CHAPTER XXIV. 



THE CONDUCT OF LIFE THE HAVAMAL. 



Eules of life The duty of hospitality Folly of boasting The wise man 

 keeps his eyes and ears open Wits are better than wealth Drink 



destroys reason -The duty of cheerfulness and bravery Over-eatino- We 



should not worry All who smile on a man are not his friends -The value 

 of silence A guest should not outstay his welcome The value of a home 



however humble No man should be the friend of his foe's friend Every 



man has two sides to his character Man's happiness Wealth is the 

 most unstable of friends The fickleness of woman All is fair in love- 

 Do not neglect your friends No man is without his faults Proverbs 

 and wise savings. 



To all great popular leaders and lawgivers are often 

 attributed the dogmas and words of wisdom which form part 

 of their creed. It is not therefore surprising to find the great 

 Norse code of morality, known under the name of Havamal, 1 

 attributed to Odin ; Havamal meaning the " Song of the Hio-li.' 



Water is needed 



By the one who comes to the meal, 



A towel and a hearty welcome, 



Good-will 



If he can get it, 



Talk and answer. 



All door-ways 



Before one goes forth 



Should be looked over, 



Should be searched out, 



For 'tis hard to know 



Where foes sit 



On the benches before one. 



Hail my host ! 2 

 A guest has come in ; 

 Where shall he sit? 

 In hot haste is he 

 Who has to try his luck 

 On snow-shoes. 



Fire is needed 



By him who has come in 



And is benumbed in his knees ; 



Food and clothes 



Are needed by one 



Who has travelled over the mountain. 



Wisdom is wanted 

 By him who travels widely ; 

 Anything is easy at home ; 3 

 He who nothing knows 

 And sits among the wise 

 Becomes a gazing-stock. 



A man with a thinking mind 



Should not boast, 



But rather be heedful in his mood. 



When a wise and silent man 



Comes to a homestead 



The wary man seldom makes a slip, 



For a more faithful friend 



1 Hava = of the high, namely Odin; 

 mill = song. 



VOL. II. 



- Giver in the text = host. 



3 Meaning: anything will do at home. 



2 D 



