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/143

26. A foolish man
    Thinks he knows everything
    If placed in unexpected difficulty;
    But he knows not
        What to answer
        If to the test he is put.

27. A foolish man,
    Who among people comes,
    Had best be silent;
    For no one knows
    That he knows nothing
    Unless he talks too much.
    He who previously knew nothing
        Will still know nothing,
    Talk he ever so much.

28. He thinks himself wise
    Who can ask questions
    And converse also;
    Conceal his ignorance
    No one can,
        Because it circulates among men.

29. He utters too many
    Futile words
    Who is never silent;
        A garrulous tongue,
    If it be not checked,
        Sings often to its own harm.

30. 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.

31. 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.