THE LAY OF SIGRDRIFA
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 heart-felt 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.
33. This I thee counsel ninthly: that thou corpses bury, wherever on the earth thou fmdest them, whether from sickness they have died, or from the sea, or are from weapons dead.
34. Let a mound be raised for those departed; let their hands and head be washed, combed, and wiped dry, ere in the coffin they are laid: and pray for their happy sleep.
35. This I thee counsel tenthly: that thou never trust a foe's kinsman's promises, whose brother thou hast slain, or sire laid low. there is a wolf in a young son, though he with gold be gladdened.
185
