Rig Veda on Devotion

2 He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift−winged bird a home in every tree. 3 Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art thou, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing al 4 Foreknowing well, O Agni, thou in Ila's place hast occupied thy regular station balmed with oil. 5 Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, marked, many−hued, like heralds of the Dawns' 6 Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life. 7 When, sped and urged by wind, thou spreadest thee abroad, swift piercing through thy food according to 8 Agni, the Hotar−priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought, 9 Here, Api, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest in sacred gatherings, 10 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. 11 When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his sacrificial gift, 12 From us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these. holy words, these Rcas, songs and eulo 13 This newest eulogy will I speak forth to him, the Ancient One who loves it. May he hear our voice. 14 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up,− 15 Into thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle.

2 Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the 3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard's ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume. 4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest 5 Onward, with ever−roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run. 6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home−dwellers with the Asura,− 7 With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light's beauty, in the very Strong One's 8 Even the Sun's Bay Coursers hath lie held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all. 9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: 10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Brhaspati and Soma's brotherhood. 11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four−bodied Narasmsa, Yama, Aditi, 12 And may he too give car, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call. 13 Dear to all Gods, may Pasan guard the ways we go, the Waters' child and Vayu help us to success. 14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self−resplend 15 By reason of his birth here Angiras first sang: the pressing−stones upraised bebeld the sacrifice−

2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Samb 3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gav 4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his 5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselve 6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave, 7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the loft 8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires. 9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati. 10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati. 11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great, 12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. 13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns. 14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed. 15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well−guided, full of vital strength. 16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.

2 On to the rite they move, the grass they scatter, these Soma−drinkers eloquent in synod. 3 Indra, thou settest free the many waters that were encompassed, Hero, by the Dragon. 4 Skilled in all manly deeds the God terrific hath with his weapons mastered these opponents. 5 No evil spirits have impelled us, Indra, nor fiends, O Mightiest God, with their devices. 6 Thou in thy strength surpassest Earth and Heaven: the regions comprehend not all thy greatness. 7 Even the earlier Deities submitted their powers to thy supreme divine dominion. 8 The humble hath invoked thee for protection, thee, Lord of great felicity, O Indra. 9 May we, O Indra, be thy friends for ever, eagerly, Conqueror, yielding greater homage. 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us. 2 So let the draught of joy, thy dear companion, by which, O Lord of Bays, thou slayest foemen, 3 Mark closely, Maghavan, the words I utter, this eulogy recited by Vasistha: 4 Hear thou the call of the juice−drinking press−stone: hear thou the Brahman's hymn who sings and laud 5 I know and ne'er forget the hymns and praises of thee, the Conqueror, and thy strength immortal. 6 Among mankind many are thy libations, and many a time the pious sageinvokes thee. 7 All these libations are for thee, O Hero: to thee I offer these my prayers. that strengthen. 8 Never do men attain, O Wonder−Worker, thy greatness, Mighty One, who must be lauded, 9 Among all Rsis, Indra, old and recent, who have engendered hymns as sacred singers,

10 Varuna, Mighty, with a thousand eyes, beholds the paths wherein these rivers run. 11 He, King of kings, the glory of the floods, o'er all that liveth hath resistless sway. 12 May he assist us among all the tribes, and make the envier's praise devoid of light. 13 May the foes' threatening arrow pass us by: may he put far from us our bodies' sin. 14 Agni, oblation−cater, through our prayers aid us: to him our dearest laud is brought. 15 Accordant with the Gods choose for our Friend the Waters' Child: may he be good to us. 16 With lauds I sing the Dragon born of floods: he sits beneath the streams in middle air. 17 Ne'er may the Dragon of the Deep harm us: ne'er fail this faithful servant's sacrifice. 18 To these our heroes may they grant renown: may pious men march boldly on to wealth. 19 Leading great hosts, with fierce attacks of these, they burn their foes as the Sun burns the earth. 20 What time our wives draw near to us, may he, left−handed Tvastar, give us hero sons. 21 May Tvastar find our hymn acceptable, and may Aramati, seeking wealth, be ours. 22 May they who lavish gifts bestow those treasures: may Rodasi and Varunani listen. 23 So may rich Mountains and the liberal Waters, so may all Herbs that grow on ground, and Heaven, 24 To this may both the wide Worlds lend approval, and Varuna in heaven, whose Friend is Indra. 25 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Agni, Waters, Herbs, Trees accept the praise we offer.

2 Wherewith thou bolpest Adhrigu, the great Dasagva, and the God 3 Wherewith thou dravest forth like cars Sindhu and all the mighty floods 4 Accept this laud for aid, made pure like oil, thou Caster of the Stone, 5 Be pleased, Song−lover, with this song it flows abundant like the sea. 6 The God who from afar hath sent gifts to maintain our friendship's bond, 7 The beams that mark him have grown strong, the thunder rests between his arms, 8 When, Mighty Lord of Heroes, thou didst cat a thousand buffaloes, 9 Indra consumeth with the rays of Surya the malicious man: 10 This newest thought of ours that suits the time approaches unto thee: 11 The pious germ of sacrifice directly purifies the soul. 12 Indra who wins the friend hath spread himself to drink the Soma−draught: 13 He whom the sages, living men, have gladdened, offering up their hymns, 14 Aditi also hath brought forth a hymn for Indra, Sovran Lord: 15 The ministering priests have sung their songs for aid and eulogy: 16 If, Indra, thou drink Soma by Visnu's or Trta Aptya's side, 17 Or, Sakra, if thou gladden thee afar or in the sea of air, 18 Or, Lord of Heroes if thou aid the worshipper who shed; the, juice, 19 To magnify the God, the God, Indra, yea, Indra for your help, 20 With worship, him whom men adore, with Soma, him who drinks it most, 21 His leadings are with power and might and his instructions manifold: 22 For slaying Vrtra have the Gods set Indra in the foremost place.

1 MAKE glad with songs that Ram whom many men invoke, worthy of songs of praise, Indra, the sea of 2 As aids the skilful Rbhus yearned to Indra strong to save, who fills mid−air, encompassed round with 3 Thou hast disclosed the kine's stall for the Angirases, and made a way for Atri by a hundred doors. 4 Thou hast unclosed the prisons of the waters; thou hast in the mountain seized the treasure rich in gifts. 5 With wondrous might thou blewest enchanter fiends away, with powers celestial those who called on th 6 Thou savedst Kutsa when Susna was smitten down; to Atithigva gavest Sambara for a prey. 7 All power and might is closely gathered up in thee; thy bounteous spirit joys in drinking Soma juice. 8 Discern thou well Aryas and Dasyus; punishing the lawless give them up to him whose grass is strewn. 9 Indra gives up the lawless to the pious man, destroying by the Strong Ones those who have no strength. 10 The might which Usana hath formed for thee with might rends in its greatness and with strength both 11 When Indra hath rejoiced with Kavya Usana, he mounts his steeds who swerve wider and wider yet. 12 Thou mountest on thy car amid strong Soma draughts: Saryata brought thee those in which thou hast 13 To old Kaksivin, Soma−presser, skilled in song, O Indra, thou didst give the youthful Vrcaya. 14 The good man's refuge in his need is Indra, firm as a doorpost, praised among the Pajras. 15 To him the Mighty One, the self−resplendent, verily strong and great, this praise is uttered.

2 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. 3 Hero of Heroes, Agni! Thou art Indra, thou art Visnu of the Mighty Stride, adorable: 4 Agni, thou art King Varuna whose laws stand fast; as Mitra, Wonder−Worker, thou must be implored. 5 Thou givest strength, as Tvastar, to the worshipper: thou wielding Mitra's power hast kinship with the 6 Rudra art thou, the Asura of mighty heaven: thou art the Maruts' host, thou art the Lord of food, 7 Giver of wealth art thou to him who honours thee; thou art God Savitar, granter of precious things. 8 To thee, the people's Lord within the house, the folk press forward to their King most graciously incline 9 Agni, men seek thee as a Father with their prayers, win thee, bright−formed, to brotherhood with holy a 10 A Rbhu art thou, Agni, near to be adored thou art the Sovran Lord of foodful spoil and wealth. 11 Thou, God, art Aditi to him who offers gifts: thou, Hotri, Bharati, art strengthened by the song. 12 Thou, Agni, cherished well, art highest vital power; in thy delightful hue are glories visible. 13 Thee, Agni, have the Adityas taken as their mouth; the Bright Ones have made thee, O Sage, to be thei 14 By thee, O Agni, all the Immortal guileless Gods cat with thy mouth the oblation that is offered them. 15 With these thou art united, Agni; yea thou, God of noble birth, surpassest them in majesty, 16 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon graced with kine an

2 May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart−gladdening son, my song that lauds her. 3 In spirit him, the Sagest of the Sages; with sacrificial oil and meath bedew him 4 With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, prosperity, Lord of Bays! and pious patrons; 5 God Bhaga, Savitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they who conquer Vrtra's treasures, 6 Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor whom the Maruts follow. 7 Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brhaspati distributor of treasures, 8 Tended, Brhaspati, with thy protections, the princes are unharmed and girt by heroes. 9 Make their wealth flee who, through our hymns enjoying their riches, yield us not an ample guerdon. 10 With wheelless chariots drive down him, O Maruts, who at the feasts of Gods regards the demons. 11 Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord of every balm that bealeth. 12 May the House−friends, the cunning−handed Artists, may the Steer's Wives, the streams carved out by 13 My newest song, thought that now springs within me, I offer to the Great, the Sure Protector, 14 Now, even now, may thy fair praise, O Singer, attain Idaspati who roars and thunders, 15 May this my laud attain the troop of Maruts, those who are youths in act, the Sons of Rudra. 16 May this my laud reach earth and air's mid−region, and forest trees and plants to win me riches. 17 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 18 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

2 So with our song that prays and serves, attentive, Lord of spreading light, 3 For, Ever−Youthful One, with thee, best Furtherer, as our ally, 4 As Aurva Bhrgu used, as Apnavana used, I call the pure 5 1 call the Sage who sounds like wind, the Might that like Parjanya roars, 6 As Savitar's productive Power, as him who sends down bliss, I call 7 Hither, for powerful kirship, I call Agni, him Who prospers you, 8 That through this famed One's power, he may stand by us even as Tvastar comes 9 This Agni is the Lord supreme above all glories mid the Gods: 10 Here praise ye him the most renowned of all the ministering Priests, 11 Piercing, with purifying flame, enkindled in our homes, most high, 12 Sage, laud the Mighty One who wins the spoil of victory like a steed, 13 Still turning to their aim in thee, the oblation−bearer's sister hymns 14 The waters find their place in him, for whom the threefold sacred grass 15 The station of the Bounteous God hath, through his aid which none impair, 16 Blazing with splendour, Agni, God, through pious gifts of sacred oil, 17 The Gods as mothers brought thee forth, the Immortal Sage, O Afigiras, 18 Wise Agni, Gods established thee, the Seer, noblest messenger, 19 No cow have I to call mine own, no axe at hand wherewith to work, 20 O Agni, whatsoever be the fuel that we lay for thee, 21 That which the white−ant cats away, that over which the emmet crawls− 22 When he enkindles Agni, man should with his heart attend the song:

1 WITH words sent forth in holy hymns, Agni we supplicate, the Lord Of 2 Men have won Agni, him who makes their strength abound: we, with oblations, worship thee. 3 Thee for our messenger we choose, thee, the Omniscient, for our Priest. 4 The Gods enkindle thee their ancient messenger, − Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman. 5 Thou, Agni, art a cheering Priest, Lord of the House, men's messenger: 6 In thee, the auspicious One, O Agni, youthfullest, each sacred gift is offered up: 7 To him in his own splendour bright draw near in worship the devout. 8 Vrtra they smote and slew, and made the earth and heaven and firmament a wide abode. 9 Seat thee, for thou art mighty; shine, best entertainer of the Gods. 10 Bearer of offerings, whom, best sacrificing Priest, the Gods for Manu's sake ordained; 11 Him, Agni, whom Medhyatithi, whom Kanva kindled for his rite, 12 Make our wealth perfect thou, O Agni, Lord divine: for thou hast kinship with the Gods. 13 Stand up erect to lend us aid, stand up like Savitar the God: 14 Erect, preserve us from sore trouble; with thy flame burn thou each ravening demon dead. 15 Preserve us, Agni, from the fiend, preserve us from malicious wrong. 16 Smite down as with a club, thou who hast fire for teeth, smite thou the wicked, right and left. 17 Agni hath given heroic might to Kainva, and felicity: 18 We call on Ugradeva, Yadu, Turvasa, by means of Agni, from afar; 19 Manu hath stablished thee a light, Agni, for all the race of men: 20 The flames of Agni full of splendour and of might are fearful, not to be approached.

2 Agni, the Bounteous Giver, bright with varied flames, laud thou, O singer Sobhari− 3 Thee have we chosen skilftillest in sacrifice, Immortal Priest among the Gods, 4 The Son of Strength, the blessed, brightly shining One, Agni whose light is excellent. 5 The mortal who hath ministered to Agni with oblation, fuel, ritual lore, 6 Verily swift to run are his fleet−footed steeds, and most resplendent fame is his. 7 May we by thine own fires be well supplied with fire, O Son of Strength, O Lord of Might: 8 Agni, who praises like a guest of friendly mind, is as a car that brings us gear. 9 That man, moreover, merits praise who brings, auspicious Agni, sacrificial gifts 10 He for whose sacrifice thou standest up erect is prosperous and rules o'er men. 11 He in whose dwelling Agni is chief ornament, and, all−desired, loves his laud well, 12 His, or the lauding sage's word, his, Son of Strength! who Is most prompt with sacred gifts, 13 He who with sacrificial gifts or homage bringeth very skilful Agni nigh, 14 The mortal who with blazing fuel, as his laws command, adores the Perfect God, 15 Give us the splendour, Agni, which may overcome each greedy fiend in our abode, 16 That, wherewith Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman, the Asvins, Bhaga give us light, 17 O Agni, most devout are they, the sages who have set thee Sage exceeding wise, 18 Who have arranged thine altar Blessed God, at morn brought thine oblation, pressed the juice. 19 −May Agni worshipped bring us bliss, may the gift, Blessed One, and sacrifice bring bliss; 20 Show forth the mind that brings success in war with fiends, wherewith thou conquerest in fight.

2 He who with dainty food hath won you, Indra and Varuna, Gods, as his allies to friendship, 3 Indra and Varuna are most liberal givers of treasure to the men who toil to serve them, 4 Indra and Varuna, ye hurl, O Mighty, on him your strongest flashing bolt of thunder 5 O Indra−Varuna, be ye the lovers of this my song, as steers who love the milch−Cow. 6 For fertile fields, for worthy sons and grandsons, for the Sun's beauty and for steer−like vigour, 7 For you, as Princes, for your ancient kindness, good comrades of the man who seeks for booty, 8 Showing their strength, these hymns for grace, Free−givers I have gone to you, devoted, as to battle. 9 To Indra and to Varuna, desirous of gaining wealth have these my thoughts proceeded. 10 May we ourselves be lords of during riches, of ample sustenance for car and hones. 11 Come with your mighty succours, O ye Mighty; come, Indra−Varuna, to us in battle. 2 I am King Varuna. To me were given these first existinghigh celestial powers. 3 I Varuna am Indra: in their greatness, these the two wide deep fairly−fashioned regions, 4 I made to flow the moisture−shedding waters, and set the heaven firm in the scat of Order. 5 Heroes with noble horses, fain for battle, selected warriors, call on me in combat. 6 All this I did. The Gods' own conquering power never impedeth me whom none opposeth. 7 All beings know these deeds of thine thou tellest this unto Varuna, thou great Disposer! 8 Our fathers then were these, the Seven his, what time the son of Durgaha was captive. 9 The spouse of Purukutsa gave oblations to you, O Indra−Varuna, with homage. 10 May we, possessing much, delight in riches, Gods in oblations and the kine in pasture;

2 For like a King among his wives thou dwellest: with glories, as a Sage, surround and help us. 3 Here these our holy hymns with joy and gladness in pious emulation have approached thee. 4 Vasistha hath poured forth his prayers, desiring to milk thee like a cow in goodly pasture. 5 What though the floods spread widely, Indra made them shallow and easy for Sudas to traverse. 6 Eager for spoil was Turvasa Purodas, fain to win wealth, like fishes urged by hunger. 7 Together came the Pakthas, the Bhalanas, the Alinas, the Sivas, the Visanins. 8 Fools, in their folly fain to waste her waters, they parted inexhaustible Parusni. 9 As to their goal they sped to their destruetion: they sought Parusni; e'en the swift returned not. 10 They went like kine unherded from the pasture, each clinging to a friend as chance directed. 11 The King who scattered one−and−twenty people of both Vaikarna tribes through lust of glory− 12 Thou, thunder−armed, o'erwhelmedst in the waters famed ancient Kavasa and then the Druhyu. 13 Indra at once with conquering might demolished all their strong places and their seven castles. 14 The Anavas and Druhyus, seeking booty, have slept, the sixty hundred, yea, six thousand, 15 These Trtsus under Indra's careful guidance came speeding like loosed waters rushing downward. 16 The hero's side who drank the dressed oblation, Indra's denier, far o'er earth he scattered. 17 E'en with the weak he wrought this matchless exploit: e'en with a goat he did to death a lion. 18 To thee have all thine enemies submitted: e'en the fierce Bheda hast thou made thy subject. 19 Yamuna and the Trtsus aided Indra. There he stripped Bheda bare of all his treasures. 20 Not to be scorned, but like Dawns past and recent, O Indra, are thy favours and thy riches.

1 STRONG are the Somas; come thou nigh; these juices have been mixt with milk: 2 Both Deities who touch the heaven, Indra and Vayu we invoke 3 The singers' for their aid, invoke Indra and Vayu, swift as mind, 4 Mitra and Varupa, renowned as Gods of consecrated might, 5 Those who by Law uphold the Law, Lords of the shining light of Law, 6 Let Varuna be our chief defence, let Mitra guard us with all aids 7 Indra, by Maruts girt, we call to drink the Soma juice: may he 8 Gods, Marut hosts whom Indra leads, distributers of Pusan's gifts, 9 With conquering Indra for ally, strike Vrtra down, ye bounteous Gods 10 We call the Universal Gods, and Maruts to the Soma draught, 11 Fierce comes the Maruts' thundering voice, like that of conquerors, when ye go 12 Born of the laughing lightning. may the Maruts guard us everywhere 13 Like some lost animal, drive to us, bright Pusan, him who bears up heaven, 14 Pusan the Bright has found the King, concealed and bidden in a cave, 15 And may he. duly bring to me the six bound closely, through these drops, 16 Along their paths the Mothers go, Sisters of priestly ministrants, 17 May Waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, 18 I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; 19 Amrit is in the Waters in the Waters there is healing balm 20 Within the Waters−Soma thus hath told me−dwell all balms that heal, 21 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, 22 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought. 23 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: 24 Fill me with splendour, Agni; give offspring and length of days; the Gods

2 On him wait songs according to the season even as a stream of pious men set moving. 3 The praise, the verse that offers adoration, may he bring forth, as the Sun sends his arms out, 4 His song of praise pervades the earth and heaven − let the wise worshipper draw it, like a courser. 5 Those, God, who count thee as a worthless bullock, and, wealthy sinners, live on thee the Bounteous,− 6 Like a fair path is he, where grass is pleasant, though hard to win, a Friend beloved most early. 7 He to whom songs of praise go forth like torrents, as rivers eddying under banks flow sea−ward− 8 So hath Brhaspati, great, strong and mighty, the God exceeding powerful, been brought hither. 2 Coming, it kills the unobserved; it kills them as it goes away, 3 Sara grass, Darbha, Kusara, and Sairya, Munja, Virana, 4 The cows had settled in their stalls, the beasts of prey had sought their lairs, 5 Or these, thesereptiles, are observed, like lurking thieves at evening time. 6 Heaven is your Sire, your Mother Earth, Soma your Brother, Aditi 7 Biters of shoulder or of limb, with needle−stings, most venomous, 8 Slayer of things unseen, the Sun, beheld of all, mounts, eastward, up, 9 There hath the Sun−God mounted up, who scorches much and everything. 10 I hang the poison in the Sun, a wine−skin in a vintner's house, 11 This little bird, so very small, hath swallowed all thy poison up. 12 The three−times−seven bright sparks of fire have swallowed up the poison's strength. 13 Of ninety rivers and of nine with power to stay the venom's course,− 14 So have the peahens three−times−seven, so have the maiden Sisters Seven 15 The poison−insect is so small; I crush the creature with a stone. 16 Forth issuing from the mountain's side the poison−insect spake and said:

2 The Son left not his portion to the brother, he made a home to hold him who should gain, it. 3 Agni was born trembling with tongue that flickered, so that the Red's great children should be honoured. 4 Conquering bands upon the Warrior waited: they recognized great light from out the darkness. 5 The sages freed them from their firmbuilt prison: the seven priests drove them forward with their spirit. 6 When Sarama had found the mountain's fissure, that vast and ancient place she plundered thoroughly. 7 Longing for friendship came the noblest singer: the hill poured forth its treasure for the pious. 8 Peer of each noble thing, yea, all excelling, all creatures doth he know, he slayeth Susna. 9 They sate them down with spirit fain for booty, making with hymns a way to life eternal. 10 Drawing the milk of ancient seed prolific, they joyed as they beheld their own possession. 11 Indra drove forth the kine, that Vrtra−slayer, while hymns of praise rose up and gifts were offered. 12 They made a mansion for their Father, deftly provided him a great and glorious dwelling; 13 What time the ample chalice had impelled him, swift waxing, vast, to pierce the earth and heaven,− 14 I crave thy powers, I crave thy mighty friendship: full many a team goes to the Vrtra−slayer. 15 He, having found great, splendid, rich dominion, sent life and motion to his friends and lovers. 16 Vast, the House−Friend, he set the waters flowing, all−lucid, widely spread, that move together. 17 To thee proceed the dark, the treasure−holders, both of them sanctified by Surya's bounty. 18 Be Lord of joyous songs, O Vrtra−slayer, Bull dear to all, who gives the power of living. 19 Like Angiras I honour him with worship, and renovate old song for him the Ancient. 20 Far forth are spread the purifying waters convey thou us across them unto safety.

2 Born for us here this day, O Son of Vigour, between both races of born beings, Agni, 3 I laud the ruddy steeds who pour down blessing, dropping oil, flectest through the thoualit of Order. 4 Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, and Indra with Visnu, of the Gods, Maruts and Asvins− 5 Agni, be this our sacrifice eternal, with brave friends, rich in kine and sheep and horses, 6 The man who, sweating, brings for thee the fuel, and makes his head to ache, thy faithful servant,− 7 Who brings thee food, though thou hast food in plenty, welcomes his cheerful guest and speeds him 8 Whoso sings praise to thee at eve or morning, and, with oblation, doth the thing thou lovest,− 9 Whoso brings gifts to thee Immortal, Agni, and doth thee service with uplifted ladle,− 10 Whose well−wrought worship thou acceptest, Agni, thou God a mortal's gift, thou liberal Giver,− 11 May he who knows distinguish sense and folly of men, like straight and crooked backs of horses. 12 This Sage the Sages, ne'er deceived, commanded, setting him down in dwellings of the living. 13 Good guidance hast thou for the priest, O Agni, who, Youngest God! with outpoured Soma serves thee 14 Now all that we, thy faithful servants, Agni, have done with feet, with hands, and with our bodies, 15 May we, seven sages first in rank, engender, from Dawn the Mother, men to be ordainers. 16 As in the days of old our ancient Fathers, speeding the work of holy worship, Agni, 17 Gods, doing holy acts, devout, resplendent, smelting like ore their human generations. 18 Strong One! he marked them−and the Gods before them−like herds of cattle in a foodful pasture. 19 We have worked for thee, we have laboured nobly−bright Dawns have shed their light upon our worsh 20 Agni, Disposer, we have sung these praises to thee the Wise: do thou accept them gladly.

2 Or, Indra, when with Ruma, Rusama, Syavaka, and Krpa thou rejoicest thee, 3 Even as the wild−bull, when he thirsts, goes to the desert's watery pool, 4 May the drops gladden thee, rich Indra, and obtain bounty for him who pours the juice. 5 With mightier strength he conquered strength, with energy he crushed their wrath. 6 He who wins promise of thine aid goes girt as with a thousand mighty men of war. 7 With thee, the Mighty, for our Friend, we will riot fear or feel fatigue. 8 On his left hip the Hero hath reclined himself: the proffered feast offends him not. 9 Indra, thy friend is fair of form and rich in horses, cars, and kine. 10 Come like a thirsty antelope to the drinking−place: drink Soma to thy heart's desire. 11 Priest, let the Soma juice flow forth, for Indra longs to drink thereof. 12 The man with whom thou fillcst thee with Soma deems himself a pious worshipper. 13 Press out the Soma juice, ye priests, for Indra borne upon his car. 14 To the brown juice may his dear vigorous Bay Steeds bring Indra, to our holy task. 15 Pusan, the Lord of ample wealth, for firm alliance we elect. 16 Sharpen us like a razor in the barber's hands: send riches thou who settest free. 17 Pusan, I long to win thy love, I long to praise thee, Radiant God. 18 My kine, O Radiant God, seek pasture where they will, my during wealth, Immortal One. 19 Rich was the gift Kurunga gave, a hundred steeds at morning rites. 20 What by his morning songs Kanva, the powerful, hath, with the Priyamedhas, gained− 71 The herds of sixty thousand pure and spotless kine, have I, the Rsi, driven away. 21 The very trees were joyful at my coming: kine they obtained in plenty, steeds in plenty.

2 Like Heroes on your will−yoked car farshining, Wonder−Workers! ye 3 By you, O Lords of ample wealth our songs of praise have been observed: 4 Kanvas must praise the Asvins dear to many, making many glad, 5 Most liberal, best at winning strength, inciters, Lords of splendour who 6 So for devout Sudeva dew with fatness his unfailing mead, 7 Hitherward running speedily with horses, as with rapid hawks, 8 Wherewith the three wide distances, and all the lights that are in heaven. 9 O Finders of the Day, that we may win us food of kine and wealth, 10 O Asvins, bring us wealth in kine, in noble heroes, and in cars: 11 Ye Lords of splendour, glorified, ye Wonder−Workers borne on paths 12 To us, ye Lords of ample wealth, and to our wealth chiefs extend 13 Come quickly downward to the prayer of people whom ye favour most: 14 Ye Asvins whom our minds perceive, drink of this lovely gladdening draught, 15 Bring riches hither unto us in hundreds and in thousands, source 16 Verily sages call on you, ye Heroes, in full many a place. 17 Men who have trimmed the sacred grass, bringing oblations and prepared, 18 May this our hymn of praise to−day, most powerful to bring you, be, 19 The skin filled full of savoury meath, laid in the pathway of your car− 20 For this, ye Lords of ample wealth, bring blessing for our herd, our kine, 21 Ye too unclose to us like doors the strengthening waters of the sky, 22 When did the son of' Tugra serve you, Men? Abandoned in the sea, 23 Ye, O Nasatyas, ministered to Kanva with repeated aid, 24 Come near with those most recent aids of yours which merit eulogy, 25 As ye protected Kanva erst, Priyamedha and Upastuta, 26 And Amsu in decisive fight, Agastya in the fray for kine.

2 Floods great and many, compassed by the Dragon, thou badest swell and settest free, O Hero. 3 For, Hero, in the lauds wherein thou joyedst, in hymns of praise, O Indra, songs of Rudras, 4 We who add strength to thine own splendid vigour, laying within thine arms the splendid thunder− 5 Hero, thou slewest in thy valour Ahi concealed in depths, mysterious, great enchanter, 6 Indra, we laud thy great deeds wrought aforetime, we laud thine exploits later of achievement; 7 Indra, thy Bay Steeds showing forth their vigour have sent a loud cry out that droppeth fatness. 8 Down, never ceasing, hath the rain−cloud settled: bellowing, it hath wandered with the Mothers. 9 Indra hath hurled down the magician Vrtra who lay beleaguering the mighty river. 10 Loud roared the mighty Hero's bolt of thunder, when he, the Friend of man, burnt up the monster, 11 Drink thou, O Hero Indra, drink the Soma; let the joy−giving juices make thee joyful. 12 Singers have we become with thee, O Indra: may we serve duly and prepare devotion. 13 May we be thine, such by thy help, O Indra, as swell thy vigour while they seek thy favour. 14 Give us a friend, give us an habitation; Indra, give us the company of Maruts, 15 Let those enjoy in whom thou art delighted. Indra, drink Soma for thy strength and gladness. 16 Great, verily, are they, O thou Protector, who by their songs of praise have won the blessing. 17 Upon the great Trikadruka days, Hero, rejoicing thee, O Indra, drink the Soma. 18 Hero, assume the might wherewith thou clavest Vrtra piecemeal, the Danava Aurnavabha. 19 May we gain wealth, subduing with thy succour and with the Arya, all our foes, the Dasyus. 20 He cast down Arbuda what time his vigour was strengthened by libations poured by Trta. 21 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 He, wondrous envoy, goes between the earth and heaven, firm seated as the Herald, great High Priest of 3 Sages shall glorify Agni with earnest thoughts, ensign of sacrifice, who fills the synod full: 4 The Sire of sacrifice, great God of holy bards, Agni, the measure and the symbol of the priests, 5 Bright Agni with the bright car, Lord of green domains, Vaisvanara dweller in the floods, who finds the 6 Agni, together with the Gods and Manu's folk by thought extending sacrifice in varied form, 7 Sing, Agni, for long life to us and noble sons: teem thou with plenty, shine upon us store of food. 8 The Mighty One, Lord of the people and their guest, the leader of their thoughts, devoted Friend of pries 9 Agni the God resplendent, giver of great joy, hath on his lovely car compassed the lands with, might. 10 I celebrate thy glories, O Vaisvanara, wherewith thou, O farsighted God, has found the light. 11 By his great skill the Sage alone hath brought to pass a great deed, mightier than Vaisvanara's wondrou 2 Agni whom daily Varuna and Mitra the Gods bring thrice a day to this our worship, 3 The thought that bringeth every boon proceedeth to worship first the Priest of the libation, 4 On high your way to sacrifice was made ready; the radiant flames went upward to the regions. 5 Claiming in mind the seven priests' burntoblations, inciting all, they came in settled order. 6 Night and Dawn, lauded, hither come together, both smiling, different are their forms in colour, 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortalls Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests; and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.

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 Then Will I, when I lead my friends to battle against the radiant persons of the godless, 3 I know not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slain the godless in the battle. 4 While yet my deeds of might were unrecorded, all passed for Maghavans though I existed. 5 None hinder me in mine heroic exploits, no, not the mountains when I will and purpose. 6 To see the Indraless oblation−drinkers, mean offerers, o'ertaken by destruction! 7 Thou wast, thou grewest to full vital vigour: an earlier saw, a later one shall see thee. 8 The freed kine eat the barley of the pious. 1 saw them as they wandered with the herdsman. 9 When we who cat the grass of men are gathered I am with barley−eaters in the corn−land. 10 There wilt thou hold as true my spoken purpose, to bring together quadrupeds. and bipeds. 11 When a man's daughter hath been ever eyeless, who, knowing, will be wroth with her for blindness? 12 How many a maid is pleasing to the suitor who fain would marry for her splendid riches? 13 His feet have grasped: he eats the man who meets him. Around his head he sets the head for shelter. 14 High, leafless, shadowless, and swift is Heaven: the Mother stands, the Youngling, loosed, is feeding. 15 Seven heroes from the nether part ascended, and from the upper part came eight together. 16 One of the ten, the tawny, shared in common, they send to execute their final purpose. 17 The Heroes dressed with fire the fatted wether: the dice were thrown by way of sport and gaming. 18 Crying aloud they ran in all directions: One half of them will cook, and not the other. 19 I saw a troop advancing from the distance moved, not by wheels but their own God−like nature. 20 These my two Bulls, even Pramara's, are harnessed: drive them not far; here let them often linger. 21 This is the thunderbolt which often whirleth down from the lofty misty realm of Surya.

2 Even him, eternal, like a bull who rushes down, men's Conqueror, bounteous like a cow; 3 Although these men in sundry ways invoke thee to obtain thine aid, 4 Those skilled in song, O Maghavan among these men o'ercome with might the foeman's songs. 5 O Caster of the Stone, I would not sell thee for a mighty price, 6 O Indra, thou art more to me than sire or niggard brother is. 7 Where art thou? Whither art thou gone? For many a place attracts thy mind. 8 Sing out the psalm to him who breaks down castles for his faithful friend, 9 The Horses which are thine in tens, in hundreds, yea, in thousands thine, 10 This day I call Sabardugiha who animates the holy song, 11 When Sura wounded Etasa, with Vata's rolling winged car. 12 He without ligature, before making incision in the neck, 13 May we be never cast aside, and strangers, as it were, to thee. 14 O Vrtra−slayer, we were thought slow and unready for the fray. 15 If he will listen to my laud, then may out Soma−drops that flow 16 Come now unto the common laud of thee and of thy faithful friend. 17 Press out the Soma with the stones, and in the waters wash it clean. 18 Whether thou come from earth or from the lustre of the lofty heaven, 19 For India press the Soma out, most gladdening and most excellent. 20 Let me not, still beseeching thee with earnest song at Soma rites, 21 The draught made swift with rapturous joy, effectual with its mighty strength, 22 Where bliss is not, may he, All−praised, God whom the pious glorify, 23 Come, Indra, and rejoice thyself, O God, in manifold affluence. 24 A thousand and a hundred Steeds are harnessed to thy golden car. 25 Yoked to thy chariot wrought of gold, may thy two Bays with peacock tails, 26 So drink, thou Lover of the Song, as the first drinker, of this juice. 27 He who alone by wondrous deed is Mighty, Strong by holy works, 28 Susna's quick moving castle thou hast crushed to pieces with thy bolts.

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

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 We call that perfecter of worship by the path or sacrifice; with reverence rich in offerings, with worship 3 In ordered course forthwith he traverses the earth, swift−swallowing, bellowing Steer, bearing the genia 4 That Agni, wise High−Priest, in every house takes thought for sacrifice and holy service, yea, takes 5 When through his power and in his strong prevailing flames the Maruts' gladdening boons mingle with 6 Vast, universal, good he was made messenger; the speeder with his right hand hath not loosed his hold, 7 That Agni hath been set most kind in camp of men, in sacrifice like a Lord victorious, like a dear Lord i 8 Agni the Priest they supplicate to grant them wealth: him, dear, most thoughtful, have they made their 2 Hear, Indra, thou whom men in every fight must call to show thy strength, for cry of battle with the men 3 Thou, Mighty, pourest forth the hide that holds the rain, thou keepest far away, Hero, the wicked man, t 4 We. wish our Indra here that he may further you, the Friend, beloved of all, the very strong ally, in wars 5 Bow down the overweening pride of every foe with succour like to kindling−wood in fiercest flame, wit 6 This may I utter to the present Soma−drop, which, meet to be invoked, with power, awakes the prayer, 7 By thoughtful invocation this may we obtain, obtain great wealth, O Wealthy One, with Hero sons, weal 8 On, for your good and ours, come Indra with the aid of his own lordliness to drive the wicked hence, to 9 With riches in abundance, Indra, come to us, come by an unobstructed path, come by a path from demo 10 Thou art our own, O Indra, with victorious wealth: let might accompany thee, the Strong, to give us ai 11 Save us from injury, thou who art well extolled: ever the warder−off art thou of wicked ones, even as a

2 May the joy−giving drops, O Vayu gladden thee, effectual, well prepared, directed to the heavens, stron 3 Two red steeds Vayu yokes, Vayu two purple steeds, swift−footed, to the chariot, to the pole to draw, m 4 For thee the radiant Dawns in the fardistant sky broaden their lovely gannents forth in wondrous beams, 5 For thee the pure bright quickly−flowing Soma−drops, strong in their heightening power, hasten to 6 Thou, Vayu, who hast none before thee, first of all hast right to drink these offerings of Soma juice, hast

2 To him sang forth the flowing streams of Holy Law, encompassed in the home and birth−place of the G 3 Seeking in course altern to reach the selfsame end the two copartners strive to win this beauteous form. 4 He whom the two copartners with observance tend, the pair who dwell together in the same abode, 5 Him the ten fingers, the devotions. animate: we mortals call on him a God to give us help. 6 For, Agni, like a herdsman, thou by thine own might rulest o'er all that is in heaven and on the earth; 7 Agni, accept with joy, be glad in this our prayer, joy−giver, self−sustained, strong, born of Holy Law!

2 Your praise is like a mighty power, an impulse: to you, Twain Gods, a well−formed hymn is offered, 3 O Mitra−Varuna, Aditi the Milch−cow streams for the rite, for folk who bring oblation, W 4 So may the kine and heavenly Waters pour you sweet drink in families that make you joyf

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

2 Unyoke, as at thy journey's end, O Hero, to gladden thee today at this libation. 3 When the Bull, quaffing, praises our Iibation, as a sage paying holy rites in secret, 4 When heaven's fair light by hymns was made apparent (they made great splendour shine at break of 5 Indra, Impetuous One, hath waxed immensely: he with his vastness hath filled earth and heaven. 6 Sakra who knoweth well all human actions hath with his eager Friends let loose the waters. 7 He smote away the floods' obstructer, Vrtra; Earth, conscious, lent her aid to speed thy thunder. 8 When, Much−invoked! the water's rock thou cleftest, Sarama showed herself and went before thee. 9 Come, Maghavan, Friend of Man, to aid the singer imploring thee in battle for the sunlight. 10 Come to our home resolved to slay the Dasyu: Kutsa longed eagerly to win thy friendship. 11 Thou comest, fain to succour him, with Kutsa,−a goad that masters both the Wind−God's horses, 12 For Kutsa, with thy thousand, thou at day−break didst hurl down greedy Susna, foe of harvest. 13 Thou to the son of Vidathin, Rjisvan, gavest up mighty Mrgaya and Pipru. 14 What time thou settest near the Sun thy body, thy form, Immortal One, is seen expanding: 15 Wishes for wealth have gone to Indra, longing for him in war for light and at libation, 16 Call we for you that Indra, prompt to listen, him who hath done so much for men's advantage; 17 When the sharp−pointed arrow, O thou Hero, flieth mid any conflict of the people, 18 Further the holy thoughts of Vamadeva be thou a guileless Friend in fight for booty. 19 O Indra, with these men who love thee truly, free givers, Maghavan, in every battle, 20 Now, as the Bhrgus wrought a car, for Indra the Strong, the Mighty, we our prayer have fashioned, 21 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell. high like rivers for the singer.

2 This sweet juice here had mightiest power to gladden: it boldened Indra when he siaughtered Vrtra, 3 This stirreth up my voice when I have drunk it: this hath aroused from sleep my yearning spirit. 4 This, even this, is he who hath created the breadth of earth, the lofty height of heaven. 5 He found the wavy sea of brilliant colours in forefront of the Dawns who dwell in brightness. 6 Drink Soma boldly from the beaker, Indra, in war for treasures, Hero, Vrtra−slayer! 7 Look out for us, O Indra, as our Leader, and guide us on to gain yet goodlier treasure. 8 Lead us to ample room, O thou who knowest, to happiness, security, and sunlight. 9 Set us on widest chariot−seat, O Indra, with two steeds best to draw, O Lord of Hundreds! 10 Be gracious, Indra, let my days be lengthened: sharpen my thought as 'twere a blade of iron 11 Indra the Rescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each invocation, 12 May helpful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us with succour, 13 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell in his auspicious favour. 14 Like rivers rushing down a slope, O Indra, to thee haste songs and prayers and linked verses. 15 Who lauds him, satisfies him, pays him worship? E'en the rich noble still hath found him mighty. 16 Famed is the Hero as each strong man's tamer, ever advancing one and then another. 17 He loves no more the men he loved aforetime: he turns and moves away allied with others. 18 In every figure he hath been the mode: this is his only form for us to look on. 19 Here Tvastar, yoking to the car the Bay Steeds, hath extended sway. 20 Gods, we have reached a country void of pasture the land, though spacious, was too small to hold us. 21 Day after day far from their seat he drove them, alike, from place to place, those darksome creatures. 22 Out of thy bounty, Indra, hath Prastoka bestowed ten coffers and ten mettled horses.

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

2 Then Trita's Maidens onward urge the Tawny−coloured with the stones, 3 Now like a swan he maketh all the company sing each his hymn: 4 O Soma, viewing heaven and earth, thou runncst like a darting deer 5 The cows have sung with joy to him, even as a woman to her love 6 Bestow illustrious fame on us, both on our liberal lords and me,

2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Saryanavan, of the Hills and Mother 3 May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and 4 May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for 5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us th 6 Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze. 7 Send us to−day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth. 8 Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it! 9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing−stones, and perfecting the hymn. 10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests,− 11 Come hither, O Adityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive. 12 Adityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise−worthy, prosperous, our heroes' sure defen 13 This day may all the Maruts, all he near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled. 14 He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction,

2 Awake all pleasant strains and let the hymns flow forth: raise up abundant fulness: this is our desire. 3 Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers of the slow although he linger last. 4 Ye made Cyavana, weak and worn with length of days, young again, like a car, that he had power to mo 5 We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic; yea, ye were Physicians bringing health. 6 Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me−your aid as sire and mother aid their son. 7 Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Vimada the comely maid of Purumitra as a bride. 8 Ye gave a ain the vigour of his youthful life to tge sage Kali when old age was coming nigh. 9 Ye Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought forth Reblia when hidden in the cave and 10 On Pedu ye bestowed, Asvins, a courser white, mighty with nine−and−ninety varied gifts of strength, 11 From no side, ye Two Kings whom none may check or stay, doth grief, distress, or danger come u on t 12 Come on that Chariot which the Rbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Asvins, that is speedier than thou 13 Come, Conquerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Asvins who made the cow stream milk for 14 We have prepared this laud for you, O Asvins, and, like the Bhrgus, as a car have framed it,

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.

2 For worthy of obeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of adoration and of sacrifice. 3 I will rejoice in these Adityas for my weal, for whom the Mother pours forth water rich in balm, 4 Looking on men, ne'er slumbering, they by their deserts attained as Gods to lofty immortality. 5 Great Kings who bless us, who have come to sacrifice, who, ne'er assailed, have set their mansion in the 6 Who offereth to you the laud that ye accept, O ye All−Gods of Manu, many as ye are? 7 Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered the first oblation with his heart and soul, 8 Wise Deities, who have dominion o'er the world, ye thinkers over all that moves not and that moves, 9 In battles we invoke Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy Host of Heaven who banish grief, 10 Mightily−saving Earth, incomparable Heaven the good guide Aditi who gives secure defence 11 Bless us, all Holy Ones, that we may have your help, guard and protect us from malignant injury. 12 Keep all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, keep off the wicked man's malicious enmity. 13 Untouched by any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following the Law, spreads in his progeny. 14 That which ye guard and grace in battle, O ye Gods, ye Maruts, where the prize is wealth, where heroe 15 Vouchsafe us blessing in our paths and desert tracts, blessing in waters and in battle, for the light; 16 The noblest Svasti with abundant riches, who comes to what is good by distant pathway,− 17 Thus hatb the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, O Aditi and all Adityas,