Every book has its title and name But its pages soon turn to dust A poem we sing will live on in fame From a history all of us trust Old tales come down from long ago With inflection and meter and verse Soon the skald's audience will hap'ly know "Yes, this life could be worse." And the kings know that truth, Is better than sword and shield Taught from their distant youth Skald Kings have wisdom to wield So welcome me as a friend For the poems I sing tonight Will last for nights without end From first mead to dawn's early light!