Rig Veda on Sin

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

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

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 Whoso with toil and trouble brings thee fuel, serving the majesty of mighty Agni, 3 Agni is Master of sublime dominion, Agni is Lord of strength and lofty riches. 4 Most Youthful God, whatever sin, through folly, we here, as human beings, have committed, 5 Even in the presence of great sin, O Agni, free us from prison of the Gods or mortals. 6 Even as ye here, Gods Excellent and Holy, have loosed the cow that by the foot was tethered,

2 Ye, Gods, are providence and ye are power: remove ye utterly all those who hate us. 3 What service may we do you with our future, what service, Vasus, with our ancient friendship? 4 Ye, O ye Gods, are verily our kinsmen as such be kind to me who now implore you. 5 I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised me as a sire the gambler. 6 Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye Holy, that fearing in my heart I may approach you. 7 May I not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.

19 Agni, the Bharata, hath been sought, the Vrtra−slayer, marked of all, 20 For he gave riches that surpass in greatness all the things of earth, 21 Thou, Agni, as in days of old, with recent glory, gathered light, 22 Bring to your Agni, O my friends, boldly your laud and sacrifice: 23 For as sagacious Herald he hath sat through every age of man, 24 Bring those Two Kings whose ways are pure, Adityas, and the Marut host, 25 For strong and active mortal man, excellent, Agni, is the look Of thee Immortal, Son of Strength 26 Rich through his wisdom, noblest be the giver serving thee to−day: 27 These, Agni, these are helped by thee, who strong and active all their lives, 28 May Agni with his pointed blaze cast down each fierce devouring fiend 29 O active Jatavedas, bring riches with store of hero sons: 30 Keep us, O Jatavedas, from the troubling of the man of sin: 31 Whatever sinner, Agni, brings oblations to procure our death, 32 Drive from us with thy tongue, O God, the man who doeth evil deeds, 33 Give shelter reaching far and wide to Bharadvaja, conquering Lord! 34 May Agni slay the Vrtras,−fain for riches, through the lord of song, 35 His Father's Father, shining in his Mother's everlasting side, 36 O active Jatavedas, bring devotion that wins progeny, Agni, that it may shine to heaven.

2 Drive, Pusan, from our road the wolf, the wicked inauspicious wolf, 3 Who lurks about the path we take, the robber with a guileful heart: 4 Tread with thy foot and trample out the firebrand of the wicked one, 5 Wise Pusan, Wonder−Worker, we claim of thee now the aid wherewith 6 So, Lord of all prosperity, best wielder of the golden sword, 7 Past all pursuers lead us, make pleasant our path and fair to tread: 8 Lead us to meadows rich in grass: send on our way no early heat: 9 Be gracious to us, fill us full, give, feed us, and invigorate: 10 No blame have we for Pusan; him we magnify with songs of praise:

2 In the tree−tops the air he hath extended, put milk in kine and vigorous speed in horses, 3 Varuna lets the big cask, opening downward, flow through the heaven and earth and air's mid−region. 4 When Varuna is fain for milk he moistens the sky, the land, and earth to her foundation. 5 I will declare this mighty deed of magic, of glorious Varuna the Lord Immortal, 6 None, verily, hath ever let or hindered this the most wise God's mighty deed of magic, 7 If we have sinned against the man who loves us, have ever wronged a brother, friend, or comrade, 8 If we, as gamesters cheat at play, have cheated, done wrong unwittingly or sinned of purpose,

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

2 Aryaman art thou as regardeth maidens mysterious, is thy name, O Self−sustainer. 3 The Maruts deck their beauty for thy glory, yea, Rudra! for thy birth fair, brightly−coloured. 4 Gods through thy glory, God who art so lovely! granting abundant gifts gained life immortal. 5 There is no priest more skilled than thou in worship; none Self−sustainer pass thee in wisdom. 6 Aided by thee, O Agni may we conquer through our oblation, fain for wealth, awakened: 7 He shall bring evil on the evil−plottcr whoever turns against us sin and outrage. 8 At this dawn's flushing, God! our ancient fathers served thee with offerings, making thee their envoy, 9 Save, thou who knowest, draw thy father near thee, who counts as thine own son, O Child of Power. 10 Adoring thee he gives thee many a title, when thou, Good Lord! acceptest this as Father. 11 Most Youthful Agni, verily thou bearest thy praiser safely over all his troubles. 12 To thee these eulogies have been directed: or to the Vasu hath this sin been spoken.

2 Excellent Agni, come thou nigh to us, and give us wealth most splendidly renowned. 3 So hear us, listen to this call of ours, and keep us far from every sinful man. 4 To thee then, O Most Bright, O Radiant God, we come with prayer for happiness for our friends.

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

2 Mark this my speech, Divine One, thou, Most Youthful! offered to thee by him who gives most freely. 3 Thy guardian rays, O Agni, when they saw him, preserved blind Mamateya from affliction. 4 The sinful man who worships not, O Agni, who, offering not, harms us with double−dealing,− 5 Yea, when a mortal knowingly, O Victor, injures with double tongue a fellow−mortal,

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 For thou at first producest for the holy Gods the noblest of all portions, immor−tality: 3 If we, men as we are, have sinned against the Gods through want of thought, in weakness, or through 4 None may impede that power of Savitar the God whereby he will maintain the universal world. 5 To lofty hills thou sendest those whom Indra leads, and givest fixed abodes with houses unto these. H

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

2 Give us a portion of the sap, the most auspicious that ye have, 3 To you we gladly come for him to whose abode ye send us on; 4 The Waters. be to us for drink, Goddesses for our aid and bliss: 5 1 beg the Floods to give us balm, these Queens who rule o'er precious things, 6 Within the Waters−Soma thus hath told me−dwell all balms that heal, 7 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, 8 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought, 9 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: 2 Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is near in kindred as stranger. 3 Yea, this the Immortals seek of thee with longing, progeny of the sole existing mortal. 4 Shall we do now what we ne'er did aforetime? we who spake righteously now talk impurely? 5 Even in the womb God Tvastar, Vivifier, shaping all forms, Creator, made us consorts. 6 Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest? Who hatb beheld it? Who can here declare it? 7 I, Yami, am possessed by love of Yama, that I may rest on the same couch beside him. 8 They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods who wander round us. 9 May Surya's eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light spread out before him. 10 Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk. 11 Is he a brother when no lord is left her? Is she a sister when Destruction cometh? 12 I will not fold mine arms about thy body: they call it sin when one comes near his sister.

2 The Sage who knows these Gods' three ranks and orders, and all their generations near and distant, 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, the noble, 4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe−destroyers, great Kings, bestowers of fair homes to dwell in, 5 O Heaven our Father, Earth our guileless Mother, O Brother Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us. 6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she−wolf, O ye Holy. 7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, O Vasus, punish. 8 Mighty is homage: I adopt and use it. Homage hath held in place the earth and heaven. 9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwellers in the home of Order, 10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through all our troubles these conduct us safely− 11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Pusan increase our laud, increase the Fivefold people. 12 Come now, O Gods, to your celestial station: the Bharadvajas' priest entreats your favour. 13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil−hearted thief away, 14 Soma, these pressing−stones have called aloud to win thee for our Friend. 15 Ye, O most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the sky. 16 Now have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without a foe, 2 Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making, 3 Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches? 4 May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me. 5 Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises.

2 Relax that mortal's stubborn strength whose heart is bent on wickedness. 3 Shake down, O Slayer of the foe, those great all splendid enemies. 4 As thou, O Satakratu, thou, O Indrv, shakest all things down 5 Around, on every side like drops of sweat let lightning−flashes fall. 6 Thou bearest in thine hand a lance like a long hook, great Counsellor! 7 Never, O Gods, do we offend, nor are we ever obstinate: we walk as holy texts command.

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 May they be ever our allies, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 3 Ye furtherers of holy Law, transport us safe o'er many woes, 4 Dear wealth be Aryaman to us, Varuna dear wealth meet for praise: 5 For Sovrans of dear wealth are ye, Adityas, not of sinner's wealth, 6 We in our homes, ye Baunteous Ones, and while we journey on the road, 7 Regard us, Indra, Visnu, here, ye Asvins and the Marut host, 8 Ye Bounteous Ones, from time of old we here set forth our brotherhood, 9 Then come with Indra for your chief, as early day, ye Bounteous Gods

2 The Maruts watch the man who sings their praises, promoters of the thought of him who worships. 3 No others gleam so brightly as these Maruts with their own forms, their golden gauds, their weapons. 4 Far from us be your blazing dart, O Maruts, when we, through human frailty, sin against you. 5 May even what we have done delight the Maruts, the blameless Ones, the bright, the purifying. 6 And may the Maruts, praised by all their titles, Heroes, enjoy the taste of our oblations. 7 Hither, ye Maruts, praised, with all your succours, with all felicity come to our princes,

2 The wind, thy breath, hath sounded through the region like a wild beast that seeks his food in pastures. 3 Varuna's spies, sent forth upon their errand, survey the two world−halves well formed and fashioned. 4 To me who understand hath Varuna spoken, the names borne by the Cow are three times seven. 5 On him three heavens rest and are supported, and the three earths are there in sixfold order. 6 Like Varuna from heaven he sinks in Sindhu, like a white−shining spark, a strong wild creature. 7 Before this Varuna may we be sinless him who shows mercy even to the sinner−

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 His eyes are turned away, his head is hidden: unsated with his tongue he eats the fuel. 3 Seeking, as 'twere, his Mother's secret bosom, he, like a child, creeps on through wide−spread bushes. 4 This holy Law I tell you, Earth and Heaven: the Infant at his birth dovours his Parents. 5 This man who quickly gives him food, who offers his gifts of oil and butter and supports him, − 6 Agni, hast thou committed sin or treason among the Gods? In ignorance I ask thee. 7 He born in wood hath yoked his horses rushing in all directions, held with reins that glitter.

2 Rich shall he be in gold and kine and horses. Indra bestows on him great vital power, 3 Longing, I came this morning to the pious, the son of sacrifice, with car wealth. laden. 4 Health−bringing streams, as milch−cows, flow to profit him who hath worshipped, him who now will 5 On the high ridge of heaven he stands exalted, yea, to the Gods he goes, the liberal giver. 6 For those who give rich meeds are all these splendours, for those who give rich meeds suns shine in hea 7 Let not the liberal sink to sin and sorrow, never decay the pious −chiefs who worship!

2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction. 3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni. 4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest. 5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble; 6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies, 7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni. 8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.

2 Thus, Indra−Agnip verily your greatness merits loftiest praise, 3 These who delight in flowing juice, like fellow horses at their food, 4 Indra and Agni, Friends of Law, served with rich gifts, your speech is kind 5 What mortal understands, O Gods, Indra and Agni, this your way? 6 First, Indra−Agni, hath this Maid come footless unto those with feet. 7 E'en now, O Indra−Agni, men hold in their arms and stretch their bows. 8 The foeman's sinful enmities, Indra and Agni, vex me sore. 9 Indra and Agni, yours are all the treasures of the heavens and earth. 10 O Indra−Agni, who accept the laud, and hear us for our praise,

2 I come appointed messenger of Indra, seeking your ample stores of wealth, O Panis. 3 What is that Indra like, what is his aspect whose envoy, Sarama, from afar thou comest? 4 I know him safe from harm: but he can punish who sent me hither from afar as envoy. 5 These are the kine which, Sarama, thou seekest, flying, O Blest One, to the ends of heaven. 6 Even if your wicked bodies, O ye Panis, were arrow−proof, your words are weak for wounding; 7 Paved with the rock is this our treasure−chamber; filled full of precious things, of kine, and horses. 8 Rsis will come inspirited with Soma, Angirases unwearied, and Navagvas. 9 Even thus, O Sarama, hast thou come hither, forced by celestial might to make the journey.

2 We pray for wealth to thee most skilled of charioteers, with braided hair, 3 Bright God whose steeds are goats, thou art a stream of wealth, a treasure−heap, 4 Pusan, who driveth goats for steeds, the strong and Mighty, who is called 5 His Mother's suitor I address. May he who loves his Sister hear, 6 May the sure−footed goats come nigh, conveying Pusan on his car, 2 And he is best of charioteers. Indra, the hero's Lord, allied 3 And there the best of charioteers hath guided through the speckled cloud 4 Whate'er we speak this day to thee, Wise, Wondrous God whom many praise, 5 Lead on this company of ours, that longs for kine, to win the spoil: 6 Prosperity we crave from thee, afar from sin and near to wealth,

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 Do ye, O Indra−Agni, hear the singer's call: accept his songs. 3 Give us not up to poverty, ye Heroes, Indra−Agni, nor 4 To Indra and to Agni we bring reverence, high and holy hymn, 5 For all these holy singers here implore these Twain to succour them, 6 Eager to laudyou, we with songs invoke you, bearing sacred food, 7 Indra and Agni, come to us with favour, ye who conquer men: 8 At no time let the injurious blow of hostile mortal fall on us: 9 Whatever wealth we crave of you, in gold, in cattle, or in steeds, 10 When heroes prompt in worship call Indra and Agni, Lords of steeds, 11 Call hither with the song and lauds those who best slay the foemen, those 12 Slay ye the wicked man whose thought is evil of the demon kind.

2 He whose two Bay Steeds harnessed well, swerving, pursue the Bird's tail−plumes, 3 Bereft of skill is Indra, if, like some outwearied man he fears 4 Indra with these drives round, until he meets with one to worship him: 5 Borne onward by the long−maned Steeds who stretch themselves as 'twere for food, 6 The Mighty sang with Lofty Ones: the Hero fashioned with his strength, 7 The bolt, which pierced at once the vitals of the Dasyu easy to be slain, 8 Grind off our sins: with song will we conquer the men who sing no hymns: 9 When threefold flame burns high for thee, to rest on poles of sacrifice, 10 Thy glory was the speckled cup, thy glory was the flawless scoop. 11 As hundreds, O Immortal God, have sung to thee, so hath Sumitra, yea, Durmitra praised thee here,

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.

2 And now, as I am come before his presence, I take the face of Varuna for Agni's. 3 When Varuna and I embark together and urge our boat into the midst of ocean, 4 Varuna placed Vasistha in the vessel, and deftly with his niight made him a Rsi. 5 What hath become of those our ancient friendships, when without enmity we walked together? 6 If he, thy true ally, hath sinned against thee, still, Varuna, he is the friend thou lovedst. 7 While we abide in these fixed habitations, and from the lap of Aditi win favour, 2 When, Thunderer! I move along tremulous like a wind−blown skin, 3 O Bright and Powerful God, through want of strength I erred and went astray 4 Thirst found thy worshipper though he stood in the midst of water−fijods: 5 O Varuna, whatever the offence may be which we as men commit against the heavenly host,

2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving. 3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship. 4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, 5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom, 6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection. 7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,−these, reverent, I address at this our worship, 8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain, 9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour. 10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. 11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.

2 Thou, verily, Indra, gavest help to Kutsa, willingly giving car to him in battle, 3 O Bold One, thou with all thine aids hast boldly holpen Sudas whose offerings were accepted, 4 At the Gods' banquet, hero−souled! with Heroes, Lord of Bay Steeds, thou slewest many foemen. 5 These were thy mighty powers that, Thunder−wielder, thou swiftly crushedst nine−and−ninety castles: 6 Old are the blessings, Indra, which thou gavest Sudas the worshipper who brought oblations. 7 Give us not up, Lord of Bay Horses, Victor, in this thine own assembly, to the wicked. 8 May we men, Maghavan, the friends thou lovest, near thee be joyful under thy protection. 9 Swiftly, in truth, O Maghavan, about thee men skilled in hymning sing their songs and praises. ' 10 Thine are these lauds, O manliest of heroes, lauds which revert to us and give us riches. 11 Now, lauded for thine aid, Heroic Indra, sped by our prayer, wax mighty in thy body.

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

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

2 For over thee, O Friend from birih, the wrath of man hath no control: 3 As such, with all the Gods, O Son of Strength, auspicious in thy flame. 4 Malignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, thou 5 Sage Agni, be whom thou dost urge, in worship of the Gods, to wealth, 6 Riches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts: 7 Save us, O Jatavedas, nor abandon us to him who sins, 8 O Agni, let no godless man avert thy bounty as a God: 9 So, Son of Strength, tbou aidest us to what is great and excellent. 10 Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with piercing flame 11 To Agni Jatavedas, to the Son of Strength, that he may give us precious gifts, 12 Agni, made yours by sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance; 13 May Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friendship sake. 14 Solicit with your chants, for help, Agni the God with piercing flame, 15 Agni we laud that he may keep our foes afar, Agni to give us health and strength.

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

2 Bring swift, for offering, the snare that suits the time, to the pure−drinker Vayu, roaring as he goes, 3 May Savitar the God send us full life, to each who sacrifices, lives aright and pours the juice 4 May Indra evermore be gracious unto us, and may King Soma meditate our happiness, 5 Indra hath given the body with its song and strength: Brhaspati, thou art the lengthener of life. 6 Indra possesseth might celestial nobly formed: the singer in the hotise is Agni, prudent Sage. 7 Not often have we sinned against you secretly, nor, Vasus, have we openly provoked the Gods. 8 May Savitar remove from us our malady, and may the Mountains keep it far away from where 9 Ye Vasus, let the stone, the presser stand erect: avert all enmities and keep them far remote. 10 Eat strength and fatness in the pasture, kine, who are balmed at the reservoir and at the seat of Law. 11 The singer fills the spirit: all mens, love hath he. Indra takes kindly care of those who pour the juice. 12 Wondrous thy spirit−filling light, triumpliant; thy hosts save from decay and are resistless.

2 Visit, to prove us free from sin, O Surya Lord of great might, the bright Gods sprung from Daksa, 3 And, O ye Heaven and Earth, a wide dominion, O ye most blissful Worlds, our lofty shelter, 4 This day invited may the Sons of Rudra, resistless, excellent, stoop down to meet us; 5 To whom the Goddess Rodasi clings closely, whom Pusan follows bringing ample bounty. 6 With a new hymn extol, O thou who singest, the Lover of the Song, the Hero Indra. 7 Give full protection, Friends of man, ye Waters, in peace and trouble, to our sons and grandsons. 8 May Savitar come hither and approach us, the God who rescues, Holy, goldenhanded, 9 And thou, O Son of Strength, do thou turn hither the Gods to−day to this our holy service. 10 Come also to my call, O ye Nasatyas, yea, verily, through my prayers, ye Holy Sages. 11 O Gods, bestow upon us riches, splendid with strength and heroes, bringing food in plenty. 12 May Rudra and Sarasvati, accordant, Visnu and Vayu, pour down gifts and bless us; 13 May this God Savitar, the Lord, the Offspring of Waters, pouring down his dew be gracious, 14 May Aja−Ekapad and Ahibudhnya, and Earth and Ocean hear our invocation; 15 So with my thoughts and hymns of praise the children of Bharadvaja sing aloud to please you.

2 May Dyaus and Prthivi, wise, true to Holy Law, keep us in safety from distress and injury. 3 Mother of Mitra and of opulent Varuna, may Aditi preserve us safe from all distress. 4 May ringing press−stones keep the Raksasas afar, ill dream, and Nirrti, and each voracious fiend. 5 Full flow libations; on our grass let Indra sit; Brhaspati the singer laud with Sama hymns! 6 Ye Asvins, make our sacrifice ascend to heaven, and animate the rite that it may send us bliss, 7 Hither I call the band of Maruts, swift to hear, great, purifying, bringing bliss, to he our Friends. 8 We bring the Stay of Life, who makes the waters swell, swift−hearing, Friend of Gods, who waits on 9 Alive ourselves, with living sons, devoid of guilt, may we win this with winners by fair means to win. 10 Hear us, O ye who claim the worship of mankind, and give us, O ye Gods, the gift for which we pray, 11 We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to−day, great favour of great Gods, sublime and free from fo 12 In great enkindled Agni's keeping, and, for bliss, free from all sin before Mitra and Varuna. 13 All ye, the Gods whom Savitar the Father of truth, and Varuna and Mitra govern, 14 Savitar, Savitar from cast and westward, Savitar, Savitar from north and southward,

2 Bringing the pleasant mcath as 'twere their own dear son, they sport in sportive wise gay at their gatheri 3 To whomsoever, bringer of oblations, they immortal guardians, have given plenteous wealth, 4 Ye who with mighty powers have stirred the regions up, your coursers have sped forth directed by 5 When they in dazzling rush have made the mountains roar, and shaken heaven's high back in their heroi 6 Terrible Maruts, ye with ne'er−diminished host, with grcat benevolence fulfil our heart's desire. 7 Givers of during gifts whose bounties never fail, free from ill−will, at sacrifices glorified, 8 With castles hundredfold, O Maruts, guard ye well the man whom ye have loved from ruin and from sin 9 O Maruts, in your cars are all things that are good: great powers are set as 'twere in rivalry therein. 10 Held in your manly arms are many goodly things, gold chains are on your chests, and glistering 11 Mighty in mightiness, pervading, passing strong, visible from afar as 'twere with stars of heaven, 12 This is your majesty, ye Maruts nobly born, far as the sway of Adid your bounty spreads. 13 This is your kinship, Maruts, that, Immortals, ye were oft in olden time regardful of our call, 14 That, O ye Maruts, we may long time flourish through your abundant riches, O swift movers, 15 May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,

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

2 This shrine have we made ready for thy coming, as the fond dame attires her for her husband. 3 A hymn, O Priest, to him who hears, the gentle, to him who looks on men, exceeding gracious, 4 Even as true knower of the Law, O Agni, to this our solemn rite he thou attentive. 5 Why this complaint to Varuna, O Agni? And why to Heaven? for what is our transgression? 6 What, when thou blazest on the lesser altars, what to the mighty Wind who comes tobless us, 7 How to great Pusan who promotes our welfare,− to honoured Rudra what, who gives oblations? 8 What wilt thou tell the truthful band of Maruts, how answer the great Sun when thou art questioned? 9 I crave the cow's true gift arranged by Order: though raw, she hath the sweet ripe juice, O Agni. 10 Agni the Bull, the manly, hath been sprinkled with oil upon his back, by Law eternal. 11 By Law the Angirases cleft the rock asunder, and sang their hymns together with the cattle. 12 By Law the Immortal Goddesses the Waters, with meath−rich waves, O Agni, and uninjured, 13 Go never to the feast of one who harms us, the treacherous neighbour or. unworthy kinsman. 14 O Agni, keep us safe with thy protection, loving us, honoured God! and ever guarding. 15 Through these our songs of praise be gracious, Agni; moved by ourprayers, O Hero, touch our viands. 16 To thee who knowest, Agni, thou Disposer, all these wise secret speeches have I uttered,

2 For not an enemy molests the paths which these Adityas tread: 3 Now soon may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman 4 With Gods come thou whose fostering care none checks, O Goddesss Aditi: 5 For well these Sons of Aditi know to keep enmities aloof, 6 Aditi guard our herd by day, Aditi, free from guile, by night, 7 And in the day our hymn is this: May Aditi come nigh to help, 8 And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us health: 9 May Agni bless us with his fires, and Surya warm us pleasantly: 10 Drive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity: 11 Remove from us the arrow, keep famine, Adityas! far away: 12 Now, O Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free, 13 Whatever mortal with the powe r of demons fain would injure us, 14 May sin o'ertake our human foe, the man who speaketh evil thing, 15 Gods, ye are with the simple ones, ye know each mortal in your hearts; 16 Fain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of water−floods: 17 So with auspicious sheltering aid do ye, O Vasus, carry us 18 Adityas, ye Most Mighty Ones, grant to our children and their seed 19 Sacrifice, O Adityas, is your inward monitor: be kind, 20 The Maruts' high protecting aid, the Asvins, and the God who saves, 21 Grant us a home with triple guard, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna! 22 And as we human beings, O Adityas, are akin to death,

2 Surya is he: throughout the wide expanses shall Indra turn him, swift as car−wheels, hithe 4 I will send forth my songs in flow unceasing, like water from the ocean's depth, to Indra. 5 Rousing with draughts, the Shaker, rushing onward, impetuous, very strong, armed as with arrows 6 Soma hath flowed to him whom naught can equal, the earth, the heavens, the firmament, the mountains, 7 As an axe fells the tree so be slew Vrtra, brake down the strongholds and dug out the rivers. 8 Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, O Indra. The sword lops limbs, thou smitest down the sinner, 9 Men who lead evil lives, who break agreements, and injure Varuna, Aryaman and Mitra,− 10 Indra is Sovran Lord of Earth and Heaven, Indra is Lord of waters and of mountains. 11 Vaster than days and nights, Giver of increase, vaster than firmament and flood of ocean, 12 Forward, as herald of refulgent Morning, let thine insatiate arrow fly, O Indra. 13 Him, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees followed and the plants and herbage. 14 Where was the vengeful dart when thou, O Indra, clavest the demon ever beat on outrage? 15 Those who are set in enmity against us, the Oganas, O Indra, waxen mighty,− 16 May plentiful libations of the people, and singing Rsis' holy prayers rejoice thee. 17 O Indra, thus may we be made partakers of thy new favours that shall bring us profit. 18 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Quaff it pure, meal−blent, mixt with milk, O Indra; we have poured forth the Soma for thy rapture. 3 Those who gave increase to thy strength and vigour; the Maruts singing forth thy might, O Indra. 4 They, even the Maruts who were there, excited with song the meath−created strength of Indra. 5 Pleased, like a man, with our libation, Indra, drink, for enduring hero might, the Soma. 6 When thou didst loose the streams to run like racers in the swift contest, having smitten Vrtra 7 With reverence let us worship mighty Indra, great and sublime, eternal, everyouthful, 8 Many are Indra's nobly wrought achievements, and none of all the Gods transgress his statutes. 9 Herein, O Guileless One, is thy true greatness, that soon as born thou drankest up the Soma. 10 As soon as thou wast born in highest heaven thou drankest Soma to delight thee, Indra; 11 Thou, puissant God, more mighty, slewest. Ahi showing his strength when couched around the waters. 12 Sacrifice, Indra, made thee wax so mighty, the dear oblation with the flowing Soma. 13 With sacrifice and wish have I brought Indra; still for new blessings may I turn him hither, 14 I have brought forth a song when longing seized me: ere the decisive day will I laud Indra; 15 Full is his chalice: Glory! Like a pourer I have filled up the vessel for his drinking. 16 Not the deep−flowing flood, O Much−invoked One! not hills that compass thee about restrain thee, 17 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

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

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

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

2 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,

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

27 Happy be thou and prosper witlh thy children here: be vigilant to rule thy household in this home. 28 Her hue is blue and red: the fienod who clingeth close is driven off. 29 Give thou the woollen robe away: deal treasure to the Brahman priests. 30 Unlovely is his body when it glistens with this wicked fiend, 31 Consumptions, from her people, which follow the bride's resplendent train,− 32 Let not the highway thieves who lie in ambush find the wedded pair. 33 Signs of good fortune mark the bride come all of you and look at her. 34 Pungent is this, and bitter this, filled, as it were, with arrow−barbs, Empoisoned and.not fit for use. 35 The fringe, the cloth that decks her head, and then the triply parted robe,− 36 I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy husband. 37 O Pusan, send her on as most auspicious, her who shall be the sharer of my pleasures; 38 For thee, with bridal train, they, first, escorted Surya to her home. 39 Agni hath given the bride again with splendour and with ample life. 40 Soma obtained her first of all; next the Gandharva was her lord. 41 Soma to the Gandharva, and to Agni the Gandharva gave: 42 Be ye not parted; dwell ye here reach the full time of human life. 43 So may Prajapati bring children forth to us; may Aryaman adorn us till old age come nigh. 44 Not evil−eyed, no slayer of thy husband, bring weal to cattle, radiant, gentlehearted; 45 O Bounteous Indra, make this bride blest in her sons and fortunate. 46 Over thy husband's father and thy husband's mother bear full sway. 47 So may the Universal Gods, so may the Waters join our hearts.