1
The man who stands at a strange threshold,
Should be cautious before he cross it,
Glance this way and that:
Who knows beforehand what foes may sit
Awaiting him in the hall?

2
Greetings to the host,
The guest has arrived,
In which seat shall he sit?
Rash is he who at unknown doors
Relies on his good luck.

3
Fire is needed by the newcomer
Whose knees are frozen numb;
Meat and clean linen
a man needs
Who has fared across the fells.

4
Water, too, that he may wash before eating,
Handcloth's and a hearty welcome,
Courteous words,
then courteous silence
That he may tell his tale.

5
Who travels widely needs his wits about him,
The stupid should stay at home:
The ignorant man
is often laughed at
When he sits at meat with the sage.

6
Of his knowledge a man should never boast,
Rather be sparing of speech
When to his house a wiser comes:
Seldom do those who are silent make mistakes;
Mother wit Is ever a faithful friend.

7
A guest should be courteous
When he comes to the table
And sit in wary silence,
His ears attentive, his eyes alert:
So he protects himself.

8
Fortunate is he who is favoured
in his lifetime
With praise and words of wisdom:
Evil counsel is often given
By those of evil heart.

9
Blessed is he who in his own lifetime
Is awarded praise and wit,
For ill counsel
is often given
By mortal men to each other.

10
Better gear than good sense
A traveller cannot carry,
Better than riches
for a wretched man,
Far from his own home.