25. All is vain, If thou holdest silence; Then wilt thou seem a craven born, Or else truly accused. Doubtful is a servant’s testimony, Unless a good one thou gettest. On the next day Let his life go forth, And so men’s lies reward. 26. This I counsel thee fourthly: If a wicked sorceress Dwell by the way, To go on is better Than there to lodge, Though night may overtake thee. 27. Of searching eyes The sons of men have need, When fiercely they have to fight: Oft pernicious women By the wayside sit, Who swords and valor deaden. 28. This I thee counsel fifthly: Although thou see fair women On the benches sitting, Let not their kindred’s silver[27] Over thy sleep have power. To kiss thee entice no woman. 29. This I thee counsel sixthly: Although among men pass Offensive tipsy talk, Never, while drunken, quarrel With men of war: Wine steals the wits of many. 30. Brawls and drink To many men have been A heart-felt sorrow; To some their death, To some calamity: Many are the griefs of men! 31. This I thee counsel seventhly: If thou hast disputes With a daring man, Better it is for men To fight than to be burnt Within their dwelling. 32. This I thee counsel eighthly: That thou guard thee against evil, And eschew deceit. Entice no maiden, Nor wife of man, Nor to wantonness incite. 33. This I thee counsel ninthly: That thou corpses bury, Wherever on the earth thou findest them; Whether from sickness they have died, Or from the sea, Or are from weapons dead. 34. Let a mound be raised For those departed; Let their hands and head be washed, Combed, and wiped dry, Ere in the coffin they are laid; And pray for their happy sleep.