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Poetic Edda

Let no man the fate  before him see,
For so is he freest from sorrow.

57. A brand from a brand  is kindled and burned,
And fire from fire begotten;
And man by his speech  is known to men,
And the stupid by their stillness.

58. He must early go forth  who fain the blood
Or the goods of another would get;
The wolf that lies idle  shall win little meat,
Or the sleeping man success.

59. He must early go forth  whose workers are few,
Himself his work to seek;
Much remains undone  for the morning-sleeper,
For the swift is wealth half won.

60. Of seasoned shingles  and strips of bark
For the thatch let one know his need,
And how much of wood  he must have for a month,
Or in half a year he will use.

61.[1] Washed and fed  to the council fare,
But care not too much for thy clothes;
Let none be ashamed  of his shoes and hose,
Less still of the steed he rides.
(Though poor be the horse he has.)


  1. The fifth line is probably a spurious addition.

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