memory-stones | seldom stand by the roadSave when kinsman honors his kin.

72.A son is better, | though late he be born,

And his father to death have fared;

Memory-stones | seldom stand by the road

Save when kinsman honors his kin.

73.Two make a battle, | the tongue slays the head;In each furry coat | a fist I look for.

73.Two make a battle, | the tongue slays the head;

In each furry coat | a fist I look for.

74.He welcomes the night | whose fare is enough.(Short are the yards of a ship,)Uneasy are autumn nights;Full oft does the weather | change in a week,And more in a month’s time.

74.He welcomes the night | whose fare is enough.

(Short are the yards of a ship,)

Uneasy are autumn nights;

Full oft does the weather | change in a week,

And more in a month’s time.

75.A man knows not, | if nothing he knows,That gold oft apes begets;One man is wealthy | and one is poor,Yet scorn for him none should know.

75.A man knows not, | if nothing he knows,

That gold oft apes begets;

One man is wealthy | and one is poor,

Yet scorn for him none should know.

76.Among Fitjung’s sons | saw I well-stocked folds,—Now bear they the beggar’s staff;[44]Wealth is as swift | as a winking eye,Of friends the falsest it is.

76.Among Fitjung’s sons | saw I well-stocked folds,—

Now bear they the beggar’s staff;[44]

Wealth is as swift | as a winking eye,

Of friends the falsest it is.

77.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,And so one dies one’s self;But a noble name | will never die,If good renown one gets.

77.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,

And so one dies one’s self;

But a noble name | will never die,

If good renown one gets.

78.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,And so one dies one’s self;One thing I know | that never dies,The fame of a dead man’s deeds.

78.Cattle die, | and kinsmen die,

And so one dies one’s self;

One thing I know | that never dies,

The fame of a dead man’s deeds.

79.Certain is that | which is sought from runes,That the gods so great have made,And the Master-Poet painted;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . of the race of gods:Silence is safest and best.

79.Certain is that | which is sought from runes,

That the gods so great have made,

And the Master-Poet painted;

. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .

. . . . . of the race of gods:

Silence is safest and best.

80.An unwise man, | if a maiden’s loveOr wealth he chances to win,[45]His pride will wax, | but his wisdom never,Straight forward he fares in conceit.

80.An unwise man, | if a maiden’s love

Or wealth he chances to win,[45]

His pride will wax, | but his wisdom never,

Straight forward he fares in conceit.

* * * * * *81.Give praise to the day at evening, | to a woman on her pyre,To a weapon which is tried, | to a maid at wedlock,To ice when it is crossed, | to ale that is drunk.82.When the gale blows hew wood, | in fair winds seek the water;Sport with maidens at dusk, | for day’s eyes are many;From the ship seek swiftness, | from the shield protection,Cuts from the sword, | from the maiden kisses.83.By the fire drink ale, | over ice go on skates;Buy a steed that is lean, | and a sword when tarnished,[46]The horse at home fatten, | the hound in thy dwelling.* * * * * *84.A man shall trust not | the oath of a maid,Nor the word a woman speaks;For their hearts on a whirling | wheel were fashioned,And fickle their breasts were formed.* * * * * *85.In a breaking bow | or a burning flame,A ravening wolf | or a croaking raven,In a grunting boar, | a tree with roots broken,In billowy seas | or a bubbling kettle,86.In a flying arrow | or falling waters,In ice new formed | or the serpent’s folds,In a bride’s bed-speech | or a broken sword,In the sport of bears | or in sons of kings,87.In a calf that is sick | or a stubborn thrall,A flattering witch | or a foe new slain.[47]88.In a brother’s slayer, | if thou meet him abroad,In a half-burned house, | in a horse full swift—One leg is hurt | and the horse is useless—None had ever such faith | as to trust in them all.* * * * * *89.Hope not too surely | for early harvest,Nor trust too soon in thy son;The field needs good weather, | the son needs wisdom,And oft is either denied.* * * * * *90.The love of women | fickle of willIs like starting o’er ice | with a steed unshod,A two-year-old restive | and little tamed,Or steering a rudderless | ship in a storm,Or, lame, hunting reindeer | on slippery rocks.* * * * * *91.Clear now will I speak, | for I know them both,Men false to women are found;When fairest we speak, | then falsest we think,Against wisdom we work with deceit.92.Soft words shall he speak | and wealth shall he offerWho longs for a maiden’s love,And the beauty praise | of the maiden bright;He wins whose wooing is best.[48]93.Fault for loving | let no man findEver with any other;Oft the wise are fettered, | where fools go free,By beauty that breeds desire.94.Fault with another | let no man findFor what touches many a man;Wise men oft | into witless foolsAre made by mighty love.95.The head alone knows | what dwells near the heart,A man knows his mind alone;No sickness is worse | to one who is wiseThan to lack the longed-for joy.96.This found I myself, | when I sat in the reeds,And long my love awaited;As my life the maiden | wise I loved,Yet her I never had.97.Billing’s daughter | I found on her bed,In slumber bright as the sun;Empty appeared | an earl’s estateWithout that form so fair.[49]98.“Othin, again | at evening come,If a woman thou wouldst win;Evil it were | if others than weShould know of such a sin.”99.Away I hastened, | hoping for joy,And careless of counsel wise;Well I believed | that soon I should winMeasureless joy with the maid.100.So came I next | when night it was,The warriors all were awake;With burning lights | and waving brandsI learned my luckless way.101.At morning then, | when once more I came,And all were sleeping still,A dog I found | in the fair one’s place,Bound there upon her bed.102.Many fair maids, | if a man but tries them,False to a lover are found;That did I learn | when I longed to gainWith wiles the maiden wise;[50]Foul scorn was my meed | from the crafty maid,And nought from the woman I won.* * * * * *103.Though glad at home, | and merry with guests,A man shall be wary and wise;The sage and shrewd, | wide wisdom seeking,Must see that his speech be fair;A fool is he named | who nought can say,For such is the way of the witless.104.I found the old giant, | now back have I fared,Small gain from silence I got;Full many a word, | my will to get,I spoke in Suttung’s hall.105.The mouth of Rati | made room for my passage,And space in the stone he gnawed;[51]Above and below | the giants’ paths lay,So rashly I risked my head.106.Gunnloth gave | on a golden stoolA drink of the marvelous mead;A harsh reward | did I let her haveFor her heroic heart,And her spirit troubled sore.107.The well-earned beauty | well I enjoyed,Little the wise man lacks;So Othrörir now | has up been broughtTo the midst of the men of earth.108.Hardly, methinks, | would I home have come,And left the giants’ land,Had not Gunnloth helped me, | the maiden good,Whose arms about me had been.109.The day that followed, | the frost-giants came,Some word of Hor to win,(And into the hall of Hor;)[52]Of Bolverk they asked, | were he back midst the gods,Or had Suttung slain him there?110.On his ring swore Othin | the oath, methinks;Who now his troth shall trust?Suttung’s betrayal | he sought with drink,And Gunnloth to grief he left.* * * * * *111.It is time to chant | from the chanter’s stool;By the wells of Urth I was,I saw and was silent, | I saw and thought,And heard the speech of Hor.(Of runes heard I words, | nor were counsels wanting,At the hall of Hor,In the hall of Hor;Such was the speech I heard.)[53]112.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Rise not at night, | save if news thou seekest,Or fain to the outhouse wouldst fare.113.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Beware of sleep | on a witch’s bosom,Nor let her limbs ensnare thee.114.Such is her might | that thou hast no mindFor the council or meeting of men;Meat thou hatest, | joy thou hast not,And sadly to slumber thou farest.115.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:[54]Seek never to win | the wife of another,Or long for her secret love.116.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If o’er mountains or gulfs | thou fain wouldst go,Look well to thy food for the way.117.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:An evil man | thou must not letBring aught of ill to thee;For an evil man | will never makeReward for a worthy thought.118.I saw a man | who was wounded soreBy an evil woman’s word;A lying tongue | his death-blow launched,And no word of truth there was.119.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,Then fare to find him oft;For brambles grow | and waving grassOn the rarely trodden road.[55]120.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:A good man find | to hold in friendship,And give heed to his healing charms.121.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Be never the first | to break with thy friendThe bond that holds you both;Care eats the heart | if thou canst not speakTo another all thy thought.122.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Exchange of words | with a witless apeThou must not ever make.123.For never thou mayst | from an evil manA good requital get;But a good man oft | the greatest loveThrough words of praise will win thee.124.Mingled is love | when a man can speakTo another all his thought;[56]Nought is so bad | as false to be,No friend speaks only fair.125.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:With a worse man speak not | three words in dispute,Ill fares the better oftWhen the worse man wields a sword.126.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:A shoemaker be, | or a maker of shafts,For only thy single self;If the shoe is ill made, | or the shaft prove false,Then evil of thee men think.127.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If evil thou knowest, | as evil proclaim it,And make no friendship with foes.128.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,[57]Great thy gain if thou learnest:In evil never | joy shalt thou know,But glad the good shall make thee.129.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Look not up | when the battle is on,—(Like madmen the sons | of men become,—)Lest men bewitch thy wits.130.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If thou fain wouldst win | a woman’s love,And gladness get from her,Fair be thy promise | and well fulfilled;None loathes what good he gets.131.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:I bid thee be wary, | but be not fearful;(Beware most with ale | or another’s wife,And third beware | lest a thief outwit thee.)[58]132.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Scorn or mocking | ne’er shalt thou makeOf a guest or a journey-goer.133.Oft scarcely he knows | who sits in the houseWhat kind is the man who comes;None so good is found | that faults he has not,Nor so wicked that nought he is worth.134.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Scorn not ever | the gray-haired singer,Oft do the old speak good;(Oft from shrivelled skin | come skillful counsels,Though it hang with the hides,And flap with the pelts,And is blown with the bellies.)[59]135.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Curse not thy guest, | nor show him thy gate,Deal well with a man in want.136.Strong is the beam | that raised must beTo give an entrance to all;Give it a ring, | or grim will beThe wish it would work on thee.137.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:When ale thou drinkest, | seek might of earth,(For earth cures drink, | and fire cures ills,The oak cures tightness, | the ear cures magic,Rye cures rupture, | the moon cures rage,Grass cures the scab, | and runes the sword-cut;)The field absorbs the flood.[60]138.Now are Hor’s words | spoken in the hall,Kind for the kindred of men,Cursed for the kindred of giants:Hail to the speaker, | and to him who learns!Profit be his who has them!Hail to them who hearken* * * * * *139.I ween that I hung | on the windy tree,Hung there for nights full nine;With the spear I was wounded, | and offered I wasTo Othin, myself to myself,On the tree that none | may ever knowWhat root beneath it runs.[61]140.None made me happy | with loaf or horn,And there below I looked;I took up the runes, | shrieking I took them,And forthwith back I fell.141.Nine mighty songs | I got from the sonOf Bolthorn, Bestla’s father;And a drink I got | of the goodly meadPoured out from Othrörir.142.Then began I to thrive, | and wisdom to get,I grew and well I was;Each word led me on | to another word,Each deed to another deed.143.Runes shalt thou find, | and fateful signs,That the king of singers colored,And the mighty gods have made;[62]Full strong the signs, | full mighty the signsThat the ruler of gods doth write.144.Othin for the gods, | Dain for the elves,And Dvalin for the dwarfs,Alsvith for giants | and all mankind,And some myself I wrote.145.Knowest how one shall write, | knowest how one shall rede?Knowest how one shall tint, | knowest how one makes trial?Knowest how one shall ask, | knowest how one shall offer?Knowest how one shall send, | knowest how one shall sacrifice?[63]146.Better no prayer | than too big an offering,By thy getting measure thy gift;Better is none | than too big a sacrifice,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .So Thund of old wrote | ere man’s race began,Where he rose on high | when home he came.* * * * * *147.The songs I know | that king’s wives know not,Nor men that are sons of men;The first is called help, | and help it can bring theeIn sorrow and pain and sickness.148.A second I know, | that men shall needWho leechcraft long to use;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[64]149.A third I know, | if great is my needOf fetters to hold my foe;Blunt do I make | mine enemy’s blade,Nor bites his sword or staff.150.A fourth I know, | if men shall fastenBonds on my bended legs;So great is the charm | that forth I may go,The fetters spring from my feet,Broken the bonds from my hands.151.A fifth I know, | if I see from afarAn arrow fly ’gainst the folk;It flies not so swift | that I stop it not,If ever my eyes behold it.152.A sixth I know, | if harm one seeksWith a sapling’s roots to send me;The hero himself | who wreaks his hateShall taste the ill ere I.153.A seventh I know, | if I see in flamesThe hall o’er my comrades’ heads;It burns not so wide | that I will not quench it,I know that song to sing.[65]154.An eighth I know, | that is to allOf greatest good to learn;When hatred grows | among heroes’ sons,I soon can set it right.155.A ninth I know, | if need there comesTo shelter my ship on the flood;The wind I calm | upon the waves,And the sea I put to sleep.156.A tenth I know, | what time I seeHouse-riders flying on high;So can I work | that wildly they go,Showing their true shapes,Hence to their own homes.157.An eleventh I know, | if needs I must leadTo the fight my long-loved friends;I sing in the shields, | and in strength they goWhole to the field of fight,Whole from the field of fight,And whole they come thence home.158.A twelfth I know, | if high on a treeI see a hanged man swing;[66]So do I write | and color the runesThat forth he fares,And to me talks.159.A thirteenth I know, | if a thane full youngWith water I sprinkle well;He shall not fall, | though he fares mid the host,Nor sink beneath the swords.160.A fourteenth I know, | if fain I would nameTo men the mighty gods;All know I well | of the gods and elves,—Few be the fools know this.161.A fifteenth I know, | that before the doorsOf Delling sang Thjothrörir the dwarf;Might he sang for the gods, | and glory for elves,And wisdom for Hroptatyr wise.162.A sixteenth I know, | if I seek delightTo win from a maiden wise;The mind I turn | of the white-armed maid,And thus change all her thoughts.[67]163.A seventeenth I know, | so that seldom shall goA maiden young from me;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164.Long these songs | thou shalt, Loddfafnir,Seek in vain to sing;Yet good it were | if thou mightest get them,Well, if thou wouldst them learn,Help, if thou hadst them.165.An eighteenth I know, | that ne’er will I tellTo maiden or wife of man,—The best is what none | but one’s self doth know,So comes the end of the songs,—Save only to her | in whose arms I lie,Or who else my sister is.[28]

* * * * * *

81.Give praise to the day at evening, | to a woman on her pyre,To a weapon which is tried, | to a maid at wedlock,To ice when it is crossed, | to ale that is drunk.

81.Give praise to the day at evening, | to a woman on her pyre,

To a weapon which is tried, | to a maid at wedlock,

To ice when it is crossed, | to ale that is drunk.

82.When the gale blows hew wood, | in fair winds seek the water;Sport with maidens at dusk, | for day’s eyes are many;From the ship seek swiftness, | from the shield protection,Cuts from the sword, | from the maiden kisses.

82.When the gale blows hew wood, | in fair winds seek the water;

Sport with maidens at dusk, | for day’s eyes are many;

From the ship seek swiftness, | from the shield protection,

Cuts from the sword, | from the maiden kisses.

83.By the fire drink ale, | over ice go on skates;Buy a steed that is lean, | and a sword when tarnished,[46]The horse at home fatten, | the hound in thy dwelling.

83.By the fire drink ale, | over ice go on skates;

Buy a steed that is lean, | and a sword when tarnished,[46]

The horse at home fatten, | the hound in thy dwelling.

* * * * * *

84.A man shall trust not | the oath of a maid,Nor the word a woman speaks;For their hearts on a whirling | wheel were fashioned,And fickle their breasts were formed.

84.A man shall trust not | the oath of a maid,

Nor the word a woman speaks;

For their hearts on a whirling | wheel were fashioned,

And fickle their breasts were formed.

* * * * * *

85.In a breaking bow | or a burning flame,A ravening wolf | or a croaking raven,In a grunting boar, | a tree with roots broken,In billowy seas | or a bubbling kettle,

85.In a breaking bow | or a burning flame,

A ravening wolf | or a croaking raven,

In a grunting boar, | a tree with roots broken,

In billowy seas | or a bubbling kettle,

86.In a flying arrow | or falling waters,In ice new formed | or the serpent’s folds,In a bride’s bed-speech | or a broken sword,In the sport of bears | or in sons of kings,

86.In a flying arrow | or falling waters,

In ice new formed | or the serpent’s folds,

In a bride’s bed-speech | or a broken sword,

In the sport of bears | or in sons of kings,

87.In a calf that is sick | or a stubborn thrall,A flattering witch | or a foe new slain.

87.In a calf that is sick | or a stubborn thrall,

A flattering witch | or a foe new slain.

[47]

88.In a brother’s slayer, | if thou meet him abroad,In a half-burned house, | in a horse full swift—One leg is hurt | and the horse is useless—None had ever such faith | as to trust in them all.

88.In a brother’s slayer, | if thou meet him abroad,

In a half-burned house, | in a horse full swift—

One leg is hurt | and the horse is useless—

None had ever such faith | as to trust in them all.

* * * * * *

89.Hope not too surely | for early harvest,Nor trust too soon in thy son;The field needs good weather, | the son needs wisdom,And oft is either denied.

89.Hope not too surely | for early harvest,

Nor trust too soon in thy son;

The field needs good weather, | the son needs wisdom,

And oft is either denied.

* * * * * *

90.The love of women | fickle of will

Is like starting o’er ice | with a steed unshod,

A two-year-old restive | and little tamed,

Or steering a rudderless | ship in a storm,

Or, lame, hunting reindeer | on slippery rocks.

* * * * * *

91.Clear now will I speak, | for I know them both,Men false to women are found;When fairest we speak, | then falsest we think,Against wisdom we work with deceit.

91.Clear now will I speak, | for I know them both,

Men false to women are found;

When fairest we speak, | then falsest we think,

Against wisdom we work with deceit.

92.Soft words shall he speak | and wealth shall he offerWho longs for a maiden’s love,And the beauty praise | of the maiden bright;He wins whose wooing is best.

92.Soft words shall he speak | and wealth shall he offer

Who longs for a maiden’s love,

And the beauty praise | of the maiden bright;

He wins whose wooing is best.

[48]

93.Fault for loving | let no man findEver with any other;Oft the wise are fettered, | where fools go free,By beauty that breeds desire.

93.Fault for loving | let no man find

Ever with any other;

Oft the wise are fettered, | where fools go free,

By beauty that breeds desire.

94.Fault with another | let no man findFor what touches many a man;Wise men oft | into witless foolsAre made by mighty love.

94.Fault with another | let no man find

For what touches many a man;

Wise men oft | into witless fools

Are made by mighty love.

95.The head alone knows | what dwells near the heart,A man knows his mind alone;No sickness is worse | to one who is wiseThan to lack the longed-for joy.

95.The head alone knows | what dwells near the heart,

A man knows his mind alone;

No sickness is worse | to one who is wise

Than to lack the longed-for joy.

96.This found I myself, | when I sat in the reeds,And long my love awaited;As my life the maiden | wise I loved,Yet her I never had.

96.This found I myself, | when I sat in the reeds,

And long my love awaited;

As my life the maiden | wise I loved,

Yet her I never had.

97.Billing’s daughter | I found on her bed,In slumber bright as the sun;Empty appeared | an earl’s estateWithout that form so fair.

97.Billing’s daughter | I found on her bed,

In slumber bright as the sun;

Empty appeared | an earl’s estate

Without that form so fair.

[49]

98.“Othin, again | at evening come,If a woman thou wouldst win;Evil it were | if others than weShould know of such a sin.”

98.“Othin, again | at evening come,

If a woman thou wouldst win;

Evil it were | if others than we

Should know of such a sin.”

99.Away I hastened, | hoping for joy,And careless of counsel wise;Well I believed | that soon I should winMeasureless joy with the maid.

99.Away I hastened, | hoping for joy,

And careless of counsel wise;

Well I believed | that soon I should win

Measureless joy with the maid.

100.So came I next | when night it was,The warriors all were awake;With burning lights | and waving brandsI learned my luckless way.

100.So came I next | when night it was,

The warriors all were awake;

With burning lights | and waving brands

I learned my luckless way.

101.At morning then, | when once more I came,And all were sleeping still,A dog I found | in the fair one’s place,Bound there upon her bed.

101.At morning then, | when once more I came,

And all were sleeping still,

A dog I found | in the fair one’s place,

Bound there upon her bed.

102.Many fair maids, | if a man but tries them,False to a lover are found;That did I learn | when I longed to gainWith wiles the maiden wise;[50]Foul scorn was my meed | from the crafty maid,And nought from the woman I won.

102.Many fair maids, | if a man but tries them,

False to a lover are found;

That did I learn | when I longed to gain

With wiles the maiden wise;[50]

Foul scorn was my meed | from the crafty maid,

And nought from the woman I won.

* * * * * *

103.Though glad at home, | and merry with guests,A man shall be wary and wise;The sage and shrewd, | wide wisdom seeking,Must see that his speech be fair;A fool is he named | who nought can say,For such is the way of the witless.

103.Though glad at home, | and merry with guests,

A man shall be wary and wise;

The sage and shrewd, | wide wisdom seeking,

Must see that his speech be fair;

A fool is he named | who nought can say,

For such is the way of the witless.

104.I found the old giant, | now back have I fared,Small gain from silence I got;Full many a word, | my will to get,I spoke in Suttung’s hall.

104.I found the old giant, | now back have I fared,

Small gain from silence I got;

Full many a word, | my will to get,

I spoke in Suttung’s hall.

105.The mouth of Rati | made room for my passage,And space in the stone he gnawed;[51]Above and below | the giants’ paths lay,So rashly I risked my head.

105.The mouth of Rati | made room for my passage,

And space in the stone he gnawed;[51]

Above and below | the giants’ paths lay,

So rashly I risked my head.

106.Gunnloth gave | on a golden stoolA drink of the marvelous mead;A harsh reward | did I let her haveFor her heroic heart,And her spirit troubled sore.

106.Gunnloth gave | on a golden stool

A drink of the marvelous mead;

A harsh reward | did I let her have

For her heroic heart,

And her spirit troubled sore.

107.The well-earned beauty | well I enjoyed,Little the wise man lacks;So Othrörir now | has up been broughtTo the midst of the men of earth.

107.The well-earned beauty | well I enjoyed,

Little the wise man lacks;

So Othrörir now | has up been brought

To the midst of the men of earth.

108.Hardly, methinks, | would I home have come,And left the giants’ land,Had not Gunnloth helped me, | the maiden good,Whose arms about me had been.

108.Hardly, methinks, | would I home have come,

And left the giants’ land,

Had not Gunnloth helped me, | the maiden good,

Whose arms about me had been.

109.The day that followed, | the frost-giants came,Some word of Hor to win,(And into the hall of Hor;)[52]Of Bolverk they asked, | were he back midst the gods,Or had Suttung slain him there?

109.The day that followed, | the frost-giants came,

Some word of Hor to win,

(And into the hall of Hor;)[52]

Of Bolverk they asked, | were he back midst the gods,

Or had Suttung slain him there?

110.On his ring swore Othin | the oath, methinks;Who now his troth shall trust?Suttung’s betrayal | he sought with drink,And Gunnloth to grief he left.

110.On his ring swore Othin | the oath, methinks;

Who now his troth shall trust?

Suttung’s betrayal | he sought with drink,

And Gunnloth to grief he left.

* * * * * *

111.It is time to chant | from the chanter’s stool;By the wells of Urth I was,I saw and was silent, | I saw and thought,And heard the speech of Hor.(Of runes heard I words, | nor were counsels wanting,At the hall of Hor,In the hall of Hor;Such was the speech I heard.)

111.It is time to chant | from the chanter’s stool;

By the wells of Urth I was,

I saw and was silent, | I saw and thought,

And heard the speech of Hor.

(Of runes heard I words, | nor were counsels wanting,

At the hall of Hor,

In the hall of Hor;

Such was the speech I heard.)

[53]

112.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Rise not at night, | save if news thou seekest,Or fain to the outhouse wouldst fare.

112.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Rise not at night, | save if news thou seekest,

Or fain to the outhouse wouldst fare.

113.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Beware of sleep | on a witch’s bosom,Nor let her limbs ensnare thee.

113.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Beware of sleep | on a witch’s bosom,

Nor let her limbs ensnare thee.

114.Such is her might | that thou hast no mindFor the council or meeting of men;Meat thou hatest, | joy thou hast not,And sadly to slumber thou farest.

114.Such is her might | that thou hast no mind

For the council or meeting of men;

Meat thou hatest, | joy thou hast not,

And sadly to slumber thou farest.

115.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:[54]Seek never to win | the wife of another,Or long for her secret love.

115.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:[54]

Seek never to win | the wife of another,

Or long for her secret love.

116.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If o’er mountains or gulfs | thou fain wouldst go,Look well to thy food for the way.

116.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

If o’er mountains or gulfs | thou fain wouldst go,

Look well to thy food for the way.

117.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:An evil man | thou must not letBring aught of ill to thee;For an evil man | will never makeReward for a worthy thought.

117.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

An evil man | thou must not let

Bring aught of ill to thee;

For an evil man | will never make

Reward for a worthy thought.

118.I saw a man | who was wounded soreBy an evil woman’s word;A lying tongue | his death-blow launched,And no word of truth there was.

118.I saw a man | who was wounded sore

By an evil woman’s word;

A lying tongue | his death-blow launched,

And no word of truth there was.

119.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,Then fare to find him oft;For brambles grow | and waving grassOn the rarely trodden road.

119.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

If a friend thou hast | whom thou fully wilt trust,

Then fare to find him oft;

For brambles grow | and waving grass

On the rarely trodden road.

[55]

120.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:A good man find | to hold in friendship,And give heed to his healing charms.

120.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

A good man find | to hold in friendship,

And give heed to his healing charms.

121.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Be never the first | to break with thy friendThe bond that holds you both;Care eats the heart | if thou canst not speakTo another all thy thought.

121.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Be never the first | to break with thy friend

The bond that holds you both;

Care eats the heart | if thou canst not speak

To another all thy thought.

122.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Exchange of words | with a witless apeThou must not ever make.

122.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Exchange of words | with a witless ape

Thou must not ever make.

123.For never thou mayst | from an evil manA good requital get;But a good man oft | the greatest loveThrough words of praise will win thee.

123.For never thou mayst | from an evil man

A good requital get;

But a good man oft | the greatest love

Through words of praise will win thee.

124.Mingled is love | when a man can speakTo another all his thought;[56]Nought is so bad | as false to be,No friend speaks only fair.

124.Mingled is love | when a man can speak

To another all his thought;[56]

Nought is so bad | as false to be,

No friend speaks only fair.

125.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:With a worse man speak not | three words in dispute,Ill fares the better oftWhen the worse man wields a sword.

125.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

With a worse man speak not | three words in dispute,

Ill fares the better oft

When the worse man wields a sword.

126.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:A shoemaker be, | or a maker of shafts,For only thy single self;If the shoe is ill made, | or the shaft prove false,Then evil of thee men think.

126.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

A shoemaker be, | or a maker of shafts,

For only thy single self;

If the shoe is ill made, | or the shaft prove false,

Then evil of thee men think.

127.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If evil thou knowest, | as evil proclaim it,And make no friendship with foes.

127.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

If evil thou knowest, | as evil proclaim it,

And make no friendship with foes.

128.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,[57]Great thy gain if thou learnest:In evil never | joy shalt thou know,But glad the good shall make thee.

128.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,[57]

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

In evil never | joy shalt thou know,

But glad the good shall make thee.

129.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Look not up | when the battle is on,—(Like madmen the sons | of men become,—)Lest men bewitch thy wits.

129.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Look not up | when the battle is on,—

(Like madmen the sons | of men become,—)

Lest men bewitch thy wits.

130.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:If thou fain wouldst win | a woman’s love,And gladness get from her,Fair be thy promise | and well fulfilled;None loathes what good he gets.

130.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

If thou fain wouldst win | a woman’s love,

And gladness get from her,

Fair be thy promise | and well fulfilled;

None loathes what good he gets.

131.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:I bid thee be wary, | but be not fearful;(Beware most with ale | or another’s wife,And third beware | lest a thief outwit thee.)

131.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

I bid thee be wary, | but be not fearful;

(Beware most with ale | or another’s wife,

And third beware | lest a thief outwit thee.)

[58]

132.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Scorn or mocking | ne’er shalt thou makeOf a guest or a journey-goer.

132.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Scorn or mocking | ne’er shalt thou make

Of a guest or a journey-goer.

133.Oft scarcely he knows | who sits in the houseWhat kind is the man who comes;None so good is found | that faults he has not,Nor so wicked that nought he is worth.

133.Oft scarcely he knows | who sits in the house

What kind is the man who comes;

None so good is found | that faults he has not,

Nor so wicked that nought he is worth.

134.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Scorn not ever | the gray-haired singer,Oft do the old speak good;(Oft from shrivelled skin | come skillful counsels,Though it hang with the hides,And flap with the pelts,And is blown with the bellies.)

134.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Scorn not ever | the gray-haired singer,

Oft do the old speak good;

(Oft from shrivelled skin | come skillful counsels,

Though it hang with the hides,

And flap with the pelts,

And is blown with the bellies.)

[59]

135.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:Curse not thy guest, | nor show him thy gate,Deal well with a man in want.

135.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

Curse not thy guest, | nor show him thy gate,

Deal well with a man in want.

136.Strong is the beam | that raised must beTo give an entrance to all;Give it a ring, | or grim will beThe wish it would work on thee.

136.Strong is the beam | that raised must be

To give an entrance to all;

Give it a ring, | or grim will be

The wish it would work on thee.

137.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—Profit thou hast if thou hearest,Great thy gain if thou learnest:When ale thou drinkest, | seek might of earth,(For earth cures drink, | and fire cures ills,The oak cures tightness, | the ear cures magic,Rye cures rupture, | the moon cures rage,Grass cures the scab, | and runes the sword-cut;)The field absorbs the flood.

137.I rede thee, Loddfafnir! | and hear thou my rede,—

Profit thou hast if thou hearest,

Great thy gain if thou learnest:

When ale thou drinkest, | seek might of earth,

(For earth cures drink, | and fire cures ills,

The oak cures tightness, | the ear cures magic,

Rye cures rupture, | the moon cures rage,

Grass cures the scab, | and runes the sword-cut;)

The field absorbs the flood.

[60]

138.Now are Hor’s words | spoken in the hall,Kind for the kindred of men,Cursed for the kindred of giants:Hail to the speaker, | and to him who learns!Profit be his who has them!Hail to them who hearken

138.Now are Hor’s words | spoken in the hall,

Kind for the kindred of men,

Cursed for the kindred of giants:

Hail to the speaker, | and to him who learns!

Profit be his who has them!

Hail to them who hearken

* * * * * *

139.I ween that I hung | on the windy tree,Hung there for nights full nine;With the spear I was wounded, | and offered I wasTo Othin, myself to myself,On the tree that none | may ever knowWhat root beneath it runs.

139.I ween that I hung | on the windy tree,

Hung there for nights full nine;

With the spear I was wounded, | and offered I was

To Othin, myself to myself,

On the tree that none | may ever know

What root beneath it runs.

[61]

140.None made me happy | with loaf or horn,And there below I looked;I took up the runes, | shrieking I took them,And forthwith back I fell.

140.None made me happy | with loaf or horn,

And there below I looked;

I took up the runes, | shrieking I took them,

And forthwith back I fell.

141.Nine mighty songs | I got from the sonOf Bolthorn, Bestla’s father;And a drink I got | of the goodly meadPoured out from Othrörir.

141.Nine mighty songs | I got from the son

Of Bolthorn, Bestla’s father;

And a drink I got | of the goodly mead

Poured out from Othrörir.

142.Then began I to thrive, | and wisdom to get,I grew and well I was;Each word led me on | to another word,Each deed to another deed.

142.Then began I to thrive, | and wisdom to get,

I grew and well I was;

Each word led me on | to another word,

Each deed to another deed.

143.Runes shalt thou find, | and fateful signs,That the king of singers colored,And the mighty gods have made;[62]Full strong the signs, | full mighty the signsThat the ruler of gods doth write.

143.Runes shalt thou find, | and fateful signs,

That the king of singers colored,

And the mighty gods have made;[62]

Full strong the signs, | full mighty the signs

That the ruler of gods doth write.

144.Othin for the gods, | Dain for the elves,And Dvalin for the dwarfs,Alsvith for giants | and all mankind,And some myself I wrote.

144.Othin for the gods, | Dain for the elves,

And Dvalin for the dwarfs,

Alsvith for giants | and all mankind,

And some myself I wrote.

145.Knowest how one shall write, | knowest how one shall rede?Knowest how one shall tint, | knowest how one makes trial?Knowest how one shall ask, | knowest how one shall offer?Knowest how one shall send, | knowest how one shall sacrifice?

145.Knowest how one shall write, | knowest how one shall rede?

Knowest how one shall tint, | knowest how one makes trial?

Knowest how one shall ask, | knowest how one shall offer?

Knowest how one shall send, | knowest how one shall sacrifice?

[63]

146.Better no prayer | than too big an offering,By thy getting measure thy gift;Better is none | than too big a sacrifice,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .So Thund of old wrote | ere man’s race began,Where he rose on high | when home he came.

146.Better no prayer | than too big an offering,

By thy getting measure thy gift;

Better is none | than too big a sacrifice,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

So Thund of old wrote | ere man’s race began,

Where he rose on high | when home he came.

* * * * * *

147.The songs I know | that king’s wives know not,Nor men that are sons of men;The first is called help, | and help it can bring theeIn sorrow and pain and sickness.

147.The songs I know | that king’s wives know not,

Nor men that are sons of men;

The first is called help, | and help it can bring thee

In sorrow and pain and sickness.

148.A second I know, | that men shall needWho leechcraft long to use;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

148.A second I know, | that men shall need

Who leechcraft long to use;

. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[64]

149.A third I know, | if great is my needOf fetters to hold my foe;Blunt do I make | mine enemy’s blade,Nor bites his sword or staff.

149.A third I know, | if great is my need

Of fetters to hold my foe;

Blunt do I make | mine enemy’s blade,

Nor bites his sword or staff.

150.A fourth I know, | if men shall fastenBonds on my bended legs;So great is the charm | that forth I may go,The fetters spring from my feet,Broken the bonds from my hands.

150.A fourth I know, | if men shall fasten

Bonds on my bended legs;

So great is the charm | that forth I may go,

The fetters spring from my feet,

Broken the bonds from my hands.

151.A fifth I know, | if I see from afarAn arrow fly ’gainst the folk;It flies not so swift | that I stop it not,If ever my eyes behold it.

151.A fifth I know, | if I see from afar

An arrow fly ’gainst the folk;

It flies not so swift | that I stop it not,

If ever my eyes behold it.

152.A sixth I know, | if harm one seeksWith a sapling’s roots to send me;The hero himself | who wreaks his hateShall taste the ill ere I.

152.A sixth I know, | if harm one seeks

With a sapling’s roots to send me;

The hero himself | who wreaks his hate

Shall taste the ill ere I.

153.A seventh I know, | if I see in flamesThe hall o’er my comrades’ heads;It burns not so wide | that I will not quench it,I know that song to sing.

153.A seventh I know, | if I see in flames

The hall o’er my comrades’ heads;

It burns not so wide | that I will not quench it,

I know that song to sing.

[65]

154.An eighth I know, | that is to allOf greatest good to learn;When hatred grows | among heroes’ sons,I soon can set it right.

154.An eighth I know, | that is to all

Of greatest good to learn;

When hatred grows | among heroes’ sons,

I soon can set it right.

155.A ninth I know, | if need there comesTo shelter my ship on the flood;The wind I calm | upon the waves,And the sea I put to sleep.

155.A ninth I know, | if need there comes

To shelter my ship on the flood;

The wind I calm | upon the waves,

And the sea I put to sleep.

156.A tenth I know, | what time I seeHouse-riders flying on high;So can I work | that wildly they go,Showing their true shapes,Hence to their own homes.

156.A tenth I know, | what time I see

House-riders flying on high;

So can I work | that wildly they go,

Showing their true shapes,

Hence to their own homes.

157.An eleventh I know, | if needs I must leadTo the fight my long-loved friends;I sing in the shields, | and in strength they goWhole to the field of fight,Whole from the field of fight,And whole they come thence home.

157.An eleventh I know, | if needs I must lead

To the fight my long-loved friends;

I sing in the shields, | and in strength they go

Whole to the field of fight,

Whole from the field of fight,

And whole they come thence home.

158.A twelfth I know, | if high on a treeI see a hanged man swing;[66]So do I write | and color the runesThat forth he fares,And to me talks.

158.A twelfth I know, | if high on a tree

I see a hanged man swing;[66]

So do I write | and color the runes

That forth he fares,

And to me talks.

159.A thirteenth I know, | if a thane full youngWith water I sprinkle well;He shall not fall, | though he fares mid the host,Nor sink beneath the swords.

159.A thirteenth I know, | if a thane full young

With water I sprinkle well;

He shall not fall, | though he fares mid the host,

Nor sink beneath the swords.

160.A fourteenth I know, | if fain I would nameTo men the mighty gods;All know I well | of the gods and elves,—Few be the fools know this.

160.A fourteenth I know, | if fain I would name

To men the mighty gods;

All know I well | of the gods and elves,—

Few be the fools know this.

161.A fifteenth I know, | that before the doorsOf Delling sang Thjothrörir the dwarf;Might he sang for the gods, | and glory for elves,And wisdom for Hroptatyr wise.

161.A fifteenth I know, | that before the doors

Of Delling sang Thjothrörir the dwarf;

Might he sang for the gods, | and glory for elves,

And wisdom for Hroptatyr wise.

162.A sixteenth I know, | if I seek delightTo win from a maiden wise;The mind I turn | of the white-armed maid,And thus change all her thoughts.

162.A sixteenth I know, | if I seek delight

To win from a maiden wise;

The mind I turn | of the white-armed maid,

And thus change all her thoughts.

[67]

163.A seventeenth I know, | so that seldom shall goA maiden young from me;. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

163.A seventeenth I know, | so that seldom shall go

A maiden young from me;

. . . . . . . . | . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

164.Long these songs | thou shalt, Loddfafnir,Seek in vain to sing;Yet good it were | if thou mightest get them,Well, if thou wouldst them learn,Help, if thou hadst them.

164.Long these songs | thou shalt, Loddfafnir,

Seek in vain to sing;

Yet good it were | if thou mightest get them,

Well, if thou wouldst them learn,

Help, if thou hadst them.

165.An eighteenth I know, | that ne’er will I tellTo maiden or wife of man,—The best is what none | but one’s self doth know,So comes the end of the songs,—Save only to her | in whose arms I lie,Or who else my sister is.

165.An eighteenth I know, | that ne’er will I tell

To maiden or wife of man,—

The best is what none | but one’s self doth know,

So comes the end of the songs,—

Save only to her | in whose arms I lie,

Or who else my sister is.

[28]

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