Rig Veda on Charity

4 Lord of the lofty sacrifice is Agni, Agni is Lord of every gift presented. 5 O Agni, bring the Gods to taste our presents: with Indra leading, here let them be joyful.

2 Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation, the sages' prayer which, Potent God, thou guardest. 3 What time thou drewest both world−halves together, like heroes led by thee who call each other− 4 Honour us in these present days, O Indra, for hostile men are making expiation. 5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches, 2 Come to us quickly with thy Bay Steeds, Hero, come to our prayer, accepting our devotion. 3 What satisfaction do our hymns afford thee? When, Maghavan? Now let us do thee service. 4 They, verily, were also human beings whom thou wast wont to hear, those earlier sages. 5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches,

1 To give first thought to them, I worship Heaven and Earth, and Agni, fair bright glow, to hasten their 2 Ample, unfailing, they have mounted as it were an eloquent car that ye may think of us and give. 3 Ye by the might which heavenly nectar giveth you are in supreme dominion Lords of all these folk. 4 The aids wherewith the Wanderer through his offipring's might, or the Two−Mothered Son shows swift 5 Wherewith ye raised from waters, prisoned and fast bound, Rebha, and Vandana to look upon the light; 6 Wherewith ye rescued Antaka when languishing deep in the pit, and Bhujyu with unfailing help. 7 Wherewith ye gave gucanti wealth and happy home, and made the fiery pit friendly for Atri's sake; 8 Mighty Ones, with what powers ye gave Paravrj aid what time ye made the blind and lame to see and w 9 Wherewith ye quickened the most sweet exhaustless flood, and comforted Vasistha, ye who ne'er decay; 10 Wherewith ye helped, in battle of a thousand spoils, Vispala seeking booty, powerless to move. 11 Whereby the cloud, ye Bounteous Givers, shed sweet rain for Dirghasravas, for the merchant Ausija, 12 Wherewith ye made Rasa swell full with water−floods, and urged to victory the car without a horse; 13 Wherewith ye, compass round the Sun when far away, strengthened Manddatar in his tasks as lord of 14 Wherewith, when Sambara was slain, ye guarded well great Atithigva, Divodisa, Kasoju, 15 Wherewith ye honoured the great drinker Vamra, and Upastuta and Kali when he gained his wife, 16 Wherewith, O Heroes, ye vouchsafed deliverance to Sayu, Atri, and to Manu long ago; 17 Wherewith Patharva, in his majesty of form, shone in his course like to a gathered kindled fire; 18 Wherewith, Angirases!

2 rn all thy forms, O Soma, rest thy powers that influence the heart. 3 Even if, O Soma, I neglect thy laws through my simplicity, 4 Our songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells. 5 O Soma, through thy might who art skilful and strong, these longing men, 6 Our herds thou guardest, Soma, and the moving world spread far and wide. 7 On all sides, Soma, be to us a Guardian ne'er to be deceived. 8 Be watchful, Soma, passing wise, to give us store of vital strength. 9 Chief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra's gracious Friend, 10 Victorious is this gladdening drink: to Indra dear it grows in strength. 11 This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from wealth in kine.

2 With callings ever they invoke Agni, Agni, Lord of the House, 3 Bring the Gods hither, Agni, born for him who strews the sacred grass: 4 Wake up the willing Gods, since thou, Agni, performest embassage: 5 O Agni, radiant One, to whom the holy oil is poured, bum up 6 By Agni Agni is inflamed, Lord of the House, wise, young, who bears 7 Praise Agni in the sacrifice, the Sage whose ways are ever true, 8 God, Agni, be his strong defence who lord of sacrificial gifts, 9 Whoso with sacred gift would fain call Agni to the feast of Gods, 10 Such, Agni, Purifier, bright, bring hither to our sacrifice, 11 So lauded by our newest song of praise bring opulence to us, 12 O Agni, by effulgent flame, by all invokings of the Gods,

2 Crush with thy foot the niggard churls who bring no gifts. Mighty art thou 3 Thou art the Lord of Soma pressed, Soma impressed is also thine. 4 Come, go thou forth, dwelling in heaven and listening to the prayers of men: 5 Even that hill with rocky heights, with hundreds, thousands, held within. 6 We call on thee both night and day to taste the flowing Soma juice: 7 Where is that ever−youthful Steer, strong. necked and never yet bent down? 8 To whose libation doth the Steer, betake him with delight therein? 9 Whom, Vrtra−slayer, have thy gift and hero powers accompanied? 10 For thee among mankind, among the Purus is this Soma shed. 11 This, growing by Soma and by Saryanavan, dear to thee, 12 Hasten thou hitherward, and drink this for munificence to−day,

2 In whom the hymns of praise delight, and all the glory−giving songs. 3 Him I invite with eulogy, best King, effective in the fight, 4 Whose perfect ecstasies are wide, profound, victorious, and give 5 Him, when the spoils of war are staked, men call to be their advocate: 6 Men honour him with stirring songs and magnify with solemn rites: 7 1ndra is priest and Rsi, he is much invoked by many men, 8 Meet to be lauded and invoked, true Hero with his deeds of might, 9 The men, the people magnify that Indra with their Slina. songs, 10 Him who advances them to wealth, sends light to lead them in the war, 11 May he, the saviour much−invoked, may Indra bear us in a ship 12 As such, O Indra, honour us with gifts of booty, further us, 2 O Indra, let thy long−maned Bays, yoked by prayer, bring thee hitherward 3 We Soma−bearing Brahmans call thee Soma−drinker with thy friend, 4 Come unto us who bring the juice, come unto this our eulogy, 5 I pour it down within thee, so through all thy members let it spread: 6 Sweet to thy body let it be, delicious be the savoury juice: 7 Like women, let this Soma−draught, invested with its robe, approach, 8 Indra, transported with the juice, vast in his bulk, strong in his neck 9 O Indra, go thou forward, thou who rulest over all by might: 10 Long be thy grasping−hook wherewith thou givest ample wealth to him 11 Here, Indra, is thy Soma−draught, made pure upon the sacred grass: 12 Famed for thy radiance, worshipped well this juice is shed for thy delight 13 To Kundapayya, grandson's son, grandson of Srngavrs! to thee, 14 Strong pillar thou, Lord of the home armour of Soma−offerers: 15 Holy Prdikusanu, winner of the spoil, one eminent o'er many men,

2 Come readily to this mine invocation, lauded with songs, that ye may drink the juices. 3 Juice in wide room hath been prepared to feast you: for you the grass is strewn, most soft to tread on. 4 Agni uplifts him at your sacrifices: forth goes the oblation dropping oil and glowing. 5 Lords of great wealth! for glory, Surya's Daughter mounted your car that brings a hundred succours. 6 Ye Twain, with these your glories fair to look on, brought, to win victory, rich gifts for Surya. 7 May your winged coursers, best to draw. Nasatyas! convey you to the object of your wishes. 8 Lords of great wealth, manifold is your bounty: ye filled our cow with food that never faileth. 9 Mine were two mares of Puraya, brown, swift−footed; a hundred with Sumidha, food with Peruk Sanda

2 O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own, 3 Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help, 4 These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused. 5 These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste, 6 In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods. 7 If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds, 8 Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby. 9 What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley−brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby. 10 O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby. 11 O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts,

2 In heaven's first region, in the seat of Gods, is he who brings success, 3 Him, to win strength, have I invoked, even Indra mighty for the fray. 4 Indra, Song −lover, here for thee the worshipper's libation flows. 5 Even now, O Indra, give us that which, pressing juice, we crave of thee. 6 What time the zealous worshipper hath boldly sung his songs to thee, 7 Generate songs even as of old, give car unto the singer's call. 8 Sweet strains that glorify him play like waters speeding down a slope, 9 Yea, who alone is called the Lord, the single Ruler of the folk, 10 Praise him, the Glorious, skilled in song, Lord of the two victorious Bays: 11 Put forth thy strength: with dappled Steeds come, thou of mighty intellect, 12 Grant wealth to those who praise thee, Lord of Heroes, Mightiest Indra: give 13 I call thee when the Sun is risen, I call thee at the noon of day: 14 Speed forward hither, come to us, rejoice thee in the milky draught: 15 If, Sakra, Vrtra−slayer, thou be far away or near to us. 16 Let songs we sing and Soma−drops expressed by us make Indra strong: 17 Him sages longing for his aid, with offerings brought in eager haste, 18 At the Trkadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirred the mind: 19 When, true to duty, at due times the worshipper offers lauds to thee, 20 That mind of Rudra, fresh and strong, moves conscious in the ancient ways, 21 If thou elect to be my Friend drink of this sacrificial juice, 22 O Indra, Lover of the song, when shall thy praiser be most blest? 23 And thy two highIy−lauded Bays, strong stallions, draw thy car who art 24 With ancient offerings we implore the Young and Strong whom many praise. 25 Wax miglity, thou whom many laud for aids which Rsis have extolled.

2 For thou by slaying Vrtra art the Vrtra−slayer, famed for might. 3 As such, when glorified, bring us riches of very wondrous fame, 4 Yea, Indra, thou disclosest that preeminent dear wealth of men: 5 The workers of destruction stay neither thy right hand nor thy left: 6 O Thunder−armed, I come with songs to thee as to a stall with kine: 7 Chief Vrtra−slayer, through the hymn of Visvamanas think of all, 8 May we, O Vrtra−slayer, O Hero, find this thy newest boon, Longed−for, and excellent, thou who art m 9 O Indra, Dancer, Much−invoked! as thy great power is unsurpassed, 10 Most Mighty, most heroic One, for mighty bounty fill thee full. 11 O Thunderer, never have our prayers gone forth to any God but thee: 12 For, Dancer, verily I find none else for bounty, saving thee, 13 For Indra pour ye out the drops meath blent with Soma let him drink 14 I spake to the Bay Coursers' Lord, to him who gives ability: 15 Never was any Hero born before thee mightier than thou: 16 O ministering priest, pour out of the sweet juice what gladdens most: 17 Indra, whom Tawny Coursers bear, praise such as thine, preeminent, 18 We, seeking glory, have invoked this Master of all power and might 19 Come, sing we praise to Indra, friends, the Hero who deserves the laud, 20 To him who wins the kine, who keeps no cattle back, Celestial God, 21 Whose hero powers are measureless, whose bounty ne'er may be surpassed, 22 As Vyasva did, praise Indra, praise the Strong unfluctuating Guide, 23 Now, son of Vyasva, praise thou him who to the tenth time still is new, 24 Thou knowest, Indra, Thunder−armed, how to avoid destructive powers, 25 O Indra, bring that aid wherewith of old, Most Wondrous! thou didst slay 26 So now we seek thee fresh in might, Most Wonderful in act!

2 Bless thou the man who gives, O Faith; Faith, bless the man who fain would give. 3 Even as the Deities maintained Faith in the mighty Asuras, So make this uttered wish of mine tr

2 Stones, drive calamity away, drive ye away malevolence: 3 Of one accord the upper Stones, giving the Bull his bull−like strength, 4 May Savitar the God, O Stones, stir you as Law commands for him

2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra's throat they pour the Soma juice, 3 He goes upon his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring sound which Sarya's Daughter loves. 4 Washed by the men, stone−pressed, dear on the holy grass, faithful to seasons, Lord of cattle from of ol 5 O Indra, urged by arms of men and poured in streams, Soma flows on for thee after.his Godlike kind. 6 Sages well−skilled in work, intelligent, drain out the stalk that roars, the Sage, the Everlasting One. 7 Earth's central point, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distilled into the streams, into the waters' wave, 8 Over the earthly region flow thou on thy way, helping the praiser and the pourer, thou Most Wise. 9 Hither, O Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand gifts of cattle and of gold,

31 Brbu hath set himself above the Panis, o'er their highest head, 32 He whose good bounty, thousandfold, swift as the rushing of the wind, 33 So all our singers ever praise the pious Brbu's noble deed,

2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou takest joy, 3 With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to profit us, 4 Hither, O Indra, let thy Bays bear up and, bring upon thy car 5 Thou, Indra, wouldst be sung and praised as great, strong, lordly in thy deeds 6 We who have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are calling thee. 7 As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all alike, 8 The men with stones have milked for thee this nectar of the Soma juice: 9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song: come hitherward, 10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me spotted kine, 11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold, 12 Durgaha's grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munificent,

2 The worlds expand to hirn who from aforetime found light to spread the law of life eternal. 3 When the sage bears his holy wisdom round him, like a car visiting all worlds, the Hero, 4 For glory born be hath come forth to glory: he giveth life and glory to the singers. 5 Stream to us food and vigour, kine and horses: give us broad lights and fill thGods with rapture. 2 As one who rows drives on his boat, he, Gold−hued, sends forth his voice, loosed on the path of Order. 3 Hastening onward like the waves of waters, our holy hymns are pressing nigh to Soma. 4 They drain the stalk, the Steer who dwells on mountains, even as a Bull who decks him on the upland. 5 Sending thy voice out as Director, loosen the Invoker's thought, O Indu, as they cleanse thee.

2 As though we offered up our gifts to Indra, may we ascend. him as a ship. for safety. 3 He who with might the Five Lands hath pervaded, like Surya with his lustre, and the waters−

2 Wonderful, rich in nourishment, he dwells in food; next, in the seven auspicious Mothers is his home. 3 What time from out the deep, from the Steer's wondrous form, the Chiefs who had the power produced 4 When from the Highest Father he is brought to us, amid the plants he rises hungry, wondrously. 5 Then also entered he the Mothers, and in them pure and uninjured he increased in magnitude. 6 Therefore they choose him Herald at the morning rites, pressing to him as unto Bhaga, pouring gifts, 7 What time the Holy One, wind−urged, hath risen up, serpent−like winding through the dry grass 8 Like a swift chariot made by men who know their art, he with his red limbs lifts himself aloft to heaven. 9 By thee, O Agni, Varuna who guards the Law, Mitra and Aryaman, the Bounteous, are made strong; 10 Agni, to him who toils and pours libations, thou, Most Youthful! sendest wealth and all the host of Go 11 Vouchsafe us riches turned to worthy ends, good luck abiding in the house, and strong capacity, 12 May he, the Priest resplendent, joyful, hear us, he with the radiant car and rapid horses. 13 With hymns of might hath Agni now been lauded, advanced to height of universal kingship. 2 Thou dealest forth, Tanunapat, sweet sacrifice enriched with oil, 3 He wondrous, sanctifying, bright, sprinkles the sacrifice with mead, 4 Agni, besought, bring hitherward Indra the Friend, the Wonderful, 5 The ladle−holders strew trimmed grass at this well−ordered sacrifice; 6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite, 7 May Night and Morning, hymned with lauds, united, fair to look upon, 8 May the two Priests Divine, the sage, the sweet−voiced lovers of the hymn, 9 Let Hotri pure, set amang Gods, amid the Maruts Bhirati, Ila, Sarasvati, Mahi, rest on the grass, adorabl 10 May Tvastar send us genial dew abundant, wondrous, rich in gifts, 11 Vanaspati, give forth, thyself, and call the Gods to sacrifice.

2 Brightly hath Agni shone by us enkindled: the limits even of darkness were apparent. 3 With hymns the deft priest is about you, Asvins, the eloquent priest attends you now, Nasatyas. 4 When, suppliant for your help, Lovers of Sweetness! I seeking wealth call you to our libation, 5 Bring forward, Asvins, Gods, to its fulfilment my never−wearied prayer that asks for riches. 6 Favour us in these prayers of ours, O Asvins. May we have genial vigour, ne'er to fail us. 7 Lovers of Sweetness, we have brought this treasure to you as 'twere an envoy sent for friendship. 8 With one, the same, intention, ye swift movers, o'er the Seven Rivers hath your chariot travelled. 9 Exhaustless be your bounty to our princes who with their wealth incite the gift of riches, 10 Now hear, O Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

2 For, Hurler of the Bolt, we know thee true, the giver of our food, 3 O thou whose majesty the bards celebrate with their songs, thou Lord, 4 Fair guidance hath the mortal man whom Aryaman, the Marut host, 5 Kine, steeds, and hero strength he gains, and prospers, by the Adityas sped, 6 We pray to Indra for his gift, to him the Fearless and the Strong, 7 For verily combined in him are all the fearless powers of aid. 8 Yea, that most excellent carouse, Indra, which slays most enemies, 9 Which merits fame, all−bountiful! and, unsubdued, hath victory in deeds of might. 10 Responding to our wish for cows, for steeds, and chariots, as of old, 11 For, Hero, nowhere can I find the bounds of thy munificence. 12 High, glorifier of his friend, he knows all generations, he whom many praise. 13 Be he our Champion and Protector in great deeds, rich in all wealth, the Vrtra−slayer, Maghavan. 14 In the wild raptures of the juice sing to your Hero with high laud, to him the Wise, 15 Thou givest wealth to me myself, thou givest treasure, Excellent! and the strong steed, 16 Him, Sovran Ruler of all precious things, who even hath power o'er this fair form of his, 17 We praise, so that the Mighty One may speed to you, Pourer of boun ies, Traveller, prepared to go. 18 We in the sacrifice perform their will whose voice is lifted high, 19 O Indra, Mightiest, bring us that which crushes men of evil minds, 20 O Winner, noble winner, strong, wondrous, most splendid, excellent, 21 Now let the godless man approach who hath received reward so great 22 Steeds sixty thousand and ten thousand kine, and twenty hundred camels I obtained; 23 Ten browns that make my wealth increase, fleet steeds whose tails are long and fair, 24 The gifts which Prthusravas gave, Kanita's son munificent. 25 Come thou to this great rite of ours, Vayu! to give us vigorous light.

2 Thou at thy birth didst fill both earth and heaven, yea, Most Adorable, thou didst exceed them. 3 Both Heaven and Earth and Gods who should be worshipped establish thee as Priest for every dwelling, 4 Firm in the Gods' home is the Mighty seated, between vast Heaven and Earth the well−beloved− 5 Great are the deeds of thee, the Great, O Agni: thou by thy power hast spread out earth and heaven. 6 Bind to the pole with cords of holy Order the long−maned ruddy steeds who sprinkle fatness. 7 Even from the sky thy brilliant lights shone hither: still hast thou beamed through many a radiant morni 8 The Gods who take delight in air's wide region, or those the dwellers in heaven's realm of brightness, 9 With these, borne on one ear, Agni, approach us, or borne on many, for thy steeds are able. 10 He is the Priest at whose repeated worship even wide Heaven and Earth sing out for increase. 11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels. 2 The Male who dwells in heaven hath Mares and Milchkine: he came to Goddesses who bring sweet 3 Wise Master, wealthy finder−out of riches, he mounted those who may with case be guided. 4 Strength−giving streams bear hither him eternal, fain to support the mighty work. of Tvastar. 5 They know the red Bull's blessing, and are joyful under the flaming−coloured Lord's dominion: 6 Yea, by tradition from the ancient sages they brought great strength from the two mighty Parents, 7 Seven holy singers guard with five Adhvaryus the Bird's beloved firmly−settled station. 8 I crave the grace of heaven's two chief Invokers: the seven swift steeds joy in their wonted manner. 9 The many seek the great Steed as a stallion: the reins obey the Lord of varied colour. 10 Rich Lord, the Mornings have gleamed forth in splendour, fair−rayed, fair−speaking, worshipped with 11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.

2 Ye as ye travel overtake the Courser who flies apart, the Friend of man, most holy. 3 Ye have deposited, matured within her, in the raw cow the first milk of the milch−cow, 4 Ye made the fierce heat to be full of sweetness for Atri at his wish, like streaming water. 5 Like Tugra's ancient son may I, ye Mighty, bring you to give your gifts with milk−oblations. 6 When, Bounteous Ones, ye drive your yoked team downward, ye send, by your own natures, 7 For verily we truthful singers praise you the niggard trafficker is here excluded. 8 You of a truth day after day, O Asvins, that he might win the very plenteous torrent, 9 When with the glory of your car ye travel, when we go speeding like the priest of mortals, 10 With songs of praise we call to−day, O Asvins, that your new chariot, for our own well−being,

2 Stay still, O Maghavan, advance no farther. a draught of well−pressed Soma will I give thee. 3 Adhvaryu, sing we both; sing thou in answer: make we a laud acceptable to Indra. 4 A wife, O Maghavan is home and dwelling: so let thy Bay Steeds yoked convey thee hither. 5 Depart, O Maghavan;again come hither: both there and here thy goat is Indra, Brother, 6 Thou hast drunk Soma, Indra, turn thee homeward; thy joy is in thy home, thy racious Consort; 7 Bounteous are these, Angirases, Virupas: the Asura's Heroes and the Sons of Heaven. 8 Maghavan weareth every shape at pleasure, effecting magic changes in his body, 9 The mighty sage, God−born and God−incited, who looks on men, restrained the billowy river. 10 Like swans, prepare a song of praise with pressing−stones, glad in your hymns with juice poured forth 11 Come forward, Kusikas, and be attentive; let loose Sudas's horse to win him riches. 12 Praises to Indra have I sung, sustainer of this earth and heaven. This prayer of Visvamitra keeps secure 13 The Visvamitras have sung forth this prayer to Indra Thunder−aimed: 14 Among the Kikatas what do thy cattle? They pour no milky draught, they heat no caldron. 15 Sasarpari, the gift of Jamadagnis, hath lowed with mighty voice dispelling famine. 16 Sasarpari brought glory speedily to these, over the generations of the Fivefold Race; 17 Strong be the pair of oxen, firm the axles, let not the pole slip nor the yoke be broken. 18 O Indra, give our bodies strength, strength to the bulls who draw the wains, 19 Enclose thee in the heart of Khayar timber, in the car wrought of Sinsapa put firmness. 20 Let not this sovran of the wood leave us forlorn or injure us. 21 With various aids this day come to us, Indra, with best aids speed us, Maghavan, thou Hero. 22 He heats his very axe, and then cuts a mere Semal blossom off. 23 Men notice not the arrow, O ye people; they bring the red beast deeming it a bullock.

2 Here magnify his great heroic exploits, most glorious One, enriching men with bounties, 3 Hither let Indra come from earth or heaven, hither with speech from firmament or ocean; 4 That Indra will we laud in our assemblies, him who is Lord of great and lasting riches, 5 May the Priest, Lord of many blessings, striving,−who fixing reverence on reverence, giving 6 When sitting pondering in deep devotion in Ausija's abode they ply the press−stone, 7 Surely the power of Bharvara the mighty for ever helpeth to support the singer; 8 When he unbars the spaces of the mountains, and quickens with his floods the water−torrents, 9 Auspicious are thy hands, thine arms wellfashioned which proffer bounty, Indra, to thy praiser. 10 So Indra is the truthful Lord of treasure. Freedom he gave to man by slaying Vrtra. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell high, like rivers, for,the singer.

2 Thou, all men's friend, Visvamanas, exaltest Agni with thy song, 3 Whose resolute assault, to win vigour and food, deserves our praise,− 4 Up springs the imperishable flame, the flame of the Refulgent One 5 Skilled in fair sacrifice, extolled, arise in Godlike loveliness, 6 Called straight to our oblations, come, O Agni, through our eulogies, 7 I call your Agni, from of old Invoking Priest of living men: 8 Whom, wondrous wise, they animate with solemn rites and his fair form, 9 Him, true to Law, who perfecteth the sacrifice,. Law−loving ones! 10 May all our sacrifices go to him the truest Angiras, 11 Imperishable Agni, thine are all these high enkindled lights, 12 So give us, Lord of Power and Might, riches combined with hero strength, 13 Soon as the eager Lord of men is friendly unto Manti's race, 14 O Hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine, 15 No mortal foe can e'er prevail by arts of magic over him 16 Vyasva the sage, who sought the Bull, hath won thee, finder of good things: 17 Usana Kavya stablished thee, O Agni, as Invoking Priest: 18 All Deities of one accord appointed thee their messenger: 19 Him may the mortal hero make his own immortal messenger. 20 With lifted ladles let us call him splendid with his brilliant flame, 21 The man who pays the worship due to him with sacrificial gifts 22 To Jatavedas Agni, chief in sacrifices, first of all 23 Even as Vyatya did, may we with these most high and liberal hymns 24 Now sing, as Sthurayupa sang, with lands to him who spreadeth far, 25 As welcome guest of human kind, as offspring of the forest kings, 26 For men's oblations brought to him who is the mighty Lord of all, 27 Grant us abundant. treasures, grant the opulence which many crave, 28 Agni, Most Youthful of the Gods, send evermore the gift of wealth 29 A mighty Conqueror art thou, O Agni, so disclose to us 30 Thou, Agni, art a glorious God: bring hither Mitra, Varuna,

2 His two red horses, all−supporting, let him yoke: let him, well−worshipped, urge them fast. 3 The flame of him the Bountiful, the Much−invoked, hath mounted up, 4 Thee, thee Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring the Gods hither to the feast. 5 Thou, Agni, art the homestead's Lord, our Herald at the sacrifice. 6 Give riches to the sacrificer, O Most Wise, for thou art he who granteth wealth. 7 O Agni who art worshipped well, dear let our princes he to thee, 8 They in whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, Ila sits down well−satisfied− 9 Do thou, a Priest with pleasant tongue, most wise, and very near to us, 10 They who bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved by desire of great renown− 11 The God who gives your wealth demands a full libation poured to him. 12 Him have the Gods appointed Priest of sacrifice, oblation−bearer, passing wise.

2 The Fathers, who drave forth the wealth in cattle, have in the year's courses cleft Vala by Eternal Law: 3 Ye raised the Sun to heaven by everlasting Law, and spread broad earth, the Mother, out on every side. 4 This kinsman in your dwellingplace speaks pleasant words: give car to this, ye Rsis, children of the God 5 Distinguished by their varied form, these Rsis have been deeply moved. 6 Distinguished by their varied form, they sprang from Agni, from the sky. 7 With Indra for associate the priests have cleared the stable full of steeds and kine, 8 May this man's sons be multiplied; like springing corn may Manu grow, 9 No one attains to him, as though a man would grasp the heights of heaven. 10 Yadu and Turva, too, have given two Dasas, well−disposed, to serve, 11 Blest be the hamlet's chief, most liberal Manu, and may his bounty rival that of Surya.

2 High up in heaven abide the Guerdon−givers: they who give steeds dwell with the Sun for ever. 3 Not from the niggards−for they give not fireely−comes Meed at sacrifice, Gods' satisfaction: 4 These who observe mankind regard oblation as streamy Vayu and light−finding Arka. 5 He who brings Guerdon comes as first invited: chief of the hamlet comes the Guerdon−bearer. 6 They call him Rsi, Brahman, Sama−chanter, reciter of the laud, leader of worship. 7 Guerdon bestows the horse, bestows the bullock, Guerdon bestows, moreover, gold that Rsisters. 8 The liberal die not, never are they ruined: the liberal suffer neither harm nor trouble. 9 First have the liberal gained a fragrant dwelling, and got themselves a bride in fair apparel. 10 They deck the fleet steed for the bounteous giver: the maid adorns herself and waits to meet him. 11 Steeds good at draught convey the liberal giver, and lightly rolling moves the car of Guerdon.

2 With all the Holy Thoughts, all being Mighty Ones! in close alliance wil the Mountains, Heaven, and E 3 With all the Deities, three times eleven, here, in close alliance with the Maruts, Bhrgus, Floods; 4 Accept the sacrifice, attend to this my call: come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 5 Accept our praise−song as a youth accepts a maid. Come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 6 Accept the songs we sing, accept the solemn rite. Conie nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 7 Ye fly as starlings fly unto the forest trees; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 8 Ye fly like swans, like those who travel on their way; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 9 Ye fly to our oblation like a pair of hawks; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 10 Come hitherward and drink and satisfy yourselves, bestow upon us progeny and affluence. 11 Conquer your foes, protect us, praise your worshippers; bestow upon us progeny and affluence. 12 Slay enemies, animate men whom ye befriend; bestow upon us progeny and aff luence. 13 With Mitra, Varuna, Dharma, and the Maruts in your company approach unto your praiser's call. 14 With Visnu and the Angirases attending you, and with the Maruts come unto your praiser's call. 15 With Rbhus and With Vajas. O ye Mighty Ones, leagued with the Maruts come ye to your praiser's cal 16 Give spirit to our prayer and animate our thoughts; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. 17 Strengthen the Ruling Power, strengthen the men of war; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. 18 Give strength unto the milch−kine, give the people strength, slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disea 19 As ye heard Atri's earliest eulogy, so hear Syavasva, Soma−presser, ye who reel in joy. 20 Further like running streams Syavasva's eulogies who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. 21 Seize, as ye grasp the reins, Syavasva's solemn rites who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy.

2 Agni hath waxen mighty by laudations, to be adored with hymns of those who praise him. 3 Amid men's homes hath Agni been established, fulfilling with the Law, Friend, germ of waters. 4 Agni is Mitra when enkindled duly, Mitra as Priest, Varuna, Jatavedas; 5 The Earth's, the Bird's dear lofty place he guardeth, he guardeth in his might the course of Surya, 6 The skilful God who knows all forms of knowledge made for himself a fair form, meet for worship. 7 Agni hath entered longingly the longing shrine rich with fatness, giving easy access. 8 Born suddenly, by plants he grew to greatness, when tender shoots with holy oil increased him, 9 Extolled, the Strong shone forth with kindled fuel to the earth's centre, to the height of heaven. 10 Best of all luminaries lofty Agni supported with his flame the height of heaven, 11 As holy food, Agni to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.

2 Washed by the men, pressed out with stones, strained through the filter made of wool, 3 This juice have we made sweet for thee like barley, blending it with milk. 4 Beloved of all, Indra alone drinks up the flowing Soma juice 5 The Friend, whom not the brilliant−hued, the badly−mixt or bitter draught, 6 While other men than we with milk chase him as hunters chase a deer, 7 For him, for Indra, for the God, be pressed three draughts of Soma juice 8 Three reservoirs exude their drops, filled are three beakers to the brim, 9 Pure art thou, set in many a place, and blended in the midst with milk 10 Here, Indra, are thy Soma−draughts pressed out by us, the strong, the pure: 11 O Indra, pour in milk, prepare the cake, and mix the Soma−draught. 12 Quaffed juices fight within the breast. The drunken praise not by their wine, 13 Rich be the praiser of one rich, munificent and famed like thee: 14 Foe of the man who adds no milk, he heeds not any chanted hymn 15 Give us not, Indra, as a prey unto the scornful or the proud: 16 This, even this, O Indra, we implore. as thy devoted friends, 17 Naught else, O Thunderer, have I praised in the skilled singer's eulogy: 18 The Gods seek him who presses out the Soma; they desire not sleep 19 Come hither swift with gifts of wealth − be not thou angry with us−like 20 Let him not, wrathful with us, spend the evening far from us to−day, 21 For well we know this Hero's love, most liberal of the boons he gives, 22 Pour forth the gift which Kanvas bring, for none more glorious do we know 23 O presser, offer Soma first to Indra, Hero, Sakra, him 24 Who, in untroubled ways, is best provider, for his worshippers. 25 Pressers, for him blend Soma juice, each draught most excellent, for him 26 The Vrtra−slayer drinks the juice. May he who gives a hundred aids 27 May the strong Bay Steeds, yoked by prayer, bring hither unto us our Friend, 28 Sweet are the Soma juices, come! Blent are the Soma juices, come!

2 The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to me, Devapi: 3 Within my mouth, Brhaspati, deposit speech lucid, vigorous, and free from weakness, 4 Let the sweet drops descend on us, O Indra: give us enough to lade a thousand wagons. 5 Knowing the God's good−will, Devapi, Rsi, the son of Rstisena, sate as Hotar. 6 Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood by deities obstructed. 7 When as chief priest for Santanu, Devapi, chosen for Hotar's duty, prayed beseeching, 8 O Agni whom Devapi Arstisena, the mortal man, hath kindled in his glory, 9 All ancient Rsis with their songs approached thee, even thee, O Much−invoked, at sacrifices. 10 The wagon−loads, the nine−and−ninety thousand, these have been offered up to thee, O Agni. 11 Give thou these ninety thousand loads, O Agni, to Indra, to the Bull, to be his portion. 12 O Agni, drive afar our foes, our troubles chase malady away and wicked demons.

15 Thinking of these now let him come, as with the escort of the Gods, 16 Princes, who, when I asked their kin, named Prsni as their Mother−cow, 17 The mighty ones, the seven times seven, have singly given me hundred gifts.

2 For here, like flies on honey, these who pray to thee sit by the juice that they have poured. 3 Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the strong right hand, 4 These Soma juices, mixed with curd, have been expressed for Indra here. 5 May he whose ear is open hear us. He is asked for wealth: will he despise our prayer? 6 The hero never checked by men hath gained his strength through Indra, he 7 When thou dost drive the fighting men together be, thou Mighty One, the mighty's shield. 8 For Indra, Soma−drinker, armed with thunder, press the Soma juice. 9 Grudge not, ye Soma pourers; stir you, pay the rites, for wealth, to the great Conqueror. 10 No one hath overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives. 11 Indra, that man when fighting shall obtain the spoil, whose strong defender thou wilt be. 12 His portion is exceeding great like a victorious soldier's spoil. 13 Make for the Holy Gods a hymn that is not mean, but well−arranged and fair of form. 14 Indra, what mortal will attack the man who hath his wealth in thee? 15 In battles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the treasures dear to thee, 16 Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou cherishest the mid−most wealth, 17 Thou art renowned as giving wealth to every one in all the battles that are fought. 18 If I, O Indra, were the Lord of riches ample as thine own, 19 Each day would I enrich the man who sang my praise, in whatsoever place he were. 20 With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the spoil. 21 A moral wins no riches by unworthy praise: wealth comes not to the niggard churl. 22 Like kine unmilked we call aloud, Hero, to thee, and sing thy praise, 23 None other like to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been or ever will be born. 24 Bring, Indra, the Victorious Ones; bring, elder thou, the younger host. 25 Drive thou away our enemies, O Maghavan: make riches easy to be won. 26 O Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons.

2 May the auspicious favour of the Gods be ours, on us descend the bounty of the righteous Gods. 3 We call them hither with a hymn of olden time, Bhaga, the friendly Daksa, Mitra, Aditi, 4 May the Wind waft to us that pleasant medicine, may Earth our Mother give it, and our Father Heaven, 5 Him we invoke for aid who reigns supreme, the Lord of all that stands or moves, inspirer of the soul, 6 Illustrious far and wide, may Indra prosper us: may Pusan prosper us, the Master of all wealth. 7 The Maruts, Sons of Prani, borne by spotted steeds, moving in glory, oft visiting holy rites, 8 Gods, may we with our ears listen to what is good, and with our eyes see what is good, ye Holy Ones. 9 A hundred autumns stand before us, O ye Gods, within whose space ye bring our bodies to decay; 10 Aditi is the heaven, Aditi is mid−air, Aditi is the Mother and the Sire and Son.

2 To him the Bounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men May do, the Giver of true gifts. 3 O Indra, Lord of boundless might, for us thou winnest strength and kine, 4 Faithful to thee we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to thee: Mark, O Good Lord, this act of ours. 5 Give us not up to man's reproach, to foeman's hateful calumny: In thee alone is all my strength. 6 Thou art mine ample coat of mail, my Champion, Vrtra−Slayer, thou: 7 Yea, great art thou whose conquering might two independent Powers confess. 8 So let the voice surround thee, which attends the Maruts on their way, 9 Let the ascending drops attain to thee, the Wondrous God, in heaven: 10 Bring to the Wise, the Great, who waxeth mighty, your offerings, and make ready your devotion; 11 For Indra, the sublime, the far−pervading, have singers generated prayer and praises: 12 The choirs have stablished Indra King for ever, for victory, him whose anger is resistless:

2 Drink thou of this whereof at birth, O Indra, thou drankest, Mighty One for power and rapture. 3 The fire is kindled, Soma pressed, O Indra: let thy Bays, best to draw, convey thee hither. 4 Indra, come hither: evermore thou camest through our great strong desire to drink the Soma. 5 Mayst thou, O Indra, on the day of trial, present or absent, wheresoe'er thou dwellest, 2 With that well−formed most wide−extending palate, wherewith thou ever drinkest streams of sweetness, 3 This drop, steer−strong and omniform, the Soma, hath been made ready for the Bull, for India. 4 Soma when pressed excels the unpressed Soma, better, for one who knows, to give him pleasure. 5 We call on thee, O Indra: come thou hither: sufficient be the Soma for thy body. 2 With Soma go ye nigh to him chief drinker of the Soma's juice: 3 What time, with Soma, with the juice effused, ye come before the God, 4 To him, Adhvaryu! yea, to him give offerings of the juice expressed.

2 Whom, served with sacrificial oil like Mitra, men presenting gifts 3 Much−lauded Jatavedas, him who bears oblations up to heaven 4 To noblest Agni, Friend of man, best Vrtra−slayer, are we come, 5 To deathless Jatavedas, meet for praise, adored, with sacred oil, 6 Even Agni whom these priestly men worship with sacrificial gifts, 7 O Agni, this our newest hymn hath been addressed from us to thee, 8 Agni, may it be dear to thee, most grateful, and exceeding sweet: 9 Splendid with splendours may it be, and in the battle with the foe 10 Steed, cow, a lord of heroes, bright like Indra, who shall fill the car. 11 Thou whom Gopavana made glad with song, O Agni Angiras, 12 Thou whom the priestly folk implore to aid the gathering of the spoil, 13 I, called to him who reels with joy, Srutarvan, Rksa's son, shall stroke 14 Four coursers with a splendid car, Savistha's horses, fleet of foot, 15 The very truth do I declare to thee, Parusni, mighty flood.

29 And lauds which strengthen thee for great bounty and valour, and exalt 30 And songs to thee who lovest song, and all those hymns addressed to thee− 31 Thus he, sole doer of great deeds whose hand holds thunder, gives us strength, 32 Vrtra he slays with his right hand, even Indra, great with mighty power, 33 He upon whom all men depend, all regions, all achievements, he 34 All this hath he accomplished, yea, Indra, most gloriously renowned, 35 Who drives his chariot seeking spoil, from afar, to him he loves: 36 The Sage who, winning spoil with steeds, slays Vrtra, Hero with the men, 37 O Priyamedhas, worship with collected mind this Indra whom 38 Ye Kanvas, sing the Mighty One, Lord of the Brave, who loves renown, 39 Strong Friend, who, with no trace of feet, restores the cattle to the men, 40 Shaped as a Ram, Stone−hurler I once thou camest hither to the son 41 Vibhindu, thou hast helped this man, giving him thousands four times ten, 42 And these twain pouring streams of milk, creative, daughters of delight,

2 Come with kind thoughts, most liberal, rousing the warrior's hymn of praise, with bounteous ones, 3 As nourishers we tie the thread, and, liberal with our bounty, offer sacrifice. 4 Dawn drives away her Sister's gloom, and, through her excellence, makes her retrace her path.

23 O Sages, evermore I crave your favour: be gracious unto all my prayers, O Asvins. 24 With liberal bounty to the weakling's consorts ye, Heroes, gave a son Hiranyahasta; 25 These your heroic exploits, O ye Asvins, done in the days. of old, have men related.

1 URGE us not, Maghavan, to this distressful fight, for none may comprehend the limit of thy strength. 2 Sing hymns of praise to Sakra, Lord of power and might; laud thou and magnify Indra who hearcth thee 3 Sing forth to lofty Dyaus a strength−bestowing song, the Bold, whose resolute mind hath independent 4 The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, daring, of thyself smotest through Sambara, 5 When with a roar that fills the woods, thou forcest down on wind's head the stores which 8usga kept 6 Thou helpest Narya, Turvasa, and Yadu, and Vayya's son Turviti, Satakratu! 7 A hero−lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free oblations and promotes the Law, 8 His power is matchless, matchless is his wisdom; chief, through their work, be some who drink the Som 9 Therefore for thee are these abundant beakers Indra's drink, stone−pressed juices held in ladles. 10 There darkness stood, the vault that stayed the waters' flow: in Vrtra's hollow side the rain−cloud lay 11 So give us, Indra, bliss−increasing glory give us great sway and strength that conquers people.

2 So battle now, O Indra and thou, Agni, for cows and waters, sunlight, stolen Mornings. 3 With Vrtra−slaying might, Indra and Agni, come, drawn by homage, O ye Vrtra−slayers. 4 I call the Twain whose deeds of old have all been famed in ancient days 5 The Strong, the scatterers of the foe, Indra and Agni, we invoke; 6 They slay our Arya foes, these Lords of heroes, slay our Dasyu foes 7 Indra and Agni, these our songs of praise have sounded forth to you: 8 Come, Indra−Agni, with those teams, desired of many, which ye have, 9 With those to this libation poured, ye Heroes, Indra−Agni, come: 10 Glorify him who compasses all forests with his glowing flame, 11 He who gains Indra's bliss with fire enkindled finds an easy way 12 Give us fleet coursers to convey Indra and Agni, and bestow 13 Indra and Agni, I will call you hither and make you joyful with the gifts I offer. 14 Come unto us with riches, come with wealth in horses and in kine. 15 Indra and Agni, hear his call who worships. with libations poured.

3 With milk they made Indra their good Preserver, lauding for help and rule the bounteous rainer. 4 With kine and horses satisfy this longing with very splendid bounty still extend it. 5 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered;

2 Here where the arrows fall amid the banners both hosts invoke the Gods in emulation. 3 Self−lucid in their seats, e'en heavenly Waters endowed with Godhead Varuna and Indra. 4 Wise be the priest and skilled in Law Eternal, who with his sacred gifts and oration. Brings

2 Agni of Divodasa turned, as 'twere in majesty, to the Gods. 3 Him before whom the people shrink when he performs his glorious deeds, 4 The mortal man whom thou wouldst lead to opulence, O Vasu, he who brings thee gifts. 5 He with the steed wins spoil even in the fenced fort, and gains imperishable fame. 6 To him who dealeth out all wealth, who is the cheerful Priest of men, 7 Votaries, richly−gifted, deck him with their songs, even as the steed who draws the car. 8 Sing forth to him, the Holy, most munificent, sublime with his refulgent glow, 9 Worshipped with gifts, enkindled, splendid, Maghavan shall win himself heroic fame. 10 Priest, presser of the juice! praise now the dearest Guest of all our friends, 11 Who, finder−out of treasures open and concealed, bringeth them hither, Holy One; 12 Let not the noble Guest, Agni, be wroth with us: by many a man his praise is sung, 13 O Vasu, Agni, let not them be harmed who come in any way with lauds to thee. 14 Friend of the Maruts, Agni, come with Rudras to the Soma−draught,

13 We will rejoice to drink the tenfold present when the twicefive come bearing sacred viands. 14 The sea and all the Deities shall give us him with the golden car and neck bejewelled. 15 Four youthful sons of Masarsara vex me, three, of the king, the conquering Ayavasa.

2 Full springs of fatness, Sovran Kings, Mitra. and Varuna, the Twain, 3 So help ye us to riches, great terrestrial and celestial wealth: 4 Carefully tending Law with Law they have attained their vigorous might. 5 With rainy skies and streaming floods, Lords of the strength that bringeth gifts,

2 The bowl made Indra swift to gather booty, the High, the Lofty, Youthful, Undecaying, 3 Stretch out those hands of thine, extend to us−ward thy wide capacious arms, and grant us glory. 4 Now, fain for strength, let us invite your Indra hither, who lieth hidden with his Heroes,− 5 With steadfast laws, wealth−giver, strong through Soma, he hath much fair and precious food to feed us 6 Bring unto us the mightiest might, O Hero, strong and most potent force, thou great Subduer! 7 Bring us, grown mighty in its strength, O Indra, thy friendly rapturous joy that wins the battle, 8 Indra, bestow on us the power heroic skilled and exceeding strong, that wins the booty, 9 Let thine heroic strength come from behind us, before us, from above us or below us. 10 With most heroic aid from thee, like heroes Indra, may we win wealth by deeds glory. 11 The Bull, whose strength hath waxed, whom Maruts follow, free−giving Indra, the Celestial Ruler, 12 Give up the people who are high and haughty to these men and to me, O Thunder−wielder! 13 Through these thy friendships, God invoked of many! may we be victors over every foeman.

2 They gleam with armlets as the heavens are decked with stars, like cloud−born lightnings shine the torre 3 They drip like horses in the racings of swift steeds; with the stream's rapid cars they hasten on their way 4 They have bestowed of Mitra all that live, to feed, they who for evermore cause their swift drops to flow 5 With brightly−flarning kine whose udders swell with milk, idth glittering lances on your unobstructed 6 To these our prayers, O Maruts, come unanimous, come ye to our libations like the praise of men. 7 Give us a steed, O Maruts migbty in the car; prevailing prayer that brings remembrance day by day; 8 When the bright−chested Maruts, lavish of their gifts, bind at the time bliss their horses to the cars, 9 Save us, O Maruts, Vasus, from the injurer, the mortal foe who makes us looked upon as wolves. 10 Well−known, ye Maruts, is that wondrous course of yours, when they milked Prsni's udder, close akin 11 We call youi such, great Maruts, following wonted ways, to the oblation paid to Visnu Speeder−on. 12 They, the Dasagvas, first of all brought sacrifice: they at the break of mornings shall inspirit us. Daw

2 So with thy joyous tongues for us sacrifice nobly in this rite. 3 For well, O God, Disposer, thou knowest, straight on, the paths and ways, 4 Thee, too, hath Bharata of old, with mighty men, implored for bliss. 5 Thou givest these abundant boons to Divodasa pouring forth, 6 Do thou, Immortal Messenger, bring hither the Celestial Folk; 7 Mortals with pious thought implore thee, Agni, God, at holy rites, 8 I glorify thine aspect and the might of thee the Bountilul. 9 Invoker placed by Manus, thou, Agni, art near, the wisest Priest: 10 Come, Agni, lauded, to the feast; come to the offering of the gifts. 11 So, Angiras, we make thee strong with fuel and with holy oil. 12 For us thou winnest, Agni, God, heroic strength exceeding great, 13 Agni, Atharvan brought thee forth, by rubbing, from the lotus−flower, 14 Thee. Vrtra's slayer, breaker down of castles, hath Atharvan's son, 15 The hero Pathya kindled thee the Dasyus'. most destructive foe, 16 Come, here, O Agni, will I sing verily other songs to thee, 17 Where'er tby mind applies itself, vigour preeminent bast thou: 18 Not for a moment only lasts thy bounty, good to many a one!

2 May we as Rbhu with your Rbhus conquer strength with our strength, as Vibhus with the Vibhus. 3 For they rule many tribes with high dominion, and conquer all their foes in close encounter. 4 Now, Deities, give us ample room and freedom: be all of you, one−minded, our protection.

2 Excellent Agni, come thou nigh to us, and give us wealth most splendidly renowned. 3 So hear us, listen to this call of ours, and keep us far from every sinful man. 4 To thee then, O Most Bright, O Radiant God, we come with prayer for happiness for our friends.

1 THE priests, Vasisthas, are the first awakened to welcome Usas with their songs and praises, 2 Giving fresh life when she hath hid the darkness, this Dawn hath wakened there with new−born lustre. 3 May blessed Mornings shine on us for ever, with wealth of kine, of horses, and of heroes,

2 For Dvita who receives through wealth of native strength maimed offerings, 3 Nobles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with lengthened life, 4 They who have varied ways of thought, who guard, the lauds within their lips, 5 Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite,

2 Rise up, O Savitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man while sacrifice is offered, 3 Let Savitar the God he hymned with praises, to whom the Vasus, even, all sing glory. 4 Even he whom Aditi the Goddess praises, rejoicing in God Savitar's incitement: 5 They who come emulous to our oblation, dispensing bounty, from the earth and heaven. 6 This may the Lord of Life, entreated, grant us,−the wealth which Savitar the God possesses. 7 Bless us the Vajins when we call, while slowly they move, strong Singers, to the Gods' assembly. 8 Deep−skilled in Law eternal, deathless, Singers, O Vajins, help us in each fray for booty. 2 Soft to the tread, their sacred grass is scattered: these go like Kings amid the band around them, 3 Here on their path the noble Gods proceeded: in the wide firmament the Beauteous decked them. 4 For they are holy aids at sacrifices: all Gods approach the place of congregation. 5 Agni, to these men's hymns, from earth, from heaven, bring Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Agni, 6 Even as the holy wish, the gift is offered: may he, unsated, come when men desire him. 7 Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasisthas; and holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni.

2 Flow onward with that stream of thine, whereby the cows have come to us, 3 Chief Friend of Gods in sacred rites, pour on us fatness with thy stream, 4 To give us vigour, with thy stream run through the fleecy straining−cloth 5 Onward hath Pavamana flowed and beaten off the Raksasas,

2 He by the splendour of his arms is Priest of every able man. 3 All rests upon the laud and love of him the rich, high−flaming God, 4 So, Agni, be the Friend of these with liberal gift of hero strength. 5 O Agni, quickly come to us, and, glorified, bring precious wealth.

2 Bring what thou deemest worth the wish, O Indra, that which is in heaven. 3 Thy lofty spirit, far−renowned as fain to give and prompt to win,− 4 Singers with many songs have made Indra propitious to their fame, 5 To him, to Indra must be sung the poet's word, the hymn of praise.