"Fé ok fjörvi

rænti fyrða kind

sá hinn grimmi Greppr;

yfir þá vegu,

er hann varðaði,

náði engi kvikr komask."

Of life and property a fierce freebooter despoiled mankind; over the ways beset by him might no one living pass.

"Einn hann át

oft harðla,

aldri bauð hann manni til matar,

áðr enn móðr

ok meginlítill

Gestr af götu kom."

Alone he ate most frequently, no one invited he to his repast; until weary, and with failing strength, a wandering guest came from the way.

"Drykks of þurfi

lézk inn dæsti maðr

ok vanmettr vera;

hræddu hjarta

hann lézk trúa,

þeim er áðr hafði vályndr verit."

In need of drink that way-worn man, and hungry feigned to be: with trembling heart he seemed to trust him who had been so evil-minded.

"Mat ok drykk

veitti hann þeim, er móðr var,

allt af heilum hug;

guðs hann gáði,

góðu honum beindi,

því hann hugðisk váligr vera."

Meat and drink to the weary one he gave, all with upright heart; on God he thought, the traveller's wants supplied; for he felt he was an evil-doer.

"Upp hinn stóð,

illt hann hugði,

eigi var þarfsamliga þegit;

synð hans svall,

sofanda myrði

fróðan, fjölvaran."

Up stood the guest, he evil meditated, he had not been kindly treated; his sin within him swelled, he while sleeping murdered his wary cautious host.

"Himna guð

bað hann hjálpa sér,

þá hann veginn vaknaði;

en sá gat

við synðum taka,

er hann hafði saklausan svikit."

The God of heaven he prayed for help, when being struck he woke; but he was doomed the sins of him on himself to take, whom sackless he had slain.

"Helgir englar

kómu ór himnum ofan

ok tóku sál hans til sín;

í hreinu lífi

hon skal lifa

æ með almáttkum guði.

*********"

Holy angels came from heaven above, and took to them his soul: in a life of purity it shall ever live with the almighty God.

*********

"Auð né heilsu

ræðr engi maðr,

þótt honum gangi greitt;

margan þat sækir

er minnst of varir,

engi ræðr sættum sjálfr."

Riches and health no one may command, though all go smoothly with him. To many that befalls which they least expect. No one may command his tranquil

"Ekki þeir hugðu

Unnarr ok Sævaldi,

at þeim myndi heill hrapa;

nakðir þeir urðu

ok næmðir hvívetna,

ok runnu sem vargar til viðar.

*********"

Unnar and Saevaldi never imagined that happiness would fall from them, yet naked they became, and of all bereft, and, like wolves, ran to the forest.

*********

"Munaðar ríki

hefir margan tregat,

oft verðr kvalræði af konum;

meingar þær urðu,

þó inn máttki guð

skapaði skírliga."

The force of pleasure has many a one bewailed. Cares are often caused by women; pernicious they become, although the mighty God them pure created.

"Sáttir þeir váru

Sváfaðr ok Skartheðinn,

hvárrgi mátti annars án vera,

fyrr enn þeir æddusk

fyr einni konu:

hon var þeim til lýta lagin."

United were Svafud and Skarthedin, neither might without the other be, until to frenzy they were driven for a woman: she was destined for their perdition.

"Hvárskis þeir gáðu

fyr þá hvítu mey,

leiks né ljóss daga;

engan hlut

máttu þeir annan muna

en þat ljósa lík."

On account of that fair maid, neither of them cared for games or joyous days; no other thing could they in memory bear than that bright form.

"Daprar þeim urðu

inar dimmu nætr,

engan máttu þeir sætan sofa;

en af þeim harmi

rann heift saman

millum virkðavina."

Sad to them were the gloomy nights, no sweet sleep might they enjoy: but from that anguish rose hate intense between the faithful friends.

"Fádæmi verða

í flestum stöðum

goldin grimmliga;

á hólm þeir gengu

fyr it horska víf

ok fengu báðir bana.

*********"

Hostile deeds are in most places fiercely avenged. To the holm they went, for that fair woman, and each one found his death.

*********

"Ofmetnað drýgja

skyldi engi maðr,

þat hefik sannliga sét,

því at þeir hverfa,

er honum fylgja,

flestir guði frá."

Arrogance should no one entertain: I indeed have seen that those who follow her, for the most part, turn from God.

"Rík þau váru

Ráðný ok Véboði

ok hugðusk gott eitt gera;

nú þau sitja

ok sárum snúa

ýmsum elda til."

Rich were both, Radey and Vebogi, and thought only of their well-being; now they sit and turn their sores to various hearths.

"Á sik þau trúðu

ok þóttusk ein vera

allri þjóð yfir;

en þó leizk

þeira hagr

annan veg almáttkum guði."

They in themselves confided, and thought thenv selves alone to be above all people; but their lot Almighty God was pleased otherwise to appoint.

"Munað þau drýgðu

á marga vegu

ok höfðu gull fyr gaman;

nú er þeim goldit,

er þau ganga skulu

milli frosts ok funa.

*********"

A life of luxury they led, in many ways, and had gold for sport. Now they are requited, so that they must walk between frost and fire.

*********

"Óvinum þínum

trúðu aldregi,

þó þér fagrt mæli fyrir;

góðu þú heit,

gott er annars

víti hafa at varnaði."

To thy enemies trust thou never, although they speak thee fair: promise them good: 'tis good to have another's injury as a warning.

"Svá honum gafsk

Sörla inum góðráða,

þá er hann lagði á Vígúlfs vald;

tryggliga hann trúði,

— en hinn at tálum varð, —

sínum bróðurbana."

So it befell Sorli the upright, when he placed himself in Vigolf's power; he confidently trusted him, his brother's murderer, but he proved false.

"Grið hann þeim seldi

af góðum hug,

en þeir hétu honum gulli í gegn;

sáttir létusk,

meðan saman drukku,

en þó kómu flærðir fram."

Peace to them he granted, with heart sincere; they in return promised him gold, feigned themselves friends, while they together drank; but then came forth their guile.

"En þá eftir

á öðrum degi,

er þeir höfðu í Rýgjardal riðit,

sverðum þeir meiddu,

þann er saklauss var

ok létu hans fjörvi farit."

Then afterwards, on the second day, when they in Rygiardal rode, they with swords wounded him who sackless was, and let his life go forth.

"Lík hans þeir drógu

á leynigötu

ok brytjuðu í brunn niðr;

dylja þeir vildu,

en dróttinn sá

heilagr himnum af."

His corpse they dragged (on a lonely way, and cut up piecemeal) into a well, and would it hide; but the holy Lord beheld from heaven.

"Sál hans bað

inn sanni guð

í sinn fögnuð fara;

en sökudólgar

hygg ek síðla muni

kallaðir frá kvölum."

His soul summoned home the true God into his joy to come; but the evil doers will, I wean, late be from torments called.

"Dísir bið þú þér

dróttins mála

vera hollar í hugum;

viku eftir

mun þér vilja þíns

alt at óskum ganga."

Do thou pray the Disir of the Lord's words to be kind to thee in spirit: for a week after, all shall then go happily, according to thy will.

"Reiðiverk,

þau er þú unnit hefr,

bæt þú eigi illu yfir;

grættan gæla

skaltu með góðum hlutum,

þat kveða sálu sama."

For a deed of ire that thou hast perpetrated, never atone with evil: the weeping thou shalt soothe with benefits: that is salutary to the soul.

"Á guð skal heita

til góðra hluta,

þann er hefir skatna skapat;

mjök fyrir verðr

manna hverr,

er seinar finna föður."

On God a man shall for good things call, on him who has mankind created. Greatly sinful is every man who late finds the Father.

"Æsta dugir

einkum vandliga

þess er þykkir vant vera;

alls á mis verðr,

sá er einskis biðr;

fár hyggr þegjanda þörf."

To be solicited, we opine, is with all earnestness for that which is lacking: of all things may be destitute he who for nothing asks: few heed the wants of the silent.

"Síðla ek kom,

snemma kallaðr,

til dómvalds dyra;

þangat ek ætlumk,

því mér heitit var:

sá hefir krás, er krefr."

Late I came, though called betimes, to the supreme Judge's door; thitherward I yearn; for it was promised me, he who craves it shall of the feast partake.

"Syndir því valda,

at vér hryggvir förum

ægisheimi ór;

engi óttask,

nema illt geri;

gott er vammalausum vera."

Sins are the cause that sorrowing we depart from this world: no one stands in dread, if he does no evil: good it is to be blameless.

"Úlfum glíkir

þykkja allir þeir,

sem eiga hverfan hug;

svá mun gefask,

þeim er ganga skal

þær inar glæddu götur."

Like unto wolves all those seem who have a faithless mind: so he will prove who has to go through ways strewed with gleeds.

"Vinsamlig ráð

ok viti bundin

kenni ek þér sjau saman;

görla þau mun

ok glata aldregi,

öll eru þau nýt at nema."

Friendly counsels, and wisely composed, seven I have imparted to thee: consider thou them well, and forget them never: they are all useful to learn.

"Frá því er at segja,

hvé sæll ek var

ynðisheimi í,

ok hinu öðru,

hvé ýta synir

verða nauðgir at náum."

Of that I will speak, how happy I was in the world, and secondly, how the sons of men reluctantly become corpses.

"Vil ok dul

tælir virða sonu,

þá er fíkjask á fé;

ljósir aurar

verða at löngum trega;

margan hefir auðr apat."

Pleasure and pride deceive the sons of men who after money crave; shining riches at last become a sorrow : many have riches driven to madness.

"Glaðr at mörgu

þótta ek gumnum vera,

því at ek vissa fátt fyrir;

dvalarheim

hefr dróttinn skapat

munafullan mjök."

Steeped in joys I seemed to men; for little did I see before me: our worldly sojourn has the Lord created in delights abounding.

"Lútr ek sat,

lengi ek hölluðumk,

mjök var ek þá lystr at lifa;

en sá réð,

sem ríkr var;

frammi eru feigs götur."

Bowed down I sat, long I tottered, of life was most desirous; but He prevailed who was all-powerful: onward are the ways of the doomed.

"Heljar reip

kómu harðliga

sveigð at síðum mér;

slíta ek vilda,

en þau seig váru;

létt er lauss at fara."

The cords of Hel were tightly bound round my sides; I would rend them, but they were strong. Tis easy free to go.

"Einn ek vissa,

hvé alla vega

sullu sútir mér;

Heljar meyar

er mér hrolla buðu

heim á hverju kveldi."

I alone knew, how on all sides my pains increased. The maids of Hel each eve with horror bade me to their home.

"Sól ek sá,

sanna dagstjörnu,

drúpa dynheimum í;

en Heljar grind

heyrðak ek á annan veg

þjóta þungliga."

The sun I saw, true star of day, sink in its roaring home; but Hel's grated doors on the other side I heard heavily creaking.

"Sól ek sá

setta dreyrstöfum;

mjök var ek þá ór heimi hallr;

máttug hon leizk

á marga vegu

frá því sem fyrri var."

The sun I saw with blood-red beams beset: (fast was I then from this world declining) mightier she appeared, in many ways, than she was before.

"Sól ek sá,

svá þótti mér,

sem ek sæja göfgan guð;

henni ek laut

hinzta sinni

aldaheimi í."

The sun I saw, and it seemed to me as if I saw a glorious god: I bowed before her, for the last time, in the world of men.

"Sól ek sá,

svá hon geislaði,

at ek þóttumk vættki vita;

en gylfar straumar

grenjuðu annan veg,

blandnir mjök við blóð."

The sun I saw: she beamed forth so that I seemed nothing to know; but Gioll's streams roared from the other side mingled much with blood.

"Sól ek sá

á sjónum skjálfandi,

hræðslufullr ok hnipinn;

því at hjarta mitt

var harðla mjök

runnit sundr í sega."

The sun I saw, with quivering eyes, appalled and shrinking; for my heart in great measure was dissolved in languor.

"Sól ek sá

sjaldan hryggvari;

mjök var ek þá ór heimi hallr;

tunga mín

var til trés metin,

ok kólnat at fyrir utan."

The sun I saw seldom sadder; I had then almost from the world declined: my tongue was as wood become, and all was cold without me.

"Sól ek sá

síðan aldregi

eftir þann dapra dag,

því at fjalla vötn

lukðusk fyrir mér saman,

en ek hvarf kallaðr frá kvölum."

The sun I saw never after, since that gloomy day; for the mountain-waters closed over me, and I went called from torments.

"Vánarstjarna flaug

— þá var ek fæddr, —

brott frá brjósti mér;

hátt-at hon fló,

hvergi settisk,

svá at hon mætti hvíld hafa.

*********"

The star of hope, when I was born, fled from my breast away; high it flew, settled nowhere, so that it might find rest.

*********

"Öllum lengri

var sú in eina nótt,

er ek lá stirðr á stráum;

þá merkir þat,

er guð mælti,

at maðr er moldu samr."

Longer than all was that one night, when stiff on my straw I lay; then becomes manifest the divine word: "Man is the same as earth."

"Virði þat ok viti

in virki guð,

sá er skóp hauðr ok himin;

hversu munaðarlausir

margir fara,

þótt við skylda skili."

The Creator God can it estimate and know, (He who made heaven and earth) how forsaken many go hence, although from kindred parted.

"Sinna verka

nýtr seggja hverr;

sæll er sá, sem gott gerir;

auði frá

er mér ætluð var

sandi orpin sæng.

*********"

Of his works each has the reward: happy is he who does good. Of my wealth bereft, to me was destined a bed strewed with sand.

*********

"Hörundar hungr

tælir hölða oft,

hann hefir margr til mikinn;

lauga vatn

er mér leiðast var

eitt allra hluta."

Bodily desires men oftentimes seduce, of them has many a one too much: water of baths was of all things to me most loathsome.

"Á norna stóli

sat ek níu daga,

þaðan var ek á hest hafinn;

gýgjar sólir

skinu grimmliga

ór skýdrúpnis skýjum."

In the Norns seat nine days I sat, thence I was mounted on a horse: there the giantess's sun shone grimly through the dripping clouds of heaven.

"Utan ok innan

þóttumk ek alla fara

sigrheima sjau;

upp ok niðr

leitaða ek æðra vegar,

hvar mér væri greiðastar götur.

*********"

Without and within, I seemed to traverse all the seven nether worlds: up and down, I sought an easier way, where I might have the readiest paths.

*********

"Frá því er at segja,

hvat ek fyrst of sá,

þá er ek var í kvölheima kominn:

sviðnir fuglar,

er sálir váru,

flugu svá margir sem mý."

Of that is to be told, which I first saw, when I to the worlds of torment came: scorched birds, which were souls, flew numerous as flies.

"Vestan sá ek

fljúga Vánar dreka,

ok fell á glævalds götu;

vængi þeir skóku,

svá víða þótti mér

springa hauðr ok himinn."

From the west I saw Von's dragons fly, and Glaeval's paths obscure: their wings they shook; wide around me seemed the earth and heaven to burst.

"Sólar hjört

leit ek sunnan fara,

hann teymðu tveir saman;

fætr hans

stóðu foldu á,

en tóku horn til himins."

The sun's hart I saw from the south coming, he was by two together led: his feet stood on the earth, but his horns reached up to heaven.

"Norðan sá ek

ríða niðja sonu,

ok váru sjau saman;

hornum fullum

drukku þeir inn hreina mjöð

ór brunni Baugregins."

From the north riding I saw the sons of Nidi, they were seven in all: from full horns, the pure mead they drank from the heaven-god's well.

"Vindr þagði,

vötn stöðvaði,

þá heyrða ek grimmligan gný;

sínum mönnum

svipvísar konur

mólu mold til matar."

The wind was silent, the waters stopped their course; then I heard a doleful sound: for their husbands false-faced women ground earth for food.

"Dreyra steina

þær inar dökku konur

drógu daprliga;

blóðug hjörtu

hengu þeim fyrir brjóst utan,

mædd við miklum trega."

Gory stones those dark women turned sorrowfully; bleeding hearts hung out of their breasts, faint with much affliction.

"Margan mann

sá ek meiddan fara

á þeim glæddu götum;

andlit þeira

sýndusk mér öll vera

rýgjar blóði roðin."

Many a man I saw wounded go on those gleed- strewed paths; their faces seemed to me all reddened with reeking blood.

"Marga menn

sá ek moldar gengna,

þá er eigi máttu þjónustu ná;

heiðnar stjörnur

stóðu yfir höfði þeim

fáðar feiknstöfum."

Many men I saw to earth gone down, who holy service might not have; heathen stars stood above their heads, painted with deadly characters.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er mjök ala

öfund um annars hagi;

blóðgar rúnar

váru á brjósti þeim

merkðar meinliga."

I saw those men who much envy harbour at another's fortune; bloody runes were on their breasts graved painfully.

"Menn sá ek þar

marga ófegna,

þeir váru villir vega;

þat kaupir sá,

er þessa heims

apask at óheillum."

I there saw men many not joyful; they were all wandering wild: this he earns, who by this world's vices is infatuated.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er mörgum hlutum

véltu um annars eign;

flokkum þeir fóru

til Fégjarnsborgar

ok höfðu byrðar af blýi."

I saw those men who had in various ways acquired other's property: in shoals they went to Castle- covetous, and burthens bore of lead.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er margan höfðu

fé ok fjörvi rænt;

brjóst í gegnum

renndu brögnum þeim

öflgir eitrdrekar."

I saw those men who many had of life and property bereft: through the breasts of those men passed strong venomous serpents.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er minnst vildu

halda helga daga;

hendr þeira

váru á heitum steinum

negldar nauðliga."

I saw those men who the holy days would not observe: their hands were on hot stones firmly nailed.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er af mikillæti

virðusk vánum framar;

klæði þeira

váru kynliga

eldi um slegin."

I saw those men who from pride valued themselves too highly; their garments ludicrously were in fire enveloped.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er margt höfðu

orð á annan logit;

heljar hrafnar

ór höfði þeim

harðliga sjónir slitu."

I saw those men who had many false words of others uttered: Hel's ravens from their heads their eyes miserably tore.

"Allar ógnir

fær þú eigi vitat,

þær sem helgengnir hafa;

sætar syndir

verða at sárum bótum;

æ koma mein eftir munuð.

*********"

All the horrors thou wilt not get to know which Hel's inmates suffer. Pleasant sins end in painful penalties : pains ever follow pleasure.

*********

"Menn sá ek þá,

er margt höfðu

gefit at guðs lögum;

hreinir kyndlar

váru yfir höfði þeim

brenndir bjartliga."

I saw those men who had much given for God's laws; pure lights were above their heads brightly burning.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er af miklum hug

veittu fátækum frama;

lásu englar bækr

ok ymna skrift

helgar yfir höfði þeim."

I saw those men who from exalted mind helped the poor to aid: angels read holy books above their heads.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er mjök höfðu

hungri farit hörund;

englar guðs

lutu öllum þeim;

þat er æðsta unað."

I saw those men who with much fasting had their bodies wasted: God's angels bowed before them: that is the highest joy.

"Menn sá ek þá,

er móður höfðu

látit mat í munn;

hvílur þeira

váru á himingeislum

hafðar hagliga."

I saw those men who had put food into their mothers mouth: their couches were on the rays of heaven pleasantly placed.

"Helgar meyjar

höfðu hreinliga

sál af syndum þvegit

manna þeira,

er á mörgum degi

pína sjálfa sik."

Holy virgins had cleanly washed the souls from sin of tfibse men, who for a long time had themselves tormented.

"Hávar reiðir

sá ek með himnum fara,

þær eiga götur til guðs;

menn þeim stýra,

er myrðir eru

alls fyrir engar sakir."

Lofty cars I saw towards heaven going; they were on the way to God: men guided them who had been murdered wholly without crime.

"Inn máttki faðir!

Inn mæzti sonr!

Heilagr andi himins!

Þik bið ek skilja,

er skapat hefr,

oss alla eymðum frá."

Almighty Father! greatest Son! holy Spirit of heaven! Thee I pray, who hast us all created; free us all from miseries.

"Hringvör ok Listvör

sitja í Herðis dyrum

organs stóli á;

járn dreyri

fellr ór nösum þeim,

sá vekr fjón með fyrðum."

Biugvor and Listvor sit at Herdir's doors, on resounding seat; iron gore falls from their nostrils, which kindles hate among men.

"Óðins kván

rær á jarðar skipi,

móðug á munað;

seglum hennar

verðr síð hlaðit,

þeim er á þráreipum þruma."

Odin's wife rows in earth's ship, eager after pleasures; her sails are reefed late, which on the ropes of desire are hung.

"Arfi, faðir

einn þér ráðit hefi

ok þeir Sólkötlu synir

hjartar horn,

þat er ór haugi bar

inn vitri Vígdvalinn."

Son! I thy father and Solkatla's sons have alone obtained for thee that horn of hart, which from the grave-mound bore the wise Vigdvalin.

"Hér eru rúnar,

sem ristit hafa

Njarðar dætr níu:

Böðveig hin elzta

ok Kreppvör hin yngsta

ok þeira systr sjau."

Here are runes which have engraven Niord's daughters nine, Radvor the eldest, and the youngest Kreppvor, and their seven sisters.

"Bölvi hverju

þeir bellt hafa

Sváfr ok Sváfrlogi;

blóð þeir vökðu

ok benjar sugu

illum ey vana."

How much violence have they perpetrated Svaf and Svaflogi! bloodshed they have excited, and wounds have sucked, after an evil custom.

"Kvæði þetta,

er þér kennt hefik,

skaltu fyrir kvikum kveða:

Sólarljóð,

er sýnask munu

minnst at mörgu login."

This lay, which I have taught thee, thou shalt before the living sing, the Sun-Song, which will appear in many parts no fiction.

"Hér vit skiljumk,

ok hittask munum

á feginsdegi fira;

dróttinn minn

gefi dauðum ró,

en hinum líkn, er lifa."

Here we part, but again shall meet on the day of men's rejoicing. Oh Lord! unto the dead grant peace, and to the living comfort.

Wondrous lore has in dream to thee been sung, but thou hast seen the truth: no man has been so wise created that has before heard the Sun-song.