Decided to post an edited version of a rather obscure and little known Eddaic-like Poem. The original version is a mesh of Christian and pagan themes but I have made a version replacing all direct mentions of Christianity with Heathen references. The themes are still Christian however, especially heaven and Hell, so dont take it literally
related to this thread >>5081
1. Of life and property
a fierce freebooter
despoiled mankind;
over the ways
beset by him
might no one living pass.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Meat and drink
to the weary one he gave,
all with upright heart;
on gods he thought,
the traveller's wants supplied;
for he felt he was an evil_doer.
5. 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.
6. The Lord of Spears
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.
7. White-armed Valkyries came
from heaven above,
and took to them his soul:
in a life of purity
it shall ever live
with the Lord of the Slain.
*********
8. 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 tranquility.
9. Unnar and Sævaldi
never imagined
that happiness would fall on them,
yet naked they became,
and of all bereft,
and, like wolves, ran to the forest.
*******
10. The force of pleasure
has many a one bewailed.
Cares are often caused by women;
pernicious they become,
although Villi, Ve and Odin
them pure created.
11. 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.
12. On account of that fair maid,
neither of them cared
for games or joyous days;
no other thing
could they in memory bear
then that bright form.
13. Sad to them were
the gloomy nights,
no sweet sleep might they enjoy:
but from that anguish
rose hate intense
between the faithful friends.
14. Hostile deeds
are in most places
fiercely avenged.
To the holm they went,
for that fair woman,
and each one found his death.
*******
15. Arrogance should no one entertain:
I indeed have seen
that those who follow her,
for the most part,
turn from honor.
16. Rich were both,
Radey and Vebogi,
and thought only of their well_being;
now they sit
and turn their sores
to various hearths.
17. They in themselves confided,
and though themselves alone to be
above all people;
but their lot
Wise Grey Beard was pleased
otherwise to appoint.
18. A life of luxury they led,
in may ways,
and had gold for sport.
Now they are requited,
so that they must walk
between frost and fire.
*********
19. To thy enemies
trust thou never,
although they speak thee fair:
promise them good:
'tis good to have another's injury
as a warning.
20. So it befell
Sörli the upright,
when he placed himself in Vigolf's power;
he confidently trusted him,
his brother's murderer,
but he proved false.
21. 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.
22. Then afterwards,
on the second day,
when they in Rýgiardal rode,
they with swords wounded him
who sackless was,
and let his life go forth.
23. His corpse they dragged
(on a lonely way,
and cut up piecemeal) into a well,
and would it hide;
but the Hanged God
beheld from Hlidskalf.
24. His soul summoned home
the Lord of Prisoners
into his joy to come;
but the evil doers
will, I ween, late
be from torments called.
II.
25. Do thou pray the Disir
of the ancient songs
to be kind to thee in spirit:
for a week after,
all shall then go happily,
according to thy will.
26. For a deed of ire
that thou has perpetrated,
never atone with evil:
the weeping thou shalt
sooth with benefits:
that is salutary to the soul.
27. On gods a man
shall for good things call,
on they who has mankind created.
Greatly woeful is
every man
who late finds the All Father.
28. 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.
29. Late I came,
though called betimes,
to the Halls of the Slain;
thitherward I yearn;
for it was promised me,
he who craves it shall of the feast partake.