Rig Veda on Courage

2 With these discomfit hosts that fight against us, and check the opponent's wrath, thyself uninjured. 3 Those who array themselves as foes to smite us, O Indra, be they kin or be they strangers,− 4 With strength of limb the hero slays the hero, when bright in arms they range them for the combat. 5 Yet no strong man hath conquered thee, no hero, no brave, no warrior trusting in his valour. 6 He is the Lord of both these armies' valour when the commanders call them to the conflict: 7 And when the people stir themselves for battle, be thou their saviour, Indra, and protector, 8 To thee for high dominion hath been for evermore, for slaughtering the Vrtras, 9 So urge our hosts together in the combats: yield up the godless bands that fight against us.

2 Not at his own free pleasure did he bear me: he conquered with his strength and manly courage. 3 When with loud cry from heaven down sped the Falcon, thence hasting like the wind he bore the Bold 4 The Falcon bore him from heaven's lofty summit as the swift car of Indra's Friend bore Bhujyu. 5 And now let Maghavan accept the beaker, white, filled with milk, filled with the shining liquid;

2 He who is germ of waters, germ of woods, germ of all things that move not and that move,− 3 Agni is Lord of riches for the man who serves him readily with sacred songs. 4 Whom many dawns and nights, unlike, make strong, whom, born in Law, all things that move and stand 5 Thou settest value on our cows and woods: all shall bring tribute to us to the light. 6 Like a brave archer, like one skilled and bold, a fierce avenger, so he shines in fight.

2 Sole among chiefs, companionless, impetuous, and peerless, he 3 Lord of swift bounty, he will win e'en with a steed of worthless sort. 4 Come to us.hither: let us pay devotions that enhance thy might, 5 For thou, O Indra, makest yet more bold the spirit of the bold 6 Worthy of song, he looketh down as a man looketh into wells. 7 In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto thee. 8 Praised, Indra, is this might of thine, best for the service of the Gods, 9 He makes the races of mankind like synods of the Beauteous One. 10 Thy might, O Indra, at its birth, thee also, and thy mental power, 11 O Vrtra−slayer, thou and I will both combine for winning spoil. 12 Let us extol this Indra as truthful and never as untrue.

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 Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the fight with foes. 3 He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, 4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmanaspati leads forward on his way,

2 Gladdening crusher of the bold, ruling with very mighty sway, 3 Hence, Sapient One! the Falcon, strong of wing, unwearied, brought thee down, 4 That each may see the light, the Bird brought us the guard of Law, the Friend 5 And now, sent forth, it hath attained to mighty power and majesty,

2 Whose prayers have they, the Youthful Ones, accepted? Who to his sacrifice hath turned the Maruts? 3 Whence comest thou alone, thou who art mighty, Indra, Lord of the Brave? What is thy purpose? 4 Mine are devotions, hymns; sweet are libations. Strength stirs, and hurled forth is my bolt of thunder. 5 Therefore together with our strong companions, having adorned our bodies, now we harness, 6 Where was that nature then of yours, O Maruts, that ye charged me alone to slay the Dragon? 7 Yea, much hast thou achieved with us for comrades, with manly valour like thine own, thou Hero. 8 Vrtra I slew by mine own strength, O Maruts, having waxed mighty in mine indignation. 9 Nothing, O Maghavan, stands firm before thee; among the Gods not one is found 10 Mine only be transcendent power, whatever I, daring in my spirit, may accomplish. 11 Now, O ye Maruts, hath your praise rejoiced me, the glorious hymn which ye have made me, Heroes! 12 Here, truly, they send forth their sheen to meet me, wearing their blameless glory and their vigour. 13 Who here hath magnified you, O ye Maruts? speed forward, O ye lovers, to your lovers. 14 To this hath Minya's wisdom brought us, so as to aid, as aids the poet him who worships. 15 May this your praise, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,

2 Men, Vasu! by the Soma, with lauds call thee to the foremost place: 3 Boldly, Bold Hero, bring us spoil in thousands for the Kanvas' sake. 4 Medhyatithi, to Indra sing, drink of the juice to make thee glad. 5 He Who is praised as strong of hand both right and left, most wise and hold: 6 The bold of heart whom none provokes, who stands in bearded confidence; 7 Who knows what vital ower he wins, drinking beside the flowing juice? 8 As a wild elephant rushes on this way and that way, mad with heat,' 9 When he, the Mighty, ne'er o'erthrown, steadfast, made ready for the fight, 10 Yea, verily, thou art a Bull, with a bull's rush. whom none may stay: 11 Thy reins are very bulls in strength, bulls' strength is in thy golden whip. 12 Let the strong presser press for thee. Bring hither, thou straight−rushing Bull. 13 Come, thou most potent Indra, come to drink the savoury Soma juice. 14 When thou hast mounted on thy car let thy yoked Bay Steeds carry thee, 15 O thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine heart. 16 Neither in thy decree nor mine, but in another's he delights,− 17 Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not discipline, 18 His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw his car: 19 Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let none

11 They have been poured upon the fleece towards the meath−distilling vat: 12 Like milch−kine coming home, the drops of Soma juice have reached the lake, 13 O Indu, to our great delight the running waters flow to us, 14 In this thy friendship, and with thee to help us, fain to sacrifice, 15 Flow on, O Soma, for the great Viewer of men, for gain of Idne 16 Best art thou, Soma, of the great, Strongest of strong ones, Indu: thou 17 Mightier even than the strong, more valiant even than the brave, 18 Soma, as Sura, bring us food, win offspring of our bodies: we 19 Agni, thou pourest life; send down upon us food and vigorous strength; 20 Agni is Pavamana, Sage, Chief Priest of all the Races Five: 21 Skilled in thy task, O Agni, pour splendour with hero strength on us, 22 Beyond his enemies away to sweet praise Pavamana flows, 23 Adorned by living men, set forth for entertainment, rich in food, 24 He, Pavamana, hath produced the lofty Law, the brilliant light, 25 From tawny Pavamana, the Destroyer, radiant streams have sprung, 26 Best rider of the chariot, praised with fairest praise mid beauteous ones, 27 May Pavamana, best to win the booty, penetrate with rays, 28 Over the fleecy sieve hath flowed the drop effused: to Indra comes 29 This Soma, through the pressing−stones, is sporting on the oxhide, and 30 O Pavamana, bless us, so that we may live, with that bright milk

2 He, praised of many, bold, invoked of many, alone is glorified at sacrifices. 3 They make their way to Indra and exalt him, bim whom no prayers and no laudations trouble; 4 As brightness mingles with the Moon in heaven, the offered Soma yearns to mix with Indra. 5 To him this mighty eulogy, to Indra hath this our laud been uttered by the poets,

2 O Indu, swayer of the sea, shaker of all things, flow thou on, 3 With thee for Hero, Valiant One! may we subdue our enemies: 4 Indu arouses strength the Sage who strives for victory, winning power, 5 Mover of speech, we robe him with our songs as he is purified 6 On whose way, Lord of Holy Law, most richi as he is purified.

4 The new−born Vrtra−slayer asked his Mother, as he seized his shaft, 5 Savasi answered, He who seeks thine enmity will battle like 6 And hear, O Maghavan; to him who craves of thee thou grantest all 7 What time the Warrior Indra goes to battle, borne by noble steeds, 8 Repel, O Thunder−armed, in all directions all attacks on us: 9 May Indra set our car in front, in foremost Place to win the spoil, 10 Thine enmity may we escape, and, gakra, for thy bounty, rich 11 Softly approaching, Thunder−armed wealthy by hundreds, rich in steeds, 12 For thine exalted excellence gives to thy worshippers each day 13 Indra, we know thee breaker−down even of trong forts, winner of spoil, 14 Though thou art highest, Sage and Bold let the drops cheer thee when we come 15 Bring unto us the treasure of the opulent man who, loth to give, 16 Indra, these friends of ours, supplied with Soma, wait and look to thee, 17 And thee who art not deaf, whose cars are quick to listen, for our aid, 18 When thou hast listened, make our call one which thou never wilt forget, 19 When even now, when we have been in trouble, we have thought of thee, 20 O Lord of Strength, we rest on thee, as old men rest upon a staff: 21 To Indra sing a song of praise, Hero of mighty valour, him 22 Hero, the Soma being shed, I pour the juice for thee to drink: 23 Let not the fools, or those who mock beguile thee when they seek thine aid 24 Here let them with rich milky draught cheer thee to great munificence: 25 Proclaim in our assemblies what deeds, new and ancient, far away, 26 In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank Kadru's Soma juice:

2 Brave, seeking war and booty, dwelling with the good and with the swift, may he hasten the food of Da 3 His pinion, rapid runner, fans him m his way, as of a bird that hastens onward to its aim, 4 Bound by the neck and by the flanks and by the mouth, the vigorous Courser lends new swiftness to his 5 The Hamsa homed in light, the Vasu in mid−air, the priest beside the altar, in the house the guest,

2 Men have obtained his strength by sacrificing, and ever urged him, on to hero valour. 3 Associate with him, as teams of horses, help, manly might, and vigour follow Indra. 4 Lauded by us, let flow the spring, O Indra, of excellent and brightly−shining riches. 5 Hear what thou mayst hear, thou who, fain for worship, as heaven girds earth, guardest thy servant's 2 Forth to the vat the brown drops flow for service, and purified proceed directly forward. May I

2 They who like kindled flames of fire are glowing,. the Maruts, twice and thrice have waxen mighty. 3 They who are Sons of the rain−pouring Rudra, whom the long−lasting One had power to foster: 4 They shrink not from the birth; in this same manner still resting there they purge away reproaches. 5 Even those who bear the brave bold name of Maruts, whom not the active quickly wins for milking. 6 When, strong in strength and armed with potent weapons, they had united wellformed earth and heaven, 7 No team of goats shall draw your car, O Maruts, no horse no charioteer be he who drives it. 8 None may obstruct, none overtake, O Maruts, him whom ye succour in the strife of battle 9 Bring a bright hymn to praise the band of Maruts, the Singers, rapid, strong in native vigour, 10 Bright like the flashing flames of sacrifices, like tongues of fire impetuous in their onset, 11 That swelling band I call with invocation, the brood of Rudra, armed with glittering lances. 2 To you Two Gods is this my thought extended, turned to the sacred grass with loving homage. 3 Come hither, Mitra−Varuna, invited with eulogies and loving adoration, 4 Whom, of pure origin, like two strong horses, Aditi bore as babes in proper season, 5 As all the Gods in their great joy and gladness gave you with one accord your high dominion, 6 So, through the days maintaining princely power. ye prop the height as 'twere from loftiest heaven. 7 Take the strong drink, to quaff till ye are sated, when he and his attendants fill the chamber. 8 So with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful and very wise, attends our worship. 9 When, Mitra−Varuna, they strive against you and break tlie friendly laws ye have established, 10 When singers in their song uplift their voices, some chant the Nivid texts with steady purpose. 11 O Mitra−Varuna, may your large bounty come to us hither, near to this our dwelling,

2 Agni, disclose his thought for him who singeth, the well, Strong God! while thou art praised with fervou 3 From thee, O Agni, springs poetic wisdom, from thee come thoughts and hymns of praise that prosper; 4 From thee the hero springs who wins the booty, bringer of help, mighty, of real courage. 5 Immortal Agni, thee whose voice is pleasant, as first in rank, as God, religious mortals 6 Far from us thou removest want and sorrow, far from us all ill−will when thou protectest.

2 Indra who quells the curse blew curses far away, and then in splendour came to us. 3 Sing to your lofty Indra, sing, Maruts, a holy hymn of praise. 4 Aim and fetch boldly forth, O thou whose heart is bold: great glory will be thine thereby. 5 When thou, unequalled Maghavan, wast born to smite the Vrtras dead, 6 Theri was the sacrifice produced for thee, the laud, and song of joy, 7 Raw kine thou filledst with ripe milk. Thou madest Surya rise to heaven.,

2 Come to the sacrifice, O ye whose ways are right, whose laws are true, 3 O Singer, with the singers, O Gracious, with those who move at dawn, 4 To Indra and to Vayu dear, this Soma, by the mortar pressed, 5 Vayu, come hither to the feast, wellpleased unto our sacred gifts: 6 Ye, Indra, Vayu, well deserve to drink the juices pressed by us. 7 For Indra and for Vayu pressed are Soma juices blent with curd, 8 Associate with all the Gods, come, with the Asvins and with Dawn, 9 Associate with Varuna, with Mitra, Soma, Visnu, come, 10 Associate with Vasus, with Adityas, Indra, Viyu, come, Agni as erst with Atri, so enjoy the juice. 11 May Bhaga and the Asvins grant us health and wealth, and Goddess Adid and he whom none resist. 12 Let us solicit Vayu for prosperity, and Soma who is Lord of all the world for weal; 13 May all the Gods, may Agni the beneficent, God of all men, this day be with us for our weal. 14 Prosper us, Mitra, Varuna. O wealthy Pathya, prosper us. 15 Like Sun and Moon may we pursue in full prosperity our path, 2 For in their boldness they are friends of firm and sure heroic strength. 3 Like steers in rapid motion they advance and overtake the nights; 4 With boldness to your Maruts let us offer laud and sacrifice: 5 Praiseworthy, givers of good gifts, Heroes with full and perfect strength − 6 The lofty Heroes cast their spears and weapons bright with gleaming gold. 7 They who waxed mighty, of the earth, they who are in the wide mid−air, 8 Praise thou the Maruts' company, the valorous and truly strong, 9 Fair−gleaming, on Parusni they have clothed themselves in robes of wool, 10 Whether as wanderers from the way or speeders on or to the path, 11 To this the Heroes well attend, well do their teams attend to this. 12 Hymn−singing, seeking water, they, praising, have danced about the spring. 13 Sublime, with lightnings for their spears, Sages and Orderers are they. 14 Rsi, invite the Marut band with offerings, as a maid her friend.

2 And he, made beautiful by night, dips forward into strengthening food', 3 We cleanse this gladdening drink of his the juice which Indra chiefly drinks−−− 4 To him, while purifying, they have raised the ancient psalm of praise: 5 They purify him as he drops, courageous, in the fleecy sieve. 6 Soma, best Cheerer, takes his seat, the while they cleanse him in the bowls. 7 He is effused and beautified, a God for Gods, by skilful men. 8 Pressed, Indu, guided by the men, thou art led to the cleaning sieve.

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 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty wealth, 3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men 4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self−ruling King: 5 Let prelude sound and following chant so let him hear the Saman sung, 6 O Indra, with thy right hand bring, and with thy left remember us. 7 Come nigh, O Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of the churl 8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive, 9 Indra, thy swiftly−coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all,

2 Thou, Hero, art a warrior, thou art giver of abundant spoil. 3 When war and battles are on foot, booty is laid before the bold. 4 Mighty through wisdom, as he lists, terrible, he hath waxed in strength. 5 He filled the earthly atmosphere and pressed against the lights in heaven. 6 May he who to the offerer gives the foeman's man−sustaining food, 7 He, righteous−hearted, at each time of rapture gives us herds of kine. 8 Refresh thee, Hero, with the juice outpoured for bounty and for strength. 9 These people, Indra, keep for thee all that is worthy of thy choice.

2 Indra, whom many laud, accept the strength−conferring Soma juice: 3 Indra, with all the Gods promote our wealth−bestowing sacrifice, 4 Lord of the brave, to thee proceed these drops of Soma juice expressed, 5 Within thy belly, Indra, take juice, Soma the most excellent: Thine are the drops celestial. 6 Drink our libation, Lord of hymns: with streams of meath thou art bedewed 7 To Indra go the treasures of the worshipper, which never fail: 8 From far away, from near at hand, O Vrtra−slayer, come to us: 9 When from the space between the near and far thou art invoked by us,

26 O Indra, Caster of the Stone, thou helpest him who praises thee: 27 Here, yoking for the Soma−draught these Horses, sharers of thy feast, 28 Attendants on thy glory, let the Rudras roar assent to thee, 29 These his victorious followers bold in the heavens the place they love, 30 That we may long behold the light, what time the ordered rite proceeds, 31 O Indra, strong is this thy car, and strong are these Bay Steeds of thine: 32 Strong is the press−stone, strong thy joy, strong is the flowing Soma juice: 33 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunderer with thy thousand aids:

2 The treasure which his Bay Steeds found at sacrifice,−this wealth made opulent Indra slayer of the foe. 3 When, with the Princes, Maghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the thunderbolt of gold, and the Controlle 4 With him too is this rain of his that comes like herds: Indra throws drops of moisture on his yellow bear 5 We laud and praise his several deeds of valour who, fatherlike, with power hath made us stronger; 6 Indra, the Vimadas have formed for thee a laud, copious, unparalleled, for thee Most Bountiful. 7 Ne'er may this bond of friendship be dissevered, the Rsi Vimada's and thine, O Indra.

2 Bring cattle, bring us ornament, bring us embellishment and steeds, 3 And, Bold One, bring in ample store rich jewels to adorn thi; ear, 4 None other is there for the priest, Hero! but thou, to give him gifts, 5 Indra can never be brought low, Sakra can never be subdued: 6 He spieth out the wrath of man, he who can never be deceived: 7 He hath his stomach full of might, the Vrtra−slayer, Conqueror, 8 In thee all treasures are combined, Soma all blessed things in thee, 9 To thee speeds forth my hope that craves the gift of corn, and kine and gold, 10 Indra, through hope in thee alone even this sickle do I grasp.

2 The Bull, the youngling with the hump, hath frolicked, the strong and never−ceasing Calf hath bellowed 3 Him who hath grasped his Parents' head, they stablished at sacrifice a wave of heavenly lustre. 4 For, Vasu thou precedest every Morning, and still hast been the Twins' illuminator. 5 Thou art the Eye and Guard of mighty Order, and Varuna when to sacrifice thou comest. 6 Thou art the Leader of the rite and region, to which with thine auspicious teams thou teadest, 7 Through his wise insight Trita in the cavern, seeking as ever the Chief Sire's intention, 8 Well−skilled to use the weapons of his Father, Aptya, urged on by Indra, fought the battle. 9 Lord of the brave, Indra cleft him in pieces who sought to gain much strength and deemed him mighty.

2 To Asamati, spring of gifts, lord of the brave, a radiant car, 3 Who, when the spear hath armed his hand, or even weaponless o'erthrows 4 Him in whose service flourishes Iksvaku, rich and dazzling−bright. 5 Indra, support the princely power of Rathaprosthas matched by none, 6 Thou for Agastya's sister's sons yokest thy pair of ruddy steeds. 7 This is the mother, this the sire, this one hath come to be thy life. 8 As with the leather thong they bind the chariot yoke to hold it fast, 9 Even as this earth, the mighty earth, holds fast the monarchs of the wood. 10 Subandlin's spirit I have brought from Yarna, from Vivasvan's Son, 11 The wind blows downward from on high, downward the Sun−God sends his heat, 12 Felicitous is this mine hand, yet more felicitous is this.

23 Ten horses and ten treasure−chests, ten garments as an added gift, 24 Ten cars with extra steed to each, for the Atharvans hundred cows, 25 Thus Srnjaya's son honoured the Bharadvajas, recipients of all noble gifts and bounty. 26 Lord of the wood, be firm and strong in body: be, bearing us, a brave victorious hero 27 Its mighty strength was borrowed from the heaven and earth: its conquering force was brought from 28 Thou Bolt of Indra, Vanguard of the Maruts, close knit to Varuna and Child of Mitra,− 29 Send forth thy voice aloud through earth and heaven, and let the world in all its breadth regard thee; 30 Thunder out strength and fill us full of vigour: yea, thunder forth and drive away all dangers. 31 Drive hither those, and these again bring hither: the War−drum speaks aloud as battle's signal.

2 Wise must this Agni be, though young and tender, since he was born, Most Youthful, of his Mother; 3 Before his presence must we all assemble, this God's whom men have seized in his white splendour. 4 Far−seeing hath this Agni been established, deathless mid mortals, wise among the foolish. 5 He who hath occupied his God−made dwelling, Agni, in wisdom hath surpassed Immortals. 6 Agni is Lord of Amrta. in abundance, Lord of the gift of wealth and hero valour, 7 The foeman's treasure may be won with labour: may we be masters of our own possessions. 8 Unwelcome for adoption is the stranger, one to be thought of as another's offipring, 9 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us O thou Victor, from dishonour. 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

2 We set no snares to tangle you; Indra we worship and adore, Hero of heroes mightiest. 3 For, famous Indra−Agni, ye are dwellers in the midst of frays. 4 Nabhaka−like, with sacred song Indra's and Agni's praise I sing, 5 To Indra and to Agni send your prayers, as was Nabhaka's wont,− 6 Tear thou asunder, as of old, like tangles of a creeping plant, 7 What time with this same song these men call Indra−Agni sundry ways, 8 The Two refulgent with their beams rise and come downward from the sky. 9 O Indra, many are thine aids, many thy ways of guiding us, 10 Inspire him with your holy hymns, the Hero bright and glorious, 11 Inspire him worshipped with fair rites, the glorious Hero truly brave. 12 Thus have we sung anew to Indra−Agni, as sang our sires, Angirases, and Mandhatar.

2 Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty: let us do many deeds to bring us glory. 3 May we o'ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills over lowlands. 4 Give us not up as prey to death, O Sorna still let us look upon the Sun arising. 5 O Asuniti, keep the soul within us, and make the days we have to live yet longer. 6 Give us our sight again, O Asuniti, give us again our breath and our enjoyment. 7 May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and mid−air restore it. 8 May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of everlasting Law. 9 Health−giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and threes, 10 Drive forward thou the wagon−ox, O Indra, which brought Usinarani's wagon hither.

23 We to the Mighty with our might, with lauds to him who hears our call, 24 Not earth, nor heaven, nor firmaments contain the Thunder−wielding God: 25 What time the Gods, O Indra, get thee foremost in the furious fight, 26 When Vrtra, stayer of the floods, thou si"est, Thundeicr with might, 27 When Visnu, through thine energy, strode wide those three great steps of his, 28 When thy two beautiful Bay Steeds grew great and greater day by day, 29 When, Indra, all the Marut folk humbly submitted them to thee, 30 When yonder Sun, that brilliant light, thou settest in the heaven above, 31 To thee, O Indra, with this thought the sage lifts up this eulogy, 32 When in thine own dear dwelling all gathered have lifted up the voice 33 As Priest, O Indra, give us wealth in brave men and good steeds ana kine

2 He, Friend of man, most wise, victorious Hero, hears, with far−reaching aid, the singer call him. 3 The lofty axle of thy wheels, O Hero, is not surpassed by heaven and earth in greatness. 4 Strong Lord, thine energies, endowed with vigour, are like the paths of kine converging homeward. 5 One act to−day, another act tomorrow oft Indra makes what is not yet existeni. 6 By song and sacrifice men brought the waters from thee, as from a mountain's ridge, O Indra. 7 That Indra whom nor months nor autumn seasons wither with age, nor fleeting days enfeeble,− 8 Extolled, he bends not to the strong, the steadfast, nor to the bold incited by the Dasyu. 9 Impetuous Speeder through all depth and distance, give strengthening food, thou drinker of the juices. 10 Hasting to help, come hither and protect him, keep him from harm when he is here, O Indra.

2 Thou, Indra, art the Conqueror: thou gavest splendour to the Sun. 3 Radiant with light thou wentest to the sky, the luminous realm of heaven. 4 Come unto us, O Indra, dear, still conquering, unconcealable, 5 O truthful Soma−drinker, thou art mightier than both the worlds. 6 For thou art he, O Indra, wiio stormeth all castles of the foe, 7 Now have we, Indra, Friend of Song, sent our great wishes forth to thee, 8 As rivers swell the ocean, so, Hero, our prayers increase thy might, 9 With holy song mey bind to the broad wide−yoked car the Bay Steeds of the rapid God, 10 O Indra, bring great strength to us, bring valour, Satakratu, thou most active, bring 11 For, gracious Satakratu, thou hast ever been a Mother and a Sire to us, 12 To thee, Strong, Much−invoked, who showest forth thy strength, O Satakratu, do I speak:

2 Without whom naught exists, Indra the Lofty One; in whom alone all powers heroic are combined. 3 Not by both worlds is thine own power to be surpassed, nor may thy car be stayed by mountains or by s 4 For all men bring their will to him the Resolute, to him the Holy One, to him the Strong they cleave. 5 The vessel of the strong flows forth, the flood of meath, unto the Strong who feeds upon the strong, for 6 Strong is thy thunderbolt, yea, and thy car is strong; strong are thy Bay Steeds and thy weapons powerfu 7 I, bold by prayer, come near thee in thy sacred rites, thee like a saving ship, thee shouting in the war. 8 Turn thee unto us ere calamity come nigh, as a cow full of pasture turns her to her calf. 9 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 His Mother−for she knew−spake and proclaimed him who was about to cast his bolt at Vrtra. 3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Vrtra shot his deadly missile. 4 As with a bolt, Brhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vrkadvaras', the Asura's, heroes. 5 Cast down from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder wherewith in joy thou smitest dead the foeman. 6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain are the rich worshipper's advancers. 7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let us say, Press not the Soma; 8 Sarasvati, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our foemen, 9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,−aim at him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon. 10 Perform, O Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou hast to finish. 11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the company of Maruts,

2 Thou, verily, Indra, gavest help to Kutsa, willingly giving car to him in battle, 3 O Bold One, thou with all thine aids hast boldly holpen Sudas whose offerings were accepted, 4 At the Gods' banquet, hero−souled! with Heroes, Lord of Bay Steeds, thou slewest many foemen. 5 These were thy mighty powers that, Thunder−wielder, thou swiftly crushedst nine−and−ninety castles: 6 Old are the blessings, Indra, which thou gavest Sudas the worshipper who brought oblations. 7 Give us not up, Lord of Bay Horses, Victor, in this thine own assembly, to the wicked. 8 May we men, Maghavan, the friends thou lovest, near thee be joyful under thy protection. 9 Swiftly, in truth, O Maghavan, about thee men skilled in hymning sing their songs and praises. ' 10 Thine are these lauds, O manliest of heroes, lauds which revert to us and give us riches. 11 Now, lauded for thine aid, Heroic Indra, sped by our prayer, wax mighty in thy body.

2 Where, like men cleansing corn−flour in a cribble, the wise in spirit have created language, 3 With sacrifice the trace of Vak they foIlowed, and found her harbouring within the Rsis. 4 One man hath ne'er seen Vak, and yet he seeth: one man hath hearing but hath never heard her. 5 One man they call a laggard, dull in friendship: they never urge him on to deeds of valour. 6 No part in Vak hath he who hath abandoned his own dear friend who knows the truth of friendship. 7 Unequal in the quickness of their spirit are friends endowed alike with eyes and hearing. 8 When friendly Brahmans sacrifice together with mental impulse which the heart hath fashioned, 9 Those men who step not back and move not forward, nor Brahmans nor preparers of libations, 10 All friends are joyful in the friend who cometh in triumph, having conquered in assembly. 11 One plies his constant task reciting verses. one sings the holy psalm in Sakvari measures.

2 Not this way go I forth: hard is the passage. Forth from the side obliquely will I issue. 3 He bent his eye upon the dying Mother: My word I now withdraw. That way I follow. 4 What strange act shall he do, he whom his Mother bore for a thousand months and many autumns? 5 Deeming him a reproach, his mother hid him, Indra, endowed with all heroic valour. 6 With lively motion onward flow these waters, the Holy Ones, shouting, as 'twere, together. 7 Are they addressing him with words of welcome? Will the floods take on them the shame of Indra? 8 I cast thee from me, mine,−thy youthful mother: thee, mine own offspring, Kusava hath swallowed. 9 Thou art mine own, O Maghavan, whom Vyamsa struck to the ground and smote thy jaws in pieces. 10 The Heifer hath brought forth the Strong, the Mighty, the unconquerable Bull, the furious Ind 1 Then to her mighty Child the Mother turned her, saying, My son, these Deities forsake thee. Th

2 What genuine and most liberal draught will spirit thee with juice to burst 3 Do thou who art Protector of us thy friends who praise thee 4 Like as a courser's circling wheel, so turn thee hitherward to us, 5 Thou seekest as it were thine own stations with swift descent of powers: 6 What time thy courage and his wheels together, Indra, run their course 7 So even, Lord of Power and Might, the people call thee Maghavan, 8 And verily to him who toils and presses Soma juice for thee 9 No, not a hundred hinderers can check thy gracious bounty's flow, 10 May thine assistance keep us safe, thy hundred and thy thousand aids: 11 Do thou elect us this place for friendship and prosperity, 12 Favour us, Indra, evermore with overflowing store of wealth: 13 With new protections, Indra, like an archer, open thou forus 14 Our chariot, Indra, boldly moves endued with splendour, ne'er repulsed, 15 O Surya, make our fame to be most excellent among the Gods,

2 Be gracious unto us, O Rudra, bring us joy: thee, Lord of Heroes, thee with reverence will we serve. 3 By worship of the Gods may we, O Bounteous One, O Rudra, gain thy grace, Ruler of valiant men. 4 Hither we call for aid the wise, the wanderer, impetuous Rudra, perfecter of sacri fice. 5 Him with the braided hair we call with reverence down, the wild−boar of the sky, the red, the dazzling 6 To him the Maruts' Father is this hymn addressed, to strengthen Rudra's might, a song more sweet than 7 O Rudra, harm not either great or small of us, harm not the growing boy, harm not the full−grown man. 8 Harm us not, Rudra, in our seed and progeny, harm us not in the living, nor in cows or steeds, 9 Even as a herdsman I have brought thee hymns of praise: O Father of the Maruts, give us happiness, 10 Far be thy dart that killeth men or cattle: thy bliss be with us, O thou Lord of Heroes. Be graci

2 With him loud−roaring, ever watchful, Victor, bold, hard to overthrow, Rouser of battle, 3 He rules with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who with his band rings hosts together, 4 Brhaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving off our foemen. 5 Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and fierce, victorious, all−subduing, 6 Cleaver of stalls, kine−winner, armed with thunder, who quells an army and with might destroys it.− 7 Piercing the cow−stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the pitiless Hero, wild with anger, 8 Indra guide these: Brhaspati precede them, the guerdon, and the sacrifice, and Soma; 9 Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuna, and Maruts, and Adityas. 10 Bristle thou up, O Maghavan, our weapons: excite the spirits of my warring heroes. 11 May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered: victorious be the arrows of our army. 12 Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies and depart, O Apva. 13 Advance, O heroes, win the day. May Indra be your sure defence.

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 Indra, who with triumphant wrath smote Vyamsa down, and Sambara, and Pipru the unrighteous one; 3 He whose great work of manly might is heaven and earth, and Varuna and Surya keep his holy law; 4 He who is Lord and Master of the steeds and kine, honoured −the firm and sure− at every holy act; 5 He who is Lord of all the world that moves and breathes, who for the Brahman first before all found the 6 Whom cowards must invoke and valiant men of war, invoked by those who conquer and by those who f 7 Refulgent in the Rudras' region he proceeds, and with the Rudras through the wide space speeds the Da 8 O girt by Maruts, whether thou delight thee in loftiest gathering−place or lowly dwelling, 9 We, fain for thee, strong Indra, have pressed Soma, and, O thou sought with prayer, have made oblation 10 Rejoice thee with thine own Bay Steeds, O Indra, unclose thy jaws and let thy lips be open. 11 Guards of the camp whose praisers are the Maruts, may we through Indra, get ourselves the booty.

2 To Indra from all sides go forth my songs of praise, the Lord of Hundred Powers, strong, Hero, like the 3 Where battle's spoil is piled the singer winneth praise, for Indra taketh care of matchless worshippers. 4 Thee, valorous, most heroic of the heroes, shall the priests glorify with songg and praises. 5 Abundant are the gifts he gives to mortals: for him the earth bears a rich store of treasures. 6 To thee, O Indra, Lord of Bays, for ever are offered prayers and songs: accept them gladly. 7 Here, Indra, drink thou Soma with the Maruts, as thou didst drink the juice beside Saryata. 8 So eagerly desirous drink the Soma, our juice, O Indra, with thy friends the Maruts, 9 He was your comrade in your zeal, O Maruts: they, rich in noble gifts, rejoiced in Indra. 10 So, Lord of affluent gifts, this juice hath been pressed for thee with strength 11 Incline thy body to this juice which suits thy Godlike nature well: 12 Brave Indra, let it work through both thy flanks, and through thy head by prayer,

2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. 3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven's light, full fain to gain it; 4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither, 5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, 6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six−eyed and triple−headed. 7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. 8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. 9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. 10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuna who works with magic, 11 Through lauds of him hath Ausija Rjisvan burst, with the Mighty's aid, the stall of Pipru. 12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra.

2 The mighty flowing Soma−draught, brought by the Hawk, hath gladdened thee, 3 Go forward, meet the foe, be bold; thy bolt of thunder is not checked. 4 Thou smotest Vrtra from the earth, smotest him, Indra, from the sky. 5 The wrathful Indra with his bolt of thunder rushing on the foe, 6 With hundred−jointed thunderbolt Indra hath struck him on the back, 7 Indra, unconquered might is thine, Thunderer, Caster of the Stone; 8 Far over ninety spacious floods thy thunderbolts were cast abroad: 9 Laud him a thousand all at once, shout twenty forth the hymn of praise. 10 Indra hath smitten down the power of Vrtra,−might with stronger might. 11 Yea, even this great Pair of Worlds trembled in terror at thy wrath, 12 But Vrtra scared not Indra with his shaking or his thunder roar. 13 Whenwith the thunder thou didst make thy dart and Vrtra meet in war, 14 When at thy shout, O Thunder−armed, each thing both fixed and moving shook, 15 There is not, in our knowledge, one who passeth Indra in his strength: 16 Still as of old, whatever rite Atharvan, Manus sire of all,

2 Yea, mighty I esteem his Godlike nature: none hindereth what he hath once determined. 3 E'en now endures thine exploit of the Rivers, when, Indra, for their floods thou clavest passage. 4 This is the truth, none else is like thee, Indra, no God superior to thee, no mortal. Thou sle 2 Through fear of thee, O Indra, all the regions of earth, though naught may move them, shake and trembl 3 With Kutsa, Indra! thou didst conquer Susna, voracious, bane of crops, in fight for cattle. 4 Thou smotest to the ground the hundred castles, impregnable, of Sambara the Dasyu, 5 As such, true Hero, for great joy of battle mount thy terrific car, O Brave and Manly. 2 Amid the sages, with the Sun he brightened the Parents: glorified, he burst the mountain; 3 Famed for great deeds, with priests who kneel and laud him, he still hath conquered in the frays for cattl 4 Come with thy girthed mares, with abundant vigour and plenteous strength to him who sings thy praises 5 Indra with rush and might, sped by his Coursers, hath swiftly won the waters from the southward.

2 As vast as all this world is in its compass, deep as it is, with its far−stretching surface, 3 For ye have won a blessed name together: yea, with one aim ye strove, O Vrtra−slayers. 4 Both stand adorned, when fires are duly kindled, spreading the sacred grass, with lifted ladles. 5 The brave deeds ye have done, Indra and Agni, the forms ye have displayed and mighty exploits, 6 As first I said when choosing you, in battle we must contend with Asuras for this Soma. 7 If in your dwelling, or with prince or Brahman, ye, Indra−Agni, Holy Ones, rejoice you, 8 If with, the Yadus, Turvasas, ye sojourn, with Druhyus, Anus, Purus, Indra−Agni! 9 Whether, O Indra−Agni, ye be dwelling in lowest earth, in central, or in highest. 10 Whether, O Indra−Agni, ye be dwelling in highest earth, in central, or in lowest, 11 Whether ye be in heaven, O Indra−Agni, on earth, on mountains, in the herbs, or waters, 12 If, when the Sun to the mid−heaven hath mounted, ye take delight in food, O Indra−Agni, 13 Thus having drunk your fill of our libation, win us all kinds of wealth, Indra and Agni.

2 Indra aids him who offers sacrifice and gifts: he takes not what is his, and gives him more thereto. 3 These are ne'er lost, no robber ever injures them: no evil−minded foe attempts to harass them. 4 The charger with his dusty brow o'ertakes them not, and never to the shambles do they take their way. 5 To me the Cows seem Bhaga, they seem Indra, they seem a portion of the first−poured Soma. 6 O Cows, ye fatten e'en the worn and wasted, and make the unlovely beautiful tolook on. 7 Crop goodly pasturage and be prolific drink pure sweet water at good drinking places. 8 Now let this close admixture be close intermigled with these Cows, 2 Him to whose hand, men closely cling, and drivers stand on his golden chariot firmly stationed. 3 Thy devotees embrace thy feet for glory. Bold, thunder−armed, rich, through thy strength, in guerdon, 4 That Soma when effused hath best consistence, for which the food is dressed and grain is mingled; 5 No limit of thy might hath been appointed, which by its greatness sundered earth and heaven. 6 So be the lofty Indra prompt to listen, Helper unaided, golden−visored Hero.

2 As such, O Wonderful, whose hand holds thunder, praised as mighty, Caster of the Stone! 3 We call upon that Indra, who, most active, ever slays the foe: 4 Rcisama, thou forcest men as with a bull, with anger, in the furious fray. 5 O Indra, bring us name and fame, enriching, mightiest, excellent, 6 We call on thee, O King, Mighty amid the Gods, Ruler of men, to succour us. 7 All strength and valour that is found, Indra, in tribes of Nahusas, and all the splendid fame that the Five 8 Or, Maghavan, what vigorous strength in Trksi lay, in Druhyus or in Paru's folk, 9 O Indra, grant a happy home, a triple refuge triply strong. 10 They who with minds intent on spoil subdue the foe, boldly attack and smite him down,− 11 And now, O Indra, strengthen us: come near and aid us in the fight, 12 Give us, where heroes strain their bodies in the fight, the shelter that our fathers loved. 13 When, Indra, in the mighty fray thou urgest chargers to their speed, 14 Speeding like rivers rushing down a steep descent, responsive to the urging call,

2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine−and−ninety castles down, 3 This Indra is our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full broad stream 4 Whatever, Vrtra−slayer! thou, Surya, hast risen upon to−day, 5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, I shall not die, 6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee, 7 We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vrtra dead: 8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o'er the joyous draught. 9 By song as 'twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared 10 Indra, Song−lover, lauded, make even in the wilds fair ways for us, 11 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none disregards, 12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beauteous helm! revere 13 Thou in the black cows and the red and in the cows with spotted skin 14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon's furious might, 15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not, 16 Him your best Vrtra−slayer, him the famous Champion of mankind 17 To come, Much−lauded!

2 Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud roar like some wild beast that hungers. 3 May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him bring the earth's autumnal fruitage. 4 To him we offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their strength−inspiring praises. 5 Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car−borne Warrior, Maghavan the Hero; 6 Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness: the earth and heavens suffice not for his girdles. 7 Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in the van,−to draw thee hither, 8 Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods come to cheer these people. 9 So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were through praise of chieftains, 10 Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, wielder of the thunder. 11 For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry in spirit; 12 Let us not here contend with Gods, O Indra, for here, O Mighty One, is thine own portion, 13 Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay Steeds, find us hereby advancement.

2 Even here is Indra famed, and among us this day the glorious Thunderer is praised, 3 He who is Sovran Lord of great and perfect strength, exerter of heroic might, 4 Harnessing to thy car, as God, two blustering Steeds Of the Wind−God, O Thunderer, 5 Even to these dark Steeds of Wind thou of thyself hast come to ride, 6 When ye approach, men ask you, thee and Usana: Why come ye to our dwelling−place? 7 O Indra, thou shalt speak us fair: our holy prayer is offered up. 8 Around us is the Dasyu, riteless, void of sense, inhuman, keeping alien laws. 9 Hero with Heroes, thou art ours: yea, strong are they whom thou dost help. 10 Urge thou these heroes on to slay the enemy, brave Thunderer! in the fight with swords. 11 Swift come those gifts of thine whose hand is prompt to rend and burn, O Hero Thunder−armed: 12 Let not thine excellent assistance come to us, O Hero Indra, profitless. 13 May those soft impulses of thine, O Indra, be fruitful and innocent to us. 14 That Earth, through power of knowing things that may be known, handless and footless yet might thriv 15 Drink, drink the Soma, Hero Indra; be not withheld as thou art good, O Treasure−giver.

2 Come, Asvins, with your car more swift than is the twinkling of an eye 3 Asvins, ye overlaid with cold the fiery pit for Atri's sake: 4 Where are ye? whither are ye gone? whither, like falcons, have ye flown? 5 If ye at any time this day are listening to this my call, 6 The Asvins, fust to hear our prayer, for closest kinship I approach: 7 For Atri ye, O Asvins, made a dwellingplace to shield him well, 8 Ye warded off the fervent heat for Atri when he sweetly spake: 9 Erst Saptavadbri by his prayer obtained the trenchant edge of fire: 10 Come hither, O ye Lords of wealth, and listen to this call of mine: 11 What is this praise told forth of you as Elders in the ancient way? 12 One common brotherhood is yours, Asvins your kindred is the same: 13 This is your chariot, Asvins, which speeds through the regions, earth and heaven 14 Approach ye hitherward to us with thousands both of steeds and kine: 15 Pass us not by, remember us with thousands both of kine aud steeds: 16 The purple−tinted Dawn hath risen, and true to Law hath made the light 17 He looked upon the Asvins, as an axearmed man upon a tree: 18 By the black band encompassed round, break it down, bold one, like a fort.

1 I GLORIFY that Ram who finds the light of heaven, whose hundred nobly−natured ones go forth with h 2 Like as a mountain on firm basis, unremoved, he, thousandfold protector, waxed in mighty strength, Wh 5 To him, as in wild joy he fought with him who stayed the rain, his helpers sped like swift streams down 6 Splendour encompassed thee, forth shone thy warrior might: the rain−obstructer lay in mid−air's lowest 7 The hymns which magnify thee, Indra, reach to thee even as water−brooks flow down and fill the lake. 8 When, Indra, thou whose power is linked with thy Bay Steeds hadst smitten Vrtra, causing floods to flo 9 In fear they raised the lofty self−resplendent hymn, praise giving and effectual, leading up to heaven, 10 Then Heaven himself, the mighty, at that Dragon's roar reeled back in terror when, Indra, thy thunderb 11 O Indra, were this earth extended forth tenfold, and men who dwell therein multiplied day by day, 12 Thou, bold of heart, in thine own native might, for help, upon the limit of this mid−air and of heaven, 13 Thou art the counterpart of earth, the Master of lofty heaven with all its mighty Heroes: 14 Whose amplitude the heaven and earth have not attained, whose bounds the waters of mid−air have ne 15 The Maruts sang thy praise in this encounter, and in thee all the Deities delighted,

2 At night and morning, Agni, have they called to thee, like milch−kine in their stalls lowing to meet their 3 Him have the Gods established at the region's base, doer of wondrous deeds, Herald of heaven and earth 4 Him have they set in his own dwelling, in the vault, like the Moon waxing, fulgent, in the realm of air. 5 May he as Priest encompass all the sacrifice. men throng to him with offerings and with hymns of prais 6 Such as thou art, brilliantly kindled for our weal, a liberal giver, send us riches in thy shine, 7 Agni, give us great wealth, give riches thousandfold. unclose to us, like doors, strength that shall bring 8 Enkindled night by night at every morning's dawn, may he shine forth with red flame like the realm of 9 Song chanted by us men, O Agni, Ancient One, has swelled unto the deathless Gods in lofty heaven− 10 Agni, may we show forth our valour with the steed or with the power of prayer beyond all other men; 11 Such, Conqueror! be to us, be worthy of our praise, thou for whom princes nobly born exert themselve 12 Knower of all that lives, O Agni may we both, singers of praise and chiefs, be in thy keeping still. 13 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon, graced with kine a

2 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when he had drunk of Soma juices, 3 And, O ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of this my carefully pressed Sorna; 4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and supported: wrapped even in these he struck the Beast with terror 5 Thus all the Gods, O Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free will the draught of Soma; 6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished his nine−and−ninety castles all together, 7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred buffaloes, even as he willed it. 8 When thou three hundred buffaloes' flesh hadst eaten, and drunk, as Maghavan, three lakes of Soma, 9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, O Usana and Indra, to the dwelling, 10 One car−wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou settest free to move for Kutsa. 11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to Vidathin's son, as prey, thou gavest Pipru. 12 Navagvas and Dasgvas with libations of Soma juice sing hymns of praise to Indra. 13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well what hero deeds thou hast accomplished? 14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all these many acts, O Indra. 15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the new prayers, Mightiest! which we utter.