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/169

    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.

1. Which thou mightest get by marriage.