Rig Veda on Children

2 So hast thou mounted up before us, Surya, through these our praises, with fleet dappled horses. 3 May holy Agni, Varuna, and Mitra send down their riches upon us in thousands. 4 O undivided Heaven and Earth, preserve us, us, Lofty Ones! your nobIy−born descendants. 5 Stretch forth your arms and let our lives be lengthened: with fatness dew the pastures of our cattle. 6 Now Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, for us and for our children.

1 Now Morning with her earliest light shines forth, dear Daughter of the Sky: 2 Sons of the Sea, mighty to save discoverers of riches, ye 3 Your giant coursers hasten on over the region all in flames, − 4 He, liberal, lover of the flood, Lord of the House, the vigilant, 5 Ye have regard unto our hymns, Nasatyas, thinking of our words: 6 Vouchsafe to us, O Asvin Pair, such strength as, with attendant light, 7 Come in the ship of these our hymns to bear you to the hither shore 8 The heaven's wide vessel is your own on the flood's shore your chariot waits 9 Kanvas, the drops are in the heaven; the wealth is at the waters' place: 10 Light came to lighten up the branch, the Sun appeared as it were gold: 11 The path of sacrifice was made to travel to the farther goal: 12 The singer of their praise awaits whatever grace the Asvins give, 13 Ye dwellers with Vivasvan come, auspicious, as to Manu erst; 14 O circumambient Asvins, Dawn follows the brightness of your way: 15 Drink ye of our libations, grant protection, O ye Asvins Twain, 1 ASVINS, for you who strengthen Law this sweetest Soma hath been shed. 2 Come, O ye Asvins, mounted on your triple car three−seated, beautiful of form 3 O Asvins, ye who strengthen Law, drink ye this sweetest Soma juice. 4 Omniscient Asvins, on the thrice−heaped grass bedew with the sweet juice the sacrifice. 5 O Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye guarded Kanva carefully, 6 O Mighty Ones, ye gave Sudas abundant food, brought on your treasure−laden car; 7 Nasatyas, whether ye be far away or close to Turvasa, 8 So let your coursers, ornaments of sacrifice, bring you to our libations here. 9 Come, O Nasatyas, on your car decked with a sunbright canopy, 10 With lauds and songs of praise we call them down to us, that they, most rich, may succour us;

2 Men decked with gold adorn his golden tendril, incessantly with steed−impelling homage. 3 O God, for service of the Gods flow onward, for food sublime, as Indra's drink, O Soma. 4 Flow for prosperity and constant Vigour, flow on for happiness and high perfection. 5 Father of holy hymns, Soma flows onward the Father of the earth, Father of heaven: 6 Brahman of Gods, the Leader of the poets, Rsi of sages, Bull of savage creatures, 7 He, Soma Pavamana, like a river, hath stirred the wave of voice, our songs and praises. 8 As Gladdener, Warrior never harmed in battle, with thousand genial streams, pour strength and vigour. 9 Dear, grateful to the Gods, on to the beaker moves Soma, sweet to Indra, to delight him. 10 Born in old time as finder−out of treasures, drained with the stone, decking himself in waters, 11 For our sage fathers, Soma Pavamana, of old performed, by thee, their sacred duties. 12 As thou didst flow for Manu Life−bestowing, Foe−queller, Comforter, rich in oblations, 13 Flow onward, Soma, rich in sweets and holy,. enrobed in waters on the fleecy summit. 14 Pour, hundred−streamed, winner of thousands, mighty at the Gods' banquet, Pour the rain of heaven, 15 Purified with our holy hymns, this Soma o'ertakes malignities like some strong charger, 16 Cleansed by the pressers, armed with noble weapons, stream to us the fair secret name thou bearest. 17 They deck him at his birth, the lovely Infant, the Maruts with their troop adorn the Car−horse. 18 Light−winner, Rsi−mindcd, Rsi−maker, hymned in a thousand hymns, Leader of sages, 19 Hawk seated in the bowls, Bird wide−extended, the Banner seeking kine and wielding weapons, 20 Like a fair youth who decorates his body, a courser rushing to the gain of riches, 21 Flow on with might as Pavamana, Indu flow loudly roaring through the fleecy filter. 22 His streams have been effused in all their fulness, and he hath entered, balmed with milk, the goblets.

3 How dost thou decorate our hymn, O Agni? What power dost thou exert when thou art lauded? 4 Far famed is this the Bharata's own Agni he shineth like the Sun with lofty splendour. 5 Full many oblations are in thee collected: with all thine aspects thou hast waxen gracious. 6 Be this my song, that winneth countless treasure, engendered with redoubled force for Agni, 7 We, the Vasisthas, now implore thee, Agni, O Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and riches.

2 May Agni the resplendent hear my calling through all my songs, Immortal, keen of insight. 3 On wood supine they got the well−formed Infant: a germ in various−fashioned plants was Agni; 4 With oil and sacred gifts I sprinkle Agni who makes his home in front of all things living, 5 I pour to him who looks in all directions: may he accept it with a friendly spirit. 6 By choice victorious, recognize thy portion: with thee for envoy may we speak like Manu.

2 She comes in front, fair, rousing up the people, making the pathways easy to be travelled. 3 She, harnessing her car with purple oxen. injuring none, hath brought perpetual riches. 4 With changing tints she gleams in double splendour while from the eastward she displays her body. 5 As conscious that her limbs are bright with bathing, she stands, as 'twere, erect that we may see her. 6 The Daughter of the Sky, like some chaste woman, bends, opposite to men, her forehead downward.

2 Yea, your birth, Maruts, was with wild commotion, ye who move swiftly, fierce in wrath, terrific. 3 Give ample vital power unto our princes let our fair praises gratify the Maruts. 4 Your favoured singer counts his wealth by hundreds: the strong steed whom ye favour wins a thousand. 5 I call, as such, the Sons of bounteous Rudra: will not the Maruts turn again to us−ward? 6 This eulogy of the Bounteous hath been spoken: accept, ye Maruts, this our hymn of praises.

21 He, being purified, hath made the Mornings shine: this, even this is he who gave the rivers room. 22 Flow, onward, Soma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, Indu, poured within the beaker and the sieve. 23 Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, O Indu, entering the depths of Indra's throat. 24 In thee, O Soma, while thou purifitedst thee, high−thoughted sages, seeking favour, have rejoiced. 25 Seven Milch−kine glorify the Tawny−coloured One while with his wave in wool he purifies himself. 26 Indu, attaining purity, plunges through the foe, making Ilis ways all easy for the pious man. 27 The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams sing, as they hasten near, to him the 28 These are thy generations of celestial seed thou art the Sovran Lord of all the world of life. 29 Thou art the sea, O Sage who bringest alf to light: under thy Law are these five regions of the world. 30 Thou in the filter, Soma Pavamana, art purified to support the region for the Gods. 31 Onward the Singer travels o'er the fleecy sieve. the Tawny Steer hath bellowed in the wooden vats. 32 He hath assumed the rays of Surya for his robe, spinning, as he knows bow, the triply−twisted thread. 33 On flows the King of rivers and the Lord of heaven: he follows with a shout the paths of Holy Law. 34 Fain to be cleansed, thou, Pavamana, pourest out, like wondrous Surya, through the fleece, an ample se 35 Thou, Pavamana, sendest food and power in streams. thou sittest in the beakers as a hawk on trees, 36 The Sisters Seven, the Mothers, stand around the Babe, the noble, new−born Infant, skilled in holy son 37 As Sovran Lord thereof thou Passest through these worlds, O Indu, harnessing thy tawny well−winged 38 O Soma, thou beholdest men from every side: O Pavamana, Steer, thou wanderest through these. 39 Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as impregner, Indu, mid the worlds of life.

2 All this with red−rayed steeds have they divided: the Dawns on bright cars shine in wondrous fashion. 3 Dawns, bringing hither, to the man who worships, glory and power and might and food and vigour, 4 Now is there treasure for the man who serves you, now for the hero, Dawns! who brings oblation; 5 O Dawn who standest on the mountain ridges, Angirases now praise thy stalls of cattle. 6 Shine on us as of old, thou Child of Heaven,on him, rich Maid! who serves like Bharadvaja.

2 Smote swiftly forts, and gambara, then Yadu and that Turvaga, 3 Finder of horses, pour on us horses and 4 We seek to win thy friendly love, even Pavamana's flowing o'er 5 With those same waves which in their stream oyerflow the purifying sieve, 6 O Soma, being purified, bring us from all sides,−for thou canst,− 7 Him here, the Child whom streams have borne, the ten swift fingers beautify 8 With Indra and with Vayu he, effused, flows onward with,the beams 9 Flow rich in sweets and lovely for our Bhaga, Vayu, Pusan flow 10 High is thy juice's birth: though set in heaven, on earth it hath obtained 11 Striving to win, with him we gain all wealth from the ungodly man, 12 Finder of room and freedom, flow for Indra whom we must adore, 13 The Gods have come to Indu well−descended, beautified with milk, 14 Even as mother cows their calf, so let our praise−songs strengthen him, 15 Soma, pour blessings on our kine, pour forth the food that streams with milk 16 From heaven hath Pavamana made, as 'twere, the marvellous thunder, and 17 The gladdening and auspicious juice of thee, of Pavamana, King! 18 Thy juice, O Pavamana, sends its rays abroad like splendid skill, 19 Flow onward with that juice of thine most excellent, that brings delight, 20 Killing the foeman and his hate, and winning booty every day, 21 Red−hued, be blended with the milk that seems to yield its lovely breast, 22 Flow onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter Vrtra who 23 Soma who rainest gifts, may we win riches with our hero sons: 24 Aided by thee, and through thy grace, may we be slayers when we war: 25 Chasing our foemen, driving off the godless, Soma flowcth on, 26 O Pavamana, hither bring great riches, and destroy our foes: 27 A hundred obstacles have ne'er checked 28 Indu, flow on, a mighty juice; glorify us among the folk: 29 Indu, in this thy friendship most lofty and glorious may we 30 Those awful weapons that thou hast, sharpened at point to strike men down−

29 My praises when the Sun hath risen, my praises at the time of noon, 30 Praise yea, praise him. Of princes these are the most liberal of their gifts, 31 When to the car, by faith, I yoked the horses longing for the way− 32 May he who gave me two brown steeds together with their cloths of gold, 33 Playoga's son Asanga, by ten thousand, O Agni, hath surpassed the rest in giving. 34 What time her husband's perfect restoration to his lost strength and manhood was apparent,

2 Let the impatient Portals be thrown open bring thou the Gods impatient to come hither. 3 Taste, Agni: serve the Gods with our oblation. Offer good sacrifices, Jatavedas! 4 Let Jatavedas pay fair sacrifices, worship andgratify the Gods Immortal. 5 Wise God, win for us things that are all−goodly, and let the prayers, we pray today be fruitful. 6 Thee, even thee, the Son of Strength, O Agni, those Gods have made the bearer of oblations. 7 To thee the God may we perform our worship: do thou, besought, grant us abundant riches.

2 With this hymn let us honour thee, seeker of horses, Son of Strength, 3 As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth−lover, giver of our wealth! 4 Be thou for us a liberal Prince, giver and Lord of precious things. 5 Such as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which no man may resist: 6 To him who lauds thee, craving help, most youthful envoy! through our song, 7 Between both races, Agni, Sage, well skilled thou passest to and fro, 8 Befriend us thou as knowing all. Sage, duly worship thou the Gods,

2 Him have they praised, mid−point of sacrifices, great cistern of libations, seat of riches. 3 From thee, O Agni, springs the mighty singer, from thee come heroes who subdue the foeman. 4 To thee, Immortal! when to life thou springest, all the Gods sing for joy as to their infant. 5 Agni Vaisvanara, no one hath ever resisted these thy mighty ordinances, 6 The summits of the heaven are traversed through and through by the Immortal's light, Vaisvanara's 7 Vaisvanara, who measured out the realms of air, Sage very wise who made the lucid spheres of heaven,

2 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order, 3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. 4 Ye, Asvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice, 5 As parents aid a son, both Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. 6 Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. 7 May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness.

2 Asvins, ye gained that glory by your Godhead, ye Sons of Heaven, by your own might and power. 3 Who bringeth you to−day for help with offered oblation, or with hymns to drink the juices? 4 Borne on your golden car, ye omnipresent! come to this sacrifice of ours, Nasatyas. 5 Come hitherward to us from earth, from heaven, borne on your golden chariot rolling lightly. 6 Now for us both, mete out, O WonderWorkers, riches exceeding great with store of heroes, 7 Whene'er I gratified you here together, your grace was given us, O ye rich in booty.

2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled, 3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni, 4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far−apparent splendour: 5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes, 6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth. 7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.

2 By paths that are thine own come hither, Agni, joyous, delighting in the Gods' alliance, 3 The grass is strewn; the sacrifice advances adored as Priest, Agni is made propitious, 4 Forthwith the men, the best of these for wisdom, have made him leader in the solemn worship. 5 He hath come, chosen bearer, and is seated in man's home, Brahman, Agni, the Supporter, 6 These have passed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought with skill the hymn of adoration; 7 We, the Vasisthas, now implore thee, Agni, O Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and treasure.

2 A hundred oxen white of hue are shining like the stars in heaven, 3 Bamboos a hundred, a hundred dogs, a hundred skins of beasts well−tanned, 4 Blest by the Gods, Kinvayanas! be ye who spread through life on life: 5 Then men extolled the team of seven not yet full−grown, its fame is great. 2 Ten thousand Dasyave−vrka, the son of Putakrata, hath 3 A hundred asses hath he given, a hundred head of fleecy sheep, 4 There also was a mare led forth, picked out for Putakrata's sake, 5 Observant Agni hath appeared, oblation−bearer with his car.

1 I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice, 2 Worthy is Agni to be praised by living as by ancient seers. 3 Through Agni man obtaineth wealth, yea, plenty waxing day by day, 4 Agni, the perfect sacrifice which thou encompassest about 5 May Agni, sapient−minded Priest, truthful, most gloriously great, 6 Whatever blessing, Agni, thou wilt grant unto thy worshipper, 7 To thee, dispeller of the night, O Agni, day by day with prayer 8 Ruler of sacrifices, guard of Law eternal, radiant One, 9 Be to us easy of approach, even as a father to his son:

2 Thou unto whom resort the gathered people, as the kine seek the warm stall, O Most Youthful. 3 Making thee grow as 'twere some noble infant, thy Mother nurtures thee with sweet affection. 4 Foolish are we, O Wise and free from error: verily, Agni, thou dost know thy grandeur. 5 He rises ever fresh in ancient fuel: smoke−bannered, gray, he makes the wood his dwelling. 6 Like thieves who risk their lives and haunt the forest, the twain with their ten girdles have secured him. 7 Homage and prayer are thine, O Jatavedas, and this my song shall evermore exalt thee.

2 The ribs that compass me give pain and trouble me like rival wives. 3 As rats eat weavers' threads, cares are consuming me, thy singer, gatakratu, me. 4 I the priests' Rsi chose as prince most liberal Kurusravana, 5 Whose three bays harnessed to the car bear me straight onward: I will laud 6 The sire of Upamasravas, even him whose words were passing sweet, 7 Mark, Upamasravas, his son, mark, grandson of Mitratithi: 8 If I controlled Immortal Gods, yea, even were I Lord of men, 9 None lives, even had he hundred lives, beyond the statute of the Gods

2 Immortal. she hath filled the waste, the Goddess hath filled height and depth: 3 The Goddess as she comes hath set the Dawn her Sister in her place: 4 So favour us this night, O thou whose pathways we have visited 5 The villagers have sought their homes, and all that walks and all that flies, 6 Keep off the she−wolf and the wolf, O Urmya, keep the thief away; 7 Clearly hath she come nigh to me who decks the dark with richest hues: 8 These have I brought to thee like kine. O Night, thou Child of Heaven, accept

2 Swift in their motion, hasting to their duty, reaching the central point of life immortal, 3 Steer, Sea, Red Bird with strong wings, he hath entered the dwelling−place of the Primeval Father. 4 Four bear him up and give him rest and quiet, and ten invigorate the Babe for travel. 5 Wondrous, O people, is the mystic knowledge that while the waters stand the streams are flowing: 6 For him they lenghten prayers and acts of worship: the Mothers weave garments for him their offspring. 7 Be this our praise, O Varuna and Mitra may this be health and force to us, O Agni.

2 At eve and morn thy pious servants bring thee their precious gifts, O Priest of many aspects, 3 Thou from of old hast dwelt among these people, by mental power the charioteer of blessings. 4 Agni, whoever secretly attacks us, the neighbour, thou with Mitra's might! who harms us, 5 He who serves thee with sacrifice and fuel, with hymn, O Son of Strength, and chanted praises, 6 Do this, O Agni, when we urge thee, quickly, triumphant in thy might subdue our foemen. 7 Help us, that we may gain this wish, O Agni, gain riches, Wealthy One! with store of heroes.

7 She bringeth bounty and sweet charm of voices. The flushing Dawn is sung by the Vasist 2 Turned to this All, far−spreading, she hath risen and shone in brightness with white robes about her. 3 Bearing the Gods' own Eye, auspicious Lady, leading her Courser white and fair to look on, 4 Draw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman: prepare for us wide pasture free from danger. 5 Send thy most excellent beams to shine and light us, giving us lengthened days, O Dawn, O Goddess, 6 O Usas, nobly−born, Daughter of Heaven, whom the Vasisthas with their hymns make mighty,

2 Rich shall he be in gold and kine and horses. Indra bestows on him great vital power, 3 Longing, I came this morning to the pious, the son of sacrifice, with car wealth. laden. 4 Health−bringing streams, as milch−cows, flow to profit him who hath worshipped, him who now will 5 On the high ridge of heaven he stands exalted, yea, to the Gods he goes, the liberal giver. 6 For those who give rich meeds are all these splendours, for those who give rich meeds suns shine in hea 7 Let not the liberal sink to sin and sorrow, never decay the pious −chiefs who worship!

1 O BRAMANASPATI, stand up: God−serving men we pray to thee. 2 O Son of Strength, each mortal calls to thee for aid when spoil of battle waits for him. 3 May Brahmanaspati draw nigh, may Sunrta the Goddess come, 4 He who bestows a noble guerdon on the priest wins fame that never shall decay. 5 Now Brahmanaspati speaks forth aloud the solemn hymn of praise, 6 May we in holy synods, Gods! recite that hymn, peerless, that brings felicity. 7 Who shall approach the pious? who the man whose sacred grass is trimmed? 8 He amplifies his lordly might, with kings he slays: e'en mid alarms he dwells secure

2 He with his friend is active, lauded, good to man, Indra who must be glorified by one like me. 3 Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive to win thy bliss allied with riches? 4 Thou, Indra, through the holy prayer art mighty, worthy of sacrifice at all libations. 5 Help now, as Highest, those who toil at sacrifice: well do the people know thy great protecting might. 6 All these libations thou makest effectual, of which thou art thyself supporter, Son of Power. 7 They who with flowing Soma pray to thee, O Sage, to pour on them thy gifts of opulence and wealth,

2 Who, from of old, in carnage, when the people gathered, hath preserved 3 And let men say, Agni is born, e'en he who slayeth Vrtra, he 4 Him in whose house an envoy thou lovest to taste his offered gifts, 5 Him, Angiras, thou Son of Strength, all men call happy in his God, 6 Hitherward shalt thou bring these Gods to our laudation and to taste. 7 When, Agni, on thine embassage thou goest not a sound is heard of steed or straining of thy car. 8 Aided by thee uninjured, strong, one after other, goes he forth: 9 And splendid strength, heroic, high, Agni, thou grantest from the Gods,

2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction. 3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni. 4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest. 5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble; 6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies, 7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni. 8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.

1 WHAT deed hath Indra done in the wild transport, in quaffing or in friendship with, the Soma? 2 In its wild joy Indra hath proved him faithful, faithful in quaffing, faithful in its friendship. 3 All thy vast power, O Maghavan, we know not, know not the riches of thy full abundance. 4 This one great power of thine our eyes have witnessed, wherewith thou slewest Varasikha's children, 5 In aid of Abhyavartin Cayamana, Indra destroyed the seed of Varasikha. 6 Three thousand, mailed, in quest of fame, together, on the Yavyavati, O much−sought Indra, 7 He, whose two red Steers, seeking goodly pasture, plying their tongues move on 'twixt earth and heaven

3 Whom with their mouth they magnify, bannered with flame and homed in light. 4 Kind, Furtherer of men, he comes, when he hath reached the ends of heaven, 5 To taste man's offerings, he, the Strong, hath risen erect at sacrifice: 6 Here are oblation, worship, rest: rapidly comes his furtherance. 7 With service for chief bliss I seek the Lord of Sacrifice, Agni, whom 8 Blest evermore be all the men who come from us, who magnify 9 The path he treads is black and white and red, and striped, and brown, crimson, and glorious. 10 Thus with his thoughts, O Son of Strength, O Agni, hath Vimada, accordant with the Immortals,

2 Let not man's guile annoy us, secret or by day: give not us up a prey to these calamities. 3 Bring hither with benignant mind the willing Cow teeming with plenteous milk, full, inexhaustible. 4 With eulogy I call on Raka swift to hear may she, auspicious, hear us, and herself observe. 5 All thy kind thoughts, O Raka, lovely in their form, wherewith thou grantest wealth to him who offers 6 O broad−tressed Sinivali, thou who art the Sister of the Gods, 7 With lovely fingers, lovely arms, prolific Mother of many sons− 8 Her, Sinivali, her, Gungu, her, Raka, her, Sarasvati, Indrani to mine aid I call, and Vartunani for my wea

2 O Asuras, O Varuna and Mitra, this hymn to you, like food, anew I offer. 3 The movements of the gliding wind come hither: like cows, the springs are filled to overflowing. 4 May I bring hither with my song, O Indra, wise Aryaman who yokes thy dear Bay Horses, 5 In their own place of sacrifice adorers worship to gain long life and win his friendship. 6 Coming together, glorious, loudly roaring − Sarasvati, Mother of Floods, the seventh− 8 Bring ye the great Aramati before you, and Pusan as the Hero of the synod, 9 May this our song of praise reach you, O Maruts, and Visnu guardian of the future infant.

2 Let it approach, yoked by thewill, three−seated, extending far and wide o'er fivefold beings, 3 Renowned, with noble horses, come ye hither: drink, Wondrous Pair, the cup that holds sweet juices. 4 When night was turning to the grey of morning the Maiden, Surya's Daughter, chose your splendour. 5 O Chariot−borne, this car of yours invested with rays of light comes harnessed to our dwelling. 6 Like the wild cattle thirsty for the lightning, Heroes, come nigh this day to our libations. 7 Bhujyu, abandoned in the midst of ocean, ye raised from out the water with your horses, 8 Now hear, O Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

2 Fiend−queller, Friend of all men, he hath with the wood attained unto 3 Be thou best Vrtra−slayer, best granter of bliss, most liberal: 4 Flow onward with thy juice unto the banquet of the Mighty Gods: 5 O Indu, we draw nigh to thee, with this one object day by day: 6 By means of this eternal fleece may Surya's Daughter purify 7 Ten sister maids of slender form seize him within the press and hold 8 The virgins send him forth: they blow the the skin musician−like and fuse 9 Inviolable milch−kine round about him blend for Indra's drink, 10 In the wild raptures of this draught, Indra slays all the Vrtras: he,

2 O Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing−wise who knowest every ordinance. 3 Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal Giver, to the pious worshipper, 4 The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of 5 First messenger art thou, meet for election: drink thou thy fill invited to the Anirta, 6 Milking the teeming Cow for all−sustaining food. O Wise One, for the worship−loving worshipper, 7 They who at flushing of this dawn appointed thee their messenger, these men have paid thee reverence. 8 Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang Vasisistha s sons have called thee down, the Potent One

4 Self−yoked they have descended lightly from the sky. With your own lash, Immortals, urge yourselve's 5 Who among you, O Maruts armed with lightning−spears, moveth you by himself, as with the tongue his 6 Say where, then, is this mighty region's farthest bound, where, Maruts, is the lowest depth that ye have 7 Your winning is with strength, dazzling, with heavenly light, with fruit mature, O Maruts, fall of 8 The rivers roar before your chariot fellies when they are uttering the voice of rain−clouds. 9 Prani brought forth, to fight the mighty battle, the glittering army of the restless Maruts. 10 May this your laud, may this your song O Maruts, sung by the poet Mana's son,

1 THE pleasant Priest is come into the synod, true, skilled in sacrifice, most wise, Ordainer. 2 To thee I offer reverent speech: accept it: to thee who markest it, victorious, faithful! 3 The Two who show their vigour, Night and Morning, by the wind's paths shall haste to thee O Agni. 4 To thee, strong Agni! Varuna and Mitra and all the Maruts sang a song of triumph, 5 Approaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this day fulfilled for thee thy longing. 6 For, Son of Strength, from thee come many succours, and powers abundant that a God possesses. 7 Whatever, God, in sacrifice we mortals have wrought is all for thee, strong, wise of purpose!

2 One, moving not away, supports six burthens: the Cows proceed to him the true, the Highest. 3 The Bull who wears all shapes, the triple−breasted, three−uddered, with a brood in many places, 4 When nigh them, as their tracer he observed them: he called aloud the dear name of Adityas. 5 Streams! the wise Gods have thrice three habitations. Child of three Mothers, he is Lord in synods. 6 Do thou, O Savitar, from heaven thrice hither, three times a day, send down thy blessings daily. 7 Savitar thrice from heaven pours down abundance, and the fair−handed Kings Varuna, Mitra; 8 Three are the bright realms, best, beyond attainment, and three, the Asura's Heroes, rule as Sovrans,

2 Child of Thyself the sacrifice is for the righteous blent with meath, 3 Invoked and worthy of our praise bring Gods whose due is sacrifice: 4 To seat a thousand Heroes they eastward have strewn the grass with might, 5 The sovran all−imperial Doors, wide, good, many and manifold, 6 With gay adornment, fair to see, in glorious beauty shine they forth: 7 Let these two Sages first of all, heralds divine and eloquent, 8 You I address, Sarasvati, and Bharati, and Ila, all: 9 Tvastar the Lord hath made all forms and all the cattle of the field 10 Send to the Gods, Vanaspati, thyself, the sacrificial draught: 11 Agni, preceder of the Gods, is honoured with the sacred song:

2 The Maruts, yea, the Rudras, who have mounted their famous spotted deer and cars swift−moving,− 3 Though vast and tall, the mountain is affrighted, the height of heaven is shaken at your roaring 4 They, like young suitors, sons of wealthy houses, have with their golden natures decked their bodies. 5 None being eldest, none among them youngest, as brothers they have grown to happy fortune. 6 Whether, O blessed Maruts, ye be dwelling in highest, midmost, or in lowest heaven, 7 O Maruts, Lords of all, when Agni and when ye drive downward from sublimest heaven along the heigh 8 O Agni, with the Maruts as they gleam and sing, gathered in troop, rejoicing drink the Soma juice;

1 O WORTHY of oblation, Lord of prospering powers, assume thy robes, 2 Sit ever to be chosen, as our Priest., most youthful, through our hymns, 3 For here a Father for his son, Kinsman for kinsman worshippeth, 4 Fiere let the foe−destroyers sit, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 5 O ancient Herald, be thou glad in this our rite and fellowship: 6 Whate'er in this perpetual course we sacrifice to God and God, 7 May he be our dear household Lord, Priest, pleasant and, choice−worthy may 8 The Gods, adored with brilliant fires. have granted precious wealth to us 9 And, O Immortal One, so may the eulogies of mortal men 10 With all thy fires, O Agni, find pleasure in this our sacrifice,

2 For I have heard that ye give wealth more freely than worthless son−in−law or spouse's brother. 3 Let us not break the cords: with this petition we strive to gain the powers of our forefathers. 4 For you the bowl divine, Indra and Agni, presses the Soma gladly to delight you. 5 You, I have heard, were mightiest, Indra−Agni, when Vrtra fell and when the spoil was parted. 6 Surpassing all men where they shout for battle, ye Twain exceed the earth and heaven in greatness. 7 Bring wealth and give it, ye whose arms wield thunder: Indra and Agni, with your powers protect us. 8 Give, ye who shatter forts, whose hands wield thunder: Indra and Agni, save us in our battles.

2 O Agni, Indra, Varuna, and Mitra, give, O ye Gods, and Marut host, and Visnu. 3 Indra and Agni, Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the Waters, Mountains, Maruts, Sky, and Earth and Heaven, 4 May Visnu also and Vata who injures none, and Soma granter of possessions give us joy; 5 So may the band of Maruts dwelling in the sky, the holy, come to us to sit on sacred grass; 6 And may the Mountains famed in noble eulogies, and the fair−gleaming Rivers keep us safe from harm. 7 May the Gods' Spouses aid us of their own freewill, aid us to offspring and the winning of the spoil. 8 May the Dames, wives of Gods, enjoy our presents, Rat, Asvini, Agnayi, and Indrani.

2 At Ayu's ancient call he by his wisdom gave all this progeny of men their being, 3 Praise him, ye Aryan folk, as chief performer of sacrifice adored and ever toiling, 4 That Matarisvan rich in wealth and treasure, light−winner, finds a pathway for his offispring. 5 Night and Dawn, changing each the other's colour, meeting together suckle one same Infant: 6 Root of wealth, gathering−place of treasures, banner of sacrifice, who grants the suppliant's wishes: 7 Now and of old the home of wealth, the mansion of what is born and what was born aforetime, 8 May the Wealth−Giver grant us conquering riches; may the Wealth−Giver grant us wealth with heroes. 9 Fed with our fuel, purifying Agni, so blaze to us auspiciously for glory.

2 For goodly fields, for pleasant homes, for wealth we sacrifice to thee. 3 Best praiser of all these be he; foremost, our chiefs who sacrifice. 4 So that thy worshippers and we, thine, Agni, in our sons may live. 5 As ever− conquering Agni's beams of splendour go to every side, 6 To every side thy face is turned, thou art triumphant everywhere. 7 O thou whose face looks every way, bear us past foes as in a ship. 8 As in a ship, convey thou us for our advantage o'er the flood. 2 Present in heaven, in earth, all−present Agni,−all plants that grow on ground hath he pervaded. 3 Be this thy truth, Vaisvanara, to us−ward: let wealth in rich abundance gather round us.

2 T'he son of Prsadvana was Praskaniva's host, who lay decrepit and forlorn. 3 Call hither with thy newest song Indra who lacks not hymns of praise, 4 He unto whom they sang the seven−headed hymn, three−parted, in the loftiest place, 5 We invocate that Indra who bestoweth precious things on us. 6 He whom thou aidest, gracious Lord, to give again, obtains great wealth to nourish him. 7 Ne'er art thou fruitless, Indra ne'er dost thou desert the worshipper 8 He who hath. overtaken Krvi with his might, and silenced Susna with deathbolts,− 9 Good Lord of wealth is he to whom all Aryas, Dasas here belong. 10 In zealous haste the singers have sung forth a song distilling oil and rich in sweets.

2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the offerer slays his foes. 3 The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, O Indra, Lover of the Son 4 The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, the sweetest of the meath drink thou, 5 Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Soma−pressers like a horse− 6 With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, preeminent, with unfailing wealth. 7 If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the earth, 8 The active, fleet−foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift to victory, like the Wind, 9 Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine, 10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and Dasavraja;

1 INDRA, bring wealth that gives delight, the victor's ever−conquering wealth, Most excellent, to be ou 2 By means of which we may repel our foes in battle hand to hand, 3 Aided by thee, the thunder−armed, Indra, may we lift up the bolt, 4 With thee, O India, for ally with missile−darting heroes, may 5 Mighty is Indra, yea supreme; greatness be his, the Thunderer: 6 Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to the fight, 7 His belly, drinking deepest draughts of Soma, like an ocean swells, 8 So also is his excellence, great, vigorous, rich in cattle, like 9 For verily thy mighty powers, Indra, are saving helps at once 10 So are his lovely gifts; let lauds and praises be to Indra sung,

2 Worshipping, seeking him with adoration like some lost creature followed by its footprints, 3 On the Cow's forehead, with laborious searching, Trita, the offspring of Vibhiavas, found him. 4 Yearning, with homage, they have set and made him blithe Priest among mankind, oblation−bearer, 5 The foolish brought the ne'er−bewildered forward, great, Victor, Song−inspirer, Fort−destroyer. 6 Holding his station firmly in the houses, Trita sat down within his home surrounded 7 His are the fires, eternal, purifying, that make the houses move, whose smoke is shining, 8 The tongue of Agni bears away the praisesong, and, through his care for Earth, her operations. 9 That Agni, him whom Heaven and Earth engendered, the Waters. Tvastar, and with might, the Bhrgus, 10 Agni, whom Gods have made oblationbearer, and much−desiring men regard as holy,

2 Born from the heaven e'en in the days aforetime, wakening, sting aloud in holy synod, 3 The Mother of the Twins hath borne Twin Children: my tongue's tip raised itself and rested silent. 4 Not one is found among them, none of mortals, to blame our sires who fought to win the cattle. 5 Where as a Friend with friendly men, Navagvas, with heroes, on his knees he sought the cattle. 6 Indra found meath collected in the milch−cow, by foot and hoof, in the cow's place of pasture. 7 He took the light, discerning it from darkness: may we be far removed from all misfortune. 8 Let there be light through both the worlds for worship: may we be far from most overwhelming evil. 9 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

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 Thy well−winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the black Bull hath bellowed round about us. 3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conducting by directest paths of Order 4 O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength, 5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song: 6 O Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning breaks, 7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid, 8 Bring to us ever−conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice, 9 Give us, O Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all our life, 10 O Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with care 11 May the man fall, O Agni, who near or afar assaileth us: 12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand−eyed, chaseth the Raksasas afar:

2 Ask of the sages' mighty generations firm−minded and devout they framed the heaven. 3 Assuming in this world mysterious natures, they decked the heaven and earth for high dominion, 4 Even as he mounted up they all adorned him: self−luminous he travels clothed in splendour. 5 First the more ancient Bull engendered offspring; these are his many draughts that lent him vigour. 6 Three seats ye Sovrans, in the Holy synod, many, yea, all, ye honour with your presence. 7 That same companionship of her, the Milch−cow, here with the strong Bull's divers forms they stablishe 8 Let no one here debar me from enjoying the golden light which Savitar diffuses. 9 Fulfil, ye twain, his work, the Great, the Ancient: as heavenly blessing keep your guard around us. 10 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Gandharvi spake: may she, the Lady of the flood, amid the river's roaring leave my heart untouched. 3 Yea, even this blessed Morning, rich in store of food, splendid, with heavenly lustre, hath shone out for 4 And the fleet Falcon brought for sacrifice from afar this flowing Drop most excellent and keen of sight, 5 Still art thou kind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and, skilled in sacrifice, offers thee holy gifts. 6 Urge thou thy Parents, as a lover ' to delight: the Lovely One desires and craves it from his heart. 7 Far−famed is he, the mortal man, O Agni, thou Son of Strength, who hath obtained thy favour. 8 When, Holy Agni, the divine assembly, the sacred synod mid the Gods, is gathered, 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your common dwelling: harness thy rapid car of Amrta.

2 Ye Sapient Ones who made the lightly−rolling car out of your mind, by thought, the car that never errs, 3 O Vajas, Rbhus, reaching far, among the Gods this was your exaltation gloriously declared, 4 The chalice that wag single ye have made fourfold, and by your wisdom brought the Cow forth from the 5 Wealth from the Rbhus is most glorious in renown, that which the Heroes, famed for vigour, have 6 Strong is the steed, the man a sage in eloquence, the bowman is a hero hard to beat in fight, 7 To you hath been assigned the fairest ornament, the hymn of praise: Vajas and Rbhus, joy therein; 8 According to the wishes of our hearts may ye, who have full knowledge of all the delights of men, 9 Bestowing on us here riches and offspring, here fashion fame for us befitting heroes.

2 Him, Maker of the sky, let stones wet with the Soma ne'er forsake, 3 Indra who knew full well disclosed the kine to the Angirases. 4 Indra, promoter of the song, the sage's Strengthener as of old, 5 Now after their desire's intent the pious singers with the cry 6 With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to be performed, 7 When the Five Tribes with all their men to Indra have sent out their voice, 8 This praise is verily thine own: thou hast performed these manly deeds, 9 At the o'erflowing of this Steer, boldly he strode for life, and took 10 Receiving this and craving help, we, who with you are Daksa's sons, 11 Yea, Hero, with the singers we sing.to the duly−coming Band. 12 With us are raining Rudras, clouds accordant in call to battle, at the death of Vrtra,

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,