A Warning

A snapping bow, a burning flame

A ravening wolf, a grunting boar

A screaming crow, a rootless tree

A breaking wave, a seething cauldron

A flying arrow, an ebbing tide

A coiling adder, ice one night old

A bride's bed talk, a broken sword

A bear's play, a prince's child

A witch’s welcome, the wit of a slave

A sick calf, a new-slain foe

A brother's killer met upon the road

A house half-burned

A horse too swift

These are never safe. Let no man trust them.

Havamal 84-88