Rig Veda on Family

2 Waxing greatness Indra slayeth Vrtra: the Hero with his aid hath helped the singer. He gave S 4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, O Indra, even both the worlds with might, O thou Most Mighty. 5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly. 6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God's terrific spirit. 7 Whene'er the elder fain would help the younger the greater cometh to the lesser's present. 8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, thy friends, O Thunder−wielder. 9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us.

2 I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality by secret pathways, 3 1, looking to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a rule of Law and Order. 4 I tarried many a year within this altar: I leave the Father, for my choice is Indra. 5 These Asuras have lost their powers of magic. But thou, O Varuna, if thou dost love me, 6 Here is the light of heaven, here allis lovely; here there is radiance, here is air's wide region. 7 The Sage hath fixed his form by wisdom in the heavens: Varuna with no violence let the waters flow. 8 These wait upon his loftiest power and vigour: he dwells in these who triumph in their Godhead; 9 They call him Swan, the abhorrent floods' Companion, moving in friendship with celestial Waters.

2 That Agni, bright, Vaisvanara, we invoke for help, and Matarisvan worthy of the song of praise; 3 Age after age Vaisvanara, neighing like a horse, is kindled with the women by the Kusikas. 4 Let them go forth, the strong, as flames of fire with might. Gathered for victory they have yoked their 5 The Maruts, Friends of men, are glorious as the fire: their mighty and resplendent succour we implore. 6 We, band on band and troop following troop, entreat with fair lauds Agni's splendour and the Maruts' 7 Agni am I who know, by birth, all creatures. Mine eye is butter, in my mouth is nectar. 8 Bearing in mind a thought with light accordant, he purified the Sun with three refinings; 9 The Spring that fails not with a hundred streamlets, Father inspired of' prayers that men should utter,

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

2 Hither is come the Rbhus' gift of riches; here was the drinking of the well−pressed Soma, 3 Ye made fourfold the chalice that wag single: ye spake these words and said, O Friend, assist us; 4 Out of what substance was that chalice fashioned which ye made fourfold by your art and wisdom? 5 Ye with your cunning made your Parents youthful; the cup, for Gods to drink, ye formed with cunning; 6 Whoso pours out for you, when days are closing, the sharp libation for your joy, O Vajas, 7 Lord of Bay Steeds, at dawn thejuice thou drankest: thine, only thine, is the noonday libation. 8 Ye, whom your artist skill hath raised to Godhead have set you down above in heaven like falcons. 9 The third libation, that bestoweth treasure, which ye have won by skill, ye dexterous−handed,−

2 When, seeking your enjoyment onward from afar, ye, certain of my kinsmen, wandered on your way, 3 Savitar therefore gave you immortality, because ye came proclaiming him whom naught can hide; 4 When they had served with zeal at sacrifice as priests, they, mortal as they were, gained immortality. 5 The Rbhus, with a rod measured, as 'twere a field, the single sacrificial chalice. wide of mouth, 6 As oil in ladles, we through knowledge will present unto the Heroes of the firmament our hymn,− 7 Rbhu to us is Indra freshest in his might, Rbhu with powers and wealth is giver of rich gifts. 8 Out of a skin, O Rbhus, once ye formed a cow, and brought the mother close unto her calf again. 9 Help us with strength where spoil is won, O Indra: joined with the gbhus give us varied bounty.

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

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

2 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 The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, 3 Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food and feeble. 4 No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing. 5 Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. 6 The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food −I speak the truth− shall be his ruin. 7 The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and with its feet cuts through the path it follo 8 He with one foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two−footed catches the three−footed. 9 The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of sister milch−kine is unequal.

2 Tvastar's ten daughters, vigilant and youthful, produced this Infant borne to sundry quarters. 4 Who of you knows this secret One? The Infant by his own nature hath brought forth his Mothers. 5 Visible, fair, he grows in native brightness uplifted in the lap of waving waters. 6 The Two auspicious Ones, like women, tend him: like lowing cows they seek him in their manner. 7 Like Savitar his arms with might he stretches; awful, he strives grasping the world's two borders. 8 He makes him a most noble form of splendour, decking him in his home with milk and waters. 9 Wide through the firmament spreads forth triumphant the far−resplendent strength of' thee the Mighty. 10 In dry spots he makes stream, and course, and torrent, and inundates the earth with floods that glisten. 11 Fed with our fuel, purifying Agni, so blaze to us auspiciously for glory.

2 Fair, Agni, is thy long−known path to travel: yoke for the juice tfiy bay, thy ruddy horses, 3 They glorify your sacrifice with worship, yet the glad Priest near them is left unequalled. 4 What time the Guest hath made himself apparent, at ease reclining in the rich man's dwelling, 5 Accept this sacrifice of ours, O Agni; glorify it with Indra and the Maruts. 6 Thus hath Vasistha praised victorious Agni, yearning for wealth that giveth all subsistence. 2 Let sacrifice proceed like some fleet courser: with one accord lift ye on high the ladles. 3 Like babes in arms reposing on their mother, let the Gods sit upon the grass's summit. 4 Gladly the Gods have let themselves be honoured, milking the copious streams of holy Order. 5 So, Agni, send us wealth among the people: may we be closely knit to thee, O Victor,

2 Varuna cut the channels for thy forward course, O Sindhu, when thou rannest on to win the race. 3 His roar is lifted up to heaven above the earth: he puts forth endless vigour with a flash of light. 4 Like mothers to their calves, like milch kine with their milk, so, Sindhu, unto thee the roaring rivers run. 5 Favour ye this my laud, O Ganga, Yamuna, O Sutudri, Parusni and Sarasvati: 6 First with Trstama thou art eager to flow forth, with Rasa, and Susartu, and with Svetya here, 7 Flashing and whitely−gleaming in her mightiness, she moves along her ample volumes through the real 8 Rich in good steeds is Sindhu, rich in cars and robes, rich in gold, nobly−fashioned, rich in ample wealt 9 Sindhu hath yoked her car, light−rolling, drawn by steeds, and with that car shall she win booty in this

2 Like two plough−bulls ye move along in traces, and seek like eager guests your bidder's banquet. 3 Like the two pinions of a bird, connected, like two choice animals, ye have sought our worship. 4 Ye are our kinsmen, like two sons, two fathers, strong in your splendour and like kings for conquest; 5 You are like two pleasantly moving well−fed (hills) like Mitra and Varuna, the two bestowers of felicity 6 You are like two mad elephants bending their forequarters and smiting the foe, like the two sons of Nito 7 Fierce (Asvins), like two powerful (heroes), you enable this moving, perishable mortal (frame) to cross 8 With your bellies full of the Soma, like two saucepans, preservers of wealth, destroyers of enemies. (yo 9 Like giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in depths, like feet for one who fords a shallow. Like c

2 Our sires with lauds burst e'en the firmset fortress, yea, the Angirases, with roar, the mountain. 3 They stablished order, made his service fruitful; then parting them among the longing faithful, 4 Since Matarisvan, far−diffused, bath stirred him, and he in every house grown bright and noble, 5 When man poured juice to Heaven, the mighty Father, he knew and freed himself from close embracem 6 Whoso, bath flames for thee within his dwelling, or brings the worship which thou lovest daily, 7 All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the Seven mighty Rivers seek the ocean. 8 When light bath filled the Lord of men for increase, straight from the heaven descends the limpid moist 9 He who like thought goes swiftly on his journey, the Sun, alone is ever Lord of riches. 10 O Agni, break not our ancestral friendship, Sage as thou art, endowed with deepest knowledge.

2 Agni, Eternal Father, offering− bearer, fair to behold, far−reaching, far−refulgent, 3 The Sage of men, the Lord of human races, pure, purifying Agni, balmed with butter, 4 Agni, enjoy, of one accord with Ila, striving in rivalry with beams of Sarya, 5 As dear House−Friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our sacrifice come thou who knowest. 6 Drive thou away the Dasyu with thy weapon. As, gaining vital power for thine own body, 7 May we, O Agni, with our lauds adore thee, and with our gifts, fair−beaming Purifier! 8 Son of Strength, Agni, dweller in three regions, accept our sacrifice and our oblation. 9 Over all woes and dangers, Jatavedas, bear us as in a boat across a river. 10 As I, remembering thee with grateful spirit, a mortal, call with might on thee Immortal, 11 The pious man, O Jatavedas Agni, to whom thou grantest ample room and pleasure,

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

2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty; 3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, 4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them a 5 He with his might made firm the forward−bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordaine 6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. 7 As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all. 8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours. 9 Now may that weaithy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

7 Blest, Agni, be the man, the liberal giver, who with his lauds and regular oblation 8 I praise thy gracious favour: sing in answer. May this my song sing like a loved one with thee. 9 Here of free choice let each one serve thee richly, resplendent day by day at eve and morning. 10 Whoso with good steeds and fine gold, O Agni, comes nigh thee on a car laden with trcasure, 11 Through words and kinship I destroy the miglity: this power I have from Gotama my father. 12 Knowing no slumber, speedy and propitious, alert and ever friendly, most unwearied, 13 Thy guardian rays, O Agni, when they saw him, preserved blind Mamateya from affliction. 14 Aided by thee with thee may we be wealthy, may we gain strength with thee to guide us onward. 15 O Agni, with this fuel will we serve thee; accept the laud we sing to thee with favour

2 Wild in their course, in well−marked wise rejoicing were they, Brhaspati, who pressed around us. 3 Brhaspati, from thy remotest distance have they sat down who love the law eternal. 4 Brhaspati, when first he had his being from mighty splendour in supremest heaven, 5 With the loud−shouting band who sang his praises, with thunder, he destroyed obstructive Vala. 6 Serve we with sacrifices, gifts, and homage even thus the Steer of all the Gods, the Father. 7 Surely that King by power and might heroic hath made him lord of all his foes' posses−ions, 8 In his own house he dwells in peace and comfort: to him for ever holy food flows richly. 9 He, unopposed, is master of the riches.of his own subjects and of hostile people. 10 Indra, Brhaspati, rainers of treasure, rejoicing at this sacrifice drink the Soma. 11 Brhaspati and Indra, make us prosper may this be your benevolence to usward.

2 Through your kind favour, Gods, on some auspicious day, the worshipper subdues his foes. 3 Vasistha will not overlook the lowliest one among you all. 4 Your succour in the battle injures not the man to whom ye, Heroes, grant your gifts. 5 Come hitherward to drink the juice, O ye whose bounties give you joy. 6 Sit on our sacred grass, be graciously inclined to give the wealth for which we long, 7 Decking the beauty of their forms in secret the Swans with purple backs have flown down hither. 8 Maruts, the man whose wrath is hard to master, he who would slay us ere we think, O Vasus, 9 O Maruts, ye consuming Gods, enjoy this offering brought for you, 10 Sharers of household sacrifice, come, Maruts, stay not far away, 11 Here, Self−strong Maruts, yea, even here. ye Sages with your sunbright skins 12 Tryambaka we worship, sweet augmenter of prosperity.

2 He was set down mid men as Priest unerring, Agni, wise, welcome in our holy synods. 3 The glowing ladle, filled with oil, is lifted; choosing Gods' service to the right he circles. 4 When sacred grass is strewn and Agni kindled, the Adhvaryu rises to, his task rej o cing. 5 Agni himself, the Priest, with measured motion, goes round, with sweet speech, cheerful, true to Order. 6 Beautiful and auspicious is thine aspect, O lovely Agni, terrible when spreading. 7 Naught hindered his production, Bounteous Giver: his Mother and his Sire were free to send him. 8 He, Agni, whom the twice−five sisters, dwelling together, in the homes of men engendered, 9 These thy Bay Coursers, Agni, dropping fatness, ruddy vigorous, speeding straightly forward, 10 These brightly−shining games of thine, O Agni, that move for ever restless, allsubduing, 11 To thee, O flaming God, hath prayer been offered. Let the priest laud thee: give to him who worships.

2 He bellows with a roar arourd the highest twigs: the Tawny One is sweetened as he breaks them up. 3 The gladdening drink that measured out the meeting Twins fills full with milk the Eternal Ever−waxing 4 Wandering through, the Parents, strengthening the floods, the Sage makes his place swell with his own 5 With energetic intellect the Sage is born, deposited as germ of Law, far from the Twins. 6 The sages knew the form of him the Gladdener, what time the Falcon brought the plant from far away. 7 Together with the Rsis, with their prayers and hymns ten women deck thee, Soma, friendly when effuse 8 Songs resonant with praise have celebrated him. Soma, Friend, springing forth with his fair company. 9 He sends it into all the region forth from heaven. Soma, while he is filtcred, settles in the jars. 10 Even thus poured forth How on thy way, O Soma, vouchsafing us most manifold lively vigour.

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

2 Knowing your birth and rich in gathered treasure, Rbhus, rejoice together with the Rtus. 3 For you was made this sacrifice, O Rbhus, which ye, like men, won for yourselves aforetime. 4 Now for the mortal worshipper, O Heroes, for him who served you, was the gift of riches. 5 Come to us, Heroes, Vajas and Rbhuksans, glorified for the sake of mighty treasure. 6 Come to this sacrifice of ours, ye Children of Strength, invoked with humble adoration. 7 Close knit with Varuna drink the Soma, Indra; close−knit, ilymn−lover! with the Maruts drink it: 8 Rejoice in full accord with the Adityas, in concord with the Parvatas, O Rbhus; 9 Rbhus, who helped their Parents and the Asvins, who formed the Milch−cow and the pair of horses, 10 Ye who have wealth in cattle and in booty, in heroes, in rich sustenance and treasure, 11 Ye were not far: we have not left you thirsting, blameless in this our sacrifice, O Rbhus.

2 The Gods, as worn witheld, relaxed their efforts: thou, Indra, born of truth, wast Sovran Ruler. 3 The insatiate one, extended, hard to waken, who slumbered in perpetual sleep, O Indra,− 4 Indra with might shook earth and her foundation as the wind stirs the water with its fury. 5 They ran to thee as mothers to their offspring: the clouds, like chariots, hastened forth together. 6 Thou for the sake of Vayya and Turviti didst stay the great stream, flowing, allsustaining: 7 He let the young Maids skilled in Law, unwedded, like fountains, bubbling, flow forth streaming onwar 8 Through many a morn and many a lovely autumn, having slain Vrtra, lie set free the rivers. 9 Lord of Bay Steeds, thou broughtest from the ant−hill the unwedded damsel's son whom ants were eatin 10 To the wise man, O Sage and Sovran Ruler, the man who knoweth all thine ancient exploits. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let powers swell high, like rivers, for the singer.

2 For worship of the Gods the Priest was wakened: at morning gracious Agni hath arisen. 3 When he hath stirred the line of his attendants, with the pure milk pure Agni is anointed. 4 The spirits of the pious turn together to Agni, as the eyes of all to Surya. 5 The noble One was born at days' beginning, laid red in colour mid the well−laid fuel. 6 Agni hath sat him down, a Priest most skilful, on a sweet−smelling place, his Mother's bosom. 7 This Singer excellent at sacrifices, Agni the Priest, they glorify with homage. 9 Thou quickly passest by all others, Agni, for him to whom thou hast appeared most lovely, 10 To thee, Most Youthful God! to thee, O Agni from near and far the people bring their tribute. 11 Ascend to−day thy splendid car, O Agni, in splendour, with the Holy Ones around it. 12 To him adorable, sage, strong and mighty we have sung forth our song of praise and homage.

2 To us may all the Gods come trooped together, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna concordant, 3 Agni I sing, the guest you love most dearly: the Conqueror through our lauds is friendly−minded. 4 To you I seek with reverence, Night and Morning, like a cow good to milk, with hope to conquer, 5 May the great Dragon of the Deep rejoice us: as one who nourishes her young comes Sindhu, 6 Moreover Tvastar also shall approach us, one−minded with the princes at his visit. 7 Him too our hymns delight, that yoke swift horses, like mother cows who lick their tender youngling. 8 So may the Maruts, armed with mighty weapons, rest here on heaven and earth with hearts in concord, 9 They hasten on to happy termination their orders when they are made known by 10 Incline the Asvins to show grace, and Pusan, for power and might have they, their own possession. 11 This is my reverent thought of you, ye Holy; may it inspire you, make you dwell among us,−

2 Butter is that which makes Vadhryaiva's fire growstrong: the butter is its food, the butter makes it fat. 3 Still newest is this face of thine, O Agni, which Manu and Sumitra have enkindled. 4 Accept this offering, Agni, whom aforetime Vadhryasva, hath entreated and enkindled. 5 Be splendid, guard us Kinsman of Vadhryasva: let not the enmity of men o'ercome thee, 6 All treasures hast thou won, of plains and mountains, and quelled the Dasas' and Aryas' hatred. 7 Deft Agni hath a lengthened thread, tall oxen, a thousand heifers, numberless devices. 8 Thine is the teeming cow, O Jatavedas, who pours at once her ceaseless flow, Sabardhuk, 9 Even Immortal Gods, O Jatavedas, Vadhryasva's Kinsman, have declared thy grandeur. 10 Like as a father bears his son, O Agni, Vadhryasva bare thee in his lap and served thee. 11 Vadhryasva's Agni evermore hath vanquished his foes with heroes who had pressed the Soma. 12 This Agni of Vadhryasva, Vrtra−slayer, lit from of old, must be invoked with homage.

2 A man should think on wealth and strive to win it by adoration on the path of Order, 3 The hymn is formed, poured are the allotted portions: as to a ford friends come unto the Wondrous. 4 Pleased be the Eternal Lord who loves the household with this man whom God Savitar created. 5 Like the Dawns' dwelling−place be this assembly, where in their might men rich in food have gathered. 6 This Bull's most gracious far−extended favour existed first of all in full abundance. 7 What was the tree, what wood, in sooth, produced it, from which they fashioned forth the Earth and 8 Not only here is this: more is beyond us. He is the Bull, the Heaven's and Earth's supporter. 9 He passes o'er the broad earth like a Stega: he penetrates the world as Wind the mist−cloud. 10 When suddenly called the cow that erst was barren, she, self−protected, ended all her troubles. 11 To Nrsad's son they gave the name of Kainva, and he the brown−hued courser won the treasure.

2 The Son of Angirases, meeting the cattle, as Bhaga, brought in Aryaman among us. 3 Brhaspati, having won them from the mountains, strewed down, like barley out of winnowing− baskets, 4 As the Sun dews with meath the seat of Order, and casts a flaming meteor down from heaven. 5 Forth from mid air with light he dravc the darkness, as the gale blows a lily from the fiver. 6 Brhaspati, when he with fiery lightnings cleft through the weapon of reviling Vala, 7 That secret name borne by the lowing cattle within the cave Brhaspati discovered, 8 He looked around on rock−imprisoned sweetness as one who eyes a fish in scanty water. 9 He found the light of heaven, and fire, and Morning: with lucid rays he forced apart the darkness. 10 As trees for foliage robbed by winter, Vala mourned for the cows Brhaspati had taken. 11 Like a dark steed adorned with pearl, the Fathers have decorated heaven With constellation 12 This homage have we.offered to the Cloud God who thunders out to many in succession.

Quasi dex 9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Rakasas approach) not A 2 Agni, concurring in the prayer, drive off the eater of the flesh, 3 That which destroys the sinking germ, the settled, moving embryo, 4 That which divides thy legs that it may lie between the married pair, 5 What rests by thee in borrowed form of brother, lover, or of lord, 6 That which through sleep or darkness hath deceived thee and lies down by thee, 2 From the neck−tendons and the neck, from the breast−bones and from the spine, 3 From viscera and all within, forth from the rectum, from the heart, 4 From thighs, from knee−caps, and from heels, and from the forepart of the feet, 5 From what is voided from within, and from thy hair, and from they nails, 6 From every member, every hair, disease that comes in every joint, 2 O Sinivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, Sarasvati: 3 That which the Asvins Twain rub forth with the attrition−sticks of g

2 Who for the Fivefold People's take hath seated him in every home 3 On all sides may that Agni guard our household folk and property; 4 I have begotten this new hymn for Agni, Falcon of the sky: 5 Whose lories when he glows in front of sacrite are fair to see, 6 May he enjoy this hallowed gift, Agni accept our songs, who bears 7 Lord of the house, whom men must seek, we set thee down, O Worshipped Onel 8 Shine forth at night and morn: through thee with fires are we provided well. 9 The men come near thee for their gain, the singers with their songs of praise: 10 Bright, Purifier, meet for praise, Immortal with refulgent glow, 11 As such, bring us abundant wealth, young Child of Strength, for this thou canst 12 Thou, Agni, givest hero fame: Bhaga and Savitar the God, 13 Agni, preserve us from distress: consume our enemies, O God, 14 And, irresistible, be thou a mighty iron fort to us, 15 Do thou preserve us, eve and morn, from sorrow, from the wicked men,

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

2 And, God, as skilfullest of all, call for us bitherward the Gods: 3 For thou, Most Youthful, Son of Strength, thou to whom sacrifice is paid, 4 This Agni, Lord of wealth and spoil hundredfold, thousandfold, is head 5 As craftsmen bend the felly, so bend at our general call: come nigh, 6 Now, O Virupa, rouse for him, Strong God who shines at early morn, 7 With missile of this Agni, his who looks afar, will we lay low 8 Let not the Companies of Gods fail us, like Dawns that float away, 9 Let not the sinful tyranny of any fiercely hating foe 10 O Agni, God, the people sing reverent praise to thee for strength: 11 Wilt thou not, Agni, lend us aid in winning cattle, winning wealth? 12 In this great battle cast us not aside as one who bears a load: 13 O Agni, let this plague pursue and fright another and not us: 14 The reverent or unwearied man whose holy labour he accepts, 15 Abandoning the foeman's host pass hither to this company: 16 As we have known thy gracious help, as of a Father, long ago,

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

1 SING forth, O Kanvas, to your band of Maruts unassailable, 2 They who, self−luminous, were born together, with the spotted deer, 3 One hears, as though 'twere close at hand, the cracking of the whips they hold 4 Now sing ye forth the God−given hymn to your exultant Marut host, 5 Praise ye the Bull among the cows; for 'tis the Maruts' sportive band: 6 Who is your mightiest, Heroes, when, O shakers of the earth and heaven, 7 At your approach man holds him down before the fury of your wrath: 8 They at whose racings forth the earth, like an age−weakened lord of men, 9 Strong is their birth: vigour have they to issue from their Mother; strength, 10 And these, the Sons, the Singers, in their racings have enlarged the bounds, 11 Before them, on the ways they go, they drop this offspring of the cloud, 12 O Maruts, as your strength is great, so have ye cast men down on earth, 13 The while the Maruts pass along, they talk together on the way: 14 Come quick with swift steeds, for ye have worshippers among Kanva's sons 15 All is prepared for your delight. We are their servants evermore,

2 Reproach not him who, God and selfreliant, vouchsafed this bounty unto me a mortal,− 3 Sharp−pointed, powerful, strong, of boundless vigour, Agni who knows the lofty hymn, kept secret 4 May he with sharpened teeth, the Bounteous Giver, Agni, consume with flame most fiercely glowing. 5 Like youthful women without brothers, straying, like dames who hate their lords, of evil conduct, 6 To me, weak, innocent, thou, luminous Agni, bast boldly given as 'twere a heavy burthen, 7 So may our song that purifies, through wisdom reach in a moment him the Universal, 8 Of this my speech what shall I utter further? They indicate the milk stored up in secret 9 This is the Great Ones' mighty apparition which from of old the radiant Cow hath followed. 10 He then who shone together with his Parents remembered Prsni's fair and secret treasure, 11 With reverence I declare the Law, O Agni; what is, comes by thine order, Jatavedas. 12 What is our wealth therefrom, and what our treasure? Tell us O Jatavedas, for thou 13 What is the limit, what the rules, the guerdon? Like fleet−foot coursers speed we to the contest. 14 Unsatisfied, with speech devoid of vigour, scanty and frivolous and inconclusive,

2 Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariots that are urged to speed, 3 The Somas deck themselves with milk, as Kings are graced with eulogies, 4 Pressed for the gladdening draught, the drops flow forth abundantly with song, 5 Winning Vivasvan's glory and producing Morning's light, the Suns 6 The singing−men of ancient time open the doors of sacred songs,− 7 Combined in close society sit the seven priests, the brother−hood, 8 He gives us kinship with the Gods, and with the Sun unites our eye: 9 The Sun with his dear eye beholds that quarter of the heavens which priests 2 Together with thy pleasant juice the Atharvans have commingled milk, 3 Bring, by thy flowing, weal to kine, weal to the people, weal to steeds. 4 Sing a praise−song to Soma brown of hue, of independent might. 5 Purify Soma when effused with stones which bands move rapidly, 6 With humble homage draw ye nigh; blend the libation with the curds: 7 Soma, foe−que chief o'er men, doing the will of pour forth 8 Heart−knower, Sovran of the heart, thou art effused, O Soma, that Indra may drink thee and rejoice. 9 O Soma Pavamana, give us riches and heroic strength,−

2 As God comprising Gods by Law Eternal, bear, as the Chief who knoweth, our oblation, 3 When the cow's nectar wins the God completely, men here below are heaven's sustainers. 4 1 praise your work that ye may make me prosper: hear, Heaven and Earth, Twain Worlds that drop with 5 Hath the King siezed us? How have we offended against his holy ordinance? Who knoweth? 6 'Tis hard to understand the Immortal's nature, where she who is akin becomes astranger. 7 They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they are seated in Vivasvan's dwelling, 8 The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret plan,−of that we have no knowledge. 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your comninn dwell ing: harness thy rapid car, the car of Amrta. 2 When speeding ye came nigh us like twin sisters, religious−hearted votaries brought you forward. 3 Five paces have I risen from Earth. I follow her who hath four feet with devout observance. 4 He, for God's sake, chose death to be his portion. He chose not, for men's good, a life eternal 5 The Seven flow to the Youth on whom the Maruts wait: the Sons unto the Father brought the sacrifice.

2 When in the fulness of their strength the Purus dwell, Beauteous One, on thy two grassy banks, 3 So may Sarasvati auspicious send good luck; she, rich in spoil, is never niggardly in thought, 4 We call upon Sarasvan, as unmarried men who long for wives, 5 Be thou our kind protector, O Sarasvan, with those waves of thine 6 May we enjoy Sarasvan's breast, all−beautiful, that swells with streams, 2 We crave the heavenly grace of Gods to guard us−so may Brhaspati, O friends, exalt us− 3 That Brahmanaspati, most High and Gracious, I glorify with offerings and with homage. 4 May that Brhaspati who brings all blessings, most dearly loved, be seated by our altar. 5 To us these Deathless Ones, erst born, have granted this laud of ours which gives the Immortal pleasure. 6 Him, this Brhaspati, his red−hued horses, drawing together, full of strength, bring hither. 7 For he is pure, with hundred wings, refulgent, with sword of gold, impetuous, winning sunlight. 8 Both Heaven and Earth, divine, the Deity's Parents, have made Brhaspati increase in grandeur. 9 This, Brahmanaspati, is your laudation prayer hath been made to thunderwielding Indra. 10 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O Brhaspati, and thou, O Indra.

2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, 3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man; 4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain: lifegiving, he hath climbed the wood, 5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and seeks 6 And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his, 7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work, 8 Entreated by Vivasvan's ten, Indra cast down the water−jar 9 Three times the newIy−kindled flame proceeds around the sacrifice: 10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above, 11 The pressing−stones are set at work: the meath is poured into the tank, 12 Ye cows, protect the fount: the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice. 13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth 14 These know their own abiding−place: like calves beside the mother cows 15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven, 16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in portions seven, 17 I took some Soma when the Sun rose up, O Mitra, Varuna. 18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well−beloved's home,

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 Him altogether praise I with the song and hymns our fathers sang, and with Nabhaka's eulogies,− 3 The nights he hath encompassed, and stablished the morns with magic art visible over all is he. 4 He, visible o'er all the earth, stablished the quarters of the sky: 5 He who supports the worlds of life, he who well knows the hidden names mysterious of the morning 6 In whom all wisdom centres, as the nave is set within the wheel. 7 He wraps these regions as a robe; he contemplates the tribes of Gods and all the works of mortal men. 8 He is an Ocean far−removed, yet through the heaven to him ascends the worship which these realms 9 Ruler, whose bright far−seeing rays, pervading all three earths, have filled the three superior realms of 10 Who, after his decree, o'erspread the Dark Ones with a robe of light; 2 So humbly worship Varuna the Mighty revere the wise Guard of World Immortal. 3 Sharpen this song of him who strives his utmost, sharpen, God Varuna, his strength and insight; 4 Asvins, with songs the singer stones have made you hasten hitherward, 5 As the sage Atri with his hymns, O Asvins, called you eagerly, 6 So have I called you to our aid, even as the wise have called of old,

2 As ye have come effacing Mrtyu's footstep, to further times prolonging your existence, 3 Divided from the dead are these, the living: now be our calling on the Gods successful. 4 Here I erect this rampart for the living; let none of these, none other, reach this limit. 5 As the days follow days in close succession, as with the seasons duly come the seasons, 6 Live your full lives ap! find old age delightful, all of you striving one behind the other. 7 Let these unwidowed dames with noble husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent. 8 Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. 9 From his dead hand I take the bow be carried, that it may be our power and might and glory. 10 Betake thee to the Iap of Earth the Mother, of Earth far−spreading, very kind and gracious. 11 Heave thyself, Earth, nor press thee downward heavily: afford him easy access, gently tending him. 12 Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea,− let a thousand clods remain above him. 13 I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I place this piece of earth. May I be free from injury. 14 Even as an arrow's feathers, they have set me on a fitting day.

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

2 Him, to be praised at each tribe's sacrifices, the Two young Matrons' sober−minded Herald, 3 Unlike in form are the Red God's two Daughters: one is the Sun's, and stars bedeck the other. 4 I with a lofty song call hither Vayu, all−bounteous, filler of his car, most wealthy. 5 That chariot of the Asvins, fair to look on, pleaseth me well, yoked with a thought, refulgent, 6 Bulls of the Earth, O Vata and Parjanya, stir up for us the regions of the water. 7 So may Sarasvati, the Hero's Consort, brisk with rare life, the lightning's Child, inspire us, 8 I praise with eloquence him who guards all pathways. He, when his love impelled him, went to Arka. 9 May Herald Agni, fulgent, bring for worship Tvastar adored, in homes and swift to listen, 10 Rudra by day, Rudra at night we honour with these our songs, the Universe's Father. 11 Ye who are youthful, wise, and meet for worship, come, Martits, to the longing of the singer. 12 Even as the herdsman driveth home his cattle, I urge my songs to him the strong swift Hero 13 He who for man's behoof in his afiliction thrice measured out the earthly regions, Visnu− 14 Sweet be this song of mine to Ahibudhnya, Parvata, Savitar, with Floods and Lightnings; 15 Give riches borne on cars, with many heroes, contenting men, the guard of mighty Order.

2 Indra and Agni, Hero−lords when Vrtra fell, dwelling together, speeding emulously on, 3 Skilled in the Law I lift the hymn of praise to these, Law−strengtheners, unassailed, and great in majest 4 They with their might have stayed Heaven, Earth, and Prthivi, the Lord of Light, the firmament, −the 5 Bring gifts to Mitra and to Varuna who, Lords of all, in spirit never fail the worshipper, 6 The cow who yielding milk goes her appointed way hither to us as leader of holy rites, 7 The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aiders of Law, reflecting, in the seat of Law. 8 Born in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are sharers of one mansion in the home of Law. 9 Parjanya, Vata, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Vayu, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: 10 Tvastar and Vayu, those who count as Rbhus, both celestial Hotar−priests, and Dawn for happiness, 11 They generated prayer, the cow, the horse, the plants, the forest trees, the earth, the waters, and the hill 12 O Asvins, ye delivered Bhujyu from distress, ye animated Syava, Vadhrmati's son. 13 Thunder, the lightning's daughter, Aja−Ekapad, heaven's bearer, Sindhu, and the waters of the sea: 14 With Holy Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, knowing the Law immortal, Manu's Holy Ones, 15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasistha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings.

8 When bidden thoughts, spontaneously advancing, glow, and with the stream 9 Indra, may we obtain that wealth in horses and in herds of cows, 10 I from my Father have received deep knowledge of the Holy Law 11 After the lore of ancient time I make, like Kanva, beauteous songs, 12 Whatever Rsis have not praised thee, Indra, or have lauded thee, 13 When his wrath thundered, when he rent Vrtra to pieces, limb by limb, 14 Against the Dasyu gusna thou, Indra, didst hurl thy during bolt: 15 Neither the heavens nor firmaments nor regions of the earth contain 16 O Indra him who lay at length staying thy copious waters thou, 17 Thou hiddest deep in darkness itim, O Indra, who had set his grasp 18 Indra, whatever Yatis and Bhrgus have offered praise to thee, 19 Indra, these spotted cows yield thee their butter and the milky draught; 20 Which, teeming, have received thee as a life−germ, Indra, with their mouth, 21 O Lord of Might, with hymns of praise the Kanvas have increased thy power, 22 Under thy guidance, Indra, mid thy praises, Lord of Thunder, shall 23 Indra, disclose much food for us, like a stronghold with store of kine: 24 And, Indra, grant us all that wealth of fleet steeds which shone bright of old 25 Hither thou seemest to attract heaven's fold which shines before our eyes, 26 Yea, when thou puttest forth thy power, Indra, thou governest the folk.

2 May Mitra bear us oer distress, and Varuna and Aryaman, 3 For wonderful and meet for praise is these Adityas' saving help 4 The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varuna, Mitra, Aryarnan, 5 Guard us, Adityas, still alive, before the deadly weapon strike: 6 What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in pouring gifts, 7 Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom; for the sinless, wealth, 8 Let not this fetter bind us fast: may he release us for success; 9 O Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy 10 And thee too, O Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address, 11 Save us in depth and shallow from the foe, thbu Mother of Strong Sons 12 Far−spread! wide−ruling! grant that we, unharmed by envy, may expand 13 Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, neer deceived, 14 As such, from mouth of ravening wolves, O ye Adityas, rescue us, 15 Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this mali. gnity depart 16 Fori Bountiful Adityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help, 17 To every one, O ye Most Wise, who turneth even from sin to you, 18 May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Adityas, frees like one, 19 O ye Adityas, this your might is not to be despised by us: 20 Let not Vivasvan's weapon nor the shaft, Adityas, wrought with skill, 21 On every side dispel all sin, Adityas, all hostility,

1 I WILL declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the Thunder−wielder. 2 He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvastar fashioned. 3 Impetuous as a bull, he chose the Soma and in three sacred beakers drank the juices. 4 When, Indra, thou hadst slain the dragon's firstborn, and overcome the charms of the enchanters, 5 Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote into pieces Vrtra, worst of Vrtras. 6 He, like a mad weak warrior, challenged Indra, the great impetuous many−slaying Hero. 7 Footless and handless still he challenged Indra, who smote him with his bolt between the shoulders. 8 There as he lies like a bank−bursting river, the waters taking courage flow above him. 9 Then humbled was the strength of Vrtra's mother: Indra hath cast his deadly bolt against her. 10 Rolled in the midst of never−ceasing currents flowing without a rest for ever onward. 11 Guarded by Ahi stood the thralls of Dasas, the waters stayed like kine held by the robber. 12 A horse's tail wast thou when he, O Indra, smote on thy bolt; thou, God without a second, 13 Nothing availed him lightning, nothing thunder, hailstorm or mist which had spread around him: 14 Whom sawest thou to avenge the Dragon, Indra, that fear possessed thy heart when thou hadst slain hi 15 Indra is King of all that moves and moves not, of creatures tame and horned, the Thunder−wielder.

2 A hundred necklets from the King, beseeching, a hundred gift−steeds I at once accepted; 3 Horses of dusky colour stood beside me, ten chariots, Svanaya's gift, with mares to draw them. 4 Forty bay horses of the ten cars' master before a thousand lead the long procession. 5 An earlier gift for you have I accepted eight cows, good milkers, and tree harnessed horses, 2 We, sacrificing, call on thee best worshipper, the eldest of Angirases, Singer, with hymns, thee, brilliant 3 He with his shining glory blazing far and wide, he verily it is who slayeth demon foes, slayeth the demo 4 To him, as one who knows, even things solid yield: unrough fire−sticks heated hot he gives his gifts to a 5 Here near we place the sacrificial food for him who shines forth fairer in the night than in the day, with l 6 He, roaring very loudly like the Maruts' host, in fertile cultivated fields adorable, in desert spots adorabl 7 Even as they who sarig forth hymns, addressed to heaven, the Blirgus with their prayer and praise invite 8 Thee we invoke, the Lord of all our settled homes, common to all, the household's guardian, to enjoy, 9 Thou, Agni, most victorious with thy conquering strength, most Mighty One, art born for service of the 10 To him the mighty, conquering with victorious strength, to Agni walking with the dawn, who sendeth 11 Agni, beheld by us in nearest neighbourhood, accordant with the Gods, bring us, with gracious love, gr

2 1n the two fire−sticks Jatavedas lieth, even as the well−set germ in pregnant women, 3 Lay this with care on that which lies extended: straight hath she borne the Steerwhen made prolific. 4 In Ila's place we set thee down, upon the central point of earth, 5 Rub into life, ye men, the Sage, the guileless, Immortal, very wise and fair to look on. 6 When with their arms they rub him straight he shineth forth like a strong courser, red in colour, in the 7 Agni shines forth when born, observant, mighty, the bountiful, the Singar praised by sages; 8 Set thee, O Priest, in, thine own place, observant: lay down the sacrifice in the home of worship. 9 Raise ye a mighty smoke, my fellow−workers! Ye shall attain to wealth without obstruction. 10 This is thine ordered place of birth whence sprung to life thou shonest forth. 11 As Germ Celestial he is called Tanunapat, and Narasamsa born diffused in varied shape. 12 With strong attrition rubbed to life, laid down with careful hand, a Sage, 13 Mortals have brought to life the God Immortal, the Conqueror with mighty jaws, unfailing. 14 Served by the seven priests, he shone forth from ancient time, when in his Mother's bosom, in her lap, 15 Even as the Maruts, onslaughts who attack the foe, those born the first of all knew the full power of 16 As we, O Priest observant, have elected thee this day, what time the solemn sacrifice began,

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 Thou, Indra, heedless passest by the ill Vrsakapi hath wrought; 3 What hath he done to injure thee, this tawny beast Vrsakapi, 4 Soon may the hound who hunts the boar seize him and bite him in the car, 5 Kapi hath marred the beauteous things, all deftly wrought, that were my joy. 6 No Dame hath ampler charms than 1, or greater wealth of love's delights. 7 Mother whose love is quickly wibn, I say what verily will be. 8 Dame with the lovely hands and arms, with broad hair−plaits add ample hips, 9 This noxious creature looks on me as one bereft of hero's love, 10 From olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice. 11 So have I heard Indrani called most fortunate among these Dames, 12 Never, Indralni, have I joyed without my friend Vrsakapi, 13 Wealthy Vrsakapayi, blest with sons and consorts of thy sons, 14 Fifteen in number, then, for me a score of bullocks they prepare, 15 Like as a bull with pointed horn, loud bellowing amid the herds, 18 O Indra this Vrsakapi hath found a slain wild animal, 19 Distinguishing the Dasa and the Arya, viewing all, I go. 20 The desert plains and steep descents, how many leagues in length they spread! 21 Turn thee again Vrsakapi: we twain will bring thee happiness. 22 When, Indra and Vrsakapi, ye travelled upward to your home, 23 Daughter of Manu, Parsu bare a score of children at a birth.

2 Surely men crave and gain their wish. Close to her husband clings the wife. 3 O never may that light, ye Gods, fall from its station in the sky. 4 I ask the last of sacrifice. As envoy he shall tell it forth. 5 Ye Gods who yonder have your home in the three lucid realms of heaven, 6 What is your firm support of Law? What Varuna's observant eye? 7 1 am the man who sang of old full many a laud when Soma flowed. 8 Like rival wives on every side enclosing ribs oppress me sore. 9 Where those seven rays are shining, thence my home and family extend. 10 May those five Bulls which stand on high full in the midst of mighty heaven, 11 High in the mid ascent of heaven those Birds of beauteous pinion sit. 12 Firm is this new−wrought hymn of praise, and meet to be told forth, O Gods. 13 Worthy of laud, O Agni, is that kinship which thou hast with Gods. 14 Here seated, man−like as a priest shall wisest Agni to the Gods 15 Varuna makes the holy prayer. To him who finds the path we pray. 16 That pathway of the Sun in heaven, made to be highly glorified, 17 Trta, when buried in the well, calls on the Gods to succour him. 18 A ruddy wolf beheld me once, as I was faring on my path. 19 Through this our song may we, allied with Indra, with all our heroes conquer in the battle.

2 Here let the ignorant ask the means of you who know−for none beside you knoweth aught − 3 Such as ye: are, all−wise, we call you. Ye wise, declare to us this day accepted prayer. 4 Simply, ye Mighty Ones, I ask the Gods of that wondrous oblation hallowed by the mystic word. 5 Forth go the hymn that shone in Ghosa Bhrgu's like, the song wherewith the son of Pajra worships you, 6 Hear ye the song of him who hastens speedily. O Asvins, I am he who sang your praise. 7 For ye were ever nigh to deal forth ample wealth, to give the wealth that ye had gathered up. 8 Give us not up to any man who hateth us, nor let our milch−cows stray, whose udders give us food, 9 May they who love you gain you for their Friends. Prepare ye us for opulence with strengthening food, 10 1 have obtained the horseless car of Asvins rich in sacrifice, 11 May it convey me evermore: may the light chariot pass from men 12 It holdeth slumber in contempt. and the rich who enjoyeth not: 2 He stablished heaven; he poured forth, skilful worker, the wealth of kine, for strength, that nurtures hero 3 Lord of red dawns, he came victorious, daily to the Angirases' former invocation. 4 In joy of this thou didst restore, for worship, the lowing company of hidden cattle. 5 Thine is that milk which thy swift−moving Parents brought down, a strengthening genial gift for conque 6 There is he born.

2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this praise−song− 3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to deceive the wicked, 4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being, 5 May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e'en in danger. 6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and thornless. 7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all hatred. 8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their functions in the Gods' assembly. 9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three bright heavenly regions. 10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals. 11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the west, Adityas. 12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting blessings prosper, 13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the waters rich with pasture. 14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against you. 15 For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives most highly favoured. 16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas, 17 May1 not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.

2 Set up to eastward of the fire enkindled, accepting prayer that wastes not, rich in hero. 3 Lord of the Forest, raise. thyself up on the loftiest spot of earth. 4 Well−robed, enveloped he is come, the youthful: springing to life his glory waxeth greater. 5 Sprung up he rises in the days' fair weather, increasing in the men−frequented synod. 7 O men who lift the ladles up, these hewn and planted in the ground, 8 Adityas, Rudras, Vasus, careful leaders, Earth, Heaven, and Prthivi and Air's mid−region, 9 Like swan's that flee in lengthened line, the Pillars have come to us arrayed in brilliant coIour. 10 Those Stakes upon the earth with rings that deck them seem to the eye like horns of horned creatures; 11 Lord of the Wood, rise with a hundred branches. with thousand branches may we rise to greatness, 2 Since thou delighting in the woods hast gone unto thy mother streams, 3 O'er pungent smoke host thou prevailed, and thus art thou benevolent. 4 Him who had passed beyond his foes, beyond continual pursuits, Him the unerring Ones, observant, fou 5 Him wandering at his own free will, Agni here hidden from our view, 6 O Bearer of Oblations, thus mortals received thee from the Gods, 7 Amid thy wonders this is good, yea, to the simple is it clear, 8 Offer to him who knows fair rites, who burns with purifying glow, 9 Three times a hundred Gods and thrice a thousand, and three times ten and nine have worshipped Agni,

2 All manliness that is in heaven, with the Five Tribes, or in mid−air, 3 Remember Kanva first of all among the singers, Asvins, who 4 Asvins, for you with song of praise this hot oblation is effused, 5 Whatever ye have done in floods, in the tree, Wonder−Workers, and in growing plants, 6 What force, Nasatyas, ye exert, whatever, Gods, ye tend and heal, 7 Now hath the Rsi splendidly thought out the Asvins' hymn of praise. 8 Ye Asvins, now ascend your car that lightly rolls upon its way. 9 When, O Nasatyas, we this day make you speed hither with our hymns, 10 As erst Kaksivan and the Rsi Vyasva, as erst Dirghatamas invoked your presence, 11 Come as home−guardians, saving us from foemen, guarding our living creatures and our bodies, 12 Whether with Indra ye be faring, Asvins, or resting in one dwelling−place with Vayu, 13 When I, O Asvins, call on you to−day that I may gather strength, 14 Now come, ye Asvins, hitherward: here are oblations set for you; 15 Whatever healing balm is yours, Nisatyas, near or far away, 16 Together with the Goddess, with the Asvins' Speech have I awoke. 17 Awake the Asvins, Goddess Dawn! Up Mighty Lady of sweet strains! 18 Thou, Dawn, approaching with thy light shinest together with the Sun, 19 When yellow stalks give forth the juice, as cows from udders pour their milk, 20 Forward for glory and for strength, protection that shall conquer men, 21 When Asvins, worthy of our lauds, ye seat you in the father's house.