hen again I came, the household
all was sleeping; the good damsel's dog alone I found tied to the bed.

102. Many a fair maiden, when rightly known, towards men is fickle:
that I experienced, when that discreet maiden I strove to seduce:
contumely of every kind that wily girl heaped upon me; nor of that
damsel gained I aught.

103. At home let a man be cheerful, and towards a guest liberal; of
wise conduct he should be, of good memory and ready speech; if much
knowledge he desires, he must often talk on good.

104. Fimbulfambi he is called who' little has to say: such is the
nature of the simple.

105. The old Jotun I sought; now I am come back: little got I there
by silence; in many words I spoke to my advantage in Suttung's halls.

106. Gunnlod gave me, on her golden seat, a draught of the precious
mead; a bad recompense I afterwards made her, for her whole soul, her
fervent love.

107. Rati's mouth I caused to make a space, and to gnaw the rock;
over and under me were the Jotun's ways: thus I my head did peril.

108. Of a well-assumed form I made good use: few things fail the
wise; for Odhraerir is now come up to men's earthly dwellings.

109. 'Tis to me doubtful that I could have come from the Jotun's
courts, had not Gunnlod aided me, that good damsel, over whom I laid
my arm.

110. On the day following came the Hrimthursar, to learn something
of the High One, in the High One's hall: after Bolverk they inquired,
whether he with the gods were come, or Suttung had destroyed him?

111. Odin, I believe, a ring-oath[23] gave. Who in his faith will
trust? Suttung defrauded, of his drink bereft, and Gunnlod made to
weep!

112. Time 'tis to discourse from the preacher's chair. By the well
of Urd I silent sat, I saw and meditated, I listened to men's words.

113. Of runes I heard discourse, and of things divine, nor of
graving them were they silent, nor of sage counsels, at the High One's
hall. In the High One's hall. I thus heard say:

114. I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice: thou wilt profit if
thou takest it. Rise not at night, unless to explore, or art compelled
to go out.

115. I counsel thee, Loddfafnir, to take advice, thou wilt profit if
thou takest it. In an enchantress's embrace thou mayest not sleep, so
that in her arms she clasp thee.

116. She will be the cause that thou carest not for Thing or
prince's words; food thou wilt shun and human joys; sorrowful wilt
thou go to sleep.

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