TheHavamalSayingsoftheHighOne

ThisisJamesAllenChisholm'sEnglishtranslation.

ThisisLeeM.Hollander'sEnglishtranslation.

1.
Watchoutandcheckallgatesbeforefaringforth.
Oneshouldspyaround,
oneshouldpryaround.
Hardtoknowwhatfoe
sitsbeforeyouinthenextroom.

2.
Hailthegivers!Aguesthascome
whereshallhesit?
Hardpressedishe,
whotestshisluckbythefire.

3.
Fireisneedfulforthosewhoarrive
withcoldknees.
Foodandclothingisneedful
tomenwhohavefaredoverthefells.

4.
Waterisneedful,forhewhocomesforameal,
dryingandfriendlywordsaswell,
and,ifhecangetthem,kindness,goodwords,
andwelcomeagain.

5.
Witsareneedfultohewhotravelsfar.
Thedullshouldstayhome.
Hewillbemocked,
whocannotsitwithsages.

6.
Letamannotbeboastfulabouthiswisdom,
butwatchfulinstead.Thewiseandsilent
areseldomharmedwhenwaryinthehall.
Amoretrustworthyfriend,
amancannothave,
thanunderstanding.

7.
Thewaryguestwhocomestothefeast
listensinsilence,castshiseyesabout
andpricksuphisears.
Thusthewisewardtheirways.

1)
Havetheyeyesabouttheewhenthouenterest
bewaryalway,bewatchfulalway,
foroneneverknowethwhenneedwillbe
tomeethiddenfoeinthehall.

2)
Allhailtothegivers!Aguesthathcome
saywhereshallhesit?
Inhasteishetothehallwhocometh
tofindaplacebythefire.

3)
Thewarmthseekethwhohathwanderedlong
andisnumbabouttheknees
meatanddryclothesthemanneedeth
overthefellswhohathfared.

4)
Adrinkneedethtofulldisheswhocometh,
atowel,andtheprayertopartake
goodbearingeke,tobewellliked
andbebiddentobanquetagain.

5)
Ofhiswithathneedwhowidelyfareth
adullwitwilldoathome
alaughingstockhewholackethwords
amongstsmartwitswhenhesits.

6)
Tobebrightofbrainletnomanboast,
buttakegoodheedofhistongue
thesageandsilentcomeseldomtogrief
astheyfareamongstfolkinthehall.
{Morefaithfulfriendfindestthounever
thanshrewdheadonthyshoulders.}

7)
Thewaryguesttowassailwhocomes
listensthathemaylearn,
openshisears,castshiseyesabout
thuswardshimthewiseman'gainstharm.

8.
Happyishewhogetspraise
andknowslikingstaves.
Hehasithard,whomustgetthesethings
bythehelpofanother.

9.
Happyishewhogetspraise
andhaswitthroughouthislife.
Amanoftengetsevilcounsel
fromtheheartofanother.

10.
Amanbearsnobetterburdenonthewilderness
ways
thangreatwisdom.
Itwillprovebetterthanwealth
inanunknownhomestead.

11.
Amanbearsnobetterburden,
whenonthewildernessways
thangreatwisdom.Onecanhavenoworsefare,
onroadorfield,thantoomuchale.

12.
Aleisnotsogoodastheysay
forthesonsofmen.
Amansmindknowsless,
themorehedrinks.

13.
Theheroniscalledmindlessness
whohoversovermenstealingtheirminds
Iwasboundbythatfowlsfeathers
whenIwasinGunnlothsgarth.

14.
Ibecamedrunk,roaringdrunk,
withwiseFjalar.
Thebestwassailisthat
whichamanleaveswithhiswits.

15.
Silentandattentive,andbattlebold
shouldachieftainssonbe.
Amanshouldbegladandhappy
untildefeatedbydeath.

8)
Happyishewhohathwonhim
theloveandlikingofall
forharditisone'shelptoseek
fromthemindofanotherman.

9)
Happyishewhohathwonhim
bothwinningwaysandwisdom
forillitisoftwhoaskethhelp
fromthewitandwordsofanother.

10)
Betterburdenbearestthounowise
thanshrewdheadontheyshoulders
ingoodsteadwillitstandamongststrangerfolk,
andshieldwhenunshelteredthouart.

11)
Betterburdenbearestthounowise
thanshrewdheadontheyshoulders
butwithworserfoodfarestthounever
thananovermuchofmead.

12)
Forgooditisnot,thoughgooditisthought,
meadforthesondsofmen
thedeeperhedrinksthedimmergrows
themindofmanyaman.

13)
Theheronofheedlessnesshoverso'erthefeast
andstealeththemindsofmen.
Withthatfowl'sfeathersfetteredIwas
whenIwasGunnloth'sguest.

14)
DrunkIbecame,deaddrunk,forsooth,
whenIwaswithwiseFjalar
Thatboutisbestfromwhichbackfetches
eachmanhismindfullclear.

15)
Letusallbesparinginwords,
andboldinbattle
gladandwholesometheherobe
tillcomeshisdyingday.

16.
Theunwisemanthinkshewillliveforever
byavoidingbattle
Butoldagewillgivehimnorest
thoughhebesparedfromspears.

17.
Thefoolgapeswhenamongthefolk.
Hemuttersandmopes,
andsoonitisseen,whenhegetsdrunk,
whathismindislike.

18.
Healoneknows,whohaswanderedwidely
andhasfaredoverthefells
whatmindstirsineachman
ifhehimselfhaswits.

19.
Amanshouldnotrefrainformthecup
thoughhedrinkmeadinthehoflethimsay
whatisneedfulorbesilent.Noman
shallcallyouignorantifyougotobedearly.

20.
Thegreedyman,withoutmindswits
eatshimselfinsorrow.Oftenhebrings
ridiculeonhimselfwhenheisamong
wisemenwhomockthemansbelly.

21.
Theherdknowswhentogohome
andleavethegrazinggroundbehind.
Theunwisemanneverknows
howmuchtoeat.

22.
Illtemperedthewretch,
wholaughsateveryone.
Hecannotrecognize,asheshould,
thatheisnotwithoutfaults.

23.
Thestupidmanliesawakeallnight
andthinksabouteverything
andistiredinthemorning
thoughallisasitwas.

16)
Theunwisemanthinksthatheaywilllive
iffromfightingheflees
buttheailsandachesofoldagedoghim
thoughspearshavesparedhim.

17)
Thefoolbutgapeswhentofolkshecomes,
hemumblesandmopes
soonisseen,whenhisswillhehad,
whatthemindofthemanislike.

18)
Onlyheisawarewhohathwanderedmuch,
andfarhathbeenafield
whatmannerofmanbehewhomhemeets,
ifhimselfbenotwantinginwit.

19)
Thecupspurnnot,yetbesparingwithal:
saywhatisneedfulornaught
forillbreedingupbraidstheenoman
ifsoonthougoesttosleep.

20)
Thegreedyguestgainsayshishead
andeatsuntillheisill
hisbellyoftmakethabuttofaman
onbench'midstthesagewhenhesits.

21)
Theherdtoknowwhenfromhometheyshall,
andgangfromthegrasstotheirstalls
buttheunwisemanwillnoteverlearn
howmuchhismawwillhold.

22)
Theillmindedmanwhomeanlythinks,
fleersatbothfoulandfair
hedoesnotknow,asknowheought,
thatheisnotfreefromflaws.

23)
Theunwisemanwakethallnight,
thinkingofthisandthat
tosses,sleepless,andistiredatmorn:
norlighterforthatisload.

24.
Thestupidmanthinks
thatallwholaughathimarefriends
Hedoesnotnoticehowthetalkgoes
whenhesitswithwisemen.

25.
Theunwisemanthinks
thatallwholaughathimarefriends.
Butwhenheisatthething
hefindsfewspokesmen.

26.
Thestupidmanthinksheknowsall
whenheisathome.
Buthedoesnotknowwhattosay
whenmentesthim.

27.
Whenthefoolfaresamongfolk
itisbesthestayquiet.
Nooneknowsthatheknowsnothing
unlesshetalkstoomuch.

28.
Wiseseemshewhoknows
howtoaskandanswer.
Whatgoesaboutamongmen,
cannotbehiddenfrommen.

29.
Hewhonevershutsup
blatherspowerlessstaves.
Thespeedytonguethatneverstops
oftenbringsitselfharm.

30.
Donotridiculeanotherman,
thoughheiskin.Heoftseemswise
whoisnotquestioned,
andleavesdryskinned.

31.
Heiswisewholeavestheflyting
whenguestmocksguest.
Hewhogrinsatthefeast
doesnotknowthathechattersamongfoes.

24)
Theunwisemanweensthatall
wolaughwithhim,likehimtoo
norseestheirscorn,thoughtheysneerathim,
onbench'midstthesagwhenhesits.

25)
Theunwisemanweensthatall
thatlaughwithhimlikehimtoo
butthenhefinds,whentotheThinghecomes,
fewspokesmantospeedhiscause.

26)
Theunwisemanwensheknowsall,
iffromharmheisfarathome
butknowsnoteverwhatanswertomake
whenothersaskhimaught.

27)
Theunwisemanamongstotherswhocomes,
lethimbesparingofspeech
fornooneknowsthatnaughtisinhim,
butheopenshismouthtoomuch.

28)
Cleverishewhoiskeentoask,
andeketoanswer,allmen
'tishardtohidefromthehearingofmen
whatisoneveryone'slips.

29)
Muchatrandomoftrambleshe
whosetonguedoesevertattle
atalker'stongue,unlesstameditbe,
willoftenworkhimwoe.

30)
Nomockmakethoughofanyman,
thoughthoucomestamongsthkinsmen
heknowingweenshimwhomnoonehasasked,
anddryshodhieshimhome.

31)
Awisemanhewhohieshimbetimes
fromthemanwholikestomock
forattablewhoteasescannevertell
whatfoehemighthavetofight.

32.
Manyamanisbeingfriendly
whenheteasesatthetable.
Thereisalwaysstrife
whenguestclasheswithguest.

33.
Amanshouldoftengethismealearly.
Whenhevisitsfriends.
Otherwisehesitsandidles,
eatslikehewerestarvingwithoutevenasking.

34.
Itisalongwaytothefalsefriend
thoughhedwellbytheroad.
Butastraightwayliestothegoodfriend,
thoughhelivesfaraway.

35.
Thentheguestshouldgo.
Heshouldnotstaytoolonginonestead.
Whenonestaystoolonginanothershouse,
loveturnstoloathing.

36.
Oneshomeisbetterthoughitbesmall.
Toeach,homeishall.
Thoughheownsbuttwogoats,
andathatchedroof,itisbetterthanbegging.

37.
Onesownhomeisbest,thoughitissmall.
Toeach,homeishall.
Hisheartwillbleed
whohastoaskforeachmealsmeat.

38.
Amanshouldnotsteponefoot
forthinthefieldwithoutweapons.
Onecannotknow,whenontheroad,
whenhewillneedhisspear.

39.
Ineverfoundagenerousman
whowassofreewithhisfood,
thathewouldturnitdown,orsogenerous
astoloathagiftwereitgiven.

32)
Manyamanmeansnoill,
yetteasestheotherattable
strifewilleverstartamongsthmen
whenguestclasheswithguest.

33)
Anearlymealayamanshouldgethim,
lestfamishedhecometothefeast
hesitsandstuffsasthoughtstarvedhewere,
andnaughthesaystohisneighbours.

34)
Tofalsefriendayafarway'tis,
thoughhisroofberearedbytheroad
tostanchfriendayastraightwayleads,
thoughfarhehavefaredfromthee.

35)
Gettheegonebetimesaguestshouldnot
staytoolonginonestead
lifegrowsloathiftoolongonesits
onbench,thoughinhewasbidden.

36)
One'shomeisbest,thoughhutitbe:
thereamanismasterandlord
Thoughbuttwogoatsthineandathatchedroof,
'tisfarbetterthanbeg.

37)
One'shomeisbestthoughtahutitbe:
thereamanismasterandlord
hisheartdothbleedwhohastobeg
themeatforhiseverymeal.

38)
Fromhisweaponsawaynooneshouldever
stironesteponthefield
fornooneknowswhenneedmighthave
onasuddenamanofhissword.

39)
Sofreehandedneverfoundiaman
butwouldgladlytakewhatisgiven
notofhsigoodssoungrudgingever,
toforegowhatisgivenhim.

40.
Oneshouldnothavetoomuchneedofthegoods
hehasgotten.Oftenonesquanders
onenemieswhatwasintendedforlovedones.
Manyaffairsgoawry.

41.
Friendsshouldsharejoyinweapons
andclothesthatareevidenttooneanother.
Thosewhosharegiftsstaythefastestfriends,
whenthingsgowell.

42.
Amanshalleverbeafriendtohisfriends
andgivegiftforgift,
laughterforlaughter,
butgiveliesforlies.

43.
Amanshallalwaysbeafriend
tofriendsandtothefriendofafriend
butneverafriend
toafriendsenemies.

44.
Ifyouknowthatyouhaveafriendandthatheis
true,
andthatyouwillgetgoodfromhim,
shareyourmindwithhim,exchangegifts,
andvisithimoften.

45.
Ifyouknowanotherandtrusthimnot
andyouwanttogetgoodfromhim
speakfairtohimwhilethinkingfalsely
andgivehimliesforlies.

46.
Ifyoudonottrustaman,
andhespeakshismindwithyou
laughwithhim,butspeaknotyourmind
anddealfittingrewardsforhisgifts.

47.
WhenIwasyoung,Ioncetraveledalone
andlostmyway.
IthoughtmyselfrichwhenIfoundanother,
manrejoicesinman.

40)
Ofhisworldlygoodswhichhegottenhath
letamannotstintovermuch
oftislavishedonfoewhatforfriendwassaved,
formattersgooftenamiss.

41)
Withweaponsandwedsshouldfriendsbewon,
asonecanseeinthemselves
thosewhogivetoeachotherwillaybefriends,
oncetheymeethalfway.

42)
Withhisfriendamanshouldbefriendsever,
andpaybackgiftforgift
laughteraforlaughterhelearntogive,
andekelesingforlies.

43)
Withhisfriendamanshouldbefriendsever,
andwithhimthefriendofhisfriend
butfoeman'sfriendbefriendthounever,
(andkeeptheealooffromhiskin)

44)
Iffriendthouhastwhomfaithfulthoudeemest,
andwishesttowinhimforthee
opethyhearttohimnorwithholdthygifts,
andfaretofindhimoften.

45)
Ifanothertherebewhomillthoutrusteth,
yetwould'stgetfromhimgain
speakfairtohimthoughfalsethoumeanest,
andpayhimlesingforlies.

46)
Andekethisheed:ifillthoutrustone,
andhollowheartedhisspeeck
thoushaltlaughwithhimandlurehimon,
andlethimhavetitfortat.

47)
Youngwasionceandwentalong,
andwanderinglostmyway
whenafriendifoundifeltmerich:
manischeeredbyman.


48.
Hewhogivesgladlylivesthebestlife,
andseldomhassorrow.
Buttheunwisesuspectall
andalwayspineforgifts.

49.
Igavemyclothestotwotreemen
inthefield.
Mentheyseemedwithclothes.
Shamefulthenakedhero.

50.
Theyoungfirtreediesthatstands
shelteredbyneitherbarknorneedleinthefield
Suchisamanwhomnonelove.
Whyshouldsuchamanlivelonger?

51.
Hotterthanfirefriendshipburns
forfivedaysbetweenfalsefriends.
Butitslackensonthesixth
andthefriendshipgoesawry.

52.
Givenotgreatgifts.
Youcanwinpraisewithlittle.
Halfaloafandhalfacup
wonmefellowship.

53.
Asmalllakehasalittlesand.
Themindsofmenaresmall
andnotallmenareequallywise.
Nomaniswhole.

54.
Middlewiseshouldeachmanbe
andnotoverwise.
Thefairestlifeishad
bytheonewhoknowsmanythingswell.

55.
Middlewiseshouldeachmanbe
andnotoverwise.
Awisemansheartisseldomglad
whenhehasgothimselfgreatwisdom.

48)
Hewhogivethgladlyagoodlylifeleadeth,
andseldomhathhesorrow
butthechurlishwightischaryofall,
andgrudginglypartswithhisgifts.

49)
Inthefieldsasifared,(forfun)Ihung
myweedsontwowoodenmen
theywerrereckonedfolkswhentheragstheywore:
naked,amanisnaught.

50)
Thefirtreediesinthefieldthatstands:
shieldsitnorbarknorbast
thusekethemanwhobyallisshunned
whyshouldhelingerinlife?

51)
Thanfirehotterforfivedaysburneth
lovebetweenfriendsthatarefalse
itdiethdownwhendawneththesixth,
thenallthesweetnessturnssour.

52)
Notgreatthignsneedsgivetoaman:
bringeththanksoftalittlething.
withhalfaloafandahalfdrainedcup
iwonmeoftworthyfriend.

53)
Alittlelakehathbutlittlesand:
butsmallthemindofman
notallmenareequallywise,
eachwightwantethsomewhat.

54)
Middlingwiseeverymanshouldbe:
bewareofbeingtoowise
happiestinlifemostlikelyhe
whoknowsnotmorethanisneedful.

55)
Middlingwiseeverymanshouldbe:
bewareofbeingtoowise
forwiseman'sheartishappyseldom,
iftoogreatthewisdomhewon.


56.
Middlewiseshouldeachmanbe
andnotoverwise.
Hewhoknowsnothisorlog
maysleepuntroubled.

57.
Brandburnsbrandandissoburned.
Fireiskindledfromfire.
Amanisknownbyhistalk
andthedullmanisknownbyhisnonsense,

58.
Heshouldriseearlywhowantstotake
thelifeorpropertyofanother.
Seldomdoesthelyingwolfgetthelamb
orthesleepingmanvictory.

59.
Heshouldriseearlywhohasfewworkers
toseetohisworkhimself.
Helosesmuchwhosleepsinthemorning.
Halfofwealthisgottenbyinitiative.

60.
Dryfirewoodandbirchbark
forroofing
amancanmeasure,
forwoodtolastinthewintertime.

61.
Wellfedandwashedfaretothething.Aman
should
ridetothethingthoughhisclothesarewellworn.
Amanshouldnotbeashamedofhisshoesand
breeks,
orevenlessofhishorse,thoughtheyarenotthe
best

62.
Theeaglesnufflesanddroops
whenhefaresoverthewavesofthesea.
Sofaresamaninathrong
wherefewwillpleadhiscase.

63.
Eachshallaskandanswer
whoiswiseandwishestobecalledwise.
Letnoneknow,notevenasecond.
Allwillknow,ifthreeknow.

56)
Middlingwiseeverymanshouldbe:
bewareofbeingtoowise
hisfateletnoonebeforehandknow
whowouldkeephisheartfromcare.

57)
Kindlesbrandfrombrand,andburnstillallburntit
is
thusfireiskindledfromfire
bythewordsofhismouthamanisknown,
butfromhisdullnessadullard.

58)
Betimesmustrisewhowouldtakeanother's
lifeandwinhiswealth
lyingdownwolfnevergotthelamb,
norsleepingwightslewhisfoe.

59)
Betimesmustrisewhofewreapershas,
andseetotheworkhimself
muchwillmissinthemornwhosleeps
forthebrisktheraceishalfrun.

60)
Whatlathesandlogswilllasthimout,
amanmayreckonaright
andofwoodtowarmhimhowmuchhemaywant
formanyawintermonth.

61)
WellgroomedandwashedwendtheetotheThing,
thoughthyclothesbenotthebest
ofthyshoesandbreeksbenotashamed,
andstilllessoftheysteed.

62)
Withloweredheadsweeps,totheseawhenhe
comes,
theeagleo'erthebillowingbrine
thusekethemanwmongsthathrong
whofindshimbutfewtobefriendhim.

63)
Bothaskandanswerleteveryone
whowishestobedeemedwise
letoneknowit,nornoneother
ifthreeknow,thousandswill.

64.
Allwhoarewiseinrede
shallnotbeoverlyforceful.
Hefinds,whowalksamongthestout,
thatnooneisthestrongest.

65.

Wordsspokenbyonetoanother
oftenbringanevilreward.

66.
FartooearlyIarrivedatmanysteads,
Buttoolateatothers,
Thealewasalreadydrunkoryetunbrewed.
Theloathedfindlittleamongthefolk.

67.
Hereandtheretheyhadmeintheirhomes,
ifIwasnothungryformeat
orhungtwohamsforthetruefriend
fortheoneIhadeaten.

68.
Fireisbetterforthesonsofmen
andthesightofthesun.
Goodhealthalso,ifamancankeepit
andlivewithoutshame.

69.
Amanisnotentirelybereft
thoughhishealthispoor.
Someareblessedwithsons,somebyfriends,
somebywealthandothersbygoodworks.

70.
Bettertobealiveandhappy.
Thequickalwaysgetthecattle.
Thefireburnedforthewealthyman,
butthedeadmanlaysoutside.

71.
Ahaltmancanrideahorse.Thehandless
canbeherdsmen.Thedeafcanfightbravely,
ablindmanisbetterthanaburnedman,
andadeadmanisofnouse.

64)
Awisemanwillnotoverweeningbe,
andstaketoomuchonhisstrength
whenthemightyaremettomatchtheirstrength,
'twillbefoundthatfirstisnoone.

65)
(Watchfulandwaryeveryoneshouldbe,
norputtoomuchtrustinafriend:)
thewordsbyoneunwarilyspoken,
haveundoneoftadoughtyman.

66)
Toolatebyfartosomefeastsicame
toothers,alltoosoon
thebeerwasdrunk,oryetunbrewed
neverhitsitthehaplessonearight.

67)
Hereortherewouldtheyhavemein,
ifnomeatatthemealicraved
orhungtwohamsinmygoodfriend'shome,
aftereatingoneofhisown.

68)
Abonnyfireisablessingtoman,
andekethesightofthesun
hisheartyhealth,ifheholdsitwell,
andtoliveone'slifewithoutshame.

69)
Allundoneisnoonethoughatdeath'sdoorhelie:
somewithgoodsonsareblessed,
andsomewithkinsmen,orwithcoffersfull,
andsomewithdedswelldone.

70)
Betteralive(thanlifelessbe):
tooquickfallaythecattle
thehearthfire3burnedforthehappyheir
outdoorsadeadmanlay.

71)
Maythehaltrideahorse,andthehandlessbe
herdsman,
thedeafmanmaydoughtilyfight
ablindmanisbetterthanaburnedone,ay:
ofwhatgoodisagoodmandead?

72.
Bettertohaveason,thoughbornlate
afterthefatherhaspassedaway.
Stonesseldomstandbytheroads
unlessraisedbykinforkin.

73.
Twotakeonone.Thetongueistheheadsbane.
Iexpectfistsundereveryfurcoat.

74.
Nightisjoyfulifprovisionsareadequate.
Thecabinsofshipsarecramped.
Fallnightspass
andweatherchangesmanytimesinfivedays,
evenmoreinamonth.

75.
Hewhoknowsnothingdoesnotknow
thatmanymenbecomeapes.
Onemanisrichandanotherpoor.
Thereisnoblameinthat.

76.
Cattledie,kinsmendie,
andyouyourselfshalldie.
Butfairfameneverdies
fortheonewhowinsit.

77.
Cattledieandkinsmendie
andyouyourselfshalldie.
ButIknowonethatneverdies
thatisthedoomofeachonedead.

78.
ThestoreroomsofFitjungssonswerefull.
Nowtheybearthebeggarsstaff.
Thusflieswealthinthetwinklingofaneye,
thefalsestoffriends.

79.
Theunwisemanonlygrowsarrogant
whenhewinshimselfwealth
orawomanslove.
Hiswisdomneverincreases,onlyhispride.

72)
Tohaveasonisgood,lategotthoughhebe
andbornewhenburiedhisfather
stonessee'stthouseldomsetbytheroadside
butbykithraisedoverkin.

73)
[Twowilldownoneoftongueishead'sbane
afistifear'neatheveryfurrycoat.

74)
Ofthenightisfainwhoseknapsackisfull
closeareship'squarters.
Ficklearethenightsinfall
there'sbothfairandfoulinfivedays'timestill
moresowithinamonth]

75)
Hewhoknowethnothingknowethnot,either,
howwealthmaywarpaman'swit
onehathwealthwhenwantethanother,
thoughhebearnoblamehimself.

76)
Cattledie,andkinsmendie,
thyselfekesoonwiltdie
butfairfamewillfadenever:
Iween,forhimwhowinsit.

77)
Cattledieandkinsmendie,
thyselfekesoonwiltdie
onething,Iwot,willwithernever:
thedoomovereachonedead.

78)
Afullstockedfarmhadsomefarmer'ssons.
Nowtheystoopatthebeggar'sstaff
inatwinklingfleethtrothlesswealth,
itistheficklestoffriends.

79)
Theunwiseman,oncehecallshisown
wealthortheloveofawoman
hisoverweeningwaxesbuthiswitnever
hehaughtilyhardenshisheart.

80.
Itisfoundwhenyouasktherunes
whichareknowntotheRegin
madebytheGinnregin
drawnbyFimbulthul,
itisbesttokeepsilent.

81.
Praisethedayintheevening,atorchwhenitis
burned,
aswordwhenitistried,amaidwhenmarried,
icewhencrossed,alewhendrunk.

82.
Hewwoodinthewind,rowouttoseaingood
weather,
playwithamaidinthedark,formanyaretheeyes
of
theday.Lookforspeedinaship,andforcover
fromashield.Getaswordforhewingandamaid
forkissing.

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,infairweatherrowoutto
sea,
dallywithgirlsinthedarkthedays'eyesare
many
chooseashieldforshelter,ashipforspeed,
aswordforkeenness,agirlforkissing.

83)
Bythefiredrinkale,skateontheice,
buyabonysteed,arustyblade,
feedyourhorseathome,
andyourhoundinhishutch.

84)
Awench'swordsletnowisemantrust,
nortrustthetrothofawoman
foronwhirlingwheeltheirheartsareshaped,
andfickleandfitfultheirmings.

85)
Abrittlebow,aburningfire,
agapingwolf,agruntingsow,
acroakingcrow,akettleboiling,
arisingsea,arootlesstree

86)
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.
Ourheartsaremostfalsewhenourwordsroost
fair,
whichdeceivetheheartsofthewise.

92.
Heshallspeakfairlyanddealwealth
whowillwinawomanslove.
Praisethelooksofthebonnylass.
Winbywooing.

93.
Nomanshouldeverridicule
anotherslove.
Thelureofabeautifulwomanoftensnares
thewisewhileleavingthefool.

94.
Amanshouldnotheapabuse
onanotherforsomething
thathappenstomanymen.
Powerfullovemakesfoolsofheroesandsages.

95.
Onlyyourownmindknowswhatisdearest
toyourheart.Eachcounselshimself.
Thereisnoworseillnessforasage
thanlosingloveforhimself.

88)
Thybrother'sbanesman,thoughitbeontheroad,
ahalfburnedhouse,aspeedyhose
worthlessthesteedifonefoothebreaks
sotrustingbenoonetotrustinthese!

89)
Earlysownacres,letnoneevertrust,
nortrusthissontoosoon:
undoesweathertheone,unwisdomtheother:
risknotthyrichesonthese.

90)
Thefalseloveofawoman,'tisliketoone
ridingonicewithhorseunroughshod
abrisktwoyearold,unbrokenwithal
orinragingwinddriftingrudderless,
likethelameoutrinningthereindeeronbarerock.

91)
Heedmywordsnow,foriknowthemboth:
mainswornarementowomen
wespeakmostfairwhenmostfoulourthoughts,
forthatwilesthewariestwits.

92)
Fairlyshallspeak,norsparehisgifts,
whowillwinawoman'slove,
shallpraisethelooksofhtelovelymaid:
hewhoflattersshallwinthefiar.

93)
Atthelovesofamantolaughisnotmeet
foranyoneever
thewiseoftfall,whenfoolsyieldnot,
tothelureofalovelymaid.

94)
'Tisnotmeetformentomockatwhat
befallsfullmany
afairfaceoftmakesfoolsofthewise
bythemightylureoflove.

95)
One'sselfonlyknowswhatisnearone'sheart,
eachreadsbuthimselfaright
nosicknessseemstosoundmindworse
thantohavelostalllikingforlife.

96.
Ifoundthatout,whenIsatinthereeds
andwaitedformyheartsdelight.
Theheartandbodyofthewisemaidweredearto
me,
butIhadnotmywillwithher.

97.
BillingsdaughterIfoundonherbed.
Thesunwhitemaidslept
andaJarldomseemednothingtome
ifIlivedwithoutherlove.

98.
ComebackneareveningOdin,
ifyouwouldspeakwithme.
Itwouldbeentirelyunfitting
unlessonlythetwoofusknowofthisdeed.

99.
Iwentbackthinkingshelovedme,
butIwasmisled.
IthoughtthatIwouldhave
greatpleasureandallherheart.

100.
SoIcamethenextnight
andthewarriorswereallawake
bearingbrightbrands,theirtorchesalight,
Iworkednotmywill.

101.
NearmorningIwentinagain
whenthefolkwereasleep.
ButIfoundabitchbound
tothefairmaidsbed.

102.
Manyagoodmaidprovesfalsehearted
whenyougettoknowher.Ifoundthatout
whenIluredthewisewomaninlust.
Theclevermaidenhadsportofme
withallmannerofmockery,
andIhadnotmywaywithher.

103.
Gladinhishouseholdandcheerfulwithguests
andwiseletamanbe.

96)
ThatsawIwellwhenisatinthereeds,
awaitingthemaidIwooed
morethanbodyandsoulwasthesweetmaidto
me,
yetIworkednotmywillwithher.

97)
Billing'sdaughteronherbedIfound
sleeping,thesunbrightmaid
aking'scrownIcravednottowear,
ifsheletmehaveherlove.

98)
"Ateventideshalt,Othin,come
ifthouwiltwinmetowife:
unmeetitwereifmorethanwetwo
knowofthisnaughtything"

99)
BackIwenttowinherlove
Iletmyselfbemisled
forIdidthink,enthralledbylove,
toworkmywillwithher.

100)
WhennextIcameatnighttime,then,
allthewarriorsfoundIawake,
withbrandshighborneandburninglights
suchthelucklessendofmylovetryst!

101)
NearmornwhenIoncemoredidcome,
thefolksweresoundasleep
butabitchfoundIthefaironehad
boundfastonherbed!

102)
Manyagoodmaid,ifyoumarkitwell,
isfickle,thoughfairherword
thatIquicklyfoundwhenthecunningmaid
Iluredtolecherouslove
everytauntandgibeshetriedonme,
andnaughtihadofher.

103)
Gladinhishome,tohisguestcheerful,

Heshouldbethoughtfulandeloquent
ifhewantstobelearnedinloreandpraisedas
such.
Themanwhohaslittletosayisdeemedanidiot.
Thatisthelotoffools.
104.
TheoldettinIsought,nowIamback
Iwouldhavegottenlittle,hadIbeensilent.
Ispokemanywordstoworkmywill
inSuttungshall.

105.
Theaugerboredandmademeroom
gnawedthroughstone,
overandunderwere
theettinways.
ThusIriskedmyhead.

106.
Gunnlothgaveme,asIsatonhergoldenseat,
adrinkofthedearwonmead.
AnevilrewardIdealtherafterwards,
forhergoodwill,andherheavyheart.

107.
Dearbought,Iputittogooduse.
Forthewiselittleislacking.
Othroerirhasbeenbroughtup
totheveofthegods.

108.
Iwouldhardlyhavecomeoutalive
fromthegarthoftheettins,
hadInotenjoyedthegoodwomanGunnloth
inwhosearmsIlay.

109.
ThenextdayrimeThurses
strodeouttoaskrede
ofHarinHarsHall,
askingaboutBolverk,whetherhewasamongthe
Gods
orhadbeenslainbySuttung.

110.
IknowthatOdinsworeanoathonaring,
Howshallhistrothbetrusted?
HerobbedSuttungandtookhissumble.
ToGunnlothhebroughtsorrow.

yetshrewdshouldonebe:
wiseandweightybethewordofhismouth,
ifwisehewouldbethought.
Aninnyishewhonaughtcansay,
forsuchisthewayofthewitless.
104)
TheoldetinIsoughtnowIamback
ingoodsteadstoodmymyspeech
forwithmanywordsmywishiwrought
inthehallofSuttungs'sons.

105)
WithanaugerIthereatemyway,
throughtherocksImademeroom!
overandunderweretehetins'paths
thusdaredIlifeandlimb.

106)
Gunnlothgaveme,hergoldstoolupon,
adraughtofthedearboughtmead
anillrewardIherafterleft
forherfaithfulfriendship,forherheavyheart.

107)
(Ofthewellboughtmatter)Imadegooduse:
tothewisenowlittleislacking
forthrrirnowupisbrought,
andwonforthelordofallwights.

108)
UnharmedagainhadIhardlycome
outoftheetins'hall,
ifGunnlothhelpednot,thegoodmaiden,
inwhoselovingarmsIlay.

109)
Thedayafter,theetinsfared
intoHar'shighhall,
toaskafterBolverk:whetherthesiramong,
orwhetherbySuttungslain.

110)
AnoathontheringdidOthinswear
howputtrustinhistroth?
Suttungheswindledandsnatchedhisdrink,
andGunnlothhebeguiled.

111.
Itistimetosingonthesagesseat
atUrthswell.
Isawandwassilent,Iwatchedandthought.
Iheardthespeechofmen,Iheardtalkofrunes.
Theywerenotsilentatcouncil.
AtHarshall,inHarshall
Iheardthemspeak.

112.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.
Donotriseatnight,excepttospy,
ortofindtheouthouse.

113.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell.
Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.
Donotsleepinthearmsofawomanskilledin
blackarts
suchthatshelocksherlimbswithyours.

114.
Shewillworkitthatyouwillnotwant
togotothethingorcareaboutthetalkofthefolk.
Youwillnotwantfoodoranypleasure
andyouwillseekyourbedinsorrow.

115.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Watchthatyouarenotluredtobed
byanotherswife.

116.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Ifyoufareveil
onfellorfjord,bringfood.

111)
'Tistimetochantonthesage'schair:
atthewellofUrth
Isawbutsaidnaught,Isawandthought,
(listenedtoHar'slore)
OfrunesIheardmenspeakunravelingthem,
atthehallofHar
inthehallofHar
andsoIheardthemsay:

112)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
atnightrisenotbuttobereadyforfoe,
ortolookforaspottorelievethee.

113)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
inawitch'sarmsbewareofsleeping
linkingthylimbswithhers

114)
Shewillcastherspellthatthoucarestnottogo
tomeetingswheremenaregathered
unmindfulofmeat,andmirthless,thougoest,
andseekesttheybedinsorrow.

115)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
bewarelesttheweddedwifeofaman
thouluretolovewiththee.

116)
hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
onfellorfirthiftofaretheelist,
furnishtheewellwithfood.

117.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseitifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Nevertellyourhardshipstofoemen,
foryouwillnevergetareward
foryourgoodwishes
fromevilmen.

118.
Isawamansharplybitten
bytheillwordsofawoman,
Herfalsetonguebroughthisdeath,
andherattackswereunjust.

119.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.
Ifyouhaveatruefriend
faretofindhimoften.
Shrubsandgrassgrow
tocovertheuntroddenpath.

120.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.
Drawagoodmantoyourselfwithstavesofjoy,
andyouwillhavehealingsongswhileyoulive.

121.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.
Neverbethefirsttoforsakeafriend.
Sorroweatstheheart
ofhewhocannolongerspeak
hismindtoanyone.

122.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougood,ifyouunderstandit.
Neverbandywords
withstupidapes.

117)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
withholdthehardshipswhichhappentothee
fromtheknowledgeofknaves
for,knowthou,fromknavesthouwiltneverhave
rewardforthygoodwishes.

118)
Amanisawsorelybestead,
throughawickedwoman'swords
herbalefultonguedidworkhisbane,
thoughgoodandunguiltyhewas.

119)
Hearthout,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
Iffaithfulfriendthouhastfoundforthee,
thenfarethoutofindhimfulloft
overgrownissoonwithtallgrassandbush
thetrailwhichistrodbynoone.

120)
hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
agoodmanseekthoutogainasthyfriend,
andlearntomakethyselfloved.

121)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
thefirstbenotwithafriendtobreak
whowasfaithfulfoundtothee
forsorroweateththesoulofhim
whomaynotunburdenhismind.

122)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
bewarethouofbandyingwords
withanunwiseoaf,

123.
Youwillnevergetanygood
fromanevilman.
Butagoodmanwillgetyou
theloveandgoodwillofmany.
124.
Wheneachcanspeakallhismindtotheother,
friendshipisshared.
Anythingisbetterthanfickleness.
Heisnofriend,whosewordsarealwaysfair.

125.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwilldoyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Bandynotthreewordswithalesserman.
Oftenthebettermanfails
whentheworsegetshostile.

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)
Forfromevilmannoteverwiltthou
getrewardforgood
agoodman,though,willgainforthee
theloveandlikingofmany.
124)
Thenloveismingledwhenamancansay
toabosomfriendwhatburdenshim
fewthingsareworsethanficklemind:
nofriendwhobutspeakstheefair.

125)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
notthreewordsshaltwithaworsemanbandy
oftthebettermanforbears
whentheworsemanwoundsthee.

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,whenfighting
formadwithfearmenthenoftgrow
lestthatwarlocksbewitchthee.

130.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
anditwilldoyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Ifyouwantagoodwoman,speakpleasurerunesto
her,
Pledgeyourtrothandholdfasttoit
ifyouwantjoyfromher.
Noneloathesgoodifshegetsit.

131.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
anditwilldoyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Watchyourself,butdontbeovercautious.
Beespeciallywaryofale
andofanothermanswife.
Thirdly,seethatyouarenottrickedbyconmen.

132.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Nevermakesport
ofguestsandtravelers.

133.
Oftenthosewhositinside
donotknowthekinofthosewhohavearrived.
Nomanissogoodthathehasnofaults,
nonesoevilthatheisnotworthyinsomeway.

134.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Neverlaughatthehoarysage.
Theoldoftenspeakwiselyandclearly.
Wisespeechoftcomesfromthedriedskin
thathangswiththehides,
danglingwiththefurs
andswingingamongthebushes.

135.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,

130)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
iftheelisttogainagoodwoman'slove
andalltheblisstherebe,
thytrothshaltpledge,andtrulykeep:
noonetiresofthegoodhegets.

131)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
bewaryofthee,butnotwaryo'vermuch
bemostwaryofaleandofotherman'swife,
andeke,thirdly,lestthievesoutwitthee.

132)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
neverlaughatormock,ormakegameof,
guestorwayfaringwith.

133)
Thosewhositwithinhallofthardlyknow
ofwhatkinbetheywhocome
nomansoflawlessbutsomefaulthehas,
[bothfoulandfairarefoundamongmen,
blendedwithintheirbreasts]

134)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
athoarysagesneerthounever:
thereissenseoftinoldmen'ssaws
oftwisdomcomethoutofwitheredbag
thathangs'mongsttheskinsdrying
underroof,withtherennet.

135)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,

itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Donotabuseaguest,ordrivehimoutthedoor.
Instead,dowellforthewretched.

136.
Thebeammustbesturdy,thatisunbarred
forallwhorideup.
Dealoutringsorhe
willwishyouallsortsoftrouble.

137.
IgiveyouredeLoddfafnir,heeditwell!
Youwilluseit,ifyoulearnit,
itwillgetyougoodifyouunderstandit.
Whenyoudrinkale,callonthemainoftheearth,
forearthisgoodagainstale,butfireagainst
diseases.
Oakisgoodagainstcostiveness,grainagainst
wizardry
beardedryeagainstfeuds.Theysaythemoonis
good
againsthate.Alumuseforrabiesandrunesagainst
evil.
Theearthdrawsofffloods.

138.
IknowthatIhung,onawindswepttree
forallofninenights,
woundedbyspear,andgiventoOdin,
myselftomyself,
onthattreeofwhichnomanknows
fromwhatrootitrises.

139.
Theydealtmenobread,nordrinkinghorn.
Ilookeddown,Idrewuptherunes,
screamingItookthemup,
andfellbackfromthere.

140.
FimbulspellsIgotfromthefamous
SonofBolthorthefatherofBestla.
Ihadadrinkofthedearmead
thatwasdrawnfromOthroerir.

141.
ThenIbegantogrow
andwaxedwellinwisdom.
Onewordledmetoanother,
oneworkledmetoanother.

followit,'twillfurtherthee:
beshrewnotthestranger,norshowhimthedoor,
butratherdogoodtothewretched.

136)
Thatbarmustbestrongwhichunbarsthedoor
toeachandeveryone:
showthebeggaryourbacklest,bearingthee
grudge,
hewishyouallmannerofmischief.

137)
Hearthou,Loddfafnir,andheeditwell,
learnit,'twilllendtheestrength,
followit,'twillfurtherthee:
whenalethoudrinkestinvokeearthstrength
[forearthisgood'gainstale,'gainstague,fire,
'gainststraining,acorns,'gainstwitchery,steel,
'gainsthousestrife,theelder,'gainsthate,the
moon,
'gainstrabies,alum,.'gainstillluck,runes]
forearthabsorbsthehumoursall.

138)
IwotthatIhungonthewindtossedtree
allofnightsnine,
woundedbyspear,bespokentoOthin,
bespokenmyselftomyself,
[uponthattreeofwhichnonetelleth
fromwhatrootsitdothrise]

139)
Neitherhorntheyupheldnorhandedmebread
IlookedbelowmealoudIcried
caughtuptherunes,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,knowhowtosacrifice
them.

145.
Itisbetternottoask,thantosacrificetoomuch.
Agiftalwayslooksforagift.
Itisbetterunsent,thanoversacrificed.
SoThundcarvedbeforethedoomofmankind.
Heroseupandcamebackafterthat.

146.
Iknowthosemagicalsongs,notknown
bythewivesofkings,oranyhuman.
Oneiscalledhelpandwillhelpyou
inallsickness,sorrowandaffliction.

147.
Iknowanotherthatisneededbythesonsofmen,
whowanttobeleeches.

148.
Iknowathirdfortheevent
thatIshouldbeindireneedoffetteringafoe.
Icandullthebladesofmyattackers
sothattheycanstrikebyneitherweaponorwile.

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)
'Tisbetterunaskedthanofferedovermuch
foraydothagiftlookforgain
'tisbetterunaskedthanofferedovermuch:
thusdidOthinwriteeretheearthbegan,
whenupheroseinaftertime.

146)
ThosespellsIknowwhichthespousesofkings
wotnot,norearthlywight:
"Help"oneishight,withwhichholpenthou'ltbe
insorrowandcareandsickness.

147)
ThatotherIknowwhichallwillneed
wholeecheslisttobe:
(onthebarkscratchthemofboleinthewoods
whoseboughsbendtotheeast).

148)
ThatthirdIknow,ifmyneedbegreat
tofetterafoemanfell:
Icandulltheswordsofdeadlyfoes,
thatnorwilesnorweaponsavail.

Iknowafourth,
sothatifbondsbindmylimbs,
Icangetfree.
Fettersspringfrommyfeet,
andbondsfrommyhands.

150.
Iknowafifth.Ifafoeshootsashaft
intothehost,itcannotfly
sofastthatIcannotstopit,
ifIcatchsightofit.

151.
Iknowasixth.Ifsomethaneattacksme,
withthewoodofayoungroot,
hewhosayshehatesmewillgethurt,
butIwillbeunharmed.

152.
Iknowaseventh.IfIsee
afirehighonthehall
aroundmybenchcompanions,
Icanhelpthembysingingthespell.

153.
Iknowaneighth.Itisuseful
forallwhoknowit,
Wheneverhatredflaresupamongwarriorssons,
Iamabletoquellit.

154.
Iknowaninth.Ifneedarises,
tosavemyshipontheflood,
Icanstillthewind,andcalmthewaves,
puttheentireseatosleep.

155.
Iknowatenth.IfIseeghostriders
sportinginthesky,Icanworkit
thatthewildonesfareaway.
Sotheirshapes(ham)shallfarehome,
sotheirspiritsfarehome.

156.
Iknowaneleventh:IfIlead
oldfriendsintothefray,
Isingundertheshield
andtheyfareintobattlemightyandwhole,
theyfarefrombattlewhole,
theyarewhole,wherevertheygo.

157.

149)
thatfourthIknow,iffoemenhave
fetteredmehandandfoot:
Ichantacharmthechainstobreak,
sothefettersflyoffmyfeet,
andoffmyhandsthehalter.

150)
ThatfifthIknow,iffromfoemans'shand
Iseeaspearspedintothrong,
neversofastitfliesbutitsflightIcanstay,
oncemyeyelightsonit.

151)
thatsixthIknow,ifmesomeonewounds
withrunesongnarledrootwritten,
orrousesmywrathbyrecklessspeech:
himblightsshallblast,notme.

152)
ThatseventhIknow,ifo'ersleepers'heads
Ibeholdahallonfire:
howeverbrighttheblazeIcanbeatitdown
thatmightyspellIcanspeak.

153)
ThateighthIknowwhichtoallmenis
needful,andgoodtoknow:
whenhatredrunshigh,heroesamong,
theirstrifeicansettelfullsoon.

154)
ThatninthIknow:ifneedtherebe
toguardashipinagale,
thewindIcancalm,andthewavesalso,
andwhollysoothethesea.

155)
ThattenthIknow,ifnighthagssporting
Iscanaloftinthesky:
Iscarethemwithspellssotheyscatterabroad,
heedlessoftheirhides,
heedlessoftheirhaunts.

156)
ThateleventhIknow,ifIamtolead
oldfriendstothefray:
underbucklerIchantthatbrisklytheyfare
haleandwholetobattle,
haleandwholefrombattle:
halewhereevertheyare.

Iknowatwelfth:IfIseeahangedman
swinginghighinatree,
Icancarveandstainrunes,
sothatthemanwalks
andspeakswithme.

158.
Iknowathirteenth:IfIsprinkleayoungthane
withwater,hewillnotfall,
thoughhegoestobattle.
Hewillnotbecutdownbyswords.

159.
Iknowafourteenth:IfItalkofthegods
beforethefolk,IcanspeakofAses
andelves.Fewoftheunlearned
knowthesethings.

160.
Iknowafifteenth,whichThiodrorirthedwarf
sangbeforeDellingsdoor.
HesangmighttotheAesir,powertotheelves,
andunderstandingtoOdin.

161.
Iknowasixteenth.IfIwanttheheartandpleasure
ofawinsomelass,Iturnthemind
ofthewhitearmedladytome,
andwendtobedwithher.

162.
IknowaSeventeenthtokeepher
fromshirkingmeforanyotherman.
MindthisLoddfafnir,
longwillyoulackit,
butitwillgetyougood,onceyoulearnit,
itwillbeusefultoyouwhenyouunderstandit,
andneedfulifknown.

163.
Iknowaneighteenththatnoneknow,
neithermaid,normanswife.
Itisalwaysbetterkeptsecret,
excepttotheone
wholiesinmyarms,
ormysister.

164.
NowareHarssayingssaid,inHarshall
needfulforthesonsofmen
unneededbyettinssons.
Hailtheonewhospeaksthem,hailtheonewho

157)
ThattwelfthIknow,ifontreeIsee
ahangedonehoistedonhigh:
thusIwriteandtherunesIstain
thatdownhedrops
andtellsmehistale.

158)
ThatthirteenthIknowifathane'ssonIshall
wetwithholywater:
neverwillhefall,thoughthefraybehot,
norsinkdown,woundedbysword.

159)
ThatfourteenthIknow,iftofolkIshall
singandsayoftheGods:
sirandalfsknowIaltogether
ofunlearnedfewhavethatlore.

160)
ThatknowIfifteenthwhichThjothrrirsang,
thedwarf,beforeDelling'sdoor:
gavetosirstrength,toalfsvictory
byhissong,andinsighttoOthin.

161)
ThatsixteenthIknow,ifIseekmesomemaid,
toworkmywillwithher:
thewhitearmedwoman'sheartIbewitch,
andtowardmeIturnherthoughts.

162)
ThatseventeenthIknow,(iftheslendermaid'slove
Ihave,andholdhertome:
thisIsingtoher)thatshehardlywill
leavemeforotherman'slove.

163)
Inthislorewiltthou,Loddfafnir,be
unversedforeveranday:
thywealwereit,ifthiswisdomthine
'tishelpful,ifheeded,
'tisneedful,ifknown.

164)
ThateighteenthIknowwhichtononeIwilltell,
neithermaidnorman'swife
'tisbestwardedIbutoneknowit:

knowsthem
usefultohewhogetsthem
hailtheywhoheedthem.

thisspeakIlastofmyspells
butonlytoherinwhosearmsIlie,
orelsetomysisteralso.

165)
NowareHar'ssayingsspokeninHar'shall,
ofhelptothesonsofmen,
ofharmtothesonsofetins
hailtowhoeverspokethem,hailtowhoeverknows
them!
Gaintheywhograspthem,
happytheywhoheedthem!