Havamal

All door-ways, before going forward, should be looked to; for difficult it is to know where foes may sit within a dwelling.

Gáttir allar áðr gangi fram um skoðask skyli um skygnask skyli því at óvíst er at vita hvar óvinir sitja á fleti fyrir

Havamal: 1, Gestaþáttr

Givers, hail! A guest is come in: where shall he sit? In much hast is he, who on the ways has to try his luck.

Gefendr heilir gestr er inn kominn hvar skal sitja sjá? Mjök er bráðr sá er bröndum skal síns um freista frama

Havamal: 2, Gestaþáttr

Fire is needful to him who is come in, and whose knees are frozen; food and rainment a man requires, who o’er the fell has travelled.

Elds er þörf þeims inn er kominn ok á kné kalinn matar ok váða es manni þörf þeims hefir um fjall farit

Havamal: 3, Gestaþáttr

Water to him is needful who for refection comes, a towel and hospitable invitation, a good reception; if he can get it, discourse and answer.

Vats er þörf þeims til verðar kømr þerru ok þjóðlaðar góðs um œðis ef sér geta mætti orðs ok endrþögu

Havamal: 4, Gestaþáttr

Wit is needful to him who travels far: at home all is easy. A laughing-stock is he who nothing knows, and with the instructed sits.

Vits er þörf þeims viða ratar dælt er heima hvat at augabragði verðr sá er ekki kann ok með snotrum sitr

Havamal: 5, Gestaþáttr

Of his understanding no one should be proud, but rather in conduct cautious. When the prudent and taciturn come to a dwelling, harm seldom befalls the cautious; for a firmer friend no man ever gets than great sagacity.

At hyggjandi sinni skylit maðr hrœsinn vera heldr gætinn at geði þá er horskr ok þögull kømr heimisgarða til sjaldan verðr viti vörum því at óbrigðra vin fær maðr aldregi en manvit mikit

Havamal: 6, Gestaþáttr

A way guest who to refection comes, keeps a cautious silence, (Or/Wit is needful to him who travels far: harm seldom befalls the wary;) with his hears listens, and with his eyes observes: so explores every prudent man.

Hinn vari gestr er til verðar kømr þunnu hljóði þegir eyrum hlýðir en augum skoðar svá nýsisk fróðra hverr fyrir

Havamal: 7, Gestaþáttr

He is happy, who for himself obtains fame and kind words: less sure is that which a man must have in another’s breast.

Hinn er sæll er sér of getr lof ok líknstafi ódælla er við þat er maðr eiga skal annars brjóstum í

Havamal: 8, Gestaþáttr

He is happy, who in himself possesses fame and wit while living; for bad counsels have oft been received from another’s breast.

Sá er sæll er sjalfr of á lof ok vit meðan lifir því at ill röð hefr maðr opt þegit annars brjóstum ór

Havamal: 9, Gestaþáttr

A better burthen no man bears on the way than much good sense; that is thought better than riches in a strange place; such is the recourse of the indigent.

Byrði betri berrat maðr brautu at en sé manvit mikit auði betra þykkir þat í ókunnum stað slíkt er válaðs vera

Havamal: 10, Gestaþáttr

A worse provision on the way he cannot carry than too much beer-bibbing; so good is not, as it is said, beer for the sons of men.

Byrði betri berrat maðr brautu at en sé manvit mikit vegnest verra vegra hann velli at an sé ofdrykkja öls

Havamal: 11, Gestaþáttr

A worse provision no man can take from table than too much beer-bibbing: for the more he drinks the less control he has of his own mind.

Era svá gótt sem gótt kveða öl alda sonum því at færa veit er fleira drekkr síns til geðs gumi

Havamal: 12, Gestaþáttr

Oblivion’s heron ‘tis called that over potations hovers, he steals the minds of men. With this bird’s pinions I was fettered in Gunnlöds dwelling.

Óminnishegri heitir sá er yfir ölðrum þrumir hann stelr geði guma þess fugls fjöðrum ek fjötraðr vask í garði Gunnlaðar

Havamal: 13, Gestaþáttr

Drunk I was, I was over-drunk, at that cunning Fjalar’s. It’s the best drunkenness, when every one after it regains his reason.

Ölr ek varð varð ofrölvi at hins fróða Fjalars því er ölðr bazt at aptr of heimtir hverr sitt geð gumi

Havamal: 14, Gestaþáttr

Taciturn and prudent, and in war daring should a king’s children be; joyous and liberal every one should be until the hour of his death.

Þagalt ok hugalt skyli þjóðans barn ok vígdjarft vera glaðr ok reifr skyli gumna hverr unz sínn bíðr bana

Havamal: 15, Gestaþáttr

A cowardly man thinks he will ever live, if warfare he avoids; but old age will give him no peace, though spears may spare him.

Ósnjallr maðr hyggsk munu ey lifa ef hann við víg varask en elli gefr honum engi frið þótt honum geirar gefi

Havamal: 16, Gestaþáttr

A fool gapes when to a house he comes, to himself mutters or is silent; but all at once, if he gets drink, then is the man’s mind displayed.

Kópir afglapi er til kynnis kømr þylsk hann umbeða þrumir alt er senn ef hann sylg um getr uppi er þá geð guma

Havamal: 17, Gestaþáttr

He alone knows who wanders wide, and has much experienced, by what disposition each man is ruled, who common sense possesses.

Sá einn veit er víða ratar ok hefr fjölð um farit hverju geði stýrir gumna hverr sá er vitandi er vits

Havamal: 18, Gestaþáttr

Let a man hold the cup, yet of the mead drink moderately, speak sensibly or be silent. As of a fault no man will admonish thee, if thou goest betimes to sleep.

Haldit maðr á keri drekki þó at hófi mjöð mæli þarft eða þegi ókynnis þess var þik engi maðr at þú gangir snemma at sofa

Havamal: 19, Gestaþáttr

A greedy man, if he be not moderate, eats to his mortal sorrow. Oftentimes his belly draws laughter on a silly man, who among the prudent comes.

Gröðugr halr nema geðs viti etr sér aldrtrega opt fær hlœgis er með horskum kømr manni heimskum magi

Havamal: 20, Gestaþáttr

Cattle know when to go home, and then from grazing cease; but a foolish man never knows his stomach’s measure.

Hjarðir þat vitu nær þær heim skulu ok ganga þá af grasi en ósviðr maðr kann ævagi síns um mál maga

Havamal: 21, Gestaþáttr

A miserable man, and ill-conditioned, sneers at every thing; one thing he knows not, which he ought to know, that he is not free from faults.

Vesall maðr ok illa skapi hlær at hvívetna hitki hann veit er hann vita þyrpti at hann era vamma vanr

Havamal: 22, Gestaþáttr

A foolish man is all night awake, pondering over everything; he than grows tired; and when morning comes, all is lament as before.

Ósviðr maðr vakir um allar nætr ok hyggr at hvívetna þá er móðr er at morni kømr alt er vil sem var

Havamal: 23, Gestaþáttr

A foolish man thinks all who on him smile to be his friends; he feels it not, although they speak ill of him, when he sits among the clever.

Ósnotr maðr hyggr sér alla vera viðhlæjendr vini hitki hann fiðr þótt þeir um hann fár lesi ef hann með snotrum sitr

Havamal: 24, Gestaþáttr

A foolish man thinks all who speak him fair to be his friends; but he will find, if into court he comes, that he has few advocates.

Ósnotr maðr hyggr sér alla vera viðhlæjendr vini þá þat fiðr er at þingi kømr at hann á formælendr fá

Havamal: 25, Gestaþáttr

A foolish man thinks he know everything if placed in unexpected difficulty; but he knows not what to answer, if to the test he is put.

Ósnotr maðr þykkisk alt vita ef hann á sér í vá veru hitki hann veit hvat hann skal við kveða ef hans freista firar

Havamal: 26, Gestaþáttr

A foolish man, who among people comes, had best be silent; for no one knows that he knows nothing, unless he talks to much. He who previously knew nothing will still know nothing talk he ever so much.

Ósnotr maðr er með aldir kømr þat er bazt at hann þegi engi þat veit at hann ekki kann name hann mæli til mart veita maðr hinn er vætki veit þótt hann mæli til mart

Havamal: 27, Gestaþáttr

He thinks himself wise, who can ask questions and converse also; conceal his ignorance no one can, because it circulates among men.

Fróðr sá þykkisk er fregna kann ok segja hit sama eyvitu leyna megu ýta synir því er gengr of guma

Havamal: 28, Gestaþáttr

He utters too many futile words who is never silent; a garrulous tongue, if it be not checked, sings often to its own harm.

Œrna mælir sá er eva þegir staðlausu stafi hraðmælt tunga nema haldendr eigi opt sér ógótt um gelr

Havamal: 29, Gestaþáttr

For a gazing-stock no man shall have another, although he come a stranger to his house. Many a one thinks himself wise, if he is not questioned, and can sit in a dry habit.

At augabragði skala maðr anna hafa þótt til kynnis komi margr þá fróðr þykkisk ef hann freginn erat ok nái hann þurrfjallr þruma

Havamal: 30, Gestaþáttr

Clever thinks himself the guest who jeers a guest, if he takes to flight. Knows it not certainly he who prates at meat, whether he babbles among foes.

Fróðr þykkisk sá er flótta tekr gestr at gest hæðinn veita görla sá er of verði glissir þótt hann með grömum glami

Havamal: 31, Gestaþáttr

Many men are mutually well-disposed, yet at table will torment each other. That strife will ever be; guest will guest irritate.

Gunnar margir erusk gagnhollir en at virði vrekask aldar róg þat mun æ vera órir gestr við gest

Havamal: 32, Gestaþáttr

Early meals a man should often take, unless to a friend’s house he goes; else he will sit and mope, will seem half-famished, and can of few things inquire.

Árliga verðar skyli maðr opt fá nema til kynnis komi sitr ok snópir lætr sem solginn sé ok kann fregna at fá

Havamal: 33, Gestaþáttr

Long is and indirect the way to a bad friend’s, though by the road he dwell; but to a good friend’s the paths lie direct, though he be far away.

Afhvart mikit er til ills vinar þótt á brautu búi en til góðs vinar liggja gagnvegir þótt hann sé firr farinn

Havamal: 34, Gestaþáttr

A guest should depart, not always stay in one place. The welcome becomes unwelcome, if he too long continues in another’s house.

Ganga skal skala gestr vera ey í einum stað ljúfr verðr leiðr ef lengi sitr annars fletjum á

Havamal: 35, Gestaþáttr

One’s own house is best, small though it be; at home is every one his own master. Though he but two goats possess, and a straw-thatched cot, even that is better than begging.

Bú er betra þótt lítit sé halr er heima hverr þótt tvær geitr eigi ok taugreptan sal þat er þó betra an bœn

Havamal: 36, Gestaþáttr

One’s own house is best, small though it be, at home is every one his own master. Bleeding at heart is he, who has to ask for food at every meal-tide.

Bú er betra þótt lítit sé halr er heima hverr blóðugt er hjarta þeims biðja skal sér í mál hvert matar

Havamal: 37, Gestaþáttr

Leaving in the field his arms, let no man go a foot’s length forward; for it is hard to know when on the way a man may need his weapon.

Vápnum sínum skala maðr velli á feti ganga framar því at óvist er at vita nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma

Havamal: 38, Gestaþáttr

I have never found a man so bountiful, or so hospitable that he refused a present; of his property so liberal that he scorned a recompense.

Fanka ek mildan mann eða svá matar góðan at værit þiggja þegit eða síns féar svá gjöflan at leið sé laun ef þiggr

Havamal: 39, Gestaþáttr

Of the property which he has gained no man should suffer need; for the hated oft is spared what for the dear was destined. Much goes worse than is expected.

Féar síns er fengit hefir skylit maðr þörf þola opt sparir leiðum þats hefir ljúfum hugat mart gengr verr en varir

Havamal: 40, Gestaþáttr

With arms and vestments friends should each other gladden, those which are in themselves most sightly. Givers and requiters are longest friends, if all (else) goes well.

Vápnum ok váðum skulu vinir gleðjask þat er á sjalfum sýnst viðr gefendr ok endrgefendr erusk vinir lengst, ef þat bíðr at verða vel

Havamal: 41, Gestaþáttr

To his friend a man should be a friend, and gifts with gifts requite. Laughter with laughter men should receive, but leasing with lying.

Vin sínum skal maðr vinr vera ok gjalda gjöf við gjöf hlátr við hlátri skyli hölðar taka en lausung við lygi

Havamal: 42, Gestaþáttr

To his friend a man should be a friend, to him and to his friend; but of his foe no man shall the friend’s friend be.

Vin sínum skal maðr vinr vera þeim ok þess vinr en óvinar síns skyli engi maðr vinar vinr vera

Havamal: 43, Gestaþáttr

Know, if thou has a friend whom thou fully trustest, and from whom thou woulds’t good derive, thou shouldst blend thy mind with his, and gifts exchange, and often go to see him.

Veiztu ef þú vin átt þanns þú vel trúir ok vill þú af honum gótt geta geði skalt við þann blanda ok gjöfum skipta fara at finna opt

Havamal: 44, Gestaþáttr

If thou hast another, whom thou little trustest, yet wouldst good from him derive, thou shouldst speak him fair, but think craftily, and leasing pay with lying.

Ef þú át annan þanns þú illa trúir vildu af honum þó gótt geta fagrt skalt við þann mæla en flátt hyggja ok gjalda lausung við lygi

Havamal: 45, Gestaþáttr

But of him yet further, whom thou little trustest, and thou suspectest his affection; before him thou shouldst laugh, and contrary to thy thoughts speak: requital should the gift resemble.

Þat er enn of þann er þú illa trúir ok þér er grunr at hans geði hlæja skaltu við þeim ok um hug mæla glík skulu gjöld gjöfum

Havamal: 46, Gestaþáttr

I was once young, I was journeying alone, and lost my way; rich I thought myself, when I met another. Man is the joy of man.

Ungr var ek forðum fór ek einn saman þá varð ek villr vega auðigr þóttumk er ek annan fann maðr er manns gaman

Havamal: 47, Gestaþáttr

Liberal and brave men live best, they seldom cherish sorrow; but a base-minded man dreads everything; the niggardly is uneasy even at gifts.

Mildir frœknir menn bazt lifa sjaldan sút ala en ósnjallr maðr uggir hotvetna sýtir æ gløggr við gjöfum

Havamal: 48, Gestaþáttr

My garments in a field I gave away to two wooden men: heroes they seemed to be, when they got cloaks: exposed to insult is a naked man.

Váðir mínar gaf ek velli at tveim trémönnum rekkar þat þóttusk er þeir ript höfðu neiss er nøkkviðr halr

Havamal: 49, Gestaþáttr

A tree withers that on a hill-top stands; protects it neither bark nor leaves: such is the man whom no one favours: why should he live long?

Hrørnar þöll sú er stendr þorpi á hlýrat henni börkr né barr svá er maðr sá er mangi ann hvat skal hann lengi lifa?

Havamal: 50, Gestaþáttr

Hotter than fire love for five days burns between false friends; but is quenched when the sixth day comes, and friendship is all impaired.

Eldi heitari brinn með illum vinum friðr fimm daga, en þá sloknar es hinn sétti kømr ok versnar allr vinskapr

Havamal: 51, Gestaþáttr

Something great is not (always) to be given, praise is often for a trifle bought. With half a loaf and a tilted vessel I got myself a comrade.

Mikit eitt skala manni gefa opt kaupir sér í lítlu lof með hálfum hleifi ok með höllu keri fekk ek mér félaga

Havamal: 52, Gestaþáttr

Little are the sandgrains, little the wits, little the minds of (some) men; for all men are not wise alike: men are everywhere by halves.

Lítilla sanda lítilla sæva lítil eru geð guma því at allir menn urðut jafnspakir hálf er öld hvar

Havamal: 53, Gestaþáttr

Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise: of those men the lives are fairest, who know much well.

Meðalsnotr skyli manna hverr æva til snotr sé þeim er fyrða fegrst at lifa er vel mart vitut

Havamal: 54, Gestaþáttr

Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise; for a wise man’s heart is seldom glad, if he is all-wise who owns it.

Meðalsnotr skyli manna hverr æva til snotr sé því at snotrs manns hjarta verðr sjaldan glatt, ef sá er alsnotr er á

Havamal: 55, Gestaþáttr

Moderately wise should each one be, but never over-wise. His destiny let know no man beforehand; his mind will be freest from care.

Meðalsnotr skyli manna hverr æva til snotr sé ørlög sín viti engi fyrir þeim er sorgalausastr sefi

Havamal: 56, Gestaþáttr

Brand burns from brand until it is burnt out; fire is from fire quickened. Man to man becomes known by speech, but a fool by his bashful silence.

Brandr af brandi brinn unz brunninn er funi kveykisk af funa maðr af manni verðr at máli kuðr en til dœlskr af dul

Havamal: 57, Gestaþáttr

He should early rise, who another’s property or life desires to have. Seldom a sluggish wolf gets prey, or a sleeping man victory.

Ár skal rísa sá er annars vill fé eða fjör hafa sjaldan liggjandi úlfr lær um getr né sofandi maðr sigr

Havamal: 58, Gestaþáttr

Early should rise he who has few workers, and go his work to see to; greatly is he retarded who sleeps the morn away. Wealth half depends on energy.

Ár skal rísa sá er á yrkendr fá ok ganga síns verka á vit mart um dvelr þann er um morgin sefr hálfr er auðr und hvötum

Havamal: 59, Gestaþáttr

Of dry planks and roof-shingles a man knows the measure; of the fire-wood that may suffice, both measure and time.

Þurra skíða ok þakinna næfra þess kann maðr mjöt ok þess viðar er vinnask megi mál ok misseri

Havamal: 60, Gestaþáttr

Washed and refected let a man ride to the Thing, although his garments be not too good; of his shoes and breeches let no one be ashamed, nor of his horse, although he have not a good one.

Þveginn ok mettr ríði maðr þingi at þótt hann sét væddr til vel skúa ok bróka skammisk engi maðr né hests in heldr þótt hann hafit góðan

Havamal: 61, Gestaþáttr

Inquire and impart should every man of sense, who will be accounted sage. Let one only know, a second may not; if three, all the world knows.

Snapir ok gnapir er til sævar kømr örn á aldinn mar svá er maðr er með mörgum kømr ok á formælendr fá

Havamal: 62, Gestaþáttr

Gasps and gapes, when to the sea he comes, the eagles over old ocean; so is a man, who among many comes, and has few advocates.

Fregna ok segja skal fróðra hverr sá er vill heitinn horskr einn vita né annarr skal þjóð veit ef þrír ro

Havamal: 63, Gestaþáttr

His power should every sagacious man use with discretion; for he will find, when among the bold he comes, that no one alone is the doughtiest.

Ríki sitt skyli ráðsnotra hverr í hófi hafa þá hann þat finnr er með frœknum kømr at engi er einna hvatastr

Havamal: 64, Gestaþáttr

Circumspect and reserved every man should be, and wary in trusting friends. Of the words that a man says to another he often pays the penalty.

Orða þeira er maðr öðrum segir opt hann gjöld um getr

Havamal: 65, Gestaþáttr

Much too early I came to many places, but too late to others; the beer was drunk, or not ready: the disliked seldom hits the moment.

Mikilsti snemma kom ek í marga staði en til síð í suma öl var drukkit sumt var ólagat sjaldan hittir leiðr í lið

Havamal: 66, Gestaþáttr

Here and there I should have been invited, if I a meal had needed; or two hams had hung, at that true friend’s, where of one I had eaten.

Hér ok hvar myndi mér heim of boðit ef þyrftak at málungi mat eða tvau lær hengi at ins tryggva vinar þars ek hafða eitt etit

Havamal: 67, Gestaþáttr

Fire is best among the sons of men, and the sight of the sun, if his health a man can have, with a life free from vice.

Eldr er beztr með ýta sonum ok sólar sýn heilyndi sitt ef maðr hafa náir án við löst at lifa

Havamal: 68, Gestaþáttr

No man lacks everything, although his health be bad: one in his sons is happy, one in abundant wealth, one in his good works.

Erat maðr alls vesall þótt hann sé illa heill sumr er af sonum sæll sumr af frændum sumr af fé œrnu sumr af verkum vel

Havamal: 69, Gestaþáttr

It is better to live, even to live miserably; a living man can always get a cow. I saw fire consume the rich man’s property, and death stood without his door.

Betra er lifðum en sé ólifðum ey getr kvikr kú eld sá ek upp brenna auðgum manni fyrir en úti var dauðr fyr durum

Havamal: 70, Gestaþáttr

The halt can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle; the deaf fight and be useful: to be blind is better than to be burnt: no ones gets good from a corpse.

Haltr ríðr hrossi hjörð rekr handarvanr daufr vegr ok dugir blindr er betri en brenndr sé nýtr manngi nás

Havamal: 71, Gestaþáttr

A son is better, even if born late, after his father’s departure. Gravestones seldom stand by the way-side unless raised by a kinsman to a kinsman.

Sonr er betri þótt sé síð of alinn eptir genginn guma sjaldan bautarsteinar standa brautu nær nema reisi niðr at nið

Havamal: 72, Gestaþáttr

Two are adversaries: the tongue is the bane of the head: under every cloak I expect a hand.

Tveir ro eins herjar tunga er höfuðs bani er mér í heðin hvern handar væni

Havamal: 73, Gestaþáttr

At night is joyful he who is sure of travelling enjoyment. (A ship’s yards are short.) Variable is an autumn night. Many are the weather’s changes in five days, but more in a month.

Nótt verðr feginn sá er nesti trúir skammar ro skips rár hverf er haustgríma fjölð um viðrir á fimm dögum en meira á mánuði

Havamal: 74, Gestaþáttr

He (only) knows not who knows nothing, that many a one apes another. One man is rich, another poor: let him not be thought blameworthy.

Veita hinn er vættki veit margr verðr af aurum api maðr er auðigr annarr óauðigr skylit þann vítka vár

Havamal: 75, Gestaþáttr

Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but the fair fame never dies of him who has earned it.

Deyr fé deyja frændr deyr sjálfr it sama en orðstírr deyr aldregi hveim er sér góðan getr

Havamal: 76, Gestaþáttr

Cattle die, kindred die, we ourselves also die; but I know one thing that never dies, - judgement on each one dead.

Deyr fé deyja frændr deyr sjálfr it sama ek veit einn at aldri deyr dómr um dauðan hvern

Havamal: 77, Gestaþáttr

Full storehouses I saw at Dives’ sons’: now bear they the beggar’s staff. Such are riches; as is the twinkling of an eye: of friends they are most fickle.

Fullar grindr sá ek fyr Fitjungs sonum nú bera þeir vánarvöl svá er auðr sem augabragð hann er valtastr vina

Havamal: 78, Gestaþáttr

A foolish man, if he acquires wealth or a woman’s love, pride grows within him, but wisdom never: he goes on more and more arrogant.

Ósnotr maðr ef eignask getr fé eða fljóðs munuð metnaðr honum þróask en mannvit aldregi fram gengr hann drjúgt í dul

Havamal: 79, Gestaþáttr

Then ‘tis made manifest, if of runes thou questionest him, those to the high ones known, which the great powers invented, and the great talker painted, that he had best hold silence.

Þat er þá reynt er þú at rúnum spyrr inum reginkunnum þeim er gerðu ginnregin ok fáði fimbulþulr þá hefir hann bazt ef hann þegir

Havamal: 80, Gestaþáttr

At eve the day is to be praised, a woman after she is burnt, a sword after it is proved, a maid after she is married, ice after it has passed away, beer after it is drunk.

At kveldi skal dag leyfa konu er brennd er mæki er reyndr er mey er gefin er ís er yfir kømr öl er drukkit er

Havamal: 81, Gestaþáttr

In the wind one should hew wood, in a breeze row out to sea, in the dark talk with a lass: many are the eyes of day. In a ship voyages are to be made, but a shield is for protection, a sword for striking, but a damsel for a kiss.

Í vindi skal við höggva veðri á sjó róa myrkri við man spjalla mörg eru dags augu á skip skal skriðar orka en á skjöld til hlífar mæki höggs en mey til kossa

Havamal: 82, Dómi Oðins

By the fire one should drink beer, on the ice slide; but a horse that is lean, a sword that is rusty; feed a horse at home, but a dog at the farm.

Við eld skal öl drekka en á ísi skríða magran mar kaupa en mæki saurgan heima hest feita en hund á búi

Havamal: 83, Dómi Oðins

In a maiden’s words no one should place faith, nor in what a woman says; for on a turning wheel have their hearts been formed, and guile in their breasts been laid;

Meyjar orðum skyli manngi trúa né því er kveðr kona því at á hverfanda hvéli váru þeim hjörtu sköpuð brigð í brjóst um lagit

Havamal: 84, Dómi Oðins

in a creaking bow, a burning flame, a yawning wolf, a chattering crow, a grunting swine, a rootless tree, a waxing wave, a boiling kettle,

Brestanda boga brennanda loga gínanda úlfi galandi kráku rýtanda svíni rótlausum viði vaxanda vági vellanda katli

Havamal: 85, Dómi Oðins

a flying dart, a falling billow, a one night’s ice, a coiled serpent, a woman’s bed-talk, or a broken sword, a bear’s play, or a royal child,

fljúganda fleini fallandi báru ísi einnættum ormi hringlegnum brúðar beðmálum eða brotnu sverði bjarnar leiki eða barni konungs

Havamal: 86, Dómi Oðins

a sick calf, a self-willed thrall, a flattering prophetess, a corpse newly slain, (a serene sky, a laughing lord, a barking dog, and a harlot’s grief);

sjúkum kálfi sjálfráða þræli völu vilmæli val nýfeldum

Havamal: 87, Dómi Oðins

an early sown field let no one trust, nor prematurely in a son: weather rules the field, and wit the son, each of which is doubtful;

akri ársánum trúi engi maðr né til snemma syni veðr ræðr akri en vit syni hætt er þeira hvárt

Havamal: 88, Dómi Oðins

a brother’s murderer, though on the high road met, a half-burnt house, an over-swift horse, (a horse is useless, if a leg be broken), no man is so confiding as to trust any of these.

Bróðurbana sínum þótt á brautu mœti húsi hálfbrunnu hesti alskjótum þá er jór ónýtr ef einn fótr brotnar verðit maðr svá tryggr at þessu trúi öllu

Havamal: 89, Dómi Oðins

Such is the love of women, who falsehood meditate, as if one drove not rough-shod, on slippery ice, a spirited two-years old and unbroken horse; or as in a raging storm a helmless ship is beaten; or as if the halt were set to catch a reindeer in the thawing fell.

Svá er friðr kvenna þeira er flátt hyggja sem aki jó óbryddum á ísi hálum teitum tvévetrum ok sé tamr illa eða í byr óðum beiti stjórnlausu eða skyli haltr henda hrein í þáfjalli

Havamal: 90, Dómi Oðins

Openly I now speak, because I both sexes know: unstable are men’s minds towards women; ‘tis then we speak most fair when we most falsely think: that deceives even the cautious.

Bert ek nú mæli því at ek bæði veit brigðr er karla hugr konum þá vér fegrst mælum er vér flást hyggjum þat tælir horska hugi

Havamal: 91, Dómi Oðins

Fair shall speak, and money offer, who would obtain a woman’s love. Praise the form of a fair damsel; he gets who courts her.

Fagrt skal mæla ok fé bjóða sá er vill fljóðs ást fá líki leyfa ins ljósa mans sá fær er fríar

Havamal: 92, Dómi Oðins

At love should no one ever wonder in another: a beauteous countenance oft captivates the wise, which captivates not the foolish.

Ástar firna skyli engi maðr annan aldregi opt fá á horskan er á heimskan ne fá lostfagrir litir

Havamal: 93, Dómi Oðins

Let no one wonder at another’s folly, it is the lot of many. All-powerful desire makes of the sons of men fools even of the wise.

Eyvitar firna er maðr annan skal þess er um margan gengr guma heimska ór horskum gørir hölða sonu sá inn mátki munr

Havamal: 94, Dómi Oðins

The mind only knows what lies near the heart, that alone is conscious of our affections. No disease is worse to a sensible man than not to be content with himself.

Hugr einn þat veit er býr hjarta nær einn er hann sér um sefa øng er sótt verri hveim snotrum manni en sér øngu at una

Havamal: 95, Dómi Oðins

That I experienced, when in the reeds I sat, awaiting my delight. Body and soul to me was that discreet maiden: nevertheless I posses her not.

Þat ek þá reynda er ek í reyri sat ok vættak míns munar hold ok hjarta var mér in horska mær þeygi ek hana at heldr hefik

Havamal: 96, Dómi Oðins

Billing’s lass on her couch I found, sun-bright, sleeping. A prince’s joy to me seemed naught, if not with that form to live.

Billings mey ek fann beðjum á sólhvíta sofa jarls ynði þótti mér ekki vera nema við þat lík at lifa

Havamal: 97, Dómi Oðins

“Yet nearer eve must thou, Odin, come, if thou wilt talk the maiden over; all will be disastrous, unless we alone are privy to such misdeed.”

Auk nær apni skaltu Óðinn koma ef þú vilt þér mæla man alt eru ósköp nema einir viti slíkan löst saman

Havamal: 98, Dómi Oðins

I returned, thinking to love, at her wise desire. I thought I should obtain her whole heart and love.

Aptr ek hvarf ok unna þóttumk vísum vilja frá hitt ek hugða at ek hafa mynda geð hennar alt ok gaman

Havamal: 99, Dómi Oðins

When next I came the bold warriors were all awake, with lights burning, and bearing torches: thus was the way to pleasure closed.

Svá kom ek næst at in nýta var vígdrótt öll um vakin með brennandum ljósum ok bornum viði svá var mér vílstígr of vitaðr

Havamal: 100, Dómi Oðins

But at the approach of morn, when again I came, the household all was sleeping; the good damsel’s dog alone I found tied to the bed.

Ok nær morni er ek var enn um kominn þá var saldrótt um sofin grey eitt ek þá fann innar góðu konu bundit beðjum á

Havamal: 101, Dómi Oðins

Many a fair maiden, when rightly known, towards men is fickle: that I experienced, when that discreet maiden I strove to seduce: contumely of every kind that wily girl heaped upon me; nor of that damsel gained I aught.

Mörg er góð mær ef görva kannar hugbrigð við hali þá ek þat reynda er it ráðspaka teygða ek á flærðir fljóð háðungar hverrar leitaði mér it horska man ok hafða ek þess vættki vífs

Havamal: 102, Dómi Oðins

At home let a man be cheerful, and towards a guest liberal; of wise conduct he should be, of good memory and ready speech; if much knowledge he desires, he must often talk on good, Fimbulfambi he is called who little has to say: such is the nature of the simple.

Heima glaðr gumi ok við gesti reifr sviðr skal um sik vera minnigr ok málugr ef hann vill margfróðr vera opt skal góðs geta fimbulfambi heitir sá er fátt kann segja þat er ósnotrs aðal

Havamal: 103, Dómi Oðins

The old Jötun I sought; now I am come back: little got I there by silence; in many words I spoke to my advantage in Suttung’s halls.

Inn aldna jötum ek sótta nú em ek aptr um kominn fátt gat ek þegjandi þar mörgum orðum mælta ek í minn frama í Suttungs sölum

Havamal: 104, Dómi Oðins

Gunnlöd gave me, on her golden seat, a draught of the precious mead; a bad recompense I afterwards made her, for her whole soul, her fervent love.

Gunnlöð mér um gaf gullnum stóli á drykk ins dýra mjaðar ill iðgjöld lét ek hana eptir hafa síns ins heila hugar síns ins svára sefa

Havamal: 105, Dómi Oðins

Rati’s mouth I caused to make a space, and to gnaw the rock; over and under me were the Jötun’s ways: thus I my head did peril.

Rata munn létumk rúms um fá ok um grjót gnaga yfir ok undir stóðumk jötna vegir svá hætta ek höfði til

Havamal: 106, Dómi Oðins

Of a well-assumed form I made good use: few things fail the wise; for Odhrærir is now come up to men’s earthly dwellings.

Vel keypts litar hefi ek vel notit fás er fróðum vant því at Óðrerir er nú upp kominn á alda vés jarðar

Havamal: 107, Dómi Oðins

‘Tis to me doubtful that I could have come from the Jötun’s courts, had not Gunnlöd aided me, that good damsel, over whom I laid my arm.

Ifi er mér á at ek væra enn kominn jötna görðum ór ef ek Gunnlaðar ne nytak innar góðu konu þeirar er lögðumk arm yfir

Havamal: 108, Dómi Oðins

On the day following came the Hrim-thursar, to learn something of the High One, in the High One’s hall: after Bölverk they inquired, whether he with the gods were come, or Suttung had destroyed him?

Ins hindra dags gengu hrímþursar Háva ráðs at fregna Háva höllu í at Bölverki þeir spurðu ef hann væri með böndum kominn eða hefði honum Suttungr of sóit

Havamal: 109, Dómi Oðins

Odin, I believe, a ring-oath gave. Who in his faith will trust? Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlöd made to weep!

Baugeið Óðinn hygg ek at unnit hafi hvat skal hans tryggðum trúa? Suttung svikinn hann lét sumbli frá ok grœtta Gunnlöðu

Havamal: 110, Dómi Oðins

Time ‘tis to discourse from the preacher’s chair. - By the well of Urd I silent sat, I saw and meditated, I listened to men’s words. Of runes I heard discourse, and of things divine, nor of graving them were they silent, nor of sage counsels, at the High One’s hall. In the High One’s hall. I thus heard say:

Mál er at þylja þular stóli á Urðar brunni at sá ek ok þagðak sá ek ok hugðak hlýdda ek á manna mál of rúnar heyrða ek dœma né um ráðum þögþu Háva höllu at Háva höllu í heyrða ek segja svá

Havamal: 111, Dómi Oðins

I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advise: thou wilt profit if thou takest it. Rise not a night, unless to explore, or art compelled to go out.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr nótt þú rísat nema á njósn sér eða þú leitir þér innan út staðar

Havamal: 112, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice, thou wilt profit if thou takest it. In an enchantress’s embrace thou mayest not sleep, so that in her arms she clasp thee.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr fjölkunnigri konu skalattu í faðmi sofa svá at hon lyki þik liðum

Havamal: 113, Loddfáfnismál

She will be the cause that thou carest not for Thing or prince’s words; food thou wilt shun and human joys; sorrowful wilt thou go to sleep.

Hon svá gørir at þú gáir eigi þings né þjóðans máls mat þú villat né mannskis gaman ferr þú sorgafullr at sofa

Havamal: 114, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Another’s wife entice thou never to secret converse.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr annars konu teygðu þér aldregi eyrarúnu at

Havamal: 115, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. By fell or firth if thou have to travel, provide thee well with food.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr á fjalli eða firði ef þik fara tíðir fásktu at virði vel

Havamal: 116, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. A bad man let thou never know thy misfortunes; for from a bad man thou never wilt obtain a return for thy good will.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr illan mann láttu aldregi óhöpp at þér vita því at af illum manni fær þú aldregi gjöld ins góða hugar

Havamal: 117, Loddfáfnismál

I saw mortally wound a man a wicked woman’s words; a false tongue caused his death, and most unrighteously.

Ofarla bíta ek sá einum hal orð illrar konu; fláráð tunga varð honum at fjörlagi ok þeygi um sanna sök

Havamal: 118, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. If thou knowest thou has a friend, whom thou well canst trust, go oft to visit him; for with brushwood overgrown, and with high grass, is the way that no one treads.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr veiztu ef þú vin átt þanns þú vel trúir farðu at finna opt því at hrísi vex ok hávu grasi vegr er vættki trøðr

Havamal: 119, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. - A good man attract to thee in pleasant converse; and salutary speech learn while thou livest.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr góðan mann teygðu þér at gamanrúnum ok nem líknargaldr meðan þú lifir

Havamal: 120, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. With thy friend be thou never first to quarrel. Care gnaws the heart, if thou to no one canst thy whole mind disclose.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr vin þínum ver þú aldregi fyrri at flaumslitum sorg etr hjarta ef þú segja ne náir einhverjum allan hug

Havamal: 121, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Words thou never shouldst exchange with a witless fool;

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr orðum skipta þú skalt aldregi við ósvinna apa

Havamal: 122, Loddfáfnismál

for from an ill-conditioned man thou wilt never get a return for good; but a good man will bring thee favour by his praise.

því at af illum manni mundu aldregi góðs laun um geta en góðr maðr mun þik gørva mega líknfastan at lofi

Havamal: 123, Loddfáfnismál

There is a mingling of affection, where one can tell another all his mind. Everything is better than being with the deceitful. He is not another’s friend who ever says as he says.

Sifjum er þá blandat hverr er segja ræðr einum allan hug alt er betra en sé brigðum at vera era sá vinr öðrum er vilt eitt segir

Havamal: 124, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Even in three words quarrel not with a worse man: often the better yields, when the worse strikes.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr þrimr orðum senna skalattu þér við verra mann opt inn betri bilar þá er inn verri vegr

Havamal: 125, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Be not a shoemaker, nor a shaftmaker, unless for thyself it be; for a shoe if ill made, or a shaft if crooked, will call down evil on thee.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr skósmiðr þú verir né skeptismiðr nema þú sjálfum þér sér skór er skapaðr illa eða skapt sé rangt þá er þér böls beðit

Havamal: 126, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Wherever of injury thou knowest, regard that injury as thy own; and give to thy foes no peace.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr hvars þú böl kannt kveðu þat bölvi at ok gefat þínum fjándum frið

Havamal: 127, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Rejoiced at evil be thou never; but let good give thee pleasure.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr illu feginn verðu aldregi en lát þér at góðu getit

Havamal: 128, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. In a battle look not up, (like swine the sons of men become) that men may not fascinate thee.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr upp líta skalattu í orrostu gjalti glíkir verða gumna synir síðr þitt um heilli halir

Havamal: 129, Loddfáfnismál

If thou wilt induce a good woman to pleasant converse, thou must promise fair, and hold to it; no one turns from good if it can be got.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr ef þú vilt þér góða konu kveðja at gamanrúnum ok fá fögnuð af fögru skaltu heita ok láta fast vera leiðisk manngi gott ef getr

Havamal: 130, Loddfáfnismál

I enjoin thee to be wary, but not over wary; at drinking be thou most wary, and with another’s wife; and thirdly, that thieves delude thee not.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr varan bið ek þik vera en eigi ofvaran ver þú við öl varastr ok við annars konu ok við þat it þriðja at þjófar ne leiki

Havamal: 131, Loddfáfnismál

With insult or derision treat thou never a guest or wayfarer, they often little know, who sit within, or what race they are who come.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr at háði né hlátri hafðu aldregi gest né ganganda

Havamal: 132, Loddfáfnismál

Vices and virtues the sons of mortals bear in their breasts mingled; no one is so good that no failing attends him, nor so bad as to be good for nothing.

Opt vitu ógörla þeir er sitja inni fyrir hvers þeir ro kyns er koma erat maðr svá góðr at galli ne fylgi né svá illr at einugi dugi

Havamal: 133, Loddfáfnismál

At a hoary speaker laugh thou never; often is good that which the aged utter, oft from a shriveled hide discreet words issue; from those whose skin is pendent and decked with scars, and who go tottering among the vile.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr at hárum þul hlæðu aldregi opt er gott þat er gamlir kveða opt ór skörpum belg skilin orð koma þeim er hangir með hám ok skollir með skrám ok váfir með vílmögum

Havamal: 134, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Rail not at a guest, nor from thy gate thrust him; treat well the indigent; they will speak well of thee.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr gest þú ne geyja né á grind hrekir get þú váluðum vel

Havamal: 135, Loddfáfnismál

Strong is the bar that must be raised to admit all. Do thou give a penny, or they will call down on thee every ill in thy limbs.

Rammt er þat tré er ríða skal öllum at upploki baug þú gef eða þat biðja mun þér læs hvers á liðu

Havamal: 136, Loddfáfnismál

I counsel thee, etc. Wherever thou beer drinkest, invoke to thee the power of earth; for earth is good against drink, fire for distempers, the oak for constipation, a corn-ear for sorcery a hall for domestic strife. In bitter hates invoke the moon; the biter for bite-injuries is good; but runes against calamity; fluid let earth absorb.

Ráðumk þér Loddfáfnir en þú ráð nemir njóta mundu ef þú nemr þér munu góð ef þú getr hvars þú öl drekkr kjós þú þér jarðar megin því at jörð tekr við ölðri en eldr við sóttum eik við abbindi ax við fjölkynngi höll við hýrógi heiptum skal mána kveðja beiti við bitsóttum en við bölvi rúnar fold skal við flóð taka

Havamal: 137, Loddfáfnismál

I know that I hung, on a wind-rocked tree, nine whole nights, with a spear wounded, and to Odin offered, myself to myself; on that tree, of which no one knows from what root it springs.

Veit ek at ek hekk vindga meiði á nætr allar níu geiri undaðr ok gefinn Óðni sjálfr sjálfum mér á þeim meiði er manngi veit hvers hann af rótum renn

Havamal: 138, Loddfáfnismál

Bread no one gave me, nor a horn of drink, downward I peered, to runes applied myself, wailing learnt them, then fell down thence.

Við hleifi mik sældu né við hornigi nýsta ek niðr nam ek upp rúnar œpandi nam fell ek aptr þaðan

Havamal: 139, Loddfáfnismál

Potent songs nine from the famed son I learned of Bölthorn, Bestla’s sire, and a draught obtained of the precious mead, drawn from Odhrærir.

Fimbulljóð níu nam ek af inum frægja syni Bölþórs Bestlu föður ok ek drykk of gat ins dýra mjaðar ausinn Óðreri

Havamal: 140, Rúnatal

Then I began to bear fruit, and to know many things, to grow and well thrive: word by word I sought out words, fact by fact I sought out facts.

Þá nam ek frævask ok fróðr vera ok vaxa ok vel hafask orð mér af orði orðs leitaði verk mér af verki verks leitaði

Havamal: 141, Rúnatal

Runes thou wilt find, and explained characters, very large characters, very potent characters, which the great speaker depicted, and the high powers formed, and the powers’ prince graved:

Rúnar munt þú finna ok ráðna stafi mjök stóra stafi mjök stinna stafi er fáði fimbulþulr ok gørðu ginnregin ok reist Hroptr rögna

Havamal: 142, Rúnatal

Odin among the Æsir, but among the Alfar, Dáin, and Dvalin for the dwarfs, Ásvid for the Jötuns: some I myself graved.

Óðinn með ásum en fyr álfum Dáinn ok Dvalinn dvergum fyrir Ásviðr jötnum fyrir ek reist sjálfr sumar

Havamal: 143, Rúnatal

Knowest thou how to grave them? knowest thou how to expound them? knowest thou how to depict them? knowest thou how to prove them? knowest thou how to pray? knowest thou how to offer? knowest thou how to send? knowest thou how to consume?

Veiztu hvé rísta skal? Veiztu hvé ráða skal? Veiztu hvé fá skal? Veiztu hvé freista skal? Veiztu hvé biðja skal? Veiztu hvé blóta skal? Veiztu hvé senda skal? Veiztu hvé sóa skal?

Havamal: 144, Rúnatal

‘Tis better not to pray than too much offer; a gift ever looks to a return. ‘Tis better not to send than too much consume. So Thund graved before the origin of men, where he ascended, to whence he afterwards came.

Betra er óbeðit en sé ofblótit ey sér til gildis gjöf betra er ósent en sé ofsóit svá Þundr um reist fyr þjóða rök þar hann upp um reis er hann aptr of kom

Havamal: 145, Rúnatal

Those songs I know which the king’s wife knows not nor son of man. Help the first is called, for that will help thee against strifes and cares.

Ljóð ek þau kann er kannat þjóðans kona ok mannskis mögr hjálp heitir eitt en þat þér hjálpa mun við sökum ok sorgum ok sútum görvöllum

Havamal: 146, Rúnatal

For the second I know, what the sons of men require, who will as leeches live.

Þat kann ek annat er þurfu ýta synir þeir er vilja læknar lifa

Havamal: 147, Rúnatal

For the third I know, if I have great need to restrain my foes, the weapons’ edge I deaden: of my adversaries nor arms nor wiles harm aught.

Þat kann ek it þriðja ef mér verðr þörf mikil hapts við mína heiptmögu eggjar ek deyfi minna andskota bítat þeim vápn né velir

Havamal: 148, Ljóðatal

For the forth I know, if men place bonds on my limbs, I so sing that I can walk; the fetter starts from my feet, and the manacle from my hands.

Þat kann ek it fjórða ef mér fyrðar bera bönd at bóglimum svá ek gel at ek ganga má sprettr mér af fótum fjöturr en af höndum hapt

Havamal: 149, Ljóðatal

For the fifth I know, I see a shot from a hostile hand, a shaft flying amid the host, so swift it cannot fly that I cannot arrest it, if only I get sight of it.

Þat kann ek it fimmta ef ek sé af fári skotinn flein í fólki vaða flýgra hann svá stinnt at ek stöðvigak ef ek hann sjónum of sék

Havamal: 150, Ljóðatal

For the sixth I know, if one wounds me with a green tree’s roots; also if a man declares hatred to me, harm shall consume them sooner than me.

Þat kann ek it sétta ef mik særir þegn á rótum rams viðar ok þann hal er mik heipta kveðr þann eta mein heldr en mik

Havamal: 151, Ljóðatal

For the seventh I know, if a lofty house I see blaze o’er its inmates, so furiously it shall not burn that I cannot save it. That song I can sing.

Þat kann ek it sjaunda ef ek sé hávan loga sal um sessmögum brennrat svá breitt at ek honum bjargigak þann kann ek galdr at gala

Havamal: 152, Ljóðatal

For the eighth I know, what to all is useful to learn: where hatred grows among the sons of men - that I can quickly assuage.

Þat kann ek it átta er öllum er nytsamligt at nema hvars hatr vex með hildings sonum þat má ek bœta brátt

Havamal: 153, Ljóðatal

For the ninth I know, if I stand in need my bark on the water to save, I can the wind on the waves allay, and the sea lull.

Þat kann ek it níunda ef mik nauðr um stendr at bjarga fari mínu á floti vind ek kyrri vági á ok svæfik allan sæ

Havamal: 154, Ljóðatal

For the tenth I know, if I see troll-wives sporting in air, I can so operate that they will forsake their own forms, and their own minds.

Þat kann ek it tíunda ef ek sé túnriðir leika lopti á ek svá vinnk at þeir villir fara sinna heimhama sinna heimhuga

Havamal: 155, Ljóðatal

For the eleventh I know, if I have to lead my ancient friends to battle, under their shields I sing, and with power they go safe to the fight, safe from the fight; safe on every side they go.

Þat kann ek it ellipta ef ek skal til orrostu leiða langvini undir randir ek gel en þeir með ríki fara heilir hildar til heilir hildi frá koma þeir heilir hvaðan

Havamal: 156, Ljóðatal

For the twelfth I know, if on a tree I see a corpse swinging from a halter, I can so grave and in runes depict, that the man shall walk, and with me converse.

Þat kann ek it tólpta ef ek sé á tré uppi váfa virgilná svá ek ríst ok í rúnum fák at sá gengr gumi ok mælir við mik

Havamal: 157, Ljóðatal

For the thirteenth I know, if on a young man I sprinkle water, he shall not fall, though he into battle come: that man shall not sink before swords.

Þat kann ek it þrettánda ef ek skal þegn ungan verpa vatni á munat hann falla þótt hann í fólk komi hnígra sá halr fyr hjörum

Havamal: 158, Ljóðatal

For the fourteenth I know, if in the society of men I have to enumerate the gods, Æsir and Alfar, I know the distinctions of all. This few unskilled can do.

Þat kann ek it fjórtánda ef ek skal fyrða liði telja tíva fyrir ása ok álfa ek kann allra skil fár kann ósnotr svá

Havamal: 159, Ljóðatal

For the fifteenth I know what the dwarf Thiodreyrir sang before Delling’s doors. Strength he sang to the Æsir, and to the Alfar prosperity, wisdom to Hroptatýr.

Þat kann ek it fimmtánda er gól Þjóðreyrir dvergr fyr Dellings durum afl gól hann ásum en álfum frama hyggju Hroptatý

Havamal: 160, Ljóðatal

For the sixteenth I know, if a modest maiden’s favour and affection I desire to possess, the soul I change of the white-armed damsel, and wholly turn her mind.

Þat kann ek it sextánda ef ek vil ins svinna mans hafa geð alt ok gaman hugi ek hverfi hvítarmri konu ok sný ek hennar öllum sefa

Havamal: 161, Ljóðatal

For the seventeenth I know, that that young maiden will reluctantly avoid me. These songs, Loddfafnir! thou wilt long have lacked; yet it may be good if thou understandest them, profitable if thou learnest them.

Þat kann ek it sjautjánda at mik mun seint firrask it manunga man ljóða þessa mun þú Loddfáfnir lengi vanr vera þó sé þér góð ef þú getr nýt ef þú nemr þörf ef þú þiggr

Havamal: 162, Ljóðatal

For the eighteenth I know that which I never teach to maid or wife of man, (all is better what one only knows. This is the closing of the songs) save her alone who clasps me in her arms, or is my sister.

Þat kann ek it átjánda er ek æva kennik mey né manns konu alt er betra er einn um kann þat fylgir ljóða lokum nema þeiri einni er mik armi verr eða mín systir sé.

Havamal: 163, Ljóðatal

Now are sung the High-one’s songs, in the High-one’s hall, to the sons of men all-useful, but useless to the Jötun’s sons. Hail to him who has sung them! Hail to him who knows them! May he profit who has learnt them! Hail to hose who have listened to them!

Nú era Háva mál kveðin Háva höllu í allþörf ýta sonum óþörf jötna sonum heill sá er kvað heill sá er kann njóti sá er nam heilir þeirs hlýddu

Havamal: 164, Ljóðatal