Advice for Travelers and Friends

What matters when traveling and making friends?

*The Sayings of the High One* begins with advice about entering someone else's home. At the doorway, look carefully around: you never know where an enemy may be waiting inside. A traveler coming in from the cold needs a fire. Someone who has crossed the mountains needs food and clothing, too.

A wise guest invited to a meal sits quietly, listening and watching. The more you drink, the less control you have over your own mind, so the poem advises drinking in moderation. Speak only when you have something worth saying; otherwise, stay silent.

Be a friend to your friends. Return a gift with a gift. Share your thoughts with people you trust. The poem also recommends exchanging presents and visiting often.

A gift need not be large. The speaker says he made a friend with half a loaf of bread and a cup of drink.

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