Slow Havamal: 81

In the 81st verse, we’re cautioned not to praise: day until night; your wife until she’s cremated; a sword until after the battle; a daughter until married off; ice, until crossed; ale, until drunk.

This vivid stanza offers us six images for what could be summed as, “Don’t praise the thing until its fruition.” These six angles focus our attention on the realization of something, rather than on its promise. Many things start out looking good. They come with a fine reputation. They fit our hopes and expectations. But that’s no guarantee the steak will slice the way we want it. ( Read more... )