Henry Adams Bellows · stanza 56
1923A measure of wisdom each man shall have,But never too much let him know;Let no man the fate before him see,For so is he freest from sorrow.3 translations are aligned to this passage.
A measure of wisdom each man shall have,But never too much let him know;Let no man the fate before him see,For so is he freest from sorrow.Moderately wiseshould each one be,but never over-wise.His destiny let knowno man beforehand;his mind will be freest from care.Wise in measure should each man be,but ne’er let him wax too wise:who looks not forward to learn his fateunburdened heart will bear.Hávamál, translated by Henry Adams Bellows, in The Poetic Edda (1923). Public-domain transcription sourced from Project Gutenberg ebook 73533.
Within the gates ere a man shall go, (Full warily let him watch,) Full long let him look about him; For little he knows where a foe may lur…
Read passage →A man shall not boast of his keenness of mind, But keep it close in his breast; To the silent and wise does ill come seldom When he goes as…
Read passage →The knowing guest who goes to the feast, In silent attention sits; With his ears he hears, with his eyes he watches, Thus wary are wise men…
Read passage →Less good there lies than most believe In ale for mortal men; For the more he drinks the less does man Of his mind the mastery hold.
Read passage →Only you can see these notes.
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