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1. | Gáttir allar | 2: Before one would advance |
| áðr gangi fram | 1: through each doorway, |
| um skoðask skyli | one must look about |
4 | um skygnask skyli | and peer around, |
| því at óvíst | |
| er at vita | because one can't know for sure |
| hvar óvinir | where enemies |
8 | sitja á fleti fyrir | sit in the hall beforehand. |
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2. | Gefendr heilir | Greetings to the hosts, |
| gestr er inn kominn | a guest is come. |
| hvar skal sitja sjá? | where must this one sit? |
4 | Mjök er bráðr | He is very impatient, |
| sá er bröndum skal | the one who must sit on the firewood, |
| síns um freista frama | to test his luck. |
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3. | Elds er þörf | There is need of fire |
| þeims inn er kominn | for him who is come in |
| ok á kné kalinn | with cold knees; |
4 | matar ok váða | 5: there is need 4: of food and clothes |
| es manni þörf | for the man |
| þeims hefir um fjall farit | who has journeyed on the mountainside. |
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4. | Vats er þörf | There is need of water, |
| þeims til verðar kømr | for the one who comes for a meal, |
| þerru ok þjóðlaðar | of towel and friendly intonation; |
4 | góðs um œðis | of good disposition, |
| ef sér geta mætti | if he can get it, |
| orðs ok endrþögu | of speech and silence in return. |
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5. | Vits er þörf | Sense is needed |
| þeims viða ratar | for the one who travels widely; |
| dælt er heima hvat | everything is easy at home. |
4 | at augabragði verðr | 5: He who knows nothing |
| sá er ekki kann | 6: and sits with wise men |
| ok með snotrum sitr | 4: becomes a mockery. |
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6. | At hyggjandi sinni | 2: A man must not be boastful |
| skylit maðr hrœsinn vera | 1: in his mind, |
| heldr gætinn at geði | but wary in disposition; |
4 | þá er horskr ok þögull | when he, wise and silent, |
| kømr heimisgarða til | comes to the homestead, |
| sjaldan verðr viti vörum | misfortune rarely befalls the wary, |
| því at óbrigðra vin | because 8: man can never have |
8 | fær maðr aldregi | 7: a more reliable guide |
| en manvit mikit | than great common sense. |
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7. | Hinn vari gestr | The wary guest |
| er til verðar kømr | who comes for a meal |
| þunnu hljóði þegir | is silent with strained hearing, |
4 | eyrum hlýðir | listens with ears |
| en augum skoðar | and examines with eyes; |
| svá nýsisk fróðra hverr fyrir | so each of the wise searches about himself. |
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8. | Hinn er sæll | He is blessed |
| er sér of getr | who has within himself |
| lof ok líknstafi | praise and esteem; |
4 | ódælla er við þat | it is harder to deal with that |
| er maðr eiga skal | which a man must own |
| annars brjóstum í | in the breast of another. |
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9. | Sá er sæll | He is blessed |
| er sjalfr of á | who has within himself |
| lof ok vit meðan lifir | praise and sense while he lives, |
4 | því at ill röð | because 5: man has often received |
| hefr maðr opt þegit | 4: ill-counsel |
| annars brjóstum ór | from the breast of another. |
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10. | Byrði betri | A man does not bear |
| berrat maðr brautu at | a better burden on the road |
| en sé manvit mikit | than is great commonsense; |
4 | auði betra | it seems a greater wealth |
| þykkir þat í ókunnum stað | in an unknown place -- |
| slíkt er válaðs vera | such is the refuge of the needy. |
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11. | Byrði betri | A man does not bear |
| berrat maðr brautu at | a better burden on the road |
| en sé manvit mikit | than is great commonsense; |
4 | vegnest verra | he does not carry a worse journey-provision |
| vegra hann velli at | in the open field than is |
| an sé ofdrykkja öls | the over-drinking of ale. |
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12. | Era svá gótt | Ale is not as good |
| sem gótt kveða | as it is said to be good |
| öl alda sonum | for the sons of men; |
4 | því at færa veit | because the man knows less |
| er fleira drekkr | -- he who drinks more -- |
| síns til geðs gumi | of his disposition. |
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13. | Óminnishegri heitir | He is called the heron of forgetfulness, |
| sá er yfir ölðrum þrumir | he who hovers over ale-parties; |
| hann stelr geði guma | he steals the disposition of men. |
4 | þess fugls fjöðrum | By the feathers of this bird |
| ek fjötraðr vask | I was fettered, |
| í garði Gunnlaðar | in the courts of Gunnlöth. |
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14. | Ölr ek varð | I got drunk, |
| varð ofrölvi | really drunk, |
| at hins fróða Fjalars | at Fjalarr the Wise's; |
4 | því er ölðr bazt | it is the best ale-feast |
| at aptr of heimtir | when each man recovers his disposition |
| hverr sitt geð gumi | |
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15. | Þagalt ok hugalt | A ruler's son must be |
| skyli þjóðans barn | silent and thoughtful |
| ok vígdjarft vera | and brave in battle; |
4 | glaðr ok reifr | each man must be |
| skyli gumna hverr | happy and cheerful |
| unz sínn bíðr bana | until he suffers death. |
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16. | Ósnjallr maðr | The foolish man |
| hyggsk munu ey lifa | thinks he will live forever |
| ef hann við víg varask | if he avoids battle; |
4 | en elli gefr | but old age gives |
| honum engi frið | him no peace, |
| þótt honum geirar gefi | though spears might spare him. |
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17. | Kópir afglapi | The fool stares |
| er til kynnis kømr | when he comes on a visit to acquaintances; |
| þylsk hann umbeða þrumir | he mumbles to himself or hovers. |
4 | alt er senn | Everything happens at once |
| ef hann sylg um getr | if he gets a drink: |
| uppi er þá geð guma | then his disposition is revealed. |
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18. | Sá einn veit | He alone knows, |
| er víða ratar | he who wanders widely |
| ok hefr fjölð um farit | and has travelled a great deal, |
4 | hverju geði | what disposition |
| stýrir gumna hverr | each man possesses. |
| sá er vitandi er vits | He is knowing in commonsense. |
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19. | Haldit maðr á keri | Do not let a man hold on to a goblet, |
| drekki þó at hófi mjöð | but let him drink mead in moderation, |
| mæli þarft eða þegi | let him talk sense or be silent. |
4 | ókynnis þess | 5: No man blames you |
| var þik engi maðr | 4: of bad manners, |
| at þú gangir snemma at sofa | that you go early to sleep. |
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20. | Gröðugr halr | A greedy man, |
| nema geðs viti | unless he knows his mind, |
| etr sér aldrtrega | often causes his life's sorrow by eating; |
4 | opt fær hlœgis | often the stomach gains ridicule, |
| er með horskum kømr | when he comes among wise men, |
| manni heimskum magi | for the foolish man. |
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21. | Hjarðir þat vitu | The herds know |
| nær þær heim skulu | when they must be home |
| ok ganga þá af grasi | and leave the pasture then; |
4 | en ósviðr maðr | but the unwise man |
| kann ævagi | never knows |
| síns um mál maga | the measure of his stomach. |
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22. | Vesall maðr | The wretched man |
| ok illa skapi | of bad character |
| hlær at hvívetna | laughs at all kinds of things. |
4 | hitki hann veit | On the other hand he doesn't know |
| er hann vita þyrpti | what he ought to know, |
| at hann era vamma vanr | that he is not lacking in faults. |
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23. | Ósviðr maðr | The unwise man |
| vakir um allar nætr | is awake all night |
| ok hyggr at hvívetna | and thinks of all sorts of things; |
4 | þá er móðr | then he is tired |
| er at morni kømr | when morning comes, |
| alt er vil sem var | and all the trouble is as it was. |
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24. | Ósnotr maðr | The unwise man |
| hyggr sér alla vera | thinks them all to be |
| viðhlæjendr vini | his friends, those who laugh at him; |
4 | hitki hann fiðr | he does not notice |
| þótt þeir um hann fár lesi | even if they express malice against him |
| ef hann með snotrum sitr | when he sits among wise men. |
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25. | Ósnotr maðr | The unwise man |
| hyggr sér alla vera | thinks them all to be |
| viðhlæjendr vini | his friends, those who laugh at him; |
4 | þá þat fiðr | then he finds |
| er at þingi kømr | when he comes to the Thing [assembly] |
| at hann á formælendr fá | that he has few supporters. |
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26. | Ósnotr maðr | The unwise man |
| þykkisk alt vita | thinks he knows everything |
| ef hann á sér í vá veru | if he has refuge for himself in a corner. |
4 | hitki hann veit | but he does not know |
| hvat hann skal við kveða | what he must say in reply, |
| ef hans freista firar | if men test him. |
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27. | Ósnotr maðr | For the unwise man |
| er með aldir kømr | who comes among men, |
| þat er bazt at hann þegi | it is best that be he silent. |
4 | engi þat veit | None know |
| at hann ekki kann | that he knows nothing, |
| nema hann mæli til mart [#] | unless he should speak too much. |
| veita maðr | The man does not know it, |
8 | hinn er vætki veit | he who knows nothing, |
| þótt hann mæli til mart | whether he speaks too much. |
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28. | Fróðr sá þykkisk | He seems wise, |
| er fregna kann | he who knows how to ask |
| ok segja hit sama | and to speak likewise; |
4 | eyvitu leyna | they can conceal nothing, |
| megu ýta synir | the sons of men, |
| því er gengr of guma | of what is said about men. |
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29. | Œrna mælir | 2: He who is never silent |
| sá er eva þegir | 1: speaks plenty |
| staðlausu stafi | of meaningless words; |
4 | hraðmælt tunga | the fast-talking tongue, |
| nema haldendr eigi | unless it have controllers, |
| opt sér ógótt um gelr | often sings itself harm. |
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30. | At augabragði | 2: A man must not make |
| skala maðr anna hafa | 1: a mockery 2: of another |
| þótt til kynnis komi | when he comes to visit acquaintances; |
4 | margr þá fróðr þykkisk | many a man seems wise |
| ef hann freginn erat | if he is not questioned |
| ok nái hann þurrfjallr þruma | and manages to sit quiet, unscathed. |
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31. | Fróðr þykkisk | He seems wise, |
| sá er flótta tekr | the guest who takes flight |
| gestr at gest hæðinn | from the mocking guest; |
4 | veita görla | he does not know for certain, |
| sá er of verði glissir | he who mocks over a meal, |
| þótt hann með grömum glami | whether he talks loudly among enemies. |
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32. | Gunnar margir | Many men |
| erusk gagnhollir | are most friendly with each other |
| en at virði vrekask | and yet fight over food; |
4 | aldar róg | strife among men |
| þat mun æ vera | will always be: |
| órir gestr við gest | guest will be hostile to guest. |
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33. | Árliga verðar | 2: A man should often take |
| skyli maðr opt fá | 1: a meal early, |
| nema til kynnis komi | unless he comes to visit friends; |
4 | sitr ok snópir | [else] he sits and looks around hungrily, |
| lætr sem solginn sé | behaves as though he's famished, |
| ok kann fregna at fá | and can talk about little. |
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34. | Afhvart mikit | It is a great roundabout way |
| er til ills vinar | to a bad friend, |
| þótt á brautu búi | though he dwell on the road; |
4 | en til góðs vinar | but to a good friend |
| liggja gagnvegir | there lead direct routes, |
| þótt hann sé firr farinn | though he be gone farther away. |
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35. | Ganga skal | The guest must go, |
| skala gestr vera | he must not be |
| ey í einum stað | always in the same place; |
4 | ljúfr verðr leiðr | loved becomes loathed |
| ef lengi sitr | if he stays a long time |
| annars fletjum á | in the hall of another. |
| | |
36. | Bú er betra | The dwelling is better, |
| þótt lítit sé | though it be small; |
| halr er heima hverr | each man is a free man at home; |
4 | þótt tvær geitr | though he own two she-goats |
| eigi ok taugreptan sal | and a hall roofed with withies, |
| þat er þó betra an bœn | it is still better than begging. |
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37. | Bú er betra | The dwelling is better, |
| þótt lítit sé | though it be small; |
| halr er heima hverr | each man is a free man at home; |
4 | blóðugt er hjarta | he has a bloody heart, |
| þeims biðja skal | the one who must beg |
| sér í mál hvert matar | food for himself every meal-time. |
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38. | Vápnum sínum | 2: A man in the open country must not |
| skala maðr velli á | 3: go more than one step |
| feti ganga framar | 1: from his weapons; |
4 | því at óvist er at vita | because one can't be sure |
| nær verðr á vegum úti | when, outside on the roads, |
| geirs um þörf guma | a spear will be needed by a warrior. |
| | |
39. | Fanka ek mildan mann | I have not found a man so liberal |
| eða svá matar góðan | or so generous with food |
| at værit þiggja þegit | that to accept was not accepted, |
4 | eða síns féar | or 5: so free |
| svá gjöflan [#] | 4: with his money |
| at leið sé laun ef þiggr | that the reward is unwelcome if he gets one. |
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40. | Féar síns | 3: A man should not endure want |
| er fengit hefir | 2: when he has gained |
| skylit maðr þörf þola | 1: his money; |
4 | opt sparir leiðum | often he saves for enemies |
| þats hefir ljúfum hugat | what he has intended for friends; |
| mart gengr verr en varir | much goes worse than expected. |
| | |
41. | Vápnum ok váðum | 2: Friends must gladden each other |
| skulu vinir gleðjask | 1: with weapons and clothes, |
| þat er á sjalfum sýnst | which are most evident on themselves. |
4 | viðr gefendr ok endrgefendr | givers in return and repeat-givers |
| erusk vinir lengst, | are friends the longest |
| ef þat bíðr at verða vel | if it endures to turn out well. |
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42. | Vin sínum | 2: A man must be a friend |
| skal maðr vinr vera | 1: to his friend |
| ok gjalda gjöf við gjöf | and give gift for gift. |
4 | hlátr við hlátri | 5: Men should use |
| skyli hölðar taka | 4: mockery in return for mockery, |
| en lausung við lygi | and deception in return for a lie. |
| | |
43. | Vin sínum | 2: A man must be a friend |
| skal maðr vinr vera | 1: to his friend, |
| þeim ok þess vinr | for himself and for the friend, |
4 | en óvinar síns | 5: but no man must |
| skyli engi maðr | 6: be a friend of a friend |
| vinar vinr vera | 4: of his foe. |
| | |
44. | Veiztu ef þú vin átt | Know, if you have a friend |
| þanns þú vel trúir | in whom you have faith, |
| ok vill þú af honum gótt geta | and you wish to get something good from him, |
4 | geði skalt við þann | you must share with his mind |
| blanda ok gjöfum skipta | and exchange gifts, |
| fara at finna opt | and go often to seek him out. |
| | |
45. | Ef þú át annan | If you have another |
| þanns þú illa trúir | whom you mistrust, |
| vildu af honum þó gótt geta | but you want to get something good from him, |
4 | fagrt skalt við þann mæla | you must speak fair to him, |
| en flátt hyggja | and think deceitful thoughts, |
| ok gjalda lausung við lygi | and give deception in return for a lie. |
| | |
46. | Þat er enn of þann | There is more about the one |
| er þú illa trúir | whom you mistrust |
| ok þér er grunr at hans geði | and whose disposition you suspect: |
4 | hlæja skaltu við þeim | you should laugh with him |
| ok um hug mæla | and speak other than your thought. |
| glík skulu gjöld gjöfum | There should be repayment for such gifts. |
| | |
47. | Ungr var ek forðum | Long ago I was young, |
| fór ek einn saman | I travelled on my own, |
| þá varð ek villr vega | then I turned astray in my paths: |
4 | auðigr þóttumk | I thought myself rich |
| er ek annan fann | when I found another, |
| maðr er manns gaman | man is man's entertainment. |
| | |
48. | Mildir frœknir | Generous, valiant |
| menn bazt lifa | men live best, |
| sjaldan sút ala | and seldom nourish sorrow; |
4 | en ósnjallr maðr | but the cowardly man |
| uggir hotvetna | fears all sorts of things |
| sýtir æ gløggr við gjöfum | and the niggard is always troubled about gifts. |
| | |
49. | Váðir mínar | My clothes |
| gaf ek velli at | I gave in a field |
| tveim trémönnum | to two wooden men: |
4 | rekkar þat þóttusk | they thought themselves warriors |
| er þeir ript höfðu | when they had clothing: |
| neiss er nøkkviðr halr | a naked man is shamed. |
| | |
50. | Hrørnar þöll | The fir decays, |
| sú er stendr þorpi á | the one that stands in the hamlet: |
| hlýrat henni börkr né barr | neither bark nor foliage protects it. |
4 | svá er maðr | So is a man, |
| sá er mangi ann | who is loved by no-one: |
| hvat skal hann lengi lifa? | how should he live a long time? |
| | |
51. | Eldi heitari | 2: Friendship among bad friends |
| brinn með illum vinum | 1: burns hotter than fire |
| friðr fimm daga, | for five days; |
4 | en þá sloknar | but it is extinguished |
| es hinn sétti kømr | when the sixth day comes |
| ok versnar allr vinskapr | and the whole friendship spoils. |
| | |
52. | Mikit eitt | 2: One should not give a man |
| skala manni gefa | 1: a single large gift: |
| opt kaupir sér í lítlu lof | often one can obtain for onself with a little praise: |
4 | með hálfum hleifi | with half a loaf |
| ok með höllu keri | and with a sloping goblet |
| fekk ek mér félaga | I got myself a comrade. |
| | |
53. | Lítilla sanda | ? [of small sands,] |
| lítilla sæva | ? [of small seas,] |
| lítil eru geð guma | Small are the minds of men, |
4 | því at allir menn | because all men |
| urðut jafnspakir | have not turned out equally wise, |
| hálf er öld hvar | ? mankind is everywhere halved. |
| | |
54. | Meðalsnotr | 2: Each man must be |
| skyli manna hverr | 1: moderately wise, |
| æva til snotr sé | but never too wise; |
4 | þeim er fyrða | for those people |
| fegrst at lifa | it is most pleasant to live |
| er vel mart vitut [#] | when they don't know a great many things. |
| | |
55. | Meðalsnotr | 2: Each man must be |
| skyli manna hverr | 1: moderately wise, |
| æva til snotr sé | but never too wise; |
4 | því at snotrs manns hjarta | because the wise man's heart |
| verðr sjaldan glatt, | is seldom glad, |
| ef sá er alsnotr er á | if he who owns it is completely wise. |
| | |
56. | Meðalsnotr | 2: Each man must be |
| skyli manna hverr | 1: moderately wise, |
| æva til snotr sé | but never too wise; |
4 | ørlög sín | 5: no-one should know beforehand |
| viti engi fyrir | 4: his fate; |
| þeim er sorgalausastr sefi | for that one is the mind most free from care. |
| | |
57. | Brandr af brandi | Firewood from firewood |
| brinn unz brunninn er | burns, until it is burnt, |
| funi kveykisk af funa | flame kindles from flame; |
4 | maðr af manni | from man, man |
| verðr at máli kuðr | becomes wise in speech, |
| en til dœlskr af dul | but too foolish from folly. |
| | |
58. | Ár skal rísa | He must rise early, |
| sá er annars vill | the one who wants to have another's |
| fé eða fjör hafa | wealth or life; |
4 | sjaldan liggjandi úlfr | seldom does a lying wolf |
| lær um getr | get a ham |
| né sofandi maðr sigr | or a sleeping man victory. |
| | |
59. | Ár skal rísa | He must rise early, |
| sá er á yrkendr fá | the one who has few workers, |
| ok ganga síns verka á vit | and go to visit his work; |
4 | mart um dvelr | much will delay |
| þann er um morgin sefr | the one who sleeps through the morning; |
| hálfr er auðr und hvötum | wealth is half in the hands of the active. |
| | |
60. | Þurra skíða | 3: Man knows the measure of this, |
| ok þakinna næfra | 1: of dry sticks |
| þess kann maðr mjöt | 2: and of birch-bark for roofing, |
4 | ok þess viðar | and of this, of wood |
| er vinnask megi | which will last |
| mál ok misseri | for the short and long seasons. |
| | |
61. | Þveginn ok mettr | 2: A man should ride to the Thing |
| ríði maðr þingi at | 1: washed and fed, |
| þótt hann sét væddr til vel | though he be not clothed too well; |
4 | skúa ok bróka | 5: let no man be ashamed |
| skammisk engi maðr | 4: of shoes and breeches, |
| né hests in heldr | nor of horse either, |
| þótt hann hafit góðan | even if he hasn't a good one. |
| | |
62. | Snapir ok gnapir | 3: The eagle 1: snatches and stretches |
| er til sævar kømr | when it comes to the sea, |
| örn á aldinn mar | 3: the ancient sea; |
4 | svá er maðr | so is a man |
| er með mörgum kømr | who comes among crowds |
| ok á formælendr fá | and has few supporters. |
| | |
63. | Fregna ok segja | 2: Each of the wise must |
| skal fróðra hverr | 1: ask and reply, |
| sá er vill heitinn horskr | he who wishes to be called wise; |
4 | einn vita | one alone must know |
| né annarr skal | but not another; |
| þjóð veit ef þrír ro | the people knows if there are three [who know]. |
| | |
64. | Ríki sitt | 3: Each 2: of the prudent must |
| skyli ráðsnotra | 3: hold in moderation |
| hverr í hófi hafa | 1: his power; |
4 | þá hann þat finnr | then he finds it, |
| er með frœknum kømr | when he comes among valiant men, |
| at engi er einna hvatastr | that none is keenest of all. |
| | |
65. | Orða þeira | 3: Often a man gets a repayment |
| er maðr öðrum segir | 1: for the words |
| opt hann gjöld um getr | 2: which he says to another. |
| | |
66. | Mikilsti snemma | 2: I came to many places |
| kom ek í marga staði | 1: very much too soon, |
| en til síð í suma | and too late to some; |
4 | öl var drukkit | sometimes the ale was drunk, |
| sumt var ólagat | sometimes it wasn't ready; |
| sjaldan hittir leiðr í lið | the unwelcome one seldom hits the spot. |
| | |
67. | Hér ok hvar | Here and there |
| myndi mér heim of boðit | I would be invited home |
| ef þyrftak at málungi mat | if I needed no food at meals; |
4 | eða tvau lær hengi | or two hams would hang |
| at ins tryggva vinar | at a loyal friend's |
| þars ek hafða eitt etit | where I had eaten one. |
| | |
68. | Eldr er beztr | Fire is best |
| með ýta sonum | for the sons of men |
| ok sólar sýn | and the sight of the sun; |
4 | heilyndi sitt | his health, |
| ef maðr hafa náir | if he can keep it, |
| án við löst at lifa | and to live without shame. |
| | |
69. | Erat maðr alls vesall | A man is not wholly wretched, |
| þótt hann sé illa heill | though he be in rotten health; |
| sumr er af sonum sæll | one is blessed with sons, |
4 | sumr af frændum | another with kinsmen, |
| sumr af fé œrnu | another with plenty of money, |
| sumr af verkum vel | another with deeds well done. |
| | |
70. | Betra er lifðum | It is better for the living |
| en sé ólifðum [#] | than for the dead, |
| ey getr kvikr kú | the living man always gets the cow; |
4 | eld sá ek upp brenna | I saw the fire burn up |
| auðgum manni fyrir | before a rich man, |
| en úti var dauðr fyr durum | but death was outside the door. |
| | |
71. | Haltr ríðr hrossi | The lame man rides a horse, |
| hjörð rekr handarvanr | the one-armed man drives the herd, |
| daufr vegr ok dugir | the deaf man fights and is useful; |
4 | blindr er betri | it is better to be blind |
| en brenndr sé | than burnt: |
| nýtr manngi nás | no-one is helped by a corpse. |
| | |
72. | Sonr er betri | A son is better, |
| þótt sé síð of alinn | though he be late-begotten, |
| eptir genginn guma | after a man is gone; |
4 | sjaldan bautarsteinar | memorial stones seldom |
| standa brautu nær | stand by the road |
| nema reisi niðr at nið | unless a kinsman should raise [them] to kin. |
| | |
73. | Tveir ro eins herjar | Two men are the destroyers of one: |
| tunga er höfuðs bani | the tongue is the head's slayer; |
| er mér í heðin hvern | 4: I expect a fist |
4 | handar væni | 3: in every fur cloak. |
| | |
74. | Nótt verðr feginn | He becomes happy at night |
| sá er nesti trúir | who trusts his journey-provisions; |
| skammar ro skips rár | a ship's sailyards are short; |
4 | hverf er haustgríma | an autumn-night is changeable. |
| fjölð um viðrir | The weather changes in many ways |
| á fimm dögum | in five days, |
| en meira á mánuði | and more in a month. |
| | |
75. | Veita hinn | He does not know, |
| er vættki veit | he who knows nothing: |
| margr verðr af aurum api | many a man becomes a fool through ores [money]; |
4 | maðr er auðigr | one man is rich, |
| annarr óauðigr | another poor; |
| skylit þann vítka vár | he must not blame his woe on him. |
| | |
76. | Deyr fé | Cattle die, |
| deyja frændr | kinsmen die, |
| deyr sjálfr it sama | the self dies likewise; |
4 | en orðstírr | but the renown |
| deyr aldregi | 6: for the one who gets good fame |
| hveim er sér góðan getr | 5: dies never. |
| | |
77. | Deyr fé | Cattle die, |
| deyja frændr | kinsmen die, |
| deyr sjálfr it sama | the self dies likewise; |
4 | ek veit einn | I know one thing |
| at aldri deyr | that never dies: |
| dómr um dauðan hvern | the repute of each of the dead. |
| | |
78. | Fullar grindr | 2: I saw 1: the full cattle-pens |
| sá ek fyr Fitjungs sonum | of the sons of Fitjung, |
| nú bera þeir vánarvöl | now they are beggars: |
4 | svá er auðr | thus wealth is |
| sem augabragð | like the blink of an eye -- |
| hann er valtastr vina | it is the most unreliable of friends. |
| | |
79. | Ósnotr maðr | 2: If 1: the foolish man |
| ef eignask getr | gains possession of |
| fé eða fljóðs munuð | money or a woman's love, |
4 | metnaðr honum þróask | pride grows in him |
| en mannvit aldregi | but never commonsense; |
| fram gengr hann drjúgt í dul | he heads straight for haughtiness. |
| | |
80. | Þat er þá reynt | Then that is proven |
| er þú at rúnum spyrr | when you consult the runes, |
| inum reginkunnum | originated by the gods, |
4 | þeim er gerðu ginnregin | those which the gods made |
| ok fáði fimbulþulr | and the mighty sage coloured, |
| þá hefir hann bazt ef hann þegir | that it is best if he is silent. |
| | |
81. | At kveldi skal dag leyfa | The day must be praised in the evening, |
| konu er brennd er | a woman, when she is cremated, |
| mæki er reyndr er | a sword, when it is proven, |
4 | mey er gefin er | a maiden, when she is given away, |
| ís er yfir kømr | ice, when it is crossed, |
| öl er drukkit er | ale, when it is drunk. |
| | |
82. | Í vindi skal við höggva | Wood must be hewed in the wind, |
| veðri á sjó róa | row out to sea in good weather, |
| myrkri við man spjalla | talk with maidens in the dark, |
4 | mörg eru dags augu | many are the eyes of the day. |
| á skip skal skriðar orka | A ship must be used for a swift journey |
| en á skjöld til hlífar | and a shield for protection, |
| mæki höggs | a sword for a blow |
8 | en mey til kossa | and a maiden for kisses. |
| | |
83. | Við eld skal öl drekka | Drink ale by the fire |
| en á ísi skríða | and skate on the ice, |
| magran mar kaupa | buy a lean steed |
4 | en mæki saurgan [#] | and a dirty sword, |
| heima hest feita | fatten a horse at home |
| en hund á búi | and farm out a dog. |
| | |
84. | Meyjar orðum | 2: No-one should trust |
| skyli manngi trúa | 1: in the words of a maid, |
| né því er kveðr kona | nor in what a woman says, |
4 | því at á hverfanda hvéli | 4: for 5: their hearts were shaped |
| váru þeim hjörtu sköpuð | 4: on a (potter's) turning wheel, |
| brigð í brjóst um lagit | and fickleness placed in their breasts. |
| | |
85. | Brestanda boga | A cracking bow, |
| brennanda loga | a burning flame, |
| gínanda úlfi | a gaping wolf, |
4 | galandi kráku | a screaming crow, |
| rýtanda svíni | a grunting pig, |
| rótlausum viði | a rootless tree, |
| vaxanda vági | a rising sea, |
8 | vellanda katli | a boiling kettle, |
| | |
86. | fljúganda fleini | a flying spear, |
| fallandi báru | a falling wave, |
| ísi einnættum | ice one night old, |
4 | ormi hringlegnum | a coiled snake, |
| brúðar beðmálum | a bride's bed-talk |
| eða brotnu sverði | or a broken sword, |
| bjarnar leiki | a bear's game |
8 | eða barni konungs | or a king's son, |
| | |
87. | sjúkum kálfi | a sick calf, |
| sjálfráða þræli | a self-willed thrall, |
| völu vilmæli | the favouring speech of a seeress, |
4 | val nýfeldum | the newly slain, |
| | |
88. | akri ársánum | a field sown early |
| trúi engi maðr | no man should trust, |
| né til snemma syni | nor too quickly in his son; |
4 | veðr ræðr akri | weather rules the field |
| en vit syni | and the mind of the son, |
| hætt er þeira hvárt | each of these is unreliable. |
| | |
89. | Bróðurbana sínum | In his brother-slayer, |
| þótt á brautu mœti | though he is met on the road, |
| húsi hálfbrunnu | in a half-burnt house, |
4 | hesti alskjótum | in a horse too-speedy -- |
| þá er jór ónýtr | a steed is useless |
| ef einn fótr brotnar | if he breaks a foot -- |
| verðit maðr svá tryggr | a man should not be so trustful |
8 | at þessu trúi öllu | that he trusts all these. |
| | |
90. | Svá er friðr kvenna | The love of women |
| þeira er flátt hyggja | who are deceitful in spirit |
| sem aki jó óbryddum | is like riding a smooth-shod horse |
4 | á ísi hálum | on slippery ice, |
| teitum tvévetrum | a spirited two-year-old |
| ok sé tamr illa | and one badly trained, |
| eða í byr óðum | or 8: on a rudderless boat |
8 | beiti stjórnlausu | 7: in a raging wind, |
| eða skyli haltr henda | or like a lame man trying to catch |
| hrein í þáfjalli | a reindeer on a thawing mountainside. |
| | |
91. | Bert ek nú mæli | Now I will speak openly, |
| því at ek bæði veit | because I know both: |
| brigðr er karla hugr konum | men's hearts are fickle with women; |
4 | þá vér fegrst mælum | when we speak most fair |
| er vér flást hyggjum | then we think most false. |
| þat tælir horska hugi | It deceives the heart of the wise. |
| | |
92. | Fagrt skal mæla | Fairly must he speak |
| ok fé bjóða | and offer gifts, |
| sá er vill fljóðs ást fá | he who wants to win a woman's love; |
4 | líki leyfa | praise the figure |
| ins ljósa mans | of the fair maiden; |
| sá fær er fríar | he wins who flatters. |
| | |
93. | Ástar firna | 2: No man must |
| skyli engi maðr | 3: ever 1: mock |
| annan aldregi | 3: another's 1: love. |
4 | opt fá á horskan | often 6: ravishingly fair looks |
| er á heimskan ne fá | 4: capture the wise man |
| lostfagrir litir | 5: when they do not capture the fool. |
| | |
94. | Eyvitar firna | 2: A man must |
| er maðr annan skal | 1: in no way mock 2: another, |
| þess er um margan gengr guma | for what happens to many a man; |
4 | heimska ór horskum | 6: love the mighty |
| gørir hölða sonu | makes 4: fools of the wise |
| sá inn mátki munr | 5: among the sons of men. |
| | |
95. | Hugr einn þat veit | Only the mind knows |
| er býr hjarta nær | what lives near the heart; |
| einn er hann sér um sefa | a man is alone with his own spirit. |
4 | øng er sótt verri | There is no sickness worse |
| hveim snotrum manni | for any wise man |
| en sér øngu at una | than to have nothing to love. |
| | |
96. | Þat ek þá reynda | That I proved |
| er ek í reyri sat | when I sat in the reeds |
| ok vættak míns munar | and waited for my love; |
4 | hold ok hjarta | 5: the wise maid to me |
| var mér in horska mær | 4: was body and soul -- |
| þeygi ek hana at heldr hefik | but still I do not have her. |
| | |
97. | Billings mey | 2: I found her in bed, |
| ek fann beðjum á | 1: Billingr's kinswoman, |
| sólhvíta sofa | sun-white, asleep; |
4 | jarls ynði | a jarl's delight |
| þótti mér ekki vera | seemed nothing to me, |
| nema við þat lík at lifa | unless I could live with that body. |
| | |
98. | Auk nær apni | "So towards evening, |
| skaltu Óðinn koma | Othinn, you must come, |
| ef þú vilt þér mæla man | if you want to win the maid for yourself; |
4 | alt eru ósköp | all is amiss, |
| nema einir viti | unless we alone know |
| slíkan löst saman | of such shame." |
| | |
99. | Aptr ek hvarf | Back I turned |
| ok unna þóttumk | and seemed 3: out of my head |
| vísum vilja frá | 2: with love; |
4 | hitt ek hugða | I thought |
| at ek hafa mynda | that I would have |
| geð hennar alt ok gaman | it all, her heart and pleasure. |
| | |
100. | Svá kom ek næst | When I came next, |
| at in nýta var | the able 3: warriors |
| vígdrótt öll um vakin | 2: were 3: all awake; |
4 | með brennandum ljósum | with burning lights |
| ok bornum viði [#] | and brands raised high, |
| svá var mér vílstígr of vitaðr | so was my wretched path marked out. |
| | |
101. | Ok nær morni | And towards morning, |
| er ek var enn um kominn | when I came back again, |
| þá var saldrótt um sofin | the hall retainers were asleep. |
4 | grey eitt ek þá fann | Then I found only |
| innar góðu konu | the good woman's 4: bitch |
| bundit beðjum á | bound to the bed. |
| | |
102. | Mörg er góð mær | Many a good maid, |
| ef görva kannar | if you look closely, |
| hugbrigð við hali | is fickle-minded towards men; |
4 | þá ek þat reynda | I learned that |
| er it ráðspaka | when 6: I tried to seduce |
| teygða ek á flærðir fljóð | the 5: wise 6: woman to wantonness, |
| háðungar hverrar | 8: the clever maid heaped |
8 | leitaði mér it horska man [#] | 7: her scorn 8: on me, |
| ok hafða ek þess vættki vífs | and I got nothing from this woman. |
| | |
103. | Heima glaðr gumi | At home a man 3: must be 1: glad |
| ok við gesti reifr | and cheerful with guests, |
| sviðr skal um sik vera | knowing about himself, |
4 | minnigr ok málugr | mindful and fluent, |
| ef hann vill margfróðr vera | if he wants to be well-informed; |
| opt skal góðs geta | he should often speak of good things. |
| fimbulfambi heitir | He is called a monstrous fool, |
8 | sá er fátt kann segja | the one who knows how to say almost nothing: |
| þat er ósnotrs aðal | it is the character of the unwise. |
| | |
104. | Inn aldna jötum ek sótta | I sought the old giant, |
| nú em ek aptr um kominn | now I have come back again. |
| fátt gat ek þegjandi þar | I got little from being silent there. |
4 | mörgum orðum | With many words |
| mælta ek í minn frama | I spoke to my own advantage |
| í Suttungs sölum | in Suttungr's hall. |
| | |
105. | Gunnlöð mér um gaf | Gunnloth gave to me |
| gullnum stóli á | 3: a drink of the precious mead |
| drykk ins dýra mjaðar | 2: on her golden throne; |
4 | ill iðgjöld | A bad reward |
| lét ek hana eptir hafa | I gave her afterwards |
| síns ins heila hugar | for her whole heart, |
| síns ins svára sefa | for her sorrowful spirit. |
| | |
106. | Rata munn | 2: I let 1: the mouth of the gimlet |
| létumk rúms um fá | make space |
| ok um grjót gnaga | and gnaw through stone; |
4 | yfir ok undir | over and under |
| stóðumk jötna vegir | me stood the giants' paths (rocks): |
| svá hætta ek höfði til | thus I risked my head. |
| | |
107. | Vel keypts litar [#] | 2: I have taken great advantage |
| hefi ek vel notit | 1: ? from the well-purchased appearance; |
| fás er fróðum vant | little is lacking to the wise, |
4 | því at Óðrerir | because Othrerir |
| er nú upp kominn | has now come up |
| á alda vés jarðar [#] | ? to Othinn's sanctuary. |
| | |
108. | Ifi er mér á | Doubtful it is to me |
| at ek væra enn kominn | that I could have come again |
| jötna görðum ór | out of the giant's court, |
4 | ef ek Gunnlaðar ne nytak | if I had not enjoyed Gunnloth, |
| innar góðu konu | the good woman, |
| þeirar er lögðumk arm yfir | over whom I laid my arm. |
| | |
109. | Ins hindra dags | On the next day |
| gengu hrímþursar | the frost giants went |
| Háva ráðs at fregna | to ask for Har's advice |
4 | Háva höllu í | in Har's hall: |
| at Bölverki þeir spurðu | they asked about Bolverkr (the Evil-doer, Othinn), |
| ef hann væri með böndum kominn | whether he had come back among the gods, |
| eða hefði honum Suttungr of sóit | or whether Suttungr had sacrificed him. |
| | |
110. | Baugeið Óðinn | Othinn, 2: I think, has sworn |
| hygg ek at unnit hafi | 1: an oath on the sacred ring -- |
| hvat skal hans tryggðum trúa? | who shall trust in his troth? |
4 | Suttung svikinn | 5: he had 4: Suttungr cheated |
| hann lét sumbli frá | of his mead, |
| ok grœtta Gunnlöðu | and made Gunnloth grieve. |
| | |
111. | Mál er at þylja | It is time to recite |
| þular stóli á | from the sage's throne |
| Urðar brunni at | at Urthr's well; |
4 | sá ek ok þagðak | I saw and stayed silent, |
| sá ek ok hugðak | I saw and reflected, |
| hlýdda ek á manna mál | I listened to the speech of men, |
| of rúnar heyrða ek dœma | I heard and learned about runes, |
8 | né um ráðum þögþu | nor were they silent in counsels |
| Háva höllu at | at Har's hall, |
| Háva höllu í | in Har's hall, |
| heyrða ek segja svá | thus I heard it said -- |
| | |
112. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| nótt þú rísat | don't get up at night, |
| nema á njósn sér | unless you are on guard |
| eða þú leitir þér innan út staðar | or are seeking a place outside for yourself. |
| | |
113. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| fjölkunnigri konu | 6: you must not sleep in the embrace |
| skalattu í faðmi sofa | 5: of a woman skilled in magic |
| svá at hon lyki þik liðum | so that she locks you in her limbs -- |
| | |
114. | Hon svá gørir | -- she will make sure |
| at þú gáir eigi | that you do not heed |
| þings né þjóðans máls | the speech of either Thing (assembly) or king; |
4 | mat þú villat | you will not desire food |
| né mannskis gaman | or mankind's pleasure; |
| ferr þú sorgafullr at sofa [#] | you will go sorrowfully to sleep. |
| | |
115. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| annars konu | 6: never seduce |
| teygðu þér aldregi | 5: another's wife |
| eyrarúnu at | to be your mistress. |
| | |
116. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| á fjalli eða firði | 6: if you long to travel |
| ef þik fara tíðir | 5: over mountain or fjord, |
| fásktu at virði vel | be sure you have ample food. |
| | |
117. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| illan mann | 6: never allow |
| láttu aldregi | 5: a bad man |
| óhöpp at þér vita | to know of your misfortune, |
8 | því at af illum manni | because from a bad man |
| fær þú aldregi | you will never get |
| gjöld ins góða hugar | a good return for your good will. |
| | |
118. | Ofarla bíta | 2: I saw a man |
| ek sá einum hal | 1: deeply bitten |
| orð illrar konu; | by the word of a bad woman; |
4 | fláráð tunga [#] | her deceit-crafty tongue |
| varð honum at fjörlagi | was the death of him, |
| ok þeygi um sanna sök | and yet the charge was not true. |
| | |
119. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| veiztu ef þú vin átt | know this, if you have a friend |
| þanns þú vel trúir | whom you trust well, |
| farðu at finna opt | go to visit him often, |
8 | því at hrísi vex | for 9: the path which no-one treads |
| ok hávu grasi | 7: grows with underbrush |
| vegr er vættki trøðr | 8: and high grass. |
| | |
120. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| góðan mann | 6: draw 5: a good man |
| teygðu þér at gamanrúnum | to you with pleasant conversation, |
| ok nem líknargaldr meðan þú lifir | and learn healing charms while you live. |
| | |
121. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| vin þínum | 6: never be |
| ver þú aldregi | 7: the first to make a breach |
| fyrri at flaumslitum | 5: with your friend. |
8 | sorg etr hjarta | Sorrow eats the heart |
| ef þú segja ne náir | if you cannot tell |
| einhverjum allan hug | someone your whole mind. |
| | |
122. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| orðum skipta | 6: you must never |
| þú skalt aldregi | 5: bandy words |
| við ósvinna apa | with a stupid fool -- |
| | |
123. | því at af illum manni | -- because 2: you can never |
| mundu aldregi | 3: get a reward for good |
| góðs laun um geta | 1: from a bad man, |
4 | en góðr maðr | but a good man |
| mun þik gørva mega | can make you |
| líknfastan at lofi | beloved through praise. |
| | |
124. | Sifjum er þá blandat | Peace and trust are exchanged |
| hverr er segja ræðr | when one can tell |
| einum allan hug | another his whole mind. |
4 | alt er betra | Anything is better |
| en sé brigðum at vera | than to be faithless: |
| era sá vinr öðrum | he is not another's friend |
| er vilt eitt segir | who says only what the friend wants to hear. |
| | |
125. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| þrimr orðum senna | 6: you must not 5: dispute even three words |
| skalattu þér við verra mann | with a man less worthy than you: |
| opt inn betri bilar | often the better man is defeated |
8 | þá er inn verri vegr | when the worser attacks. |
| | |
126. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| skósmiðr þú verir | be 6: not 5: a shoe-maker |
| né skeptismiðr | or a shaft-maker, |
| nema þú sjálfum þér sér | except for yourself alone; |
8 | skór er skapaðr illa | if the shoe is badly made |
| eða skapt sé rangt | or the shaft bent, |
| þá er þér böls beðit | then misfortune is in store for you. |
| | |
127. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| hvars þú böl kannt | when you come upon misdeeds |
| kveðu þat bölvi at [#] | speak out about those misdeeds, |
| ok gefat þínum fjándum frið | and give your enemies no peace. |
| | |
128. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| illu feginn | 6: never be |
| verðu aldregi | 5: glad in evil, |
| en lát þér at góðu getit | but let yourself be pleased by good. |
| | |
129. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| upp líta | 6: you must not 5: look up |
| skalattu í orrostu | in battle |
| gjalti glíkir | -- 8: the sons of men become |
8 | verða gumna synir | 7: like men terror-crazed -- |
| síðr þitt um heilli halir [#] | lest men cast spells upon you. |
| | |
130. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| ef þú vilt þér góða konu | if you want 6: to attract |
| kveðja at gamanrúnum | 5: a good woman to you 6: with pleasant talk |
| ok fá fögnuð af | and take pleasure with her, |
8 | fögru skaltu heita | you must make a fair promise |
| ok láta fast vera | and stick fast to it |
| leiðisk manngi gott ef getr | -- no one loathes the good, if he gets it. |
| | |
131. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| varan bið ek þik vera | wary I bid you be, |
| en eigi ofvaran [#] | but not too wary: |
| ver þú við öl varastr | with ale be the most wary |
8 | ok við annars konu | and with another's woman, |
| ok við þat it þriðja | and with a third thing, |
| at þjófar ne leiki | that thieves do not trick you. |
| | |
132. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| at háði né hlátri | mock or laugh |
| hafðu aldregi | never |
| gest né ganganda | at a guest or traveller. |
| | |
133. | Opt vitu ógörla | Often they don't precisely know, |
| þeir er sitja inni fyrir | those who sit first in a house, |
| hvers þeir ro kyns er koma | whose kinsmen they are who come (later): |
4 | erat maðr svá góðr | no man is so good |
| at galli ne fylgi | that no fault follows him, |
| né svá illr at einugi dugi | nor so bad that he is of no use. |
| | |
134. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| at hárum þul | 6: never laugh |
| hlæðu aldregi | 5: at a gray-haired sage |
| opt er gott þat er gamlir kveða | often what an old man says is good, |
8 | opt ór skörpum belg | often 9: clear words come |
| skilin orð koma | 8: out of shrivelled skin, |
| þeim er hangir með hám | from the one who hangs among the hides |
| ok skollir með skrám | and dangles among the dried skins |
12 | ok váfir með vílmögum | and moves among the entrails. |
| | |
135. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| gest þú ne geyja | do not revile a guest |
| né á grind hrekir | nor drive him away from your gates; |
| get þú váluðum vel | treat the wretched well. |
| | |
136. | Rammt er þat tré | Powerful is that beam |
| er ríða skal | that must move from side to side |
| öllum at upploki | to open for all; |
4 | baug þú gef | give a ring, |
| eða þat biðja mun | or it will call down |
| þér læs hvers á liðu | every evil on your limbs. |
| | |
137. | Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir | I advise you, Loddfafnir, |
| en þú ráð nemir | to take advice; |
| njóta mundu ef þú nemr | you would benefit, it you took it, |
4 | þér munu góð ef þú getr | good will come to you, if you accept it: |
| hvars þú öl drekkr | when you drink ale, |
| kjós þú þér jarðar megin | choose for yourself the might of the earth, |
| því at jörð tekr við ölðri | because earth fights against beer, |
8 | en eldr við sóttum | and fire against sickness, |
| eik við abbindi | oak against constipation, |
| ax við fjölkynngi | an ear of corn against sorcery, |
| höll við hýrógi [#] | the hall-tree against domestic strife, |
12 | heiptum skal mána kveðja | -- one must invoke the moon against wrathful deeds -- |
| beiti við bitsóttum | alum against bite-sickness |
| en við bölvi rúnar | and runes against misfortune; |
| fold skal við flóð taka | the earth must contend against the sea. |
| | |
138. | Veit ek at ek hekk | I know that I hung |
| vindga meiði á | upon a windy tree |
| nætr allar níu | for nine whole nights, |
4 | geiri undaðr | wounded with a spear |
| ok gefinn Óðni | and given to Othinn, |
| sjálfr sjálfum mér | myself to myself for me; |
| á þeim meiði | on that tree |
8 | er manngi veit | I knew nothing |
| hvers hann af rótum renn | of what kind of roots it came from. |
| | |
139. | Við hleifi mik sældu | They cheered me with a loaf |
| né við hornigi | and not with any horn, |
| nýsta ek niðr | I investigated down below, |
4 | nam ek upp rúnar | I took up the runes, |
| œpandi nam | screaming I took them, |
| fell ek aptr þaðan | and I fell back from there. |
| | |
140. | Fimbulljóð níu | 2: I took 1: nine mighty spells |
| nam ek af inum frægja syni | from the famous son |
| Bölþórs Bestlu föður | of Bolthorr, the father of Bestla, |
4 | ok ek drykk of gat | and I got a drink |
| ins dýra mjaðar | of the precious mead, |
| ausinn Óðreri | poured from Othrerir. |
| | |
141. | Þá nam ek frævask | Then I began 2: to be |
| ok fróðr vera | 1: fruitful 2: and wise, |
| ok vaxa ok vel hafask | to grow and to flourish; |
4 | orð mér af orði | speech fetched my speech for speech, |
| orðs leitaði | |
| verk mér af verki | action fetched my action for action. |
| verks leitaði | |
| | |
142. | Rúnar munt þú finna | You can find runes |
| ok ráðna stafi | and meaning staves, |
| mjök stóra stafi | very mighty staves, |
4 | mjök stinna stafi | very strong staves, |
| er fáði fimbulþulr | which a mighty sage coloured |
| ok gørðu ginnregin | and mighty powers made, |
| ok reist Hroptr rögna | and Hroptr of the gods carved. |
| | |
143. | Óðinn með ásum | Othinn among the gods, |
| en fyr álfum Dáinn | Dainn for the elves |
| ok Dvalinn dvergum fyrir | and Dvalinn for the dwarves, |
4 | Ásviðr jötnum fyrir | Asvithr for the giants |
| ek reist sjálfr sumar | -- I myself carved some. |
| | |
144. | Veiztu hvé rísta skal? | Do you know how you must cut [them]? |
| Veiztu hvé ráða skal? | Do you know how you must interpret? |
| Veiztu hvé fá skal? | Do you know how you must colour? |
4 | Veiztu hvé freista skal? | Do you know how you must try? |
| Veiztu hvé biðja skal? | Do you know how you must invoke? |
| Veiztu hvé blóta skal? | Do you know how you must sacrifice? |
| Veiztu hvé senda skal? | Do you know how you must send? |
8 | Veiztu hvé sóa skal? | Do you know how you must kill? |
| | |
145. | Betra er óbeðit | It is better that it be not invoked |
| en sé ofblótit | than over-sacrificed, |
| ey sér til gildis gjöf | the gift is always for the repayment, |
4 | betra er ósent | it is better that it be not sent |
| en sé ofsóit | than over-immolated. |
| svá Þundr um reist | So Thundr carved |
| fyr þjóða rök | before the history of the peoples, |
8 | þar hann upp um reis | when he rose up |
| er hann aptr of kom | and when he came back. |
| | |
146. | Ljóð ek þau kann | I know the songs |
| er kannat þjóðans kona | that no ruler's wife knows, |
| ok mannskis mögr | nor anyone's son: |
4 | hjálp heitir eitt | the first is called "Help", |
| en þat þér hjálpa mun | and it will help you |
| við sökum ok sorgum | with disputes and griefs |
| ok sútum görvöllum | and absolutely all sorrows. |
| | |
147. | Þat kann ek annat | I know a second |
| er þurfu ýta synir | which the sons of men need, |
| þeir er vilja læknar lifa | those who want to live as physicians. |
| | |
148. | Þat kann ek it þriðja | I know the third: |
| ef mér verðr þörf mikil | if great need befalls me |
| hapts við mína heiptmögu | for a fetter for my enemy, |
4 | eggjar ek deyfi | I can blunt the edges |
| minna andskota | of my enemies, |
| bítat þeim vápn né velir | that weapons and staves do not bite for them. |
| | |
149. | Þat kann ek it fjórða [#] | I know the fourth: |
| ef mér fyrðar bera | if men put |
| bönd at bóglimum | fetters on my limbs, |
4 | svá ek gel | I sing so that |
| at ek ganga má | I can go: |
| sprettr mér af fótum fjöturr | fetter springs from my feet |
| en af höndum hapt | and bond from my hands. |
| | |
150. | Þat kann ek it fimmta | I know the fifth: |
| ef ek sé af fári skotinn | if I see 3: a spear, 2: shot in malice |
| flein í fólki vaða | to fly into a host, |
4 | flýgra hann svá stinnt | it does not fly so strongly |
| at ek stöðvigak | that I cannot stop it, |
| ef ek hann sjónum of sék | if I catch sight of it. |
| | |
151. | Þat kann ek it sétta | I know the sixth: |
| ef mik særir þegn | if a warrior wounds me |
| á rótum rams viðar [#] | with the root of a strong tree |
4 | ok þann hal | and calls forth hatreds from me, |
| er mik heipta kveðr | then the harms eat the man and not me. |
| þann eta mein heldr en mik | |
| | |
152. | Þat kann ek it sjaunda | I know the seventh: |
| ef ek sé hávan loga | if I see a high 3: hall |
| sal um sessmögum | 2: to burn 3: around my table-companions, |
4 | brennrat svá breitt | it does not burn so bright |
| at ek honum bjargigak | that I cannot save it, |
| þann kann ek galdr at gala | when I can sing the spell. |
| | |
153. | Þat kann ek it átta | I know the eighth, |
| er öllum er | which 3: is useful 2: for all |
| nytsamligt at nema | to take: |
4 | hvars hatr vex | wherever hatred grows |
| með hildings sonum | among the sons of the prince, |
| þat má ek bœta brátt | I can quickly cure it. |
| | |
154. | Þat kann ek it níunda | I know the ninth: |
| ef mik nauðr um stendr | if I need |
| at bjarga fari mínu á floti | to save my ship afloat |
4 | vind ek kyrri | I can calm the wind |
| vági á | on the wave |
| ok svæfik allan sæ | and lull the whole sea to sleep. |
| | |
155. | Þat kann ek it tíunda | I know the tenth: |
| ef ek sé túnriðir | if I see witches |
| leika lopti á | playing in the air, |
4 | ek svá vinnk | I can so arrange it |
| at þeir villir fara | that they go astray |
| sinna heimhama | from their proper shapes |
| sinna heimhuga | and proper thoughts. |
| | |
156. | Þat kann ek it ellipta | I know the eleventh: |
| ef ek skal til orrostu | if I must 3: lead old friends |
| leiða langvini | 2: to battle, |
4 | undir randir ek gel | I sing under the shields, |
| en þeir með ríki fara | and they go victoriously: |
| heilir hildar til | safe to the battle, |
| heilir hildi frá | safe from the battle, |
8 | koma þeir heilir hvaðan | they come safe from everywhere. |
| | |
157. | Þat kann ek it tólpta | I know the twelfth: |
| ef ek sé á tré uppi | if I see up in a tree |
| váfa virgilná | a hanged corpse swinging, |
4 | svá ek ríst | I carve |
| ok í rúnum fák | and colour the runes |
| at sá gengr gumi | that the man moves |
| ok mælir við mik | and speaks with me. |
| | |
158. | Þat kann ek it þrettánda | I know the thirteenth: |
| ef ek skal þegn ungan | if I will 3: throw water |
| verpa vatni á | 2: on a young warrior, |
4 | munat hann falla | he cannot fall, |
| þótt hann í fólk komi | though he may come to battle |
| hnígra sá halr fyr hjörum | the man does not fall before swords. |
| | |
159. | Þat kann ek it fjórtánda | I know the fourteenth: |
| ef ek skal fyrða liði | if I must 3: reckon up |
| telja tíva fyrir | 2: a troop 3: before gods 2: and men, |
4 | ása ok álfa | 5: I know the details of all |
| ek kann allra skil | 4: the Æsir and the Elves -- |
| fár kann ósnotr svá | the unwise man knows that not at all. |
| | |
160. | Þat kann ek it fimmtánda | I know the fifteenth, |
| er gól Þjóðreyrir | which Thjothreyrir sang, |
| dvergr fyr Dellings durum | the dwarf, before the doors of Dellingr: |
4 | afl gól hann ásum | He sang the might of the gods, |
| en álfum frama | the courage of the elves, |
| hyggju Hroptatý | the understanding of Hroptatyr. |
| | |
161. | Þat kann ek it sextánda | I know the sixteenth: |
| ef ek vil ins svinna mans | if I wish 3: to have all the heart and pleasure |
| hafa geð alt ok gaman | 2: of a cunning girl, |
4 | hugi ek hverfi | I turn the feelings |
| hvítarmri konu | of the white-armed woman, |
| ok sný ek hennar öllum sefa | and I change the whole of her mind. |
| | |
162. | Þat kann ek it sjautjánda | I know the seventeenth, |
| at mik mun seint firrask | that 3: the youthful maid |
| it manunga man | 2: will never avoid me; |
4 | ljóða þessa | 5: Loddfafnir, you will |
| mun þú Loddfáfnir | 6: be lacking 4: these charms |
| lengi vanr vera | 6: for a long time, |
| þó sé þér góð ef þú getr | though it be good for you if you get them, |
8 | nýt ef þú nemr | useful if you take them, |
| þörf ef þú þiggr | needful if you receive them. |
| | |
163. | Þat kann ek it átjánda | I know the eighteenth, |
| er ek æva kennik | which I never teach |
| mey né manns konu | to maid or man's wife, |
4 | alt er betra | -- everything is better |
| er einn um kann | when one person understands it, |
| þat fylgir ljóða lokum | it belongs at the ending of spells -- |
| nema þeiri einni | to none but she alone |
8 | er mik armi verr | who is wrapped in my arm |
| eða mín systir sé [#] | or is my sister. |
| | |
164. | Nú era Háva mál | Now the sayings of Har are spoken |
| kveðin Háva höllu í | in Har's hall, |
| allþörf ýta sonum | very needful to the sons of men, |
4 | óþörf jötna sonum | harmful to the sons of giants. |
| heill sá er kvað | Hail to him who spoke! |
| heill sá er kann | Hail to him who understands! |
| njóti sá er nam | Let him benefit who took them! |
8 | heilir þeirs hlýddu | Blessings on those who listened! |
Notes
line 27.6: The sentiment recalls the Latin tag praestat tacere et stultus haberi quam edicere et omne dubium removere, "It's better to be silent and appear stupid than to speak up and remove all doubt". [ Back to text ]
line 39.5: The manuscript has svagi at leið se la/n ef þegi. Jónsson (p. 49) reads svági gløggvan at..., "so-not stingy that...", while also admitting the possibility that the gi was not meant to be attached to svá but was an abbreviation of or scribal error for gjöflan, which would give svá gjöflan at..., "so free that...". Evans prefers to read svá gjöflan. [ Back to text ]
line 54.6: mart vitu. I follow David Evans's emendation from mart vitu, "they know a great many things", which doesn't make sense in the context, to mart vitut, "they don't know a great many things". There is precedent for this in verses 12.1 and 22.6, already emended in Jónsson's edition from an original er (it/he is) to era (it/he is not) to make sense of the verse. [ Back to text ]
line 70.2: The manuscript has ok sel lifðom, nonsensically; Jónsson (p. 75) records the suggested emendation adopted here, en sé ólif?um. [ Back to text ]
line 83.4: en mæki saurgan, literally a "dirty" sword, but perhaps meaning something more like a well-used sword, a sword which has proven its worth by not breaking, which has survived to be stained. (Thanks to Serge Boffa for this suggestion.) [ Back to text ]
line 100.5: "with brands raised high". Literally "with carried timber", but often taken to go with the brennandum ljósum of the previous line, hence torches, here called brands to alliterate with burning. [ Back to text ]
line 102.8: it horska man leitaði hverrar háðungar mér "the clever maid heaped her scorn on me". Literally something more like "the clever maid sought to bring her scorn on me", but "heaped her scorn" is tighter, brings the alliteration closer to the original, and fits the sense of the following line. [ Back to text ]
line 107.1: vel keypts litar. This line is probably corrupt as it stands. See David Evans, p. 121, for commentary. It is tempting to follow Corpus Poeticum Boreale and read litar as something to do with mead, because the rest of the verse does seem to refer to the benefits of the acquisition of the vélkeypts mjaðar, "fraud-bought mead". On the other hand, this might be Othinn congratulating himself for the carefully deceitful behaviour (the "well-purchased appearance"?) which enabled him to steal the mead in the first place. [ Back to text ]
line 107.6: á alda vés iarþar. This is the manuscript reading, and clearly corrupt. See David Evans, pp. 121-2, for discussion and options -- I am following Jonsson's emendation á vé alda jaðars, "to the sacred place of the lord of men (Othinn)", i.e. "to Othinn's sanctuary". [ Back to text ]
line 114.6: It is tempting to compare the hapless victim of the woman skilled in magic going sorrowfully to sleep with Mæðhild in the Old English poem Deor, of whom it was said "sorrowful love deprived her of all sleep" (þæt him seo sorglufu slæp ealle binom). [ Back to text ]
line 118.4: A longer but clearer unpacking of flá-ráðr would be "deceitfully counselling", but "deceit-crafty" is in the right sort of register and packs more of the punch of the original. [ Back to text ]
line 127.6: qveþu þ' ba/lvi at. Evans, p. 127, notes that Bugge in his first edition of the poem expanded þ' as þér in his main text and as þat in his appendix, and the variants have existed side by side ever since. [ Back to text ]
line 129.9: síðr þitt of heilli halir. Jónsson, p. 128, suggests that þitt here would make more sense as þik, and Evans emends to thorn;ik. [ Back to text ]
line 131.6: oc eigi of váran. The manuscript text would translate "wary I bid you be, and not too wary"; "but not too wary" would make more sense, so perhaps ok (and) should be emended to en (but), as it had to be in the corrupt verse 70.2. [ Back to text ]
line 137.11: höll við hýrógi. As it stands, this says "the hall, against domestic strife", but this seems inexplicable. See David Evans, pp. 132-3, for other possible solutions to this cryptic remark. [ Back to text ]
line 149.1: This charm, which prevents fetters from holding a prisoner, is presumably what the Mercians were looking for in the clothing of the Northumbrian Imma, who was captured after the Battle of Trent in 679 but could not be chained (see Bede's Ecclesiastical History, IV.22). Bede explains that in his case, the effect was caused by Imma's brother Tunna, an abbot who thought that Imma was dead and was offering Masses for the repose of his soul. [ Back to text ]
line 151.3: á rotom rás viðar "With the root of a green/sappy tree", but see Evans, pp. 138-9, on the difficulty with rás here, and a note of the several editors who have settled on the emendation rams ("strong") as a solution. [ Back to text ]
line 163.9: er mik armi verr eða mín systir sé. This odd exception, that Othinn will only reveal the last charm to the one who is his wife or sister, might suggest a parallel to Jupiter's relations with Juno, who was et soror et coniunx (Æneid, I.47) [ Back to text ]