16.  On the bear’s paw, and on Bragi’s tongue, on the wolf’s claws, and the eagle’s beak, on bloody wings, and on the bridge’s end, on the releasing hand, and on healing’s track.

17.  On glass and on gold, on amulets of men, in wine and in wort, and in the welcome seat, on Gungnir’s point, and on Grani’s breast, on the Norn’s nail, and the owl’s neb.

18.  All were erased that were inscribed, and mingled with the sacred mead, and sent on distant ways:  they are with the AEsir, they are with the Alfar, some with the wise Vanir, some human beings have.

19.  Those are bok-runes,[71] those are biarg-runes, and all ol-(beer-) runes, and precious megin- (power-) runes, for those who can, without confusion or corruption, turn them to his welfare.  Use, if thou hast understood them, until the powers perish.

20.  Now thou shalt choose, since a choice is offered thee, keen armed warrior! my speech, or silence:  think over it in thy mind.  All evils[72] have their measure.

Sigurd.

21.  I will not flee, though thou shouldst know me doomed.  I am not born a craven.  Thy friendly counsels all I will receive, as long as life is in me.

Sigrdrifa.

22.  This I thee counsel first:  that towards thy kin thou bear thee blameless.  Take not hasty vengeance, although they raise up strife:  that, it is said, benefits the dead.

23.  This I thee counsel secondly:  that no oath thou swear, if it be not true.  Cruel bonds 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 dwells 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 way-side sit, who swords and valour deaden.

28.  This I thee counsel fifthly:  although thou see fair women on the benches sitting, let not their kindred’s silver over thy sleep have power.  To kiss thee entice no woman.

29.  This I thee counsel sixthly:  although among men pass offensive tipsy talk, never while drunken quarrel with men of war:  wine steals the wits of many.

30.  Brawls and drink to many men have been a heartfelt sorrow; to some their death, to some calamity:  many are the griefs of men!

31.  This I thee counsel seventhly:  if thou hast disputes with a daring man, better it is for men to fight than to be burnt within their dwelling.

32.  This I thee counsel eighthly:  that thou guard thee against evil, and eschew deceit.  Entice no maiden, nor wife of man, nor to wantonness incite.