Havamal

He is happy,
who in himself possesses
fame and wit while living;
for bad counsels
have oft been received
from another’s breast.

He is happy,
who for himself obtains
fame and kind words:
less sure is that
which a man must have
in another’s breast.

A way guest
who to refection comes,
keeps a cautious silence,
with his hears listens,
and with his eyes observes:
so explores every prudent man.

Of his understanding
no one should be proud,
but rather in conduct cautious.
When the prudent and taciturn
come to a dwelling,
harm seldom befalls the cautious;
for a firmer friend
no man ever gets
than great sagacity.

-Thorpe

Wit is needful
to him who travels far:
at home all is easy.
A laughing-stock is he
who nothing knows,
and with the instructed sits.

-Thorpe

Water to him is needful
who for refection comes,
a towel and hospitable invitation,
a good reception;
if he can get it,
discourse and answer.

-Thorpe

Fire is needful
to him who is come in,
and whose knees are frozen;
food and raiment
a man requires,
who o’er the fell has traveled.

-Thorpe

Givers, hail!
A guest is come in:
where shall he sit?
In much hast is he,
who on the ways has
to try his luck.

-Thorpe

All door-ways, before going forward,
should be looked to;
for difficult it is to know where foes may sit
within a dwelling.

-Thorpe