16. On the bear’s paw, And on Brage’s tongue, On the wolf’s claws, And the eagle’s beak, On bloody wings, And on the bridge’s end, On the releasing hand. And on healing’s track. 17. On glass and on gold, On amulets of men, In wine and in ale, And in the welcome seat, On Gungner’s point, And on Grane’s breast, On the norn’s nail, And the owl’s neb. 18. All were erased That were inscribed, And mingled with the sacred mead, And sent on distant ways; They are with the gods, They are with the elves; Some with the wise vans, Some human beings have. 19. Those are bôk-runes Those are biarg-runes, And all öl-(ale-)runes, And precious megin-(power-)runes For those who can, Without confusion or corruption, Turn them to his welfare. Use, if thou hast understood them, Until the powers perish. 20. Now thou shalt choose, Since a choice is offered thee, Keen armed warrior! My speech or silence: Think over it in thy mind. All evils have their measure. SIGURD: 21. I will not flee, Though thou shouldst know me doomed: I am not born a craven. Thy friendly councils all I will receive, As long as life is in me. SIGDRIFA: 22. This I thee counsel first: That toward thy kin Thou bear thee blameless. Take not hasty vengeance, Although they raise up strife: That, it is said, benefits the dead. 23. This I thee counsel secondly: That no oath thou swear, If it not be true. Cruel bonds Follow broken faith: Accursed is the faith-breaker. 24. This I thee counsel thirdly: That in the assembly thou Contend not with a fool; For an unwise man Oft utters words Worse than he knows of.