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Hovamol

62.[1] When the eagle comes  to the ancient sea,
He snaps and hangs his head;
So is a man  in the midst of a throng,
Who few to speak for him finds.

63. To question and answer  must all be ready
Who wish to be known as wise;
Tell one thy thoughts,  but beware of two,—
All know what is known to three.

64. The man who is prudent  a measured use
Of the might he has will make;
He finds when among  the brave he fares
That the boldest he may not be.

65.[2] ................
...............
Oft for the words  that to others one speaks
He will get but an evil gift.

66. Too early to many  a meeting I came,
And some too late have I sought;
The beer was all drunk,  or not yet brewed;
Little the loathed man finds.


  1. This stanza follows stanza 63 in the manuscript, but there are marks therein indicating the transposition.
  2. The manuscript indicates no lacuna (lines 1 and 2). Many editors have filled out the stanza with two lines from late paper manuscripts, the passage running:
    "A man must be watchful  and wary as well,
    And fearful of trusting a friend."

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