Rig Veda on Dharma

2 As these, like friends, have done this work for you, these prompt servants of Purumilha Soma−offerer, 3 The folk have glorified your birth from Earth and Heaven, to be extolled, ye Strong Ones, for your migh 4 The people prospers, Asuras! whom ye dearly love: ye, Righteous Ones, proclaim aloud the Holy Law. 5 On this great earth ye send your treasure down with might: unstained by dust, the crowding kine are in t 6 The flames with curling tresses serve your sacrifice, whereto ye sing the song, Mitra and Varuna. 7 Whoso with sacrifices toiling brings you gifts, and worships, sage and priest, fulfilling your desire,− 8 With sacrifices and with milk they deck you first, ye Righteous Ones, as if through stirrings of the mind 9 Rich strength of life is yours: ye, Heroes, have obtained through your surpassing powers rich far−extend

1 THROUGH the Adityas' most auspicious shelter, through their most recent succour may we conquer. 2 Let Aditi rejoice and the Adityas, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, most righteous. 3 All Universal Deities, the Maruts, all the Adityas, yea, and all the Rbhus,

son of Krsna, the righteous man who sought your aid and praised you, 24 Asvins, ye raised, like Soma in a ladle Rebha, who for ten days and ten nights, fettered. 25 1 have declared your wondrous deeds, O Asvins: may this be mine, and many kine and heroes.

2 For they are Asuras of Gods, the friendly make, both of you, our lands exceeding fruitful. 3 Bonds of the sinner, they bear many nooses: the wicked mortal hardly may escape them. 4 Come, taste our offering, Varuna and Mitra: bedew our pasture wil sweet food and fatness. 5 To you this laud, O Varuna and Mitra, is offered, like bright Soma juice to Vayu. 2 The Two exceeding wise, the Sons of Daksa, whom the gods ordained 3 Such, Guardians of our homes and us, O Mitra−Varuna, fulfil 4 So when the Sun hath risen to−day, may sinless Mitra, Aryaman, 5 May this our home be guarded well forward, ye Bounteous, on the way, 7 Soon as the Sun hath risen, to you, to Mitra−Varuna, I sing, 8 With wealth of gold may this my song bring unmolested power and might, 9 May we be thine, God Varuna, and with our princes, Mitra, thine. 10 Many are they who strengthen Law, Sun−eyed, with Agni for their tongue, 11 They who have stablished year and month and then the day, night, sacrifice and holy verse, 12 So at the rising of the Sun we think of you with hymns to−day, 13 True to Law, born in Law the strengtheners of Law, terrible, haters of the false, 14 Uprises, on the slope of heaven, that marvel that attracts die sight 15 Lord of each single head, of fixt and moving things, equally through the whole expanse, 16 A hundred autumns may we see that bright Eye, God−ordained, arise 17 Infallible through your wisdom, come hither, resplendent Varuna, 18 Come as the laws of Heaven ordain, Varuna, Mitra, void of guile: 19 Come, Mitra, Varuna, accept, Heroes, our sacrificial gift:

2 He, Mighty, knows the gift of wealth, he knows the deep recess of heaven: 3 He knows, a God himself, to guide Gods to the righteous in his home: 4 He is the Herald: well−informed, he doth his errand to and fro, 5 May we be they who gratify Agni with sacrificial gifts, 6 Illustrious for wealth are they, and hero deeds, victorious, 7 So unto us, day after day, may riches craved by many come, 8 That holy Singer in his strength shoots forth his arrows swifter than

2 The Everlasting Pair, with full streams, rich in milk, in their pure rule pour fatness for the pious man. 3 Whoso, for righteous life, pours offerings to you, O Heaven and Earth, ye Hemispheres, that man succe 4 Enclosed in fatness, Heaven and Earth are bright therewith: they mingle with the fatness which they still 5 May Heaven and Earth pour down the balmy rain for us, balm−dropping, yielding balm, with balm upo 6 May Heaven and Earth make food swell plenteously for us, all−knowing Father, jother, wondrous in the

2 When the Five kindred Companies, active in duty, with the song 3 Then in his juice whose strength is great, have all the Gods rejoiced themselves, 4 Freeing himself he flows away, leaving his body's severed limbs, 5 He by the daughters of the priest, like a fair youth, hath been adorned, 6 O'er the fine fingers, through desire of milk, in winding course he goes, 7 The nimble fingers have approached, adorning him the Lord of Strength: 8 Comprising all the treasures that are in the heavens and on the earth,

2 King Soma first of all, without reluctance, made restitution of the Brahman's consort. 3 The man, her pledge, must by her hand be taken when they have cried, She is a Brahman's consort. 4 Thus spake of her those Gods of old, Seven Rsis who sate them down to their austere devotion: 5 The Brahmacari goes engaged in duty: he is a member of the Gods' own body. 6 So then the Gods restored her, so men gave the woman back again. 7 Having restored the Brahman's wife, and freed them, with Gods' aid, from sin,

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

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

2 The youths have wrought their ornaments for glory through many nights,−this noble band of Maruts. 3 They who extend beyond the earth and heaven, by their own mass, as from the cloud spreads Surya; 4 When ye come nigh, as in the depth of waters, the earth is loosened, as it were, and shaken. 5 Ye are like horses fastened to the chariot poles, luminous with your beams, with splendour as at dawn; 6 When ye come forth, O Maruts, from the distance, from the great treasury of rich possessions, 7 He who, engaged in the rite's final duty brings, as a man, oblation to the Maruts, 8 For these are helps adored at sacrifices, bringing good fortune by their name Adityas.

2 When shall thy glory as a God, Agni, be suddenly shown forth. 3 Seeing thee faithful to the Law, most sapient, like the starry heaven, 4 Vivasvan's envoy living men have taken as their ensign, swift, 5 Him the intelligent have they placed duly as Invoking Priest, 6 In his Eternal Mothers, in the wood, concealed and unapproached, 7 That as food spreads forth in this earthly udder, Gods may rejoice them in the home of Order, 8 Bird of each rite, skilled in an envoy's duties, knowing both worlds and that which lies between them, 9 Bright God, thy path is black: light is before thee: thy moving splendour is the chief of wonders. 10 Yet newly born, his vigour is apparent when the wind blows upon his fiery splendour, His sharpened t

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

2 For at Gods' worship they are best through vigour; they have become the strongest of the Heroes; 3 Praise those Twain Gods for powers that merit worship, Indra and Varuna, for bliss, the joyous. 4 Though dames and men have waxen strong and mighty, and all the Gods selfpraised among the Heroes, 5 Righteous is he, and liberal and helpful who, Indra−Varuna, brings you gifts with gladness. 6 May wealth which ye bestow in food and treasure on him who brings you gifts and sacrifices, 7 So also, Indra−Varuna, may our princes have riches swift to save, with Gods to guard them− 8 Indra. and Varuna, Gods whom we are lauding, mingle ye wealth with our heroic glory. 9 Now will I sing a dear and far−extending hymn to Varuna the God, sublime, imperial Lord, 10 True to Law, Indra−Varuna, drinkers of the juice, drink this pressed Soma which shall give you raptur 11 Indra and Varuna, drink your fill, ye Heroes, of this invigorating sweetest Soma.

2 May he who goes before the Gods come hither with steeds whose shapes are varied, Narasarhsa. 3 Men with oblations laud most constant Agni, and pray him to perform an envoy's duty. 4 May the delight of Gods spread out transversely: may it be with us long in length and fragrant. 5 Touch ye the far−extending height of heaven or spring apart to suit the wide earth's measure. 6 Here in this shrine may Dawn and Night, the Daughters of Heaven, the skilful Goddesses, be seated. 7 Up stands the stone, high burns the fire enkindled: Aditi's lap contains the Friendly Natures 8 On our wide grass, Three Goddesses be seated: for you have we prepared and made it pleasant. 9 Since thou, God Tvastar, hast made beauty perfect, since hou hast been the Angirases' Companion, 10 Well−knowing, binding with thy cord, bring hither, Lord of the Wood, the Deities' assembly. 11 Agni, bring hither Varuna to help us, Indra from heaven, from air's mid−realm the Maruts.

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

2 Light rolls your easy chariot faring earthward, what time, for food, ye, full of wisdom, mount it. 3 Ascend your lightly rolling car, approaching the worshipper who turns him to his duties,− 4 Let not the wolf, let not the she−wolf harm you. Forsake me not, nor pass me by or others. 5 Gotama, Purumilha, Atri bringing oblations all invoke you for protection. 6 We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been bestowed on you, O Asvins. 2 With us, ye Mighty, let yourselves be joyful, glad in our stream of Soma slay the niggards. 3 Nasatyas, Pusans, ye as Gods for glory arranged and set in order Surya's bridal. 4 Your grace be with us, ye who love sweet juices: further the hymn sung by the poet Mana, 5 This praise was made, O liberal Lords, O Asvins, for you with fair adornment by the Manas. 6 We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been'bestowed on you, O Asvins.

2 Loud belloweth the Bull whose horns are sharpened: upon the height above earth's breadth he standeth. 3 Men with the stone press out for thee, O Indra, strong, gladdening Soma, and thereof thou drinkest. 4 Resolve for me, O singer, this my riddle: The rivers send their swelling water backward: 5 How shall I solve this riddle, I, the simple, declare the thought of thee the Wise and Mighty? 6 Thus do they magnify me, me the mighty higher than even high heaven is my car−pole. 7 Yea, and the Gods have known me also, Indra, as mighty, fierce and strong in every exploit. 8 The Deities approached, they carried axes; splitting the wood they came with their attendants. 9 The hare hath swallowed up the opposing razor: I sundered with a clod the distant mountain. 10 There hath the strong−winged eagle left his talon, as a snared lion leaves the trap that caught him. 11 So may the leather strap their foot entangle who fatten on the viands of the Brahman. 12 They were well occupied with holy duties who sped in person with their lauds to Soma.

1 Ye who observe this day be with us even thrice: far−stretching is you bounty, Asvins and your course. 2 Three are the fellies in your honey−bearing car, that travels after Soma's loved one, as all know. 3 Thrice in the self−same day, ye Gods who banish want, sprinkle ye thrice to−day our sacrifice with mea 4 Thrice come ye to our home, thrice to the righteous folk, thrice triply aid the man who well deserves yo 5 Thrice, O ye Asvins, bring to us abundant wealth: thrice in the Gods' assembly, thrice assist our thought 6 Thrice, Asvins, grant to us the heavenly medicines, thrice those of earth and thrice those that the waters 7 Thrice are ye to be worshipped day by day by us: thrice, O ye Asvins, ye travel around the earth. 8 Thrice, O ye Asvins, with the Seven Mother Streams; three are the jars, the triple offering is prepared. 9 Where are the three wheels of your triple chariot, where are the three seats thereto firmly fastened? 10 Nasatyas, come: the sacred gift is offered up; drink the sweet juice with lips that know the sweetness w 11 Come, O Nasatyas, with the thrice−eleven Gods; come, O ye Asvins, to the drinking of the meath. 12 Borne in your triple car, O Asvins, bring us present prosperity with noble offspring.

2 Great in tby power and wisdom, Strong, with thought that comprehendeth all 3 Thou very Mighty One, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness grasp, 4 Your Lord of might that ne'er hath bent, that ruleth over all mankind, 5 Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in both the hosts 6 Indra, the Strong, the measureless, worthy of praise, Most Bountiful, 7 Him, for his ample bounty, him, this Indra do I urge to drink, 8 Thou Mighty One, whose friendship none of mortals ever hath obtained 9 Aided by thee, with thee allied, in frays for water and for sun, 10 So seek we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the Song, 11 O Thunderer, thou whose friendship and whose onward guidance both are sweet, 12 To us, ourselves, give ample room, give for our dwelling ample room 13 We count the banquet of the Gods a spacious pathway for the men, 14 Six men, yea, two and two, made glad with Soma juice, come near to me 15 Two brown−hued steeds, Indrota's gift, two bays from Rksa's son were mine, 16 From Atithigva good car−steeds; from Arksa rein−obeying steeds, 17 Indrota, Atithigva's son, gave me six horses matched with mares 18 Marked above all, amid the brown, is the red mare Vrsanvati, 19 O bound to me by deeds of might, not even the man who loves to blame.

2 For unto thee, O Angiras, O Son of Strength, move ladles in the sacrifice. 3 Agni, thou art Disposer, Sage, Herald, bright God! and worshipful, 4 Most Youthful and Eternal, bring the longing Gods to me, the guileless, for the feast. 5 Famed art thou, Agni, far and wide, Preserver, righteous, and a Sage. 6 Shine, Most Resplendent! blaze, send bliss unto the folk, and to thy worshipper 7 O Agni, as thou burnest down to earth even high−grown underwood, 8 Give us not as a prey to mortal enemy, nor to the wicked friend of fiends. 9 Protect us, Agni, through the first, protect us through the second hymn, 10 Preserve us from each fiend who brings the Gods no gift, preserve thou us in deeds of strength: 11 O Holy Agni, give us wealth renowned with men and strengthening life. 12 Wherewith we may o'ercome our rivals in the war, o'erpowering the foe's designs. 13 Agni is even as a bull who whets and brandishes his horns. 14 Not to be stayed, O Bull, O Agni, are thy teeth when thou art spreading far and wide. 15 Thou liest in the wood: from both thy Mothers mortals kindle thee. 16 And so the seven priests, O Agni, worship thee, Free−giver, Everlasting One. 17 For you let us whose grass is trimmed call Agni, Agni, restless God. 18 Agni, with noble psalm that tells his wish he dwells, thinking on thee who guardest him. 19 Agni, Praise−singer! Lord of men, God burner−up of Raksasas, 20 Let no fiend come among us, O thou rich in light, no spell of those who deal in spells.

42 Make Vayu glad,, for furtherance and bounty: cheer Varuna and Mitra, as they cleanse thee. 43 Flow onward righteous slayer of the wicked, driving away our enemies and sickness, 44 Pour us a fount of meath, a spring of treasure; send us a hero son and happy fortune. 45 Strong Soma, pressed, like an impetuous courser, hath flowed in stream as a flood speeding downward 46 Strong, wise, for thee who longest for his coming this Soma here flows to the bowls, O Indra. 47 He, purified with ancient vital vigour, pervading all his Daughter's forms and figures, 48 Now, chariot−borne, flow unto us, God Soma, as thou art purified flow to the saucers, 49 To feast him, flow mid song and hymn, to Vayu, flow purified to Varuna and Mitra. 50 Pour on us garments that shall clothe us meetly, send, purified, miIch−kine, abundant yielders. 51 Send to us in a stream celestial riches, send us, when thou art cleansed, what earth containeth, 52 Pour forth this wealth with this purification: flow onward to the yellow lake, O Indu. 53 Flow on for us with this purification to the famed ford of thee whose due is glory. 54 Eagerly do we pray for those two exploits, at the blue lake and Prsana, wrought in battle. 55 Thou comest unto three extended filters, and hasteriest through each one as they cleanse thee. 56 This Soma here, the Wise, the All−obtainer, flows on his way as King of all existence. 57 The Great Inviolate are kissing Indu, and singing in his place like eager sages. 58 Soma, may we, with thee as Pavamana, pile up together all our spoil in battle.

2 The will and thoughts within my breast exert their power: they yearn with love, and fly to all the regions 3 To Narasamsa and to Pusan I sing forth, unconcealable Agni kindied by the Gods. 4 How is the Sage extolled whom the loud singers praise? What voice, what hymn is used to laud Brhaspa 5 Aditi, to the birth of Daksa and the vow thou summonest the Kings Mitra and Varuna. 6 May all those vigorous Coursers listen to our cry, hearers of invocation, speeding on their way; 7 Bring ye Purandbi, bring Vayu who yokes his steeds, for friendship bring ye Pusan with your songs of 8 The thrice−seven wandering Rivers, yea, the mighty floods, the forest trees, the mountains, Agni to our 9 Let the great Streams come hither with their mighty help, Sindhu, Sarasvati, and Sarayu with waves. 10 And let Brhaddiva, the Mother, hear our call, and Tvastar, Father, with the Goddesses and Dames. 11 Pleasant to look on as a dwelling rich in food is the blest favour of the Maruts, Rudra's Sons. 12 The thought which ye, O Maruts, Indra and ye Gods have given to me, and ye, Mitra and Varuna,− 13 O Maruts, do ye never, never recollect and call again to mind this our relationship? 14 The Mothers, Heaven and Earth, those mighty Goddesses, worthy of sacrifice, ecune with the race of 15 This invocation wins all good that we desire Brhaspati, highly−praised Aramati, are here, 16 Thus hath the sage, skilled in loud singers' duties, desiring riches, yearning after treasure, 17 Thus hath the thoughtful sage the son of Plati, praised you, O Aaiti and all Adityas.

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.

1 AGNI, well−kindled, bring the Gods for him who offers holy gifts. 2 Son of Thyself, present, O Sage, our sacrifice to the Gods today. 3 Dear Narasamsa, sweet of tongue, the giver of oblations, I 4 Agni, on thy most easy car, glorified, hither bring the Gods: 5 Strew, O ye wise, the sacred grass that drips with oil, in order due, 6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite, 7 I call the lovely Night and Dawn to seat them on the holy grass 8 The two Invokers I invite, the wise, divine and sweet of tongue, 9 Ila, Sarasvati, Mahi, three Goddesses who bring delight, 10 Tvastar I call, the earliest born, the wearer of all forms at will: 11 God, Sovran of the Wood, present this our oblation to the Gods, 12 With Svaha. pay the sacrifice to Indra in the offerer's house: 1 To drink the Soma, Agni, come, to our service and our songs. 2 The Kanvas have invoked thee; they, O Singer, sing thee songs of praise 3 Indra, Vayu, Brhaspati, Mitra, Agni, Pusan, Bhaga, 4 For you these juices are poured forth that gladden and exhilarate, 5 The sons of Kanva fain for help adore thee, having strewn the grass, 6 Let the swift steeds who carry thee, thought−yoked and dropping holy oil, 7 Adored, the strengtheners of Law, unite them, Agni, with their Dames: 8 Let them, O Agni, who deserve worship and praise drink with thy tongue 9 Away, from the Sun's realm of light, the wise invoking Priest shall bring 10 With all the Gods, with Indra, with Vayu, and Mitra's splendours, drink, 11 Ordained by Manu as our Priest, thou sittest, Agni, at each rite: 12 Harness the Red Mares to thy car, the Bays, O God, the flaming ones:

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

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

2 Robed in fair raiment meet to wear in battle, a mighty Sage pronouncing invocations. 3 Dear, he is brightened on the fleecy summit, a Prince among us, nobler than the noble. 4 Let us sing praises to the Gods: sing loudly, send ye the Soma forth for mighty riches. 5 Winning the friendship of the Deities, Indu flows in a thousand streams to make them joyful. 6 Flow, Gold−hued, cleansing thee, to enrich the singer: let thy juice go to Indra to support him. 7 The God declares the Deities' generations, like Usana, proclaiming lofty wisdom. 8 The Swans, the Vrsaganas from anear us have brought their restless spirit to our dwelling. 9 He follows the Wide−strider's rapid movement: cows low, as 'twere, to him who sports at pleasure. 10 Strong Indu, bathed in milk, flows on for Indra, Soma exciting strength, to make him joyful. 11 Then in a stream he flows, milked out with press−stones, mingled with sweetness, through the fleecy 12 As he is purified he pours out treasures, a God bedewing Gods with his own juices. 13 The Red Bull bellowing to the kine advances, causing the heavens and earth to roar and tbunder. 14 Swelling with milk, abounding in sweet flavours, urging the meath−rich plant thou goest onward. 15 So flow thou on inspiriting, for rapture, aiming deatb−shafts at him who stays the waters, 16 Pleased with us, Indu, send us as thou flowest good easy paths in ample space and comforts. 17 Pour on us rain celestial, quickly streaming, refreshing, fraught with health and ready bounty. 18 Part, like a knotted tangle, while they cleanse thee, O Soma, righteous and unrighteous conduct. 19 For the God's service, for delight, O Indu, run o'er the height, run o'ver the fleecy summit. 20 Without a car, without a rein to guide them, unyoked, like coursers started in the contest, 21 So for our banquet of the Gods, O Indu, pour down the rain of heaven into the vessels.

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

2 Indra and Soma, let sin round the wicked boil like as a caldron set amid the flames of fire. 3 Indra and Soma, plunge the wicked in the depth, yea, cast them into darkness that hath no support, 4 Indra and Soma, hurl your deadly crushing bolt down on the wicked fiend from heaven and from the ear 5 Indra and Soma, cast ye downward out of heaven your deadly darts of stone burning with fiery flame, 6 Indra and Soma, let this hymn control you both, even as the girth encompasses two vigorous steeds− 7 In your impetuous manner think ye both thereon: destroy these evil beings, slay the treacherous fiends. 8 Whoso accuses me with words of falsehood when I pursue my way with guileless spirit, 9 Those who destroy, as is their wont, the simple, and with their evil natures barm the righteous, 10 The fiend, O Agni, who designs to injure the essence of our food, kine, steeds, or bodies, 11 May he be swept away, himself and children: may all the three earths press him down beneath them. 12 The prudent finds it easy to distinguish the true and false: their words oppose each other. 13 Never doth Soma aid and guide the wicked or him who falsely claims the Warrior's title. 14 As if I worshipped deities of falsehood, or thought vain thoughts about the Gods, O Agni. 15 So may I die this day if I have harassed any man's life or if I be a demon. 16 May Indra slay him with a mi weapon, and let the vilest ofghty 17 She too who wanders like an owl at night−time, hiding her body in her guile and malice, 18 Spread out, ye Maruts, search among the people: seize ye and grind the Raksasas to pieces, 19 Hurl down from heaven thy bolt of stone, O Indra: sharpen it, Maghavan, made keen by Soma. 20 They fly, the demon dogs, and, bent on mischief, fain would they harm indomitable Indra. 21 Indra hath ever been the fiends' destroyer who spoil oblations of the Gods' invokers: 22 Destroy the fiend shaped like an owl or owlet, destroy him in the form of dog or cuckoo.

2 Now, being purified, flow hither through the fleece inviolate and most odorous. 3 Pressed out for all to see, delighting Gods, Indu, Far−sighted One, is mental power. 4 Cleansing thee, Soma, in thy stream, thou flowest in a watery robe: 5 Milking the heavenly udder for dear meath, he hath sat in the ancient gatheringplace. 6 O Soma, while they cleanse thee, dear and watchful in the sheep's long wool, 7 Bountiful, best of furtherers, Soma floweth on, Rsi and Singer, keen of sight. 8 Pressed out by pressers, Soma goes over the fleecy backs of sheep, 9 Down to the water−Soma, rich in kine hath flowed with cows, with cows that have been milked. 10 Effused by stones, O Soma, and urged through the long wool of the sheep, 11 He beautifies himself through the sheep's long fine wool, like an impetuous steed in war, 12 O Soma,−for the feast of Gods, river−like he hath swelled with surge, 13 Like a dear son who must be decked, the Lovely One hath clad him in a shining robe. 14 The living drops of Soma juice pour, as they flow, the gladdening drink, 15 May Pavamana, King and God, speed with his wave over the sea the lofty rite: 16 Far−seeing, lovely, guided by the men, the God whose home is in the sea− 17 Soma, the gladdening juice, flows pressed for Indra with his Marut host: 18 Purified in the bowl and gendering the hymn, wise Soma joys among the Gods. 19 O Soma, Indu, every day thy friendship hath been my delight. 20 Close to thy bosom am I, Soma, day and night. O Tawny−hued, for friendship sake. 21 Deft−handcd! thou when purified liftest thy voice amid the sea. 22 Making thee pure and bright in the sheep's long wool, tbou hast bellowed, steerlike, in the wood. 23 Flow on to win us strength, flow on to lofty lore of every kind. 24 Flow to the realm of earth, flow to the realm of heaven, O Soma, in thy righteous ways. 25 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Pavamanas in a stream, 26 Urged onward by the pressers, clad in watery robes, Indu is speeding to the vat.

2 All men are joyful in thy power, O God, that living from the dry wood thou art born. 3 Strong is the thought of Law, the Law's behest; all works have they performed; he quickens all. 4 Seated as Priest with Manu's progeny, of all these treasures he alone is Lord. 5 Eagerly they who hear his word fulfil his wish as sons obey their sire's behest.

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 Widely−capacious Pair, mighty, that never fail, the Father and the Mother keep all creatures safe: 3 Son of these Parents, he the Priest with power to cleanse, Sage, sanctifies the worlds with his surpassing 4 Among the skilful Gods most skilled is he, who made the two world−halves which bring prosperity to al 5 Extolled in song, O Heaven and Earth, bestow on us, ye mighty Pair, great glory and high lordly sway,

2 Foremost be he who brings thee food, O Mitra, who strives to keep thy sacred Law, Aditya. 3 joying in sacred food and free from sickness, with knees bent lowly on the earth's broad surface, 4 Auspicious and adorable, this Mitra was born with fair dominion, King, Disposer. 5 The great Aditya, to be served with wor. ship, who stirreth men, is gracious to the singer. 6 The gainful grace of Mitra,. God, supporter of the race of man, 7 Mitra whose glory spreads afar, he who in might surpasses heaven, 8 All the Five Races have repaired to Mitra, ever strong to aid, 9 Mitra to Gods, to living men, to him who strews the holy grass,

2 By holy Law they kept supporting Order, by help of sacrifice, in loftiest heaven,− 3 Averting woe, they labour hard to bring him, the ancient, plenteous food as power resistless. 4 When, like a mother, spreading forth to nourish, to cherish and regard each man that liveth,− 5 May strength preserve the compass of thy vigour, God! that broad stream of thine that beareth riches.

2 For they have won unbroken sway in full perfection, power divine. 3 Therefore we praise you that your cars may travel far in front of ours− 4 And ye show wMom, Wondrous Gods with fulness of intellIgence. 5 This is the Law sublime, O Earth: to aid the Rsis' toil for fame 6 Mitra, ye Gods with wandering eyes, would that the worshippers and we

2 The Twain invincible in war, worthy to be renowned in frays, 3 Impetuous is their strength, and keen the lightning of the mighty Pair, 4 Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, as such, to send your cars: 5 These who give increase day by day, Gods without guile for mortal man, 6 The strength−bestowing offering thus to Indra−Agni hath been paid, as butter, purified by stones. Deal t

2 This, dealt from heaven ' may both the Worlds vouchsafe us, and Varuna, Indra, Aryaman, and Mitra. 3 Strong be the man and full of power, O Maruts, whom ye, borne on by spotted coursers, favour. 4 This Varuna is guide of Law, he, Mitra, and Aryaman, the Kings, our work have finished. 5 With offerings I propitiate the branches of this swift−moving God, the bounteous Visnu. 6 Be not thou angry here, O glowing Pusan, for what Varutri and the Bounteous gave us. 7 Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasisthas, and holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni.

2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna and I may be united. 3 Fain to know this in in I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuna, and ask them. 4 What, Varuna, hath been my chief transgression, ihat thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises 5 Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended. 6 Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuna wine, dice, or anger. 7 Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. 8 O Lord, O Varuna, may this laudation come close to thed and lie within thy spirit.

2 Thou conquerest thus with might when car meets car, and when the prize is staked: 3 No one with evil thought assails this Pavamana's holy laws: 4 For Indra to the streams they drive the tawny rapture−dropping Steed,

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

2 May this my truthful speech guard me on every side wherever heaven and earth and days are spread abr 3 No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled 4 O Surya, with the light whereby thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray impellest every moving thing, 5 Sent forth thou guardest well the Universe's law, and in thy wonted way arisest free from wrath. 6 This invocation, these our words may Heaven and Earth, and Indra and the Waters and the Maruts hear. 7 Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store of children, free from sickness and from sin, 8 Surya, may we live long and look upon thee still, thee, O Far−seeing One, bringing the glorious light, 9 Thou by whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and by thy beams again returns unto its rest, 10 Bless us with shine, bless us with perfect daylight, bless us with cold, with fervent heat and lustre. 11 Gods, to our living creatures of both kinds vouchsafe protection, both to bipeds and to quadrupeds, 12 If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, with the tongue or thoughtlessness of

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 Invincible through Fervour, those whom Fervour hath advanced to heaven, 3 The heroes who contend in war and boldly cast their lives away, 4 Yea, the first followers of Law, Law's pure and holy strengtheners, 5 Skilled in a thousand ways and means, the sages who protect the Sun,

2 A happy boon do men elect, a mighty blessing they obtain. 3 If by address, by blame, by imprecation we have committed sin, awake or sleeping, 4 When, Indra, Brahmanaspati, our deeds are wrongful and unjust, 5 We have prevailed this day and won: we are made free from sin and guilt.