93.  At love should no one ever wonder in another:  a beauteous countenance oft captivates the wise, which captivates not the foolish.

94.  Let no one wonder at another’s folly, it is the lot of many.  All-powerful desire makes of the sons of men fools even of the wise.

95.  The mind only knows what lies near the heart, that alone is conscious of our affections.  No disease is worse to a sensible man than not to be content with himself.

96.  That I experienced, when in the reeds I sat, awaiting my delight.  Body and soul to me was that discreet maiden:  nevertheless I possess her not.

97.  Billing’s lass[22] on her couch I found, sun-bright, sleeping.  A prince’s joy to me seemed naught, if not with that form to live.

98.  “Yet nearer eve must thou, Odin, come, if thou wilt talk the maiden over; all will be disastrous, unless we alone are privy to such misdeed.”

99.  I returned, thinking to love, at her wise desire.  I thought I should obtain her whole heart and love.

100.  When next I came the bold warriors were all awake, with lights burning, and bearing torches:  thus was the way to pleasure closed.

101.  But at the approach of morn, when 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!