Follow broken faith:
Accursed is the faith-breaker.
24. This I thee counsel thirdly:
That in the assembly thou
Contend not with a fool;
For an unwise man
Oft utters words
Worse than he knows of.
25. All is vain,
If thou holdest silence;
Then wilt thou seem a craven born,
Or else truly accused.
Doubtful is a servant's testimony,
Unless a good one thou gettest.
On the next day
Let his life go forth,
And so men's lies reward.
26. This I counsel thee fourthly:
If a wicked sorceress
Dwell by the way,
To go on is better
Than there to lodge,
Though night may overtake thee.
27. Of searching eyes
The sons of men have need,
When fiercely they have to fight:
Oft pernicious women
By the wayside sit,
Who swords and valor deaden.
28. This I thee counsel fifthly:
Although thou see fair women
On the benches sitting,
Let not their kindred's silver[1]
Over thy sleep have power.
To kiss thee entice no woman.
- ↑ Which thou mightest get by marriage.