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 God 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.

 



1. Fé ok fjörvi rænti fyrða kind sá hinn grimmi Greppr;
yfir þá vegu, er hann varðaði, náði engi kvikr komask.

2. Einn hann át oft harðla, aldri bauð hann manni til matar,
áðr enn móðr ok meginlítill Gestr af götu kom.

3. Drykks of þurfi lézk inn dæsti maðr ok vanmettr vera;
hræddu hjarta hann lézk trúa, þeim er áðr hafði vályndr verit.

4. Mat ok drykk veitti hann þeim, er móðr var, allt af heilum hug;
guðs hann gáði, góðu honum beindi, því hann hugðisk váligr vera.

5. Upp hinn stóð, illt hann hugði, eigi var þarfsamliga þegit;
synð hans svall, sofanda myrði fróðan, fjölvaran.

 


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