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/162

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

      Who sit within,
      Of what race they are who come.

134. 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.

135. 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 loitering among the vile.

136. I counsel thee, Lodfafner,
      To take advice;
      Thou wilt profit, if thou takest it.
      Rail not at a guest,
      Nor from thy gate thrust him;
      Treat well the indigent,
      They will speak well of thee.

137. Strong is the bar
      That must be raised
      To admit all.[1]
      Do thou give a penny,
      Or they will call down on thee
      Every ill on thy limbs.

138. I counsel thee, Lodfafner,
      To take advice;
      Thou will profit, if thou takest it.
      Wherever thou beer drinkest,

  1. The meaning is, it is difficult to show hospitality to everybody. A door
    would have to be strong to stand so much opening and shutting.