thus frod faeder freobearn laerde,

Thus a wise father taught his freeborn son, a prudent man, old in excellence, with steadfast words of wisdom, so that he might thrive: "Do always what is worthy, your deeds will serve you well; God will be for you always a lord and help in every good, a foe to the other, the worker of worse things. Hope for the better, perform this with courage always while you live. Father and mother freely love with your heart, every kinsman, if the Creator holds them in love. Be to your elders always honorable, fair in your speech, and in your spirit let your teachers be dear within your mind, those who most eagerly strengthen you toward good."

Again the wise father addressed his son a second time: "Hold to this with courage! Commit no transgression, nor ever for your friend, nor allow evil for a kinsman, lest the Creator accuse you of being party to wickedness. He will repay you with punishment, and likewise the other with blessings."

A third time the man of wise thought, from his heart's deep counsel taught his child: "Never consort with the wicked, for your whole life long, nor with any evil ones, but take for yourself one to speak with always of stories and of lore, a prudent man. Let the world be as it may."

A fourth time the father then taught his beloved son, that he should remember this: "Betray not a close friend, but always hold to him with rightful courtesies. Perform this with courage, that you never become deceitful to your friend."

A fifth time the father again began from his heart's thoughts to teach his child: "Guard yourself from drunkenness and from foolish words, from evil in your mind and from lies in your mouth, from anger and envy and the love of a woman. For the shamed in spirit must often wander, he who gives himself to a woman's love, to a strange maiden. There is always risk of sin, of loathsome shame, long strife against God, and hollow boasting. Be you always wise in your speech, wary of desire, a guardian of your words."

A sixth time the beloved father again began with a clear mind to teach his child: "Understand keenly what is good and what is evil, and distinguish always with a sharp mind in your spirit, and for yourself choose the better. The choice will be yours; if your mind is sound, wisdom dwells within, and you will know well the nature of evil— hold yourself from it with courage, and cherish always the good within your soul."

A seventh time his son was taught, the father, a wise man, said much to the youth: "Seldom a prudent man rejoices without care, just as a fool seldom grieves in his mirth about his future fate, unless he fears a feud. A steadfast hero must be wary with his words, thinking in his heart, not loud with clamor."

An eighth time the old father began to admonish his son with gentle words: "Learn the lore that is fitting to learn, train yourself in wisdom, have the Creator of hosts as your hope, and the memory of saints, and always have truth for your triumph, when you speak of anything."

A ninth time the aged man spoke, the old sage said much to his heir: "Few are the folk now who wish to hold fast to the ancient lore, for their spirit decays, their courage cools, and their discipline fades; they have no regard for it, though they commit wickedness against the Creator's command. Many shall pay for this with torment of the soul. But let your spirit hold forth the ancient lore and the judgments of the Lord, which here in every tribe men now allow to slip away more swiftly than is right for them."

A tenth time, full of bitter sorrow, the old man again began to teach his heir: "He uses wisdom who for his soul's sake guards himself from the stain of wicked words and deeds, always in his spirit, and who practices truth; for him every gift is increased by God, and he is mighty in power when he flees from evil. Never let anger gain power over you, high in your breast, nor let the ground of sword-words be defiled by its surging heat, but a stout heart guards against that. A steadfast hero must be prudent and moderate, wise in his mind, shrewd in his thoughts, and eager for wisdom, so that among men he may attain bliss. Be not too quick to blame, nor of two-tongued speech, nor in your mind hold any man in contempt, but be loving, and light in your thoughts, bear an open heart. So you, my child, remember your wise father's lore, and guard yourself always against sin."