Stanzas 17-20 demonstrate hrynhent, a metre with eight syllables per line instead of six. This gives a more flowing and solemn rhythm that Snorri describes as suited to praise of particular dignity.
Hrynhent heitir þat háttr er átta stafkvæðar eru í hverri línu. Þat er nær skylt dróttkvæðu en þó er þat tignara ok hátíðlegra af þeim sök at línan er lengri. Þetta háttr er kallat hrynhent þvíat þat hljóðar sem foss er rennr.
Hrynhent is the name of the metre in which eight metrical syllables appear in each line. It is closely related to dróttkvætt but is nonetheless more stately and solemn for the reason that the line is longer. This metre is called hrynhent because it sounds like a rushing waterfall.
Stanzas
Háttatal 17
Mætr konungr, þú's ert mikils verðr, meldr er þinn af vísa hverr; gollhrings gefr þú, gramr, við erfi, grams þíns gæzk hverr maðr at erfi. Skúli jarl, þú's ert skjöldungr hárr, ska allt lands þitt ríki at fár; kjósa máttu þér konung á landi, kynstórr maðr, ríkt vígi at randi.
Noble king, you are worthy of great honour, every wise man sings your praise. You distribute gold rings, prince, at the funeral feast; all men cherish the memory of your lord. Earl Skúli, you are a great Skjöldung, your realm's land is free from foe; you can choose a king in the land, you man of high birth, mighty at the battle's edge.