Rig Veda on Leadership

2 In each succeeding sacrifice that mortal honoureth the Gods, 3 Ye who are Rulers over all, great is your sovran power as Gods. 4 These are the joyous Kings of Immortality, Parijman, Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna. 5 Come also to our dwelling, Lords of ample wealth, common partakers of our waters, Sun and Moon, 6 And let the Asvins, Lords of splendour, set us free,− both Gods, and, with their Laws, Mitra and Varuna 7 Yea, let the Asvins Twain he gracious unto us, even Rudras, and all Gods, Bhaga, Rathaspati; 8 Prompt is Rbhuksan, prompt the worshipper's strong drink: may thy fleet Bay Steeds, thine who sperdes 9 O God Savitar, harmed by none, lauded, give us a place among wealthy princes. 10 To these men present here, O Heaven and Earth, to us grant lofty fame extending over all mankind. 11 This speaker, Indra−for thou art our Friend−wherever he may be, guard thou, Victor! for help, ever for 12 So have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to take its bright path to the Sun, and reconcil 13 Whose chariot−seat hath come again laden with wealth and bright with gold, 14 This to Duhsima Prthavana have I sung, to Vena, Rama, to the nobles, and the King. 15 Besides, they showed us seven −and−seventy horses here.

1 WHO now is he, what God among Immortals, of whose auspicious name we may bethink us? 2 Agni the God the first among the Immortals, − of his auspicious name let us bethink us. 3 To thee, O Savitar, the Lord of precious things, who helpest us 4 Wealth, highly lauded ere reproach hath fallen on it, which is laid, 5 Through thy protection may we come to even the height of affluence 6 Ne'er have those birds that fly through air attained to thy high dominion or thy might or spirit; 7 Varuna, King, of hallowed might, sustaineth erect the Tree's stem in the baseless region. 8 King Varuna hath made a spacious pathway, a pathway for the Sun wherein to travel. 9 A hundred balms are thine, O King, a thousand; deep and wide−reaching also be thy favours. 10 Whither by day depart the constellations that shine at night, set high in heaven above us? 11 I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. 12 Nightly and daily this one thing they tell me, this too the thought of mine own heart repeateth. 13 Bound to three pillars captured Sunahsepa thus to the Aditya made his supplication. 14 With bending down, oblations, sacrifices, O Varuna, we deprecate thine anger: 15 Loosen the bonds, O Varuna, that hold me, loosen the bonds above, between, and under.

2 This world's imperial Kings, O Mitra−Varuna, ye rule in holy synod, looking on the light. 3 Imperial Kings, strong, Heroes, Lords of earth and heaven, Mitra and Varuna, ye ever active Ones, 4 Your magic, Mitra−Varuna, resteth in the heaven. The Sun, the wondrous weapon, cometh forth as light 5 The Maruts yoke their easy car for victory, O Mitra−Varuna, as a hero in the wars. 6 Refreshing is your voice, O Mitra−Varuna: Parjanya sendeth out a wondrous mighty voice. 7 Wise, with your Law and through the Asura's magic power ye guard the ordinances, Mitra−Varuna. 2 Stretch out your arms with favouring love unto this man who singeth hymns, 3 That I may gain a refuge now, may my steps be on Mitra's path. 4 Mitra and Varuna, from you may I, by song, win noblest meed. 5 With your fair splendours, Varuna and Mitra, to our gathering come, 6 With those, moreover, among whom ye hold your high supremacy, 7 When morning flushes, Holy Ones! in the Gods' realm where white Cows shine, 2 For they are Kings of noblest might, of glorious fame most widely spread; 3 Approaching you with prayer for aid, together I address you first 4 E'en out of misery Mitra gives a way to dwelling at our case, 5 In Mitra's shelter that extends to utmost distance may we dwell, 6 Ye, Mitra, urge this people on, and to one end direct their ways.

2 Cyavana, purposing deceptive presents, with all ingredients, made the altar ready. 3 To his oblations, swift as thought, ye hurried, and welcomed eagerly the prayers he offered. 4 I call on you the Sons of Dyaus, the Asvins, that a dark cow to my red kine be added. 10 Uttering praise to suit the rite Navagvas came speedily to win the damsel's friendship. 11 Swift was new friendship with the maid they quickly accepted it as genuine seed and bounty. 12 When afterwards they woke− and missed the cattle, the speaker thus in joyful mood addressed them: 13 His followers then who dwelt in sundry places came and desired too slay the son of Nrsad. 14 Thou, called Effulgence, in whose threefold dwelling, as in the light of heaven, the Gods are sitting, 15 And, Indra, bring, that I may laud and serve them, those Two resplendent glorious Nasatyas, 16 This King is praised and honoured as Ordainer: himself the bridge, the Sage speeds o'er the waters. 17 Vaitarana, doubly kinsman, sacrificer, shall milk the cow who ne'er hath calved, Sabardhu, 18 Their kin, the Prince in heaven, thy nearest kinsman, turning his thought to thee thus speaks in kindnes 19 Here is my kinship, here the place I dwell in: these are my Gods; I in full strength am present. 20 So mid these tribes he rests, the friendly envoy, borne on two paths, refulgent Lord of fuel. 21 Then went the milch−kine forth to please the damsel, and for the good of every man that liveth. 22 And take thou notice of us also, Indra, for ample riches, King whose arm wields thunder!

2 Ye, Mothers, have a hundred homes, yea, and a thousand are your growths. 3 Be glad and joyful in the Plants, both blossoming and bearing fruit, 4 Plants, by this name I speak to you, Mothers, to you the Goddesses: 5 The Holy Fig tree is your home, your mansion is the Parna tree: 6 He who hath store of Herbs at hand like Kings amid a crowd of men,− 7 Herbs rich in Soma, rich in steeds, in nourishments, in strengthening power,− 8 The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth like cattle from the stall,− 9 Reliever is your mother's name, and hence Restorers are ye called. 10 Over all fences have they passed, as steals a thief into the fold. 11 When, bringing back the vanished strength, I hold these herbs within my hand, 12 He through whose frame, O Plants, ye creep member by member, joint by joint,− 13 Fly, Spirit of Disease, begone, with the blue jay and kingfisher. 14 Help every one the other, lend assistance each of you to each, 15 Let fruitful Plants, and fruitless, those that blossom, and the blossomless, 16 Release me from the curse's plague and woe that comes from Varuna; 17 What time, descending from the sky, the Plants flew earthward, thus they spake: 18 Of all the many Plants whose King is, Soma, Plants of hundred forms, 19 O all ye various Herbs whose King is Soma, that o'erspread the earth, 20 Unharmed be he who digs you up, unharmed the man for whom I dig: 21 All Plants that hear this speech, and those that have departed far away,

2 He flows beholding on his way all wellbeloved sacred lore, 3 He, when the people deck him like a docile king of elephants. 4 So bring thou hitherward to us, Indu, while thou art purified,

2 Kasyapa, Rsi, lifting up thy voice with hymn−composers' lauds, 3 Seven regions have their several Suns; the ministering priests are seven; 4 Guard us with this oblation which, King Soma, hath been dressed for thee.

1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships. 3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide−ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes. 4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's commandment. 5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order. 6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran. 7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner. 8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship. 9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others. 10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber−

2 Where heroes come together with their banners raised, in the encounter where is naught for us to love, 3 The boundaries of earth were seen all dark with dust: O Indra−Varuna, the shout went up to heaven. 4 With your resistless weapons, Indra−Varuna, ye conquered Bheda and ye gave Sudas your aid. 5 O Indra−Varuna, the wickedness of foes and mine assailants' hatred sorely trouble me. 6 The men of both the hosts invoked you in the fight, Indra and Varuna, that they might win the wealth, 7 Ten Kings who worshipped not, O Indra−Varuna, confederate, in war prevailed not o'er Sudas. 8 O Indra−Varuna, ye gave Sudas your aid when the Ten Kings in battle compassed him about, 9 One of you Twain destroys the Vrtras in the fight, the Other evermore maintains his holy Laws. 10 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far.

22 What time the loving spirit's word had formed him Chief of all food, by statute of the Highest, 23 The Sage, Celestial, liberal, raining bounties, pours as he flows the Genuine for the Truthful. 24 He who beholds mankind, made pure with filters, the King supreme of Deities and mortals, 25 Haste, like a steed, to vittory for glory, to Indra's and to Vayu's entertainment. 26 Effused by us let God−delighting Somas bring as they flow a home with noble heroes. 27 So, God, for service of the Gods flow onward, flow, drink of Gods, for ample food, O Soma. 28 Thou, yoked by strong men, neighest like a courser, swifter than thought is, like an awful lion. 29 Sprung from the Gods, a hundred streams, a thousand, have been effused: sages prepare and purge the 30 The streams of days, were poured as 'twere from heaven: the wise King doth not treat his friend unkind 31 Now are thy streams poured forth with all their sweetness, when, purified. thou goest through the filter 32 Bright, bellowing aiong the path of Order, thou shinest as the form of life eternal. 33 Pouring out streams at the Gods' feast with service, thou, Soma, lookest down, a heavenly Eagle. 34 Three are the voices that the Courser utters: he speaks the thought of prayer, the law of Order. 35 To Soma come the Cows, the Milch−kine longing, to Soma sages with their hvmns inquiring. 36 Thus, Soma, as we pour thee into vessels, while thou art purified flow for our welfare. 37 Singer of true songs, ever−watchful, Soma hath settled in the ladles when they cleanse him. 38 Cleansed near the Sun as 'twere he as Creator hath filled full heaven and earth, and hath disclosed the 39 He, being cleansed, the Strengthener and Increaser, Soma the Bounteous, helped us with his lustre, 40 In the first vault of heaven loud roared the Ocean, King of all being, generating creatures. 41 Soma the Steer, in that as Child of Waters he chose the Gods, performed that great achievement.

2 For they are dealers forth of wealth, and, not deluded, with their might 3 Shelter may they vouchsafe to us, Immortal Gods to mortal men, 4 May they mark out our paths to bliss, Indra, the Maruts, Pusan, 5 Yea, Pusan, Visnu, ye who run your course, enrich our hymns with kine; 6 The winds waft sweets, the rivers pour sweets for the man who keeps the Law 7 Sweet be the night and sweet the dawns, sweet the terrestrial atmosphere; 8 May the tall tree be full of sweets for us, and full of sweets the Sun: 9 Be Mitra gracious unto us, and Varuna and Aryaman: 2 Thou by thine insight art most wise, O Soma, strong by thine energies and all possessing, 3 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, O Soma, is thy glory. 4 With all thy glories on the earth, in heaven, on mountains, in the plants, and in the waters,− 5 Thou, Soma, art the Lord of heroes, King, yea, Vrtra−slayer thou: 6 And, Soma, let it be thy wish that we may 7 To him who keeps the law, both old and young, thou givest happiness, 8 Guard us, King Soma, on all sides from him who threatens us: never let 9 With those delightful aids which thou hast, Soma, for the worshipper,− 10 Accepting this our sacrifice and this our praise, O Soma, come, 11 Well−skilled in speech we magnify thee, Soma, with our sacred songs: 12 Enricher, healer of disease, wealth−finder, prospering our store, 13 Soma, be happy in our heart, as milch−kine in the grassy meads, 14 O Soma, God, the mortal man who in thy friendship hath delight, 15 Save us from slanderous reproach, keep us., O Soma, from distress: 16 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite in thee: 17 Wax, O most gladdening Soma, great through all thy rays of light, and be 16 In thee be juicy nutriments united, and powers and mighty foe−subduing vigour, 19 Such of thy glories as with poured oblations men honour, may they all invest our worship.

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 Subduing those who rival us, subduing all malignities, 3 Soma and Savitar the God have made thee a victorious King 4 Oblation, that which Indra. gave and thus grew glorious and most high,− 5 Slayer of rivals, rivalless, victorious, with royal sway,

13 We will rejoice to drink the tenfold present when the twicefive come bearing sacred viands. 14 The sea and all the Deities shall give us him with the golden car and neck bejewelled. 15 Four youthful sons of Masarsara vex me, three, of the king, the conquering Ayavasa.

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

2 Be even here; fall not away be like a mountain unremoved. 3 This man hath Indra stablished, made secure by strong oblation's power. 4 Firm is the sky and firm the earth, and stedfast also are these hills. 5 Stedfast, may Varuna the King, stedfast, the God Brhaspati,

2 Full springs of fatness, Sovran Kings, Mitra. and Varuna, the Twain, 3 So help ye us to riches, great terrestrial and celestial wealth: 4 Carefully tending Law with Law they have attained their vigorous might. 5 With rainy skies and streaming floods, Lords of the strength that bringeth gifts,

2 Waters which come from heaven, or those that wander dug from the earth, or flowing free by nature, 3 Those amid whom goes Varuna the Sovran, he who discriminates men's truth and falsehood− 4 They from whom Varuna the King, and Soma, and all the Deities drink strength and vigour,

2 Let us call Sakra to libations here effused, winner of light who joyeth in the potent juice. 3 By royal Soma's and by Varuna's decree, under Brhaspati's and Anumati's guard, 4 1, too, urged on, have had my portion, in the bowl, and as first Prince I drew forth this my hymn of prai

2 Indra, accordant, with the banded Maruts, drink Soma, Hero, as wise Vrtra−slayer. 3 And, drinker at due seasons, drink in season, Indra, with friendly Gods, our pressed−out Soma. 4 Drink Soma, Indra, banded with the Maruts who, Maghavan, strengthened thee at Ahi's slaughter, 5 The Bull whose strength hath waxed, whom Maruts follow, free−giving Indra, the celestial Ruler,

2 Let Aryarnan vouchsafe us wealth, and Bhaga, and Brhaspati. 3 We call King Soma to our aid, and Agni with our songs and hymns, 4 Indra, Vayu, Brhaspati, Gods swift to listen, we invoke, 5 Urge Aryaman to send us gifts, and Indra, and Brhaspati, 6 Do thou, O Agni, with thy fires strengthen our prayer and sacrifice:

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 Hither hath Soma flowed unto the beakers, like a chariot−horse, a stallion swift upon his way. 3 While thou art cleansed, O Soma, scatter wealth on us; Indu, bestow great bounty as a liberal Prince. 4 Hither let Pusan Pavamana come to us, Varuna, Mitra, bountiful, of one accord, 5 Both Heaven and Earth, the all−invigorating Pair, Vidhatar, Aditi, and Aryaman the God,

2 Enkindled, thou art King of the immortal world: him who brings offerings thou attendest for his weal. 3 Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, O Agni, most excellent be thine effulgent splendours. 4 Thy glory, Agni, I adore, kindled, exalted in thy strength. 5 Agni, invoked and kindled, serve the Gods, thou skilled in sacrifice: 6 Invoke and worship Agni while the sacrificial rite proceeds:

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

2 Protect Tryaruna, as thou art waxing strong and art highly praised, Vaisvanara Agni! 3 So Trasadasyu served thee, God Most Youthful, craving thy favour for the ninth time, Agni; 4 He who declares his wish to me, to Asvamedha, to the Prince, 5 From whom a hundred oxen, all of speckled hue, delight my heart, 6 To Asvamedha who bestows a hundred gifts grant hero power,

2 Kings, guards of rrtighty everlasting Order, come hitherward, ye Princes, Lords of Rivers. 3 May the dear God, and Varuna and Mitra conduct us by the most effective pathways, 4 Him who hath wrought for you this car in spirit, who makes the song rise upward and sustains it, 5 To you this laud, O Varuna and Mitra is offered like bright Soma juice to Vayu.

3 Shared by all Gods, mobt wise, propitious, Soma goes, while they cleanse him, to his constant station. 4 In thy mysterious place, O Pavamana Soma, are all the Gods, the Thrice−Eleven. 5 Now let this be the truth of Pavamana, there where all singers gather them together, 6 As the priest seeks the station rich in cattle, like a true King who goes to great assemblies,

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

2 With kindled fire and strewn grass let him worship, and, Soma−presser, sing with stones adjusted: 3 This wife is coming near who loves her husband who carries to his home a vigorous consort. 4 No troubles vex that King in whose home Indra drinks the sharp Soma juice with milk commingled. 5 May he support in peace and win in battle: he masters both the hosts that meet together.

2 Grant, Indra Maghavan, invoked of many, to these my friends the strength which thou possessest. 3 King of the living world, of men, is Indra, of all in varied form that earth containeth. 4 Maghavan Indra, when we all invoke him, bountiful ever sendeth strength to aid us: 5 Quick, Indra, give us room and way to riches, and let us bring thy mind to grant us treasures,

2 Drawn by thy team, O Vayu, come; to thee is offered this, the pure. 3 Indra and Vayu, drawn by teams, ye Heroes, come today and drink. 4 This Soma hath been shed for you, Lawstrengtheners, Mitra−Varuna! 5 Both Kings who never injure aught seat them in their supremest home, 6 Fed with oblation, Sovran Kings, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts. 7 With kine, Nasatyas, and with steeds, come, Asvins, Rudras, to the house 8 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar nor standing nigh to us may harm, 9 As such, O longed−far Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied sort, 10 Verily Indra, conquering all, driveth e'en mighty fear away, 11 Indra be gracious unto us: sin shall not reach us afterward, 12 From all the regions of the world let Indra send security, 13 O all ye Gods, come hitherward: hear this mine invocation, seat 14 Among ihe gunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught. 15 Ye Martus led by Indra, Gods with Pri§an for your bounteousest, 16 Best Mother, best of Rivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvati, We are, as 'twere, of no repute and dear Mot 17 In thee, Sarasvati, divine, all generations have their stay. 18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvati, these prayers of ours, 19 Ye who bless sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you both, 20 This our.effectual sacrifice, reaching the sky, shall Heaven and Earth 21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit them down 2 Let not the falcon kill thee, nor the eagle let not the arrow−bearing archer reach thee. 3 Bringing good tidings, Bird of happy omen, call thou out loudly southward of our dwellings,

8 Of wealth and homes of men thou art the ruler, and opener of the stable of the cattle. 9 By what great might is he renowned as strongest, wherewith the Lofty One stirs up wild battles? 10 Slay us not; bring, bestow onus the ample gift which thou hast to give to him who offers. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell high, like rivers, for the singer.

2 For, Varuna and Mitra, ye Sages are Rulers over all. Fill full our songs, for this ye can. 3 Come to the juice that we have pressed. Varuna, Mitra, come to drink 1 To Varuna and Mitra we offerwith songs, as Atri did. Sit on the sacred grass to drink the Soma juice. 2 By Ordinance and Law ye dwell in peace secure, bestirring men. 3 May Varuna and Mitra, for our help, accept the sacrifice.

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

2 He takes his weapons, like a hero, in his hands, fain to win light, car−borne, in forays for the kine. 3 Soma, as thou art purified with flowing wave, exhibiting thy strength enter thou Indra's throat. 4 Onward he flows, the King of all that sees the light: the Rsis' Lord hath raised the song of sacrifice; 5 Like as a bull to herds, thou flowest to the pail, bellowing as a steer upon the water's lap.

2 To him the tones of sacred song have sounded, Steer of the triple height, the Life−bestower. 3 Great Conqueror, warnor−girt, Lord of all heroes, flow on thy way as he who winneth riches; 4 Giving security, Lord of wide dominion, send us both earth and heaven with all their fulness. 5 O Soma, gladden Varuna and Mitra; cheer, Indu Pavamana! Indra, Visnu. 6 Thus like a wise and potent King flow onward, destroying with thy vigour all misfortunes.

2 With brilliant, purifying sheen, with perfect sheen thou liftest up thyself in light. 3 O Jatavedas, Son of Strength, rejoice ihyself, gracious, in our fair hymns and songs. 4 Agni, spread forth, as Ruler, over living things: give wealth to us, Immortal God. 5 To him, the wise, who orders sacrifice, who hath great riches un der his control, 6 The men have set before them them for their welfare Agni, strong, visible to all, the Holy.

2 I sing to cattle and to Earth, to trees, to Dawns, to Night, to plants. 3 Forth go, with Agni, to the Gods our sacrifice of ancient use, 4 Lords of all wealth, may they be strengtheners of man, destroyers of his enemies. 5 Come to us with one mind to−day, come to us all with one accord, 6 Send us delightful things, ye Maruts, on your steeds: come ye, O Mitra, to our gifts. 7 We who have trimmed the grass for you, and set the banquet in array, 8 O Maruts, Visinu, Asvins, Pusan, haste away with minds turned hitherward to Me. 9 Ye Guileless Gods, bestow on us a refuge strong on every side, 10 Kinship have I with you, and close alliance O ye Gods, destroyers of our foes. 11 For now have I sent forth to you, that I may win a fair reward, 12 Excellent Savitar hath mounted up on high for you, ye sure and careful Guides. 13 Singing their praise with God−like thought let us invoke each God for grace, 14 For of one spirit are the Gods with mortal man, co−sharers all of gracious gifts. 15 I laud you, O ye Guileless Gods, here where we meet to render praise. 16 He makes his house endure, he gathers plenteous food who pays obedience to your will. 17 E'en without war he gathers wealth, and goes hisway on pleasant paths, 18 E'en on the plain for him ye make a sloping path, an easy way where road is none: 19 If ye appoint the rite to−day, kind Rulers, when the Sun ascends, 20 Or, Asuras, when ye have sheltered the worshipper who goes to sacrifice, at eve 21 If ye to−day at sunrise, or at noon, or in the gloom of eve, 22 Then we, imperial Rulers, claim of you this boon, your wide protection, as a son.

23 When he goes forth, ye Pair of Kings, for booty, speeding to war and praise to please the singer,− 24 Now for this noble man's support and comfort, singing with easy voice we thus implore thee: 25 If, for our strength, the priest with adoration to win your friendship made the laud accepted, 26 Glorified thus, with holy hymns and homage:−Of noble race, with Waters, God−attended 27 Be to us, then, ye Gods who merit worship, be ye of one accord our strong protection,

1 ONE−MINDED, wise, they tracked thee like a thief lurking in dark cave with a stolen cow: 2 The Gods approached the ways of holy Law; there was a gathering vast as heaven itself. 3 Like grateful food, like some wide dwelling place, like a fruit−bearing hill, a wholesome stream. 4 Kin as a brother to his sister floods, he cats the woods as a King eats the rich. 5 Like a swan sitting in the floods he pants wisest in mind mid men he wakes at morn.

2 Let not the Gods here injure us, O Agni, nor Fathers of old time who know the region, 3 My wishes fly abroad to many places: I glance back to the ancient sacrifices. 4 King Universal, born to sundry quarters, extended through the wood be lies on couches. 5 Lodged in old plants, he grows again in younger, swiftly within the newly−born and tender. 6 Now lying far away, Child of two Mothers, he wanders unrestrained, the single youngling. 7 Child of two Mothers, Priest, sole Lord in synods, he still precedes while resting as foundation. 8 As to a friendly warrior when he battles, each thing that comes anear is seen to meet him. 9 Deep within these the hoary envoy pierceth; mighty, he goeth to the realm of splendour, 10 Visnu, the guardian, keeps the loftiest station, upholding dear, immortal dwelling−places. 11 Ye, variant Pair, have made yourselves twin beauties: one of the Twain is dark, bright shines the other; 12 Where the two Cows, the Mother and the Daughter, meet and give suck yielding their lordly nectar, 13 Loud hath she lowed, licking the other's youngling. On what world hath the Milch−cow laid her udder 14 Earth weareth beauties manifold: uplifted, licking her Calf of eighteen months, she standeth. 15 Within a wondrous place the Twain are treasured: the one is manifest, the other hidden. 16 Let the milch−kine that have no calves storm downward, yielding rich nectar, streaming, unexhausted, 17 What time the Bull bellows in other regions, another herd receives the genial moisture; 18 Let us declare the Hero's wealth in horses, O all ye folk: of this the Gods have knowledge. 19 Tvastar the God, the omniform. Creator, begets and feeds mankind in various manner. 20 The two great meeting Bowls hath he united: each of the Pair is laden with histreasure. 21 Yea, and on this our earth the All−Sustainer dwells like a King with noble friends about him. 22 Rich in their gifts for thee are herbs and waters, and earth brings all her wealth for thee, O Indra.

2 Down in the mighty waters sinks the stream of meath, most excellent, 3 About the holy place, the Steer true, guileless, noblest, hath sent forth 4 When, clothed in manly strength, the Sage flows in celestial wisdom round, 5 When purified, he sits as King above the hosts, among his folk, 6 Dear, golden−coloured, in the fleece he sinks and settles in the wood: 7 He goes to Indra, Vayu, to the Asvins, as his custom is, 8 Tle streams of pleasant Soma flow to Bhaga, Mitra−Varuna,−

2 Wise Agni Jatavedas, I beget a song of praise for thee. 3 Thy sharpened flames, O Agni, like the gleams of light that glitter through, 4 Gold−coloured, bannered with the smoke, urged by the wind, aloft to heaven 5 These lightly kindled fiery flames are all around made visible, 6 As Jatavedas speeds along, the dust is black beneath his feet, 7 Making the plants his nourishment, Agni devours and wearies not, 8 Bending him down with all his tongues, he flickers with his fiery glow 9 Agni, thine home is in the floods: into the plants thou forcest way, 10 Worshipped with offerings shines thy flame, O Agni, from the sacred oil, 11 Let us serve Agni with our hymns, Disposer, fed on ox and cow, 12 Yea, thee, O Agni, do we seek with homage and with fuel, Priest 13 O worshipped with oblations, pure Agni, we call on thee as erst, 14 For thou, O Agni, by the fire, Sage by the Sage, Good by the Good, 15 So wealth in thousands, food with store of heroes give thou to the sage, 16 O Agni, Brother, made by strength, Lord of red steeds and brilliant sway, 17 My praises, Agni, go to thee, as the cows seek the stall to meet, 18 Agni, best Angiras, to thee all people who have pleasant homes, 19 The sages skilled in holy song and thin. kers with their thoughts have urged 20 So, Agni, unto thee the Priest, Invoker, strong in forays, pray 21 In many a place, the same in look art thou, a Prince o'er all the tribes 22 Pray thou to Agni, pray to him who blazes served with sacred oil: 23 We call on thee as such, as one who hears, as Jatavedas, one, 24 I pray to Agni, King of men, the Wonderful, the President 25 Him like a bridegroom, him who stirs all people, like a noble horse, 26 Slaying things deadly, burning up foes, Riksasas, on every side, 27 Thou whom the people kindle even as Manus did, best Angiras! 28 O Agni, made by strength!

2 Flashing like fire, be thou, O conquering Manyu, invoked, O Victor, as our army's leader. 3 O Manyu, overcome thou our assailant on! breaking, slaying, crushing down the foemen. 4 Alone or many thou art worshipped, Manyu: sharpen the spirit of each clan for battle. 5 Unyielding bringing victory like Indra, O Manyu, be thou here our Sovran Ruler. 6 Twin−born with power, destructive bolt of thunder, the highest conquering might is thine, Subduer! 7 For spoil let Varuna and Manyu give us the wealth of both sides gathered and collected;

2 As such we honour you, Mitra and Varuna, with hasty zeal, most blest, you who sustain the folk. 3 And when we seek to win your love and friendship, we.who have precious wealth in our possession, 4 That other, Asura! too was born of Heaven. thou art, O Varuna, the King of all men. 6 Your Mother Aditi, ye wise, was purified with water even as earth is purified from heaven. 7 Ye Twain have seated you as Lords of Wealth, as one who mounts a car to him who sits upon the pole,

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

2 Whoso to thee, the Mighty, brings oblation, pure Soma unto thee, pure−drinking Vayu, 3 The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, whom heavenly Dhisana for our wealth 4 The spotless Dawns with fair bright days have broken; they found the spacious light when they were 5 These with their truthful spirit, shining brightly, move on provided with their natural insight. 6 May these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts of kine and horses, gold and treasures. 7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, O Indra−Vayu, with our fair laudations.

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 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.

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

2 That Agni, when in loftiest heaven he sprang to life, Guardian of Holy Laws, kept and observed them w 3 Wonderful Mitra propped the heaven and earth apart, and covered and concealed 4 The Migbty seized him in the bosom of the floods: the people waited on the King who should be praise 5 In every age bestow upon the singers wealth, worthy of holy synods, glorious, ever new. 6 Do thou bestow, O Agni, on our wealthy chiefs, rule, with good heroes, undecaying, bending not. 7 O thou who dwellest in three places, Helper, keep with effective guards our princely patrons.

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

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

2 All that is bare he covers o'er, all that is sick he medicines; 3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men, 4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth 5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace, 6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man, 7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts, 8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King: 9 When in my dwelling−place I see the wicked enemies of Gods,

2 Like a capacious car hath it been harnessed, the Mighty; to acquire abundant treasures. 3 Like Vayu with his team, moving at pleasure, most gracious when invoked like both Nasatyas, 4 Like Indra who hath done great deeds, thou, Soma, art slayer of the Vrtras, Fort−destroyer. 5 Like Agni loosed amid the forest, fiercely he winneth splendour in the running waters. 6 These Somas passing through the fleecy filter, like rain descending from the clouds of heaven, 7 Flow onward like the potent band of Maruts, like that Celestial Host whom none revileth. 8 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, O Soma, is thy glory.

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

2 Come ye Adityas for our full prosperity, in conquests of the foe, ye Gods, bring joy to us. 3 May the most glorious Fathers aid us, and the two Goddesses, Mothers of the Gods, who strengthen La 4 To mighty Narasamsa, strengthening his might, to Pusan, ruler over men, we pray with hymns. 5 Brhaspati, make us evermore an easy path: we crave what boon thou hast for men in rest and stir. 6 Sunk in the pit the Rsi Kutsa called, to aid, Indra the Vrtra−slayer, Lord of power and might. 7 May Aditi the Goddess guard us with the Gods: may the protecting God keep us with ceaseless care.

1 NE'ER is he injured whom the Gods Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 2 He prospers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full hands, enrich, 3 The Kings drive far away from him his troubles and his enemies, 4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the Law: 5 What sacrifice, Adityas, ye Heroes guide by the path direct,− 6 That mortal, ever unsubdued, gains wealth and every precious thing, 7 How, my friends, shall we prepare Aryaman's and Mitra's laud, 8 I point not out to you a man who strikes the pious, or reviles: 9 Let him not love to speak ill words: but fear the One who holds all four

2 Three times unto our solemn rite comes Agni like a charioteer, 3 Round the oblations hath he paced, Agni the Wise, the Lord of Strength, 4 He who is kindled eastward for Srnjaya, Devavata's son, 5 So mighty be the Agni whom the mortal hero shall command, 6 Day after day they dress him, as they clean a horse who wins the prize. 7 When Sahadeva's princely son with two bay horses thought of me, 8 And truly those two noble bays I straightway took when offered me, 9 Long, O ye Asvins, may he live, your care, ye Gods, the princely son. 10 Cause him the youthful prince, the son of Sahadeva, to enjoy