TheHavamalSayingsoftheHighOne

ThisisJamesAllenChisholm'sEnglishtranslation.

1.Watchoutandcheckallgatesbeforefaringforth.Oneshouldspyaround,oneshouldpryaround.Hardtoknowwhatfoesitsbeforeyouinthenextroom.2.Hailthegivers!Aguesthascomewhereshallhesit?Hardpressedishe,whotestshisluckbythefire.3.Fireisneedfulforthosewhoarrivewithcoldknees.Foodandclothingisneedfultomenwhohavefaredoverthefells.4.Waterisneedful,forhewhocomesforameal,dryingandfriendlywordsaswell,and,ifhecangetthem,kindness,goodwords,andwelcomeagain.5.Witsareneedfultohewhotravelsfar.Thedullshouldstayhome.Hewillbemocked,whocannotsitwithsages.6.Letamannotbeboastfulabouthiswisdom,butwatchfulinstead.Thewiseandsilentareseldomharmedwhenwaryinthehall.Amoretrustworthyfriend,amancannothave,thanunderstanding.7.Thewaryguestwhocomestothefeastlistensinsilence,castshiseyesaboutandpricksuphisears.Thusthewisewardtheirways.

ThisisLeeM.Hollander'sEnglishtranslation.

1)Havetheyeyesabouttheewhenthouenterestbewaryalway,bewatchfulalway,foroneneverknowethwhenneedwillbetomeethiddenfoeinthehall.2)Allhailtothegivers!Aguesthathcomesaywhereshallhesit?Inhasteishetothehallwhocomethtofindaplacebythefire.3)Thewarmthseekethwhohathwanderedlongandisnumbaboutthekneesmeatanddryclothesthemanneedethoverthefellswhohathfared.4)Adrinkneedethtofulldisheswhocometh,atowel,andtheprayertopartakegoodbearingeke,tobewelllikedandbebiddentobanquetagain.5)Ofhiswithathneedwhowidelyfarethadullwitwilldoathomealaughingstockhewholackethwordsamongstsmartwitswhenhesits.6)Tobebrightofbrainletnomanboast,buttakegoodheedofhistonguethesageandsilentcomeseldomtogriefastheyfareamongstfolkinthehall.{Morefaithfulfriendfindestthouneverthanshrewdheadonthyshoulders.}7)Thewaryguesttowassailwhocomeslistensthathemaylearn,openshisears,castshiseyesaboutthuswardshimthewiseman'gainstharm.

8.Happyishewhogetspraiseandknowslikingstaves.Hehasithard,whomustgetthesethingsbythehelpofanother.9.Happyishewhogetspraiseandhaswitthroughouthislife.Amanoftengetsevilcounselfromtheheartofanother.10.Amanbearsnobetterburdenonthewildernesswaysthangreatwisdom.Itwillprovebetterthanwealthinanunknownhomestead.11.Amanbearsnobetterburden,whenonthewildernesswaysthangreatwisdom.Onecanhavenoworsefare,onroadorfield,thantoomuchale.12.Aleisnotsogoodastheysayforthesonsofmen.Amansmindknowsless,themorehedrinks.13.TheheroniscalledmindlessnesswhohoversovermenstealingtheirmindsIwasboundbythatfowlsfeatherswhenIwasinGunnlothsgarth.14.Ibecamedrunk,roaringdrunk,withwiseFjalar.Thebestwassailisthatwhichamanleaveswithhiswits.15.Silentandattentive,andbattleboldshouldachieftainssonbe.Amanshouldbegladandhappyuntildefeatedbydeath.

8)Happyishewhohathwonhimtheloveandlikingofallforharditisone'shelptoseekfromthemindofanotherman.9)Happyishewhohathwonhimbothwinningwaysandwisdomforillitisoftwhoaskethhelpfromthewitandwordsofanother.10)Betterburdenbearestthounowisethanshrewdheadontheyshouldersingoodsteadwillitstandamongststrangerfolk,andshieldwhenunshelteredthouart.11)Betterburdenbearestthounowisethanshrewdheadontheyshouldersbutwithworserfoodfarestthouneverthananovermuchofmead.12)Forgooditisnot,thoughgooditisthought,meadforthesondsofmenthedeeperhedrinksthedimmergrowsthemindofmanyaman.13)Theheronofheedlessnesshoverso'erthefeastandstealeththemindsofmen.Withthatfowl'sfeathersfetteredIwaswhenIwasGunnloth'sguest.14)DrunkIbecame,deaddrunk,forsooth,whenIwaswithwiseFjalarThatboutisbestfromwhichbackfetcheseachmanhismindfullclear.15)Letusallbesparinginwords,andboldinbattlegladandwholesometheherobetillcomeshisdyingday.

16.TheunwisemanthinkshewillliveforeverbyavoidingbattleButoldagewillgivehimnorestthoughhebesparedfromspears.17.Thefoolgapeswhenamongthefolk.Hemuttersandmopes,andsoonitisseen,whenhegetsdrunk,whathismindislike.18.Healoneknows,whohaswanderedwidelyandhasfaredoverthefellswhatmindstirsineachmanifhehimselfhaswits.19.Amanshouldnotrefrainformthecupthoughhedrinkmeadinthehoflethimsaywhatisneedfulorbesilent.Nomanshallcallyouignorantifyougotobedearly.20.Thegreedyman,withoutmindswitseatshimselfinsorrow.Oftenhebringsridiculeonhimselfwhenheisamongwisemenwhomockthemansbelly.21.Theherdknowswhentogohomeandleavethegrazinggroundbehind.Theunwisemanneverknowshowmuchtoeat.22.Illtemperedthewretch,wholaughsateveryone.Hecannotrecognize,asheshould,thatheisnotwithoutfaults.23.Thestupidmanliesawakeallnightandthinksabouteverythingandistiredinthemorningthoughallisasitwas.

16)Theunwisemanthinksthatheaywillliveiffromfightinghefleesbuttheailsandachesofoldagedoghimthoughspearshavesparedhim.17)Thefoolbutgapeswhentofolkshecomes,hemumblesandmopessoonisseen,whenhisswillhehad,whatthemindofthemanislike.18)Onlyheisawarewhohathwanderedmuch,andfarhathbeenafieldwhatmannerofmanbehewhomhemeets,ifhimselfbenotwantinginwit.19)Thecupspurnnot,yetbesparingwithal:saywhatisneedfulornaughtforillbreedingupbraidstheenomanifsoonthougoesttosleep.20)Thegreedyguestgainsayshisheadandeatsuntillheisillhisbellyoftmakethabuttofamanonbench'midstthesagewhenhesits.21)Theherdtoknowwhenfromhometheyshall,andgangfromthegrasstotheirstallsbuttheunwisemanwillnoteverlearnhowmuchhismawwillhold.22)Theillmindedmanwhomeanlythinks,fleersatbothfoulandfairhedoesnotknow,asknowheought,thatheisnotfreefromflaws.23)Theunwisemanwakethallnight,thinkingofthisandthattosses,sleepless,andistiredatmorn:norlighterforthatisload.

24.ThestupidmanthinksthatallwholaughathimarefriendsHedoesnotnoticehowthetalkgoeswhenhesitswithwisemen.25.Theunwisemanthinksthatallwholaughathimarefriends.Butwhenheisatthethinghefindsfewspokesmen.26.Thestupidmanthinksheknowsallwhenheisathome.Buthedoesnotknowwhattosaywhenmentesthim.27.Whenthefoolfaresamongfolkitisbesthestayquiet.Nooneknowsthatheknowsnothingunlesshetalkstoomuch.28.Wiseseemshewhoknowshowtoaskandanswer.Whatgoesaboutamongmen,cannotbehiddenfrommen.29.Hewhonevershutsupblatherspowerlessstaves.Thespeedytonguethatneverstopsoftenbringsitselfharm.30.Donotridiculeanotherman,thoughheiskin.Heoftseemswisewhoisnotquestioned,andleavesdryskinned.31.Heiswisewholeavestheflytingwhenguestmocksguest.Hewhogrinsatthefeastdoesnotknowthathechattersamongfoes.

24)Theunwisemanweensthatallwolaughwithhim,likehimtoonorseestheirscorn,thoughtheysneerathim,onbench'midstthesagwhenhesits.25)Theunwisemanweensthatallthatlaughwithhimlikehimtoobutthenhefinds,whentotheThinghecomes,fewspokesmantospeedhiscause.26)Theunwisemanwensheknowsall,iffromharmheisfarathomebutknowsnoteverwhatanswertomakewhenothersaskhimaught.27)Theunwisemanamongstotherswhocomes,lethimbesparingofspeechfornooneknowsthatnaughtisinhim,butheopenshismouthtoomuch.28)Cleverishewhoiskeentoask,andeketoanswer,allmen'tishardtohidefromthehearingofmenwhatisoneveryone'slips.29)Muchatrandomoftrambleshewhosetonguedoesevertattleatalker'stongue,unlesstameditbe,willoftenworkhimwoe.30)Nomockmakethoughofanyman,thoughthoucomestamongsthkinsmenheknowingweenshimwhomnoonehasasked,anddryshodhieshimhome.31)Awisemanhewhohieshimbetimesfromthemanwholikestomockforattablewhoteasescannevertellwhatfoehemighthavetofight.

32.Manyamanisbeingfriendlywhenheteasesatthetable.Thereisalwaysstrifewhenguestclasheswithguest.33.Amanshouldoftengethismealearly.Whenhevisitsfriends.Otherwisehesitsandidles,eatslikehewerestarvingwithoutevenasking.34.Itisalongwaytothefalsefriendthoughhedwellbytheroad.Butastraightwayliestothegoodfriend,thoughhelivesfaraway.35.Thentheguestshouldgo.Heshouldnotstaytoolonginonestead.Whenonestaystoolonginanothershouse,loveturnstoloathing.36.Oneshomeisbetterthoughitbesmall.Toeach,homeishall.Thoughheownsbuttwogoats,andathatchedroof,itisbetterthanbegging.37.Onesownhomeisbest,thoughitissmall.Toeach,homeishall.Hisheartwillbleedwhohastoaskforeachmealsmeat.38.Amanshouldnotsteponefootforthinthefieldwithoutweapons.Onecannotknow,whenontheroad,whenhewillneedhisspear.39.Ineverfoundagenerousmanwhowassofreewithhisfood,thathewouldturnitdown,orsogenerousastoloathagiftwereitgiven.

32)Manyamanmeansnoill,yetteasestheotherattablestrifewilleverstartamongsthmenwhenguestclasheswithguest.33)Anearlymealayamanshouldgethim,lestfamishedhecometothefeasthesitsandstuffsasthoughtstarvedhewere,andnaughthesaystohisneighbours.34)Tofalsefriendayafarway'tis,thoughhisroofberearedbytheroadtostanchfriendayastraightwayleads,thoughfarhehavefaredfromthee.35)Gettheegonebetimesaguestshouldnotstaytoolonginonesteadlifegrowsloathiftoolongonesitsonbench,thoughinhewasbidden.36)One'shomeisbest,thoughhutitbe:thereamanismasterandlordThoughbuttwogoatsthineandathatchedroof,'tisfarbetterthanbeg.37)One'shomeisbestthoughtahutitbe:thereamanismasterandlordhisheartdothbleedwhohastobegthemeatforhiseverymeal.38)Fromhisweaponsawaynooneshouldeverstironesteponthefieldfornooneknowswhenneedmighthaveonasuddenamanofhissword.39)Sofreehandedneverfoundiamanbutwouldgladlytakewhatisgivennotofhsigoodssoungrudgingever,toforegowhatisgivenhim.

40.Oneshouldnothavetoomuchneedofthegoodshehasgotten.Oftenonesquandersonenemieswhatwasintendedforlovedones.Manyaffairsgoawry.41.Friendsshouldsharejoyinweaponsandclothesthatareevidenttooneanother.Thosewhosharegiftsstaythefastestfriends,whenthingsgowell.42.Amanshalleverbeafriendtohisfriendsandgivegiftforgift,laughterforlaughter,butgiveliesforlies.43.Amanshallalwaysbeafriendtofriendsandtothefriendofafriendbutneverafriendtoafriendsenemies.44.Ifyouknowthatyouhaveafriendandthatheistrue,andthatyouwillgetgoodfromhim,shareyourmindwithhim,exchangegifts,andvisithimoften.45.Ifyouknowanotherandtrusthimnotandyouwanttogetgoodfromhimspeakfairtohimwhilethinkingfalselyandgivehimliesforlies.46.Ifyoudonottrustaman,andhespeakshismindwithyoulaughwithhim,butspeaknotyourmindanddealfittingrewardsforhisgifts.47.WhenIwasyoung,Ioncetraveledaloneandlostmyway.IthoughtmyselfrichwhenIfoundanother,manrejoicesinman.

40)Ofhisworldlygoodswhichhegottenhathletamannotstintovermuchoftislavishedonfoewhatforfriendwassaved,formattersgooftenamiss.41)Withweaponsandwedsshouldfriendsbewon,asonecanseeinthemselvesthosewhogivetoeachotherwillaybefriends,oncetheymeethalfway.42)Withhisfriendamanshouldbefriendsever,andpaybackgiftforgiftlaughteraforlaughterhelearntogive,andekelesingforlies.43)Withhisfriendamanshouldbefriendsever,andwithhimthefriendofhisfriendbutfoeman'sfriendbefriendthounever,(andkeeptheealooffromhiskin)44)Iffriendthouhastwhomfaithfulthoudeemest,andwishesttowinhimfortheeopethyhearttohimnorwithholdthygifts,andfaretofindhimoften.45)Ifanothertherebewhomillthoutrusteth,yetwould'stgetfromhimgainspeakfairtohimthoughfalsethoumeanest,andpayhimlesingforlies.46)Andekethisheed:ifillthoutrustone,andhollowheartedhisspeeckthoushaltlaughwithhimandlurehimon,andlethimhavetitfortat.47)Youngwasionceandwentalong,andwanderinglostmywaywhenafriendifoundifeltmerich:manischeeredbyman.

48.Hewhogivesgladlylivesthebestlife,andseldomhassorrow.Buttheunwisesuspectallandalwayspineforgifts.49.Igavemyclothestotwotreemeninthefield.Mentheyseemedwithclothes.Shamefulthenakedhero.50.TheyoungfirtreediesthatstandsshelteredbyneitherbarknorneedleinthefieldSuchisamanwhomnonelove.Whyshouldsuchamanlivelonger?51.Hotterthanfirefriendshipburnsforfivedaysbetweenfalsefriends.Butitslackensonthesixthandthefriendshipgoesawry.52.Givenotgreatgifts.Youcanwinpraisewithlittle.Halfaloafandhalfacupwonmefellowship.53.Asmalllakehasalittlesand.Themindsofmenaresmallandnotallmenareequallywise.Nomaniswhole.54.Middlewiseshouldeachmanbeandnotoverwise.Thefairestlifeishadbytheonewhoknowsmanythingswell.55.Middlewiseshouldeachmanbeandnotoverwise.Awisemansheartisseldomgladwhenhehasgothimselfgreatwisdom.

48)Hewhogivethgladlyagoodlylifeleadeth,andseldomhathhesorrowbutthechurlishwightischaryofall,andgrudginglypartswithhisgifts.49)Inthefieldsasifared,(forfun)Ihungmyweedsontwowoodenmentheywerrereckonedfolkswhentheragstheywore:naked,amanisnaught.50)Thefirtreediesinthefieldthatstands:shieldsitnorbarknorbastthusekethemanwhobyallisshunnedwhyshouldhelingerinlife?51)Thanfirehotterforfivedaysburnethlovebetweenfriendsthatarefalseitdiethdownwhendawneththesixth,thenallthesweetnessturnssour.52)Notgreatthignsneedsgivetoaman:bringeththanksoftalittlething.withhalfaloafandahalfdrainedcupiwonmeoftworthyfriend.53)Alittlelakehathbutlittlesand:butsmallthemindofmannotallmenareequallywise,eachwightwantethsomewhat.54)Middlingwiseeverymanshouldbe:bewareofbeingtoowisehappiestinlifemostlikelyhewhoknowsnotmorethanisneedful.55)Middlingwiseeverymanshouldbe:bewareofbeingtoowiseforwiseman'sheartishappyseldom,iftoogreatthewisdomhewon.

56.Middlewiseshouldeachmanbeandnotoverwise.Hewhoknowsnothisorlogmaysleepuntroubled.57.Brandburnsbrandandissoburned.Fireiskindledfromfire.Amanisknownbyhistalkandthedullmanisknownbyhisnonsense,58.Heshouldriseearlywhowantstotakethelifeorpropertyofanother.Seldomdoesthelyingwolfgetthelamborthesleepingmanvictory.59.Heshouldriseearlywhohasfewworkerstoseetohisworkhimself.Helosesmuchwhosleepsinthemorning.Halfofwealthisgottenbyinitiative.60.Dryfirewoodandbirchbarkforroofingamancanmeasure,forwoodtolastinthewintertime.61.Wellfedandwashedfaretothething.Amanshouldridetothethingthoughhisclothesarewellworn.Amanshouldnotbeashamedofhisshoesandbreeks,orevenlessofhishorse,thoughtheyarenotthebest62.Theeaglesnufflesanddroopswhenhefaresoverthewavesofthesea.Sofaresamaninathrongwherefewwillpleadhiscase.63.Eachshallaskandanswerwhoiswiseandwishestobecalledwise.Letnoneknow,notevenasecond.Allwillknow,ifthreeknow.

56)Middlingwiseeverymanshouldbe:bewareofbeingtoowisehisfateletnoonebeforehandknowwhowouldkeephisheartfromcare.57)Kindlesbrandfrombrand,andburnstillallburntitisthusfireiskindledfromfirebythewordsofhismouthamanisknown,butfromhisdullnessadullard.58)Betimesmustrisewhowouldtakeanother'slifeandwinhiswealthlyingdownwolfnevergotthelamb,norsleepingwightslewhisfoe.59)Betimesmustrisewhofewreapershas,andseetotheworkhimselfmuchwillmissinthemornwhosleepsforthebrisktheraceishalfrun.60)Whatlathesandlogswilllasthimout,amanmayreckonarightandofwoodtowarmhimhowmuchhemaywantformanyawintermonth.61)WellgroomedandwashedwendtheetotheThing,thoughthyclothesbenotthebestofthyshoesandbreeksbenotashamed,andstilllessoftheysteed.62)Withloweredheadsweeps,totheseawhenhecomes,theeagleo'erthebillowingbrinethusekethemanwmongsthathrongwhofindshimbutfewtobefriendhim.63)Bothaskandanswerleteveryonewhowishestobedeemedwiseletoneknowit,nornoneotherifthreeknow,thousandswill.

64.Allwhoarewiseinredeshallnotbeoverlyforceful.Hefinds,whowalksamongthestout,thatnooneisthestrongest.65.Wordsspokenbyonetoanotheroftenbringanevilreward.66.FartooearlyIarrivedatmanysteads,Buttoolateatothers,Thealewasalreadydrunkoryetunbrewed.Theloathedfindlittleamongthefolk.67.Hereandtheretheyhadmeintheirhomes,ifIwasnothungryformeatorhungtwohamsforthetruefriendfortheoneIhadeaten.68.Fireisbetterforthesonsofmenandthesightofthesun.Goodhealthalso,ifamancankeepitandlivewithoutshame.69.Amanisnotentirelybereftthoughhishealthispoor.Someareblessedwithsons,somebyfriends,somebywealthandothersbygoodworks.70.Bettertobealiveandhappy.Thequickalwaysgetthecattle.Thefireburnedforthewealthyman,butthedeadmanlaysoutside.71.Ahaltmancanrideahorse.Thehandlesscanbeherdsmen.Thedeafcanfightbravely,ablindmanisbetterthanaburnedman,andadeadmanisofnouse.

64)Awisemanwillnotoverweeningbe,andstaketoomuchonhisstrengthwhenthemightyaremettomatchtheirstrength,'twillbefoundthatfirstisnoone.65)(Watchfulandwaryeveryoneshouldbe,norputtoomuchtrustinafriend:)thewordsbyoneunwarilyspoken,haveundoneoftadoughtyman.66)Toolatebyfartosomefeastsicametoothers,alltoosoonthebeerwasdrunk,oryetunbrewedneverhitsitthehaplessonearight.67)Hereortherewouldtheyhavemein,ifnomeatatthemealicravedorhungtwohamsinmygoodfriend'shome,aftereatingoneofhisown.68)Abonnyfireisablessingtoman,andekethesightofthesunhisheartyhealth,ifheholdsitwell,andtoliveone'slifewithoutshame.69)Allundoneisnoonethoughatdeath'sdoorhelie:somewithgoodsonsareblessed,andsomewithkinsmen,orwithcoffersfull,andsomewithdedswelldone.70)Betteralive(thanlifelessbe):tooquickfallaythecattlethehearthfire3burnedforthehappyheiroutdoorsadeadmanlay.71)Maythehaltrideahorse,andthehandlessbeherdsman,thedeafmanmaydoughtilyfightablindmanisbetterthanaburnedone,ay:ofwhatgoodisagoodmandead?

72.Bettertohaveason,thoughbornlateafterthefatherhaspassedaway.Stonesseldomstandbytheroadsunlessraisedbykinforkin.73.Twotakeonone.Thetongueistheheadsbane.Iexpectfistsundereveryfurcoat.74.Nightisjoyfulifprovisionsareadequate.Thecabinsofshipsarecramped.Fallnightspassandweatherchangesmanytimesinfivedays,evenmoreinamonth.75.Hewhoknowsnothingdoesnotknowthatmanymenbecomeapes.Onemanisrichandanotherpoor.Thereisnoblameinthat.76.Cattledie,kinsmendie,andyouyourselfshalldie.Butfairfameneverdiesfortheonewhowinsit.77.Cattledieandkinsmendieandyouyourselfshalldie.ButIknowonethatneverdiesthatisthedoomofeachonedead.78.ThestoreroomsofFitjungssonswerefull.Nowtheybearthebeggarsstaff.Thusflieswealthinthetwinklingofaneye,thefalsestoffriends.79.Theunwisemanonlygrowsarrogantwhenhewinshimselfwealthorawomanslove.Hiswisdomneverincreases,onlyhispride.

72)Tohaveasonisgood,lategotthoughhebeandbornewhenburiedhisfatherstonessee'stthouseldomsetbytheroadsidebutbykithraisedoverkin.73)[Twowilldownoneoftongueishead'sbaneafistifear'neatheveryfurrycoat.74)Ofthenightisfainwhoseknapsackisfullcloseareship'squarters.Ficklearethenightsinfallthere'sbothfairandfoulinfivedays'timestillmoresowithinamonth]75)Hewhoknowethnothingknowethnot,either,howwealthmaywarpaman'switonehathwealthwhenwantethanother,thoughhebearnoblamehimself.76)Cattledie,andkinsmendie,thyselfekesoonwiltdiebutfairfamewillfadenever:Iween,forhimwhowinsit.77)Cattledieandkinsmendie,thyselfekesoonwiltdieonething,Iwot,willwithernever:thedoomovereachonedead.78)Afullstockedfarmhadsomefarmer'ssons.Nowtheystoopatthebeggar'sstaffinatwinklingfleethtrothlesswealth,itistheficklestoffriends.79)Theunwiseman,oncehecallshisownwealthortheloveofawomanhisoverweeningwaxesbuthiswitneverhehaughtilyhardenshisheart.

80.ItisfoundwhenyouasktheruneswhichareknowntotheReginmadebytheGinnregindrawnbyFimbulthul,itisbesttokeepsilent.81.Praisethedayintheevening,atorchwhenitisburned,aswordwhenitistried,amaidwhenmarried,icewhencrossed,alewhendrunk.82.Hewwoodinthewind,rowouttoseaingoodweather,playwithamaidinthedark,formanyaretheeyesoftheday.Lookforspeedinaship,andforcoverfromashield.Getaswordforhewingandamaidforkissing.83.Drinkalebythefire,skateontheice,buyaleansteed,andarustyblade,feedyourhorseathomeandyourhoundathome.84.Letnomantrustamaidenswords,northetalkofawoman,fortheirheartswereshapedonaspinningwheel,andfalsehoodlurksintheirbreasts.85.Abrittlebow,aburningfire,agrinningwolf,asingingcrow,agruntingboar,arootlesstree,aswellingwave,aboilingkettle,86.Aflyingarrow,acrashingwave,nightoldice,acoiledsnake,abridesbedtalk,abrokensword,theplayofbears,akingsson,87.Asickcalf,anuppitythrall,thepleasanttalkofavolva,thefreshfallenwarrior.

80)'Tisreadilyfoundwhentherunesthouask,madebymightyGods,knowntoholyhosts,anddyeddeepredbyOthin:that'tiswisetowastenowords.81)Atevepraisetheday,whenburneddown,atorch,awifewhenbedded,aweaponwhentried,icewhenoverit,alewhen'tisdrunk.82)Fellwoodinthewind,infairweatherrowouttosea,dallywithgirlsinthedarkthedays'eyesaremanychooseashieldforshelter,ashipforspeed,aswordforkeenness,agirlforkissing.83)Bythefiredrinkale,skateontheice,buyabonysteed,arustyblade,feedyourhorseathome,andyourhoundinhishutch.84)Awench'swordsletnowisemantrust,nortrustthetrothofawomanforonwhirlingwheeltheirheartsareshaped,andfickleandfitfultheirmings.85)Abrittlebow,aburningfire,agapingwolf,agruntingsow,acroakingcrow,akettleboiling,arisingsea,arootlesstree86)Aflyingdart,afoamingbillow,iceonenightold,acoiledupadder,awoman'sbedtalk,abrokenblade,theplayofcubs,aking'sscion,87)Asicklycalf,aselfwilledthrall,thesmoothwordsfoawitch,warriorsfreshslain,

88.Earlysownacresshouldnomantrust,nortoosoonason.Weatherruinstheacres,andstupiditytheson.Eachoftheseisarisk.89.Yourbrothersslayer,thoughmetontheroad,ahalfburnedhouse,ortooswiftahorse.Asteedisworthless,ifitbreaksonfoot.Onemustnotbesotrusting,astotrustinthese.90.Suchistheloveofawomanwhoseheartisfalse.Likeridingunshodhorsesoverslipperyice,orpoorlytrainedtwoyearolds,ordriftingrudderlessonheavyseas,orlikeahaltreindeeronaslipperyfell.91.Isaythisopenly,forIknowboth.Amansheartisfalsewithwomen.Ourheartsaremostfalsewhenourwordsroostfair,whichdeceivetheheartsofthewise.92.Heshallspeakfairlyanddealwealthwhowillwinawomanslove.Praisethelooksofthebonnylass.Winbywooing.93.Nomanshouldeverridiculeanotherslove.Thelureofabeautifulwomanoftensnaresthewisewhileleavingthefool.94.Amanshouldnotheapabuseonanotherforsomethingthathappenstomanymen.Powerfullovemakesfoolsofheroesandsages.95.Onlyyourownmindknowswhatisdearesttoyourheart.Eachcounselshimself.Thereisnoworseillnessforasagethanlosingloveforhimself.

88)Thybrother'sbanesman,thoughitbeontheroad,ahalfburnedhouse,aspeedyhoseworthlessthesteedifonefoothebreakssotrustingbenoonetotrustinthese!89)Earlysownacres,letnoneevertrust,nortrusthissontoosoon:undoesweathertheone,unwisdomtheother:risknotthyrichesonthese.90)Thefalseloveofawoman,'tisliketooneridingonicewithhorseunroughshodabrisktwoyearold,unbrokenwithalorinragingwinddriftingrudderless,likethelameoutrinningthereindeeronbarerock.91)Heedmywordsnow,foriknowthemboth:mainswornarementowomenwespeakmostfairwhenmostfoulourthoughts,forthatwilesthewariestwits.92)Fairlyshallspeak,norsparehisgifts,whowillwinawoman'slove,shallpraisethelooksofhtelovelymaid:hewhoflattersshallwinthefiar.93)Atthelovesofamantolaughisnotmeetforanyoneeverthewiseoftfall,whenfoolsyieldnot,tothelureofalovelymaid.94)'Tisnotmeetformentomockatwhatbefallsfullmanyafairfaceoftmakesfoolsofthewisebythemightylureoflove.95)One'sselfonlyknowswhatisnearone'sheart,eachreadsbuthimselfarightnosicknessseemstosoundmindworsethantohavelostalllikingforlife.

96.Ifoundthatout,whenIsatinthereedsandwaitedformyheartsdelight.Theheartandbodyofthewisemaidweredeartome,butIhadnotmywillwithher.97.BillingsdaughterIfoundonherbed.ThesunwhitemaidsleptandaJarldomseemednothingtomeifIlivedwithoutherlove.98.ComebackneareveningOdin,ifyouwouldspeakwithme.Itwouldbeentirelyunfittingunlessonlythetwoofusknowofthisdeed.99.Iwentbackthinkingshelovedme,butIwasmisled.IthoughtthatIwouldhavegreatpleasureandallherheart.100.SoIcamethenextnightandthewarriorswereallawakebearingbrightbrands,theirtorchesalight,Iworkednotmywill.101.NearmorningIwentinagainwhenthefolkwereasleep.ButIfoundabitchboundtothefairmaidsbed.102.Manyagoodmaidprovesfalseheartedwhenyougettoknowher.IfoundthatoutwhenIluredthewisewomaninlust.Theclevermaidenhadsportofmewithallmannerofmockery,andIhadnotmywaywithher.103.Gladinhishouseholdandcheerfulwithguestsandwiseletamanbe.

96)ThatsawIwellwhenisatinthereeds,awaitingthemaidIwooedmorethanbodyandsoulwasthesweetmaidtome,yetIworkednotmywillwithher.97)Billing'sdaughteronherbedIfoundsleeping,thesunbrightmaidaking'scrownIcravednottowear,ifsheletmehaveherlove.98)"Ateventideshalt,Othin,comeifthouwiltwinmetowife:unmeetitwereifmorethanwetwoknowofthisnaughtything"99)BackIwenttowinherloveIletmyselfbemisledforIdidthink,enthralledbylove,toworkmywillwithher.100)WhennextIcameatnighttime,then,allthewarriorsfoundIawake,withbrandshighborneandburninglightssuchthelucklessendofmylovetryst!101)NearmornwhenIoncemoredidcome,thefolksweresoundasleepbutabitchfoundIthefaironehadboundfastonherbed!102)Manyagoodmaid,ifyoumarkitwell,isfickle,thoughfairherwordthatIquicklyfoundwhenthecunningmaidIluredtolecherousloveeverytauntandgibeshetriedonme,andnaughtihadofher.103)Gladinhishome,tohisguestcheerful,

Heshouldbethoughtfulandeloquentifhewantstobelearnedinloreandpraisedassuch.Themanwhohaslittletosayisdeemedanidiot.Thatisthelotoffools.104.TheoldettinIsought,nowIambackIwouldhavegottenlittle,hadIbeensilent.IspokemanywordstoworkmywillinSuttungshall.105.Theaugerboredandmademeroomgnawedthroughstone,overandunderweretheettinways.ThusIriskedmyhead.106.Gunnlothgaveme,asIsatonhergoldenseat,adrinkofthedearwonmead.AnevilrewardIdealtherafterwards,forhergoodwill,andherheavyheart.107.Dearbought,Iputittogooduse.Forthewiselittleislacking.Othroerirhasbeenbroughtuptotheveofthegods.108.Iwouldhardlyhavecomeoutalivefromthegarthoftheettins,hadInotenjoyedthegoodwomanGunnlothinwhosearmsIlay.109.ThenextdayrimeThursesstrodeouttoaskredeofHarinHarsHall,askingaboutBolverk,whetherhewasamongtheGodsorhadbeenslainbySuttung.110.IknowthatOdinsworeanoathonaring,Howshallhistrothbetrusted?HerobbedSuttungandtookhissumble.ToGunnlothhebroughtsorrow.

yetshrewdshouldonebe:wiseandweightybethewordofhismouth,ifwisehewouldbethought.Aninnyishewhonaughtcansay,forsuchisthewayofthewitless.104)TheoldetinIsoughtnowIambackingoodsteadstoodmymyspeechforwithmanywordsmywishiwroughtinthehallofSuttungs'sons.105)WithanaugerIthereatemyway,throughtherocksImademeroom!overandunderweretehetins'pathsthusdaredIlifeandlimb.106)Gunnlothgaveme,hergoldstoolupon,adraughtofthedearboughtmeadanillrewardIherafterleftforherfaithfulfriendship,forherheavyheart.107)(Ofthewellboughtmatter)Imadegooduse:tothewisenowlittleislackingforthrrirnowupisbrought,andwonforthelordofallwights.108)UnharmedagainhadIhardlycomeoutoftheetins'hall,ifGunnlothhelpednot,thegoodmaiden,inwhoselovingarmsIlay.109)Thedayafter,theetinsfaredintoHar'shighhall,toaskafterBolverk:whetherthesiramong,orwhetherbySuttungslain.110)AnoathontheringdidOthinswearhowputtrustinhistroth?Suttungheswindledandsnatchedhisdrink,andGunnlothhebeguiled.

111.ItistimetosingonthesagesseatatUrthswell.Isawandwassilent,Iwatchedandthought.Iheardthespeechofmen,Iheardtalkofrunes.Theywerenotsilentatcouncil.AtHarshall,inHarshallIheardthemspeak.112.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.Donotriseatnight,excepttospy,ortofindtheouthouse.113.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell.Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.Donotsleepinthearmsofawomanskilledinblackartssuchthatshelocksherlimbswithyours.114.Shewillworkitthatyouwillnotwanttogotothethingorcareaboutthetalkofthefolk.Youwillnotwantfoodoranypleasureandyouwillseekyourbedinsorrow.115.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Watchthatyouarenotluredtobedbyanotherswife.116.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Ifyoufareveilonfellorfjord,bringfood.

111)'Tistimetochantonthesage'schair:atthewellofUrthIsawbutsaidnaught,Isawandthought,(listenedtoHar'slore)OfrunesIheardmenspeakunravelingthem,atthehallofHarinthehallofHarandsoIheardthemsay:112)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:atnightrisenotbuttobereadyforfoe,ortolookforaspottorelievethee.113)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:inawitch'sarmsbewareofsleepinglinkingthylimbswithhers114)Shewillcastherspellthatthoucarestnottogotomeetingswheremenaregatheredunmindfulofmeat,andmirthless,thougoest,andseekesttheybedinsorrow.115)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:bewarelesttheweddedwifeofamanthouluretolovewiththee.116)hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:onfellorfirthiftofaretheelist,furnishtheewellwithfood.

117.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Nevertellyourhardshipstofoemen,foryouwillnevergetarewardforyourgoodwishesfromevilmen.118.Isawamansharplybittenbytheillwordsofawoman,Herfalsetonguebroughthisdeath,andherattackswereunjust.119.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.Ifyouhaveatruefriendfaretofindhimoften.Shrubsandgrassgrowtocovertheuntroddenpath.120.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.Drawagoodmantoyourselfwithstavesofjoy,andyouwillhavehealingsongswhileyoulive.121.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.Neverbethefirsttoforsakeafriend.Sorroweatstheheartofhewhocannolongerspeakhismindtoanyone.122.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.Neverbandywordswithstupidapes.

117)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:withholdthehardshipswhichhappentotheefromtheknowledgeofknavesfor,knowthou,fromknavesthouwiltneverhaverewardforthygoodwishes.118)Amanisawsorelybestead,throughawickedwoman'swordsherbalefultonguedidworkhisbane,thoughgoodandunguiltyhewas.119)Hearthout,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:Iffaithfulfriendthouhastfoundforthee,thenfarethoutofindhimfulloftovergrownissoonwithtallgrassandbushthetrailwhichistrodbynoone.120)hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:agoodmanseekthoutogainasthyfriend,andlearntomakethyselfloved.121)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:thefirstbenotwithafriendtobreakwhowasfaithfulfoundtotheeforsorroweateththesoulofhimwhomaynotunburdenhismind.122)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:bewarethouofbandyingwordswithanunwiseoaf,

123.Youwillnevergetanygoodfromanevilman.Butagoodmanwillgetyoutheloveandgoodwillofmany.124.Wheneachcanspeakallhismindtotheother,friendshipisshared.Anythingisbetterthanfickleness.Heisnofriend,whosewordsarealwaysfair.125.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwilldoyougoodifyouunderstandit.Bandynotthreewordswithalesserman.Oftenthebettermanfailswhentheworsegetshostile.126.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell,Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Benotamakerofshoesorashaperofshafts,unlesstheyareforyourself.Iftheshoeisillshaped,ortheshaftisnotstraight,theywillwishyouill.127.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Ifyouknowthatsomeoneisevil,sayso.Nevergivefriendshiptoyourenemies.128.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,anditwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit,Neverrejoiceinevil,butalwaysdogood.129.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,anditwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Donotlookupinbattle.Sonsofmenbecomelikehogs,whenwarriorsenchantyou.

123)Forfromevilmannoteverwiltthougetrewardforgoodagoodman,though,willgainfortheetheloveandlikingofmany.124)Thenloveismingledwhenamancansaytoabosomfriendwhatburdenshimfewthingsareworsethanficklemind:nofriendwhobutspeakstheefair.125)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:notthreewordsshaltwithaworsemanbandyoftthebettermanforbearswhentheworsemanwoundsthee.126)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:neithershoemakerbenorshaftmaker,either,butitbeforthyself:lettheshoebeillshapedortheshaftnottrue,andtheywillwishtheewoe.127)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:ifwrongwasdonetheeletthywrongbeknown,andfallontheyfoesstraightaway.128)hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:inilldeedsnotevershare,butbethougladtodogood.129)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:looknoteverup,whenfightingformadwithfearmenthenoftgrowlestthatwarlocksbewitchthee.

130.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,anditwilldoyougoodifyouunderstandit.Ifyouwantagoodwoman,speakpleasurerunestoher,Pledgeyourtrothandholdfasttoitifyouwantjoyfromher.Noneloathesgoodifshegetsit.131.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,anditwilldoyougoodifyouunderstandit.Watchyourself,butdontbeovercautious.Beespeciallywaryofaleandofanothermanswife.Thirdly,seethatyouarenottrickedbyconmen.132.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Nevermakesportofguestsandtravelers.133.Oftenthosewhositinsidedonotknowthekinofthosewhohavearrived.Nomanissogoodthathehasnofaults,nonesoevilthatheisnotworthyinsomeway.134.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Neverlaughatthehoarysage.Theoldoftenspeakwiselyandclearly.Wisespeechoftcomesfromthedriedskinthathangswiththehides,danglingwiththefursandswingingamongthebushes.135.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,

130)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:iftheelisttogainagoodwoman'sloveandalltheblisstherebe,thytrothshaltpledge,andtrulykeep:noonetiresofthegoodhegets.131)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:bewaryofthee,butnotwaryo'vermuchbemostwaryofaleandofotherman'swife,andeke,thirdly,lestthievesoutwitthee.132)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:neverlaughatormock,ormakegameof,guestorwayfaringwith.133)Thosewhositwithinhallofthardlyknowofwhatkinbetheywhocomenomansoflawlessbutsomefaulthehas,[bothfoulandfairarefoundamongmen,blendedwithintheirbreasts]134)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:athoarysagesneerthounever:thereissenseoftinoldmen'ssawsoftwisdomcomethoutofwitheredbagthathangs'mongsttheskinsdryingunderroof,withtherennet.135)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,

itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Donotabuseaguest,ordrivehimoutthedoor.Instead,dowellforthewretched.136.Thebeammustbesturdy,thatisunbarredforallwhorideup.Dealoutringsorhewillwishyouallsortsoftrouble.137.IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.Whenyoudrinkale,callonthemainoftheearth,forearthisgoodagainstale,butfireagainstdiseases.Oakisgoodagainstcostiveness,grainagainstwizardrybeardedryeagainstfeuds.Theysaythemoonisgoodagainsthate.Alumuseforrabiesandrunesagainstevil.Theearthdrawsofffloods.138.IknowthatIhung,onawindswepttreeforallofninenights,woundedbyspear,andgiventoOdin,myselftomyself,onthattreeofwhichnomanknowsfromwhatrootitrises.139.Theydealtmenobread,nordrinkinghorn.Ilookeddown,Idrewuptherunes,screamingItookthemup,andfellbackfromthere.140.FimbulspellsIgotfromthefamousSonofBolthorthefatherofBestla.IhadadrinkofthedearmeadthatwasdrawnfromOthroerir.141.ThenIbegantogrowandwaxedwellinwisdom.Onewordledmetoanother,oneworkledmetoanother.

followit,'twillfurtherthee:beshrewnotthestranger,norshowhimthedoor,butratherdogoodtothewretched.136)Thatbarmustbestrongwhichunbarsthedoortoeachandeveryone:showthebeggaryourbacklest,bearingtheegrudge,hewishyouallmannerofmischief.137)Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,followit,'twillfurtherthee:whenalethoudrinkestinvokeearthstrength[forearthisgood'gainstale,'gainstague,fire,'gainststraining,acorns,'gainstwitchery,steel,'gainsthousestrife,theelder,'gainsthate,themoon,'gainstrabies,alum,.'gainstillluck,runes]forearthabsorbsthehumoursall.138)IwotthatIhungonthewindtossedtreeallofnightsnine,woundedbyspear,bespokentoOthin,bespokenmyselftomyself,[uponthattreeofwhichnonetellethfromwhatrootsitdothrise]139)NeitherhorntheyupheldnorhandedmebreadIlookedbelowmealoudIcriedcaughtuptherunes,caughtthemupwailing,thencetothegroundfellagain.140)FromthesonofBolthorn,Bestla'sfather,Imasteredmightysongsnine,andadrinkIhad,ofthedearestmead,gotfromoutofthrrir.141)ThenbeganItogrowandgainininsight,towaxekeinwisdom:Oneverseledontoanotherverse,

142.Youwillfindrunes,meaningfulstaves,verypowerfulstaves,verystrongstaves,thatFimbuldyed,thattheGinnreginshaped,thattheGodHroptcarved.143.OdinamongtheAesir,butDainfortheelves,Dvalinnforthedwarves,Asvithfortheettins.Icarvedsomemyself.144.Knowhowtocarvethem,knowhowtoreadthem,knowhowtostainthem,knowhowtowieldthem,knowhowtoaskthem,knowhowtobloodythem,knowhowtosendthem,knowhowtosacrificethem.145.Itisbetternottoask,thantosacrificetoomuch.Agiftalwayslooksforagift.Itisbetterunsent,thanoversacrificed.SoThundcarvedbeforethedoomofmankind.Heroseupandcamebackafterthat.146.Iknowthosemagicalsongs,notknownbythewivesofkings,oranyhuman.Oneiscalledhelpandwillhelpyouinallsickness,sorrowandaffliction.147.Iknowanotherthatisneededbythesonsofmen,whowanttobeleeches.148.IknowathirdfortheeventthatIshouldbeindireneedoffetteringafoe.Icandullthebladesofmyattackerssothattheycanstrikebyneitherweaponorwile.149.

onepoemledontotheotherpoem.142)Runeswiltthoufind,andrightlyread,ofwondrousweight,ofmightymagic,whichthatdyedthedreadGod,whichthatmadetheholyhosts,andwereetchedbyOthin.143)Othinamongsir,foralfs,Dain,Dvalinforthedwarfs,Alsvithamongetins,(butforearthbornemen)wroughtIsomemyself.144)Know'sthowtowrite,know'sthowtoread,know'sthowtostain,howtounderstand,know'sthowtoask,know'sthowtooffer,know'sthowtosupplicate,know'sthowtosacrifie?145)'Tisbetterunaskedthanofferedovermuchforaydothagiftlookforgain'tisbetterunaskedthanofferedovermuch:thusdidOthinwriteeretheearthbegan,whenupheroseinaftertime.146)ThosespellsIknowwhichthespousesofkingswotnot,norearthlywight:"Help"oneishight,withwhichholpenthou'ltbeinsorrowandcareandsickness.147)ThatotherIknowwhichallwillneedwholeecheslisttobe:(onthebarkscratchthemofboleinthewoodswhoseboughsbendtotheeast).148)ThatthirdIknow,ifmyneedbegreattofetterafoemanfell:Icandulltheswordsofdeadlyfoes,thatnorwilesnorweaponsavail.

Iknowafourth,sothatifbondsbindmylimbs,Icangetfree.Fettersspringfrommyfeet,andbondsfrommyhands.150.Iknowafifth.Ifafoeshootsashaftintothehost,itcannotflysofastthatIcannotstopit,ifIcatchsightofit.151.Iknowasixth.Ifsomethaneattacksme,withthewoodofayoungroot,hewhosayshehatesmewillgethurt,butIwillbeunharmed.152.Iknowaseventh.IfIseeafirehighonthehallaroundmybenchcompanions,Icanhelpthembysingingthespell.153.Iknowaneighth.Itisusefulforallwhoknowit,Wheneverhatredflaresupamongwarriorssons,Iamabletoquellit.154.Iknowaninth.Ifneedarises,tosavemyshipontheflood,Icanstillthewind,andcalmthewaves,puttheentireseatosleep.155.Iknowatenth.IfIseeghostriderssportinginthesky,Icanworkitthatthewildonesfareaway.Sotheirshapes(ham)shallfarehome,sotheirspiritsfarehome.156.Iknowaneleventh:IfIleadoldfriendsintothefray,Isingundertheshieldandtheyfareintobattlemightyandwhole,theyfarefrombattlewhole,theyarewhole,wherevertheygo.157.

149)thatfourthIknow,iffoemenhavefetteredmehandandfoot:Ichantacharmthechainstobreak,sothefettersflyoffmyfeet,andoffmyhandsthehalter.150)ThatfifthIknow,iffromfoemans'shandIseeaspearspedintothrong,neversofastitfliesbutitsflightIcanstay,oncemyeyelightsonit.151)thatsixthIknow,ifmesomeonewoundswithrunesongnarledrootwritten,orrousesmywrathbyrecklessspeech:himblightsshallblast,notme.152)ThatseventhIknow,ifo'ersleepers'headsIbeholdahallonfire:howeverbrighttheblazeIcanbeatitdownthatmightyspellIcanspeak.153)ThateighthIknowwhichtoallmenisneedful,andgoodtoknow:whenhatredrunshigh,heroesamong,theirstrifeicansettelfullsoon.154)ThatninthIknow:ifneedtherebetoguardashipinagale,thewindIcancalm,andthewavesalso,andwhollysoothethesea.155)ThattenthIknow,ifnighthagssportingIscanaloftinthesky:Iscarethemwithspellssotheyscatterabroad,heedlessoftheirhides,heedlessoftheirhaunts.156)ThateleventhIknow,ifIamtoleadoldfriendstothefray:underbucklerIchantthatbrisklytheyfarehaleandwholetobattle,haleandwholefrombattle:halewhereevertheyare.

Iknowatwelfth:IfIseeahangedmanswinginghighinatree,Icancarveandstainrunes,sothatthemanwalksandspeakswithme.158.Iknowathirteenth:IfIsprinkleayoungthanewithwater,hewillnotfall,thoughhegoestobattle.Hewillnotbecutdownbyswords.159.Iknowafourteenth:IfItalkofthegodsbeforethefolk,IcanspeakofAsesandelves.Fewoftheunlearnedknowthesethings.160.Iknowafifteenth,whichThiodrorirthedwarfsangbeforeDellingsdoor.HesangmighttotheAesir,powertotheelves,andunderstandingtoOdin.161.Iknowasixteenth.IfIwanttheheartandpleasureofawinsomelass,Iturnthemindofthewhitearmedladytome,andwendtobedwithher.162.IknowaSeventeenthtokeepherfromshirkingmeforanyotherman.MindthisLoddfafnir,longwillyoulackit,butitwillgetyougood,onceyoulearnit,itwillbeusefultoyouwhenyouunderstandit,andneedfulifknown.163.Iknowaneighteenththatnoneknow,neithermaid,normanswife.Itisalwaysbetterkeptsecret,excepttotheonewholiesinmyarms,ormysister.164.NowareHarssayingssaid,inHarshallneedfulforthesonsofmenunneededbyettinssons.Hailtheonewhospeaksthem,hailtheonewho

157)ThattwelfthIknow,ifontreeIseeahangedonehoistedonhigh:thusIwriteandtherunesIstainthatdownhedropsandtellsmehistale.158)ThatthirteenthIknowifathane'ssonIshallwetwithholywater:neverwillhefall,thoughthefraybehot,norsinkdown,woundedbysword.159)ThatfourteenthIknow,iftofolkIshallsingandsayoftheGods:sirandalfsknowIaltogetherofunlearnedfewhavethatlore.160)ThatknowIfifteenthwhichThjothrrirsang,thedwarf,beforeDelling'sdoor:gavetosirstrength,toalfsvictorybyhissong,andinsighttoOthin.161)ThatsixteenthIknow,ifIseekmesomemaid,toworkmywillwithher:thewhitearmedwoman'sheartIbewitch,andtowardmeIturnherthoughts.162)ThatseventeenthIknow,(iftheslendermaid'sloveIhave,andholdhertome:thisIsingtoher)thatshehardlywillleavemeforotherman'slove.163)Inthislorewiltthou,Loddfafnir,beunversedforeveranday:thywealwereit,ifthiswisdomthine'tishelpful,ifheeded,'tisneedful,ifknown.164)ThateighteenthIknowwhichtononeIwilltell,neithermaidnorman'swife'tisbestwardedIbutoneknowit:

knowsthemusefultohewhogetsthemhailtheywhoheedthem.

thisspeakIlastofmyspellsbutonlytoherinwhosearmsIlie,orelsetomysisteralso.165)NowareHar'ssayingsspokeninHar'shall,ofhelptothesonsofmen,ofharmtothesonsofetinshailtowhoeverspokethem,hailtowhoeverknowsthem!Gaintheywhograspthem,happytheywhoheedthem!