Page:Norse mythology or, the religion of our forefathers, containing all the myths of the Eddas, systematized and interpreted with an introduction, vocabulary and index.djvu/139

    Where shall he sit?
    In much haste is he,
    Who on his ways has
    To try his luck.

3. Fire is needful
    To him who is come in,
    And whose knees are frozen;
    Food and raiment
    A man requires
    Who o'er the fell has traveled.

4. 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.

5. Wit is needful
    To him who travels far:
    At home all is easy.
    A laughingstock is he
    Who nothing knows,
    And with the instructed sits.^[1]

6. 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.

7. A wary guest
    Who to refection comes
    Keeps a cautious silence;
    With his ears listens,
    And with his eyes observes:
    So explores every prudent man.

1. Beowulf, 1839.