Rig Veda on Loneliness

2 Heaven trembled at the birth of thine effulgence; Earth trembled at the fear of thy displeasure. 3 Hurling his bolt with might he cleft the mountain, while, putting forth his strength, he showed his vigou 4 Thy Father Dyaus esteemed himself a hero: most noble was the work of Indra's Maker, 5 He who alone o'erthrows the world of creatures, Indra the peoples' King, invoked of many− 6 All Soma juices are his own for ever, most gladdening draughts are ever his, the Mighty, 7 Moreover, when thou first wast born, O Indra, thou struckest terror into all the people. 8 The ever−slaying, bold and furious Indra, the bright bolt's Lord, infinite, strong and mighty, 9 Alone renowned as Maghavan in battles, he frighteneth away assembled armies. 10 Renowned is he when conquering and when slaying: 'fis he who winneth cattle in the combat. 11 Indra hath won all kine, all gold, all horses,−Maghavan, he who breaketh forts in pieces; 12 What is the care of Indra for his Mother, what cares he for the Father who begat him? 13 Maghavan makes the settled man unsettled: he scatters dust that he hath swept together, 14 He urged the chariot−wheel of Surya forward: Etasa, speeding on his way, he rested. 15 As in the night the sacrificing priest. 16 Eager for booty, craving strength and horses, we−singers stir Indra, the strong, for friendship, 17 Be thou our guardian, show thyself our kinsman, watching and blessing those who pour the Soma; 18 Be helping Friend of those who seek thy friendship. give life, when lauded, Indra, to the singer. 19 Alone, when Indra Maghavan is lauded, he slayeth many ne'er−resisted Vrtras. 20 E’en so let Maghavan, the loud−voiced Indra, give us true blessings, foeless, men's upholder. 21 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell high like rivers for the singer.

2 Not far for thee are mid−air's loftiest regions: start hither, Lord of Bays, with thy Bay Horses. 3 Fair cheeks hath Indra, Maghavan, the Victor, Lord of a great host, Stormer, strong in action. 4 For, overthrowing what hath ne'er been shaken, thou goest forth alone destroying Vrtras. 5 Yea, Much−invoked! in safety through thy glories alone thou speakest truth as Vrtra's slayer. 6 Forthwith thy Bay steeds down the steep, O Indra, forth, crushing foemen, go thy bolt of thunder! 7 The man to whom thou givest as Provider enjoys domestic plenty undivided. 8 Thou, Indra, Much−invoked! didst crush to pieces Kunaru handless fiend who dwelt with Danu. 9 Thou hast established in her seat, O Indra, the level earth, vast, vigorous, unbounded. 10 He who withheld the kine, in silence I yielded in fear before thy blow, O Indra. 11 Indra alone filled full the earth and heaven, the Pair who meet together, rich in treasures. 12 Surya transgresses not the ordered limits set daily by the Lord of Tawny Coursers. 13 Men gladly in the course of night would look on the broad bright front of the refulgent Morning; 14 A mighty splendour rests upon her bosom: bearing ripe milk the Cow, unripe, advances. 15 Barring the way they come. Be firm, O Indra; aid friends to sacrifice and him who singeth. 16 A cry is beard from enemies most near us: against them send thy fiercest−flaming weapon. 17 Root up the race of Raksasas, O Indra rend it in front and crush it in the middle. 18 When borne by strong Steeds for our weal, O Leader, thou seatest thee at many noble viands. 19 Bestow on us resplendent wealth. O Indra let us enjoy thine overflow of bounty. 20 With kine and horses satisfy this longing with very splendid bounty skill extend it. 21 Lord of the kine, burst the kine's stable open: cows shall be ours, and strength that wins the booty. 22 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Whose lofty might−for doubly strong is he−supports the heavens and earth, 3 Such, Praised by many! thou art King alone thou smitest Vrtras dead, 4 We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which conquers in the fray, 5 Wherewith thou also foundest lights for Ayu and for Manu's sake: 6 This day too singers of the hymn praise, as of old, this might of thine: 7 That lofty Indra−power of thine, thy strength and thine intelligence, 8 O Indra, Heaven and Earth augment thy manly power and thy renown; 9 Visnu the lofty ruling Power, Varuna, Mitra sing thy praise: 10 O Indra, thou wast born the Lord of men, most liberal of thy gifts: 11 Ever, alone, O highly−praised, thou sendest Vrtras to their rest: 12 Though here and there, in varied hymns, Indra, men call on thee for aid, 13 Already have all forms of him entered our spacious dwelling−place:

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

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

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

2 The Sapient One arrays himself in every form: for quadruped and biped he hath brought forth good. 3 Even he, the God whose going−forth and majesty the other Deities have followed with their might, 4 To the three spheres of light thou goest, Savitar, and with the rays of Sidrya thou combinest thee. 5 Over all generation thou art Lord alone: Pusan art thou, O God, in all thy goings−forth.

2 On thee for aid in sacrifice. This youth of ours, the bold, the mighty, hath gonse forth. 3 Come hither, for the drops are here, O Lord of corn−lands. Lord of horses, Lord of kine: 4 For we the kinless singers have drawn hither thee, O Indra, who hast numerous kin. 5 Sitting like birds beside thy meath., mingled with milk, that gladdeneth and exalteth thee, 6 We speak to thee with this our reverential prayer. Why art thou pondering yet awhile? 7 For not in recent times alone, O Indra, Thunder−armed, have we obtained thine aid. 8 Hero, we knew thy friendship and thy rich rewards: these, Thunderer, now we crave of thee. 9 Him who of old hath brought to us this and that blessing, him I magnify for you, 10 Borne by Bay Steeds, the Lord of heroes, ruling men, for it is he who takes; delight. 11 Hero, may we, with thee for Friend, withstand the man who pants against us in his wrath, 12 May we be victors in the singer's battlesong, and meet the wicked, Much invoked! 13 O Indra, from all ancient time rivalless ever and companionless art thou: 14 Thou findest not the wealthy man to be thy friend: those scorn thee who are flown with wine. 15 O Indra, let us not, like fools who waste their lives at home, with friendship such as thine 16 Giver of kine, may we not miss thy gracious gifts: let us not rob thee of thine own. 17 Indra or blest Sarasvati alone bestows such wealth, treasure so great, or thou, 18 Citra is King, and only kinglings are the rest who dwell beside Sarasvati.

2 Pure in her course from mountains to the ocean, alone of streams Sarasvati hath listened. 3 Friendly to man he grew among the women, a strong young Steer amid the Holy Ladies. 4 May this Sarasvati be pleased and listen at this our sacrifice, auspicious Lady, 5 These offerings have ye made with adoration: say this, Sarasvati, and accept our praises; 6 For thee, O Blest Sarasvati, Vasistha hath here unbarred the doors d sacred Order.

nanilbld are Ins eulogies: 4 Friends, sing your psalm and offer praise to him to whom the prayer is brought: 5 Thou, Slaughterer of Vrtra, art Guardian and Friend of one and two, 6 Beyond men's hate thou leadest us, and givest cause to sing thy praise: 7 I call with hymns, as 'twere a cow to milk, the Friend who merits praise, 8 Him in whose hands they say are stored all treasures from the days of old, 9 Lord of Strength, Caster of the Stone, destroy the firm forts built by men, 10 Thee, thee as such, O Lord of Power, O Indra, Soma−drinker, true, 11 Such as thou wast of old, and art now to be called on when the prize 12 With hymns and coursers we will gain, Indra, through thee, both steeds and spoil 13 Thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, whom men must stir to help, hast been 14 Slayer of foes, whatever aid of thine imparts the swiftest course, 15 As skilfullest of those who drive the chariot, with our art and aim, 16 Praise him who, Matchless and Alone, was born the Lord of living men, 17 Thou who hast been the singers' Friend, a Friend auspicious with thine aid, 18 Grasp in thine arms the thunderbolt, O Thunder−armed, to slay the fiends: 19 I call the ancient Friend, allied with wealth, who speeds the lowly man, 20 For he alone is Lord of all the treasures of the earth: he speeds 21 So with thy yoked teams satisfy our wish with power and wealth in steeds 22 Sing this, what time the ' juice is pressed, to him your Hero, Much−invoked, 23 He, Excellent, withholdeth not his gift of power and wealth in kine, 24 May he with might unclose for us the cow's stall, whosesoe'er it be, 25 O Indra Satakratu, these our songs have called aloud to thee, 26 Hard is thy love to win: thou art a Steer to him who longs for steers: 27 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence:

2 Thou sentest forth productive powers, clavest the hills, thou dravest forth the kine, thou drankest pleasa 3 In the mid−way of heaven the Sun unyoked his car: the Arya found a match to meet his Dam foe. 4 He boldly cast down forts which none had e'er assailed: unwearied he destroycd the godless 5 Armed with resistless weapons, with vast power to cleave, the Vrtra−slayer whets his darts and deals for 6 These are thy famous exploits, only thine, when thou alone hast left the other reft of sacrifice.

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;

29 Susoma, Saryakiavan, and Arjika full of homes, have they. 30 When, Maruts, ye come to him, the singer who invokes you thus, 31 What now? where have ye still a friend since ye left Indra all alone? 32 The Kanvas sing forth Agni's praise together with our Maruts' who 33 Hither for new felicity may I attract the Impetuous Ones, 34 Before them sink the very hills deerning themseives abysses: yea, 35 Steeds flying on their tortuous path through mid−air carry them, and give 36 Agni was born the first of all, like Surya lovely with his light:

2 Let it approach, yoked by thewill, three−seated, extending far and wide o'er fivefold beings, 3 Renowned, with noble horses, come ye hither: drink, Wondrous Pair, the cup that holds sweet juices. 4 When night was turning to the grey of morning the Maiden, Surya's Daughter, chose your splendour. 5 O Chariot−borne, this car of yours invested with rays of light comes harnessed to our dwelling. 6 Like the wild cattle thirsty for the lightning, Heroes, come nigh this day to our libations. 7 Bhujyu, abandoned in the midst of ocean, ye raised from out the water with your horses, 8 Now hear, O Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

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

2 I cherish and sustain high−swelling Soma, and Tvastar I support, Pusan, and Bhaga. 3 I am the Queen, the gatherer−up of treasures, most thoughtful, first of those who merit worship. 4 Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them,−each man who sees, brewhes, hears the word outspo 5 1, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods and men alike shall welcome. 6 I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay the hater of devotion. 7 On the world's summit I bring forth the Father: my home is in the waters, in the ocean. 8 I breathe a strong breath like the wind and tempest, the while I hold together all existence.

2 The gladdening juices stand prepared before you: come quickly and partake of mine oblation. 3 Your chariot with a hundred aids, O Asvins, beareth you swift as thought across the regions, 4 What time this stone of yours, the Gods' adorer, upraised, sounds forth for you as Soma−presser, 5 The nourishment ye have is, truly, wondrous: ye gave thereof a quickening store to Atri, 6 That gift, which all may gain, ye gave Cyavana, when he grew old, who offered you oblations, 7 What time his wicked friends abandoned Bhujyu, O Asvins, in the middle of the ocean, 8 Ye lent your aid to Vrka when exhausted, and listened when invoked to Sayu's calling. 9 With his fair hymns this singer, too, extols you, waking with glad thoughts at the break of morning.

2 These men have come to Indra for assistance: shall he not quickly come upon these pathways? 3 He who hath only wish as his possession casts on himself, casts foam amid the waters. 4 This hath his kinship checked who lives beside us: with ancient streams forth speeds and rules the Hero, 5 Soon as this Dasyu's traces were discovered, as she who knows her home, he sought the dwelling. 6 Indra, as such, give us a share of sunlight, of waters, sinlessness, and reputation. 7 Now we, I think, in thee as such have trusted: lead us on, Mighty One, to ample riches. 8 Slay us not, Indra; do not thou forsake us: steal not away the joys which we delight in. 9 Come to us; they have called thee Soma−lover: here is the pressed juice. Drink thereof for rapture.

2 Him, Maker of the sky, let stones wet with the Soma ne'er forsake, 3 Indra who knew full well disclosed the kine to the Angirases. 4 Indra, promoter of the song, the sage's Strengthener as of old, 5 Now after their desire's intent the pious singers with the cry 6 With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to be performed, 7 When the Five Tribes with all their men to Indra have sent out their voice, 8 This praise is verily thine own: thou hast performed these manly deeds, 9 At the o'erflowing of this Steer, boldly he strode for life, and took 10 Receiving this and craving help, we, who with you are Daksa's sons, 11 Yea, Hero, with the singers we sing.to the duly−coming Band. 12 With us are raining Rudras, clouds accordant in call to battle, at the death of Vrtra,

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

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

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

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

2 To him the Bounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men May do, the Giver of true gifts. 3 O Indra, Lord of boundless might, for us thou winnest strength and kine, 4 Faithful to thee we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to thee: Mark, O Good Lord, this act of ours. 5 Give us not up to man's reproach, to foeman's hateful calumny: In thee alone is all my strength. 6 Thou art mine ample coat of mail, my Champion, Vrtra−Slayer, thou: 7 Yea, great art thou whose conquering might two independent Powers confess. 8 So let the voice surround thee, which attends the Maruts on their way, 9 Let the ascending drops attain to thee, the Wondrous God, in heaven: 10 Bring to the Wise, the Great, who waxeth mighty, your offerings, and make ready your devotion; 11 For Indra, the sublime, the far−pervading, have singers generated prayer and praises: 12 The choirs have stablished Indra King for ever, for victory, him whose anger is resistless:

2 The fountain−depths obstructed in their seasons, thou, Thunderer! madest flow, the mountain's udder. 3 Indra with violence smote down the weapon, 4 Him, whom the heavenly food of these delighted, child of the mist, strong waxing, couched in darkness, 5 Though he might ne'er be wounded still his vitals felt that, the God's bolt, which his powers supported, 6 Him as he lay there huge in length extended, still waxing in the gloom which no sun lightened, 7 When 'gainst the mighty Danava his weapon Indra uplifted, power which none could combat, 8 The fierce God seized that huge and restless coiler, insatiate, drinker of the sweets, recumbent, 9 Who may arrest his strength or cheek his vigour? Alone, resistless, he bears off all riches. 10 E'en the Celestial Axe bows down before him, and the Earth, lover−like, gives way to Indra. 11 I hear that thou wast born sole Lord of heroes of the Five Races, famed among the people. 12 So, too, I hear of thee as in due season urging to action and enriching singers.

2 Loose in the wind the woman's robe was streaming what time she won a car−load worth a thousand. 3 O Indra, cast thy bolt among assailants who would slaughter us: 4 The bull in joy had drunk a lake of water. His shattering horn encountered an opponent. 5 They came anear the bull; they made him thunder, made him pour rain down ere the fight was ended. 6 In hope of victory that bull was harnessed: Kesi the driver urged him on with shouting. 7 Deftly for him he stretched the car−pole forward, guided the bull thereto and firmly yoked him. 8 Touched by the goad the shaggy beast went nobly, bound to the pole by the yoke's thong of leather. 9 Here look upon this mace, this bull's companion, now lying midway on the field of battle. 10 Far is the evil: who hath here beheld it? Hither they bring the bull whom they are yoking.. 11 Like one forsaken, she hath found a husband, and teemed as if her breast were full and flowing. 12 Thou, Indra, art the mark whereon the eyes of all life rest, when thou,

2 She never vexed me nor was angry with me, but to my friends and me was ever gracious. 3 My wife holds me aloof, her mother hates me: the wretched man finds none to give him comfort. 4 Others caress the wife of him whose riches the die hath coveted, that rapid courser: 5 When I resolve to play with these no longer, my friends depart from me and leave me lonely. 6 The gamester seeks the gambling−house, and wonders, his body all afire, Shall I be lucky? 7 Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving−hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe. 8 Merrily sports their troop, the three−and−fifty, like Savitar the God whose ways are faithful. 9 Downward they roll, and then spring quickly upward, and, handless, force the man with hands to serve 10 The gambler's wife is left forlorn and wretched: the mother mourns the son who wanders homeless. 11 Sad is the gambler when he sees a matron, another's wife, and his well−ordered dwelling. 12 To the great captain of your mighty army, who hath become the host's imperial leader, 13 Play not with dice: no, cultivate thy corn−land. Enjoy the gain, and deem that wealth sufficient. 14 Make me your friend: show us some little mercy. Assail us not with your terrific fierceness.

2 I have beheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have sought the Founder's habitation. 3 We will tell, Indra, when we pour libation, what mighty deeds thou hast performed to please us. 4 Indra, when born, thou madest firm thy spirit: alone thou seekest war to fight with many. 5 When thou wast born supremest at a distance, bearing a name renowned in far−off regions, 6 These blissful Maruts sing their psalm to praise thee, and pour to thee libation of the Soma. 7 Thou, Maghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, speeding, while joying in the milk, the Giver. 8 Pounding the head of Namuci the Dasa, me, too thou madest thine associate, Indra! 9 Women for weapons hath the Dasa taken, What injury can his feeble armies To me? 10 Divided from their calves the Cows went lowing around, on every side, hither and thither. 11 What time the Somas mixed by Babhru cheered him, loud the Steer bellowed in his habitations. 12 This good deed have the Rusamas done, Agni! that they have granted me four thousand cattle. 13 The Rusamas, O Agni, sent me homeward with fair adornment and with kine in thousands. 14 Night, well−nigh ended, at Rnancaya's coming, King of the Rusamas, was changed to morning. 15 We have received four thousand head of cattle presented by the Rusamas, O Agni.

3 Thou, thou alone, hast tamed the Dasyus; singly thou hast subdued the people for the Arya. 4 For true, I deem, thy strength is, thine the Mighty, thine, O Most Potent, thine the Conquering Victor; 5 Be this our ancient bond of friendship with you and with Angirases here who speak of Vala. 6 With holy thoughts must he be called, the Mighty, showing his power in the great fight with Vrtra. 7 He in his might, with name that lives for ever, hath far surpassed all human generations. 8 Stranger to guile, who ne'er was false or faithless, bearing a name that may be well remembered, 9 With saving might that must be praised and lauded, Indra, ascend thy car to smite down Vrtra. 10 As Agni, as the dart burns the dry forest, like the dread shaft burn down the fiends, O Indra; 11 With wealth, by thousand paths come hither, Agni, paths that bring ample strength, O thou Most Splen 12 From heaven, from earth is bruited forth the greatness of him the firm, the fiery, the resplendent. 13 This day the deed that thou hast done is famous, when thou, for him, with many thousand others 14 In thee, O God, the wisest of the Sages, all Gods were joyful when thou slewest Ahi. 15 This power of thine both heaven and earth acknowledge, the deathless Gods acknowledge it, O Indra.

1 Come, fain for booty let us seek to Indra: yet more shall he increase his care that guides us. 2 I fly to him invisible Wealth−giver as flies the falcon to his cherished eyrie, 3 Mid all his host, he bindeth on the quiver he driveth cattle from what foe he pleaseth: 4 Thou slewest with thy bolt the wealthy Dasyu, alone, yet going with thy helpers, Indra! 5 Fighting with pious worshippers, the riteless turned and fled, Indra! with averted faces. 6 They met in fight the army of the blameless. then the Navagvas put forth all their power. 7 Whether they weep or laugh, thou hast o'erthrown them, O Indra, on the sky's extremest limit. 8 Adorned with their array of gold and jewels, they o'er the earth a covering veil extended. 9 As thou enjoyest heaven and earth, O Indra, on every side surrounded with thy greatness, 10 They who pervaded earth's extremest limit subdued not with their charms the Wealth−bestower: 11 The waters flowed according to their nature; he raid the navigable streams waxed mighty. 12 Indra broke through Ilibisa's strong castles, and Suspa with his horn he cut to pieces: 13 Fierce on his enemies fell Indra's weapon: with. his sharp bull he rent their forts in pieces. 14 Indra, thou helpest Kutsa whom thou lovedst, and guardedst brave Dagadyu when he battled, 15 Svitra's mild steer, O Maghavan thou helpest in combat for the land, mid Tugra's houses.

2 His pair of Tawny Coursers bring Indra of unresisted might 3 Slayer of Vrtra, mount thy car; thy Bay Steeds have been yoked by prayer. 4 This poured libation, Indra, drink, immortal, gladdening, excellent. 5 Sing glory now to Indra, say to him your solemn eulogies. 6 When, Indra, thou dost yoke thy Steeds, there is no better charioteer: 7 He who alone bestoweth on mortal man who offereth gifts, 8 When will he trample, like a weed, the man who hath no gift for him? 9 He who with Soma juice prepared amid the many honours thee,− 10 The juice of Soma thus diffused, sweet to the taste, the bright cows drink, 11 Craving his touch the dappled kine mingle the Soma with their milk. 12 With veneration, passing wise, honouring his victorious might, 13 With bones of Dadhyac for his arms, Indra, resistless in attack, 14 He, searching for the horse's head, removed among the mountains, found 15 Then verily they recognized the essential form of Tvastar's Bull, 16 Who yokes to−day unto the pole of Order the strong and passionate steers of checkless spirit, 17 Who fleeth forth? who suffereth? who feareth? Who knoweth Indra present, Indra near us? 18 Who with poured oil and offering honours Agni, with ladle worships at appointed seasons? 19 Thou as a God, O Mightiest, verily blessest mortal man. 20 Let not thy bounteous gifts, let not thy saving help fail us, good Lord, at any time;

like Heroes, dazzling and impetuous, wear 8 The pivot of the Sobharis' chariot within the golden box is balmed with milk. 9 Bring, ye who sprinkle balmy drops. oblations to your vigorous Marut company, 10 Come hither, O ye Mares, on your stronghorsed car, solid in look, with solid naves. 11 Their decoration is the same: their omaments of gold are bright upon their arms; 12 They toil not to defend their bodies from attack, strong Heroes with their mighty arms. 13 Whose name extendeth like a sea, alone, resplendent, so that all have joy in it, 14 Pay honour to these Maruts and sing praise to them, for of the wheel−spokes of the car 15 Blest by your favouring help was he, O Maruts, at the earlier flushings of the morn, 16 The strong man to whose sacrifice, O Heroes, ye approach that ye may taste thereof, 17 Even as Rudra's Sons, the brood of the Creator Dyaus, the Asura, desire, 18 And these the bounteous, worthy of the Maruts who move onward pouring down the rain− 19 O Sobhari, with newest song sing out unto the youthful purifying Bulls, 20 Who, like a celebrated boxer, overcome the challengers in every fight: 21 Allied by common ancestry, ye Maruts, even the Cows, alike in energy, 22 Even mortal man, ye Dancers breast adorned with gold, attains to brotherhood with you. 23 O Maruts, rich in noble gifts, bring us a portion of the Maruts' medicine, 24 Haters of those who serve you not, bliss−bringers, bring us bliss with those auspicious aids 25 Maruts, who rest on fair trimmed grass, what balm soever Sindhu or Asikni hath, 26 Ye carry on your bodies, ye who see it all: so bless us graciously therewith.

2 Swift and impetuous art thou, wondrous amid the well−dressed folk: 3 Even with the weak thou smitest down him 4 O Indra, we are close to thee; to thee we sing aloud our songs: 5 As such, O Caster of the Stone, come with thy succours wonderful, 6 May we be friends of one like thee, O Indra, with the wealth of kine, 7 For thou, O Indra, art alone the Lord of strength that comes from kine 8 They turn thee not another way, when, lauded, Lover of the Song, 9 The Gotamas have sung their song of praise to thee that thou mayst give, 10 We will declare thy hero deeds, what Disa forts thou brakest down, 11 The sages sing those manly deeds which, Indra, Lover of the Song, 12 Indra, the Gotamas who bring thee praises have grown strong by thee. 13 For, Indra, verily thou art the general treasure even of all. 14 Excellent Indra, turn to us: glad thee among us with the juice 15 May praise from us who think Qn thee, O Indra, bring thee near to us. 16 Eat of our sacrificial cake: rejoice thee in the songs we sing. 17 To India for a thousand steeds well−trained and fleet of foot we pray, 18 We make a hundred of thy kine, yea, and a thousand, hasten nigh: 19 We have obtained, a gift from thee, ten water−ewers wrought of gold: 20 A bounteous Giver, give us much, bring much and not a trifling gift: 21 O Vrtra−slayer, thou art famed in many a place as bountiful 22 I praise thy pair of Tawny Steeds, wise Son of him who giveth kine 23 Like two slight images of girls, unrobed, upon a new−wrought post, 24 For me the Bays are ready when I start, or start not, with the dawn, Innocuous in the ways they take.

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

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

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

2 East have we turned the rite; may the hymn aid it. With wood and worship shall they honour Agni. 3 The Prudent, he whose will is pure, brought welfare, allied by birth to Heaven and Earth in kinship. 4 Him, Blessed One, the Seven strong Floods augmented, him white at birth and red when waxen mighty. 5 Spreading with radiant limbs throughout the region, purging his power with wise purifications, 6 He sought heaven's Mighty Ones, the unconsuming, the unimpaired, not clothed and yet not naked. 7 His piles, assuming every form, are scattered where flow sweet waters, at the spring of fatness; 8 Carefully cherished, Son of Strength, thou shoncst assuming lasting and refulgent beauties. 9 From birth he knew even his Father's bosom, he set his voices and his streams in motion; 10 He nursed the Infant of the Sire and Maker: alone the Babe sucked many a teeming bosom. 11 The Mighty One increased in space unbounded; full many a glorious flood gave strength to Agni. 12 As keen supporter where great waters gather, light−shedder whom the brood rejoice to look on; 13 Him, varied in his form, the lovely Infant of floods and plants the blessed wood hath gendered. 14 Like brilliant lightnings, mighty luminaries accompany the light−diffusing Agni, 15 I sacrificing serve thee with oblations and crave with longing thy good−will and friendship. 16 May we, O Agni, thou who leadest wisely, thy followers and masters of all treasures, 17 Ensign of Gods hast thou become, O Agni, joy−giver, knower of all secret wisdom. 18 Within the house hath sate the King immortal of mortals, filling full their sacred synods. 19 Come unto us with thine auspicious friendship, come speeding, Mighty, with thy mighty succours. 20 To thee who art of old these songs, O Agni, have I declared, the ancient and the later. 21 Stablished in every birth is Jatavedas, kindled perpetual by the Visvamitras. 22 This sacrifice of ours do thou, O Mighty, O truly Wise, bear to the Gods rejoicing.

2 Both Gods and men obey this Ruler's order, Gods who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. 3 May our fair praise, heart−born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e'en at his birth, is sweet as hone 4 Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice−worthy. 5 As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, O Agni, as the guardian Lord of riches, 1 EVEN to him, swift, strong and high. exalted, I bring my song of praise as dainty viands, 2 Praise, like oblation, I present, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to the Victor. 3 To him then with my lips mine adoration, winning heaven's light, most excellent, I offer, 4 Even for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man who needs it,− 5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as 'twere a horse, through love of glory, 6 Even for him hath Tvastar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle, 7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Visnu had drunk up the draught, he plundered. 8 To him, to Indra, when he slew the Dragon, the Dames, too, Consorts of the Goda, wove praises. 9 Yea, of a truth, his magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of earth, mid−air, and heaven. 10 Through his own strength Indra with bolt of thunder cut piece−meal Vrtra, drier up of waters. 11 The rivers played, through his impetuous splendour, since with his bolt he compassed them on all sides 12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast thy bolt of thunder. 13 Sing with new lauds his exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds of him, yea, him who moveth swiftly, 14 When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm. Set mountains and the whole heaven and earth, tremble for terr 15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what he who rules alone o'er much, electeth. 16 Thus to thee, Indra, yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have brought their prayers to please thee.

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

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

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

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

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

2 Like a dread wild beast roaming on the mountain thou hast approached us from the farthest distance. 3 Thou, mighty Indra, sprangest into being as strength for lovely lordship o'er the people.