Rig Veda on Strength

2 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order, 3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. 4 Ye, Asvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice, 5 As parents aid a son, both Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. 6 Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. 7 May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness.

2 White−hued and thundering he dwells in splendour, Most Youthful, with the loudvoiced and eternal− 3 Incited by the wind thy flames, O Agni, move onward, Pure One! pure, in all directions. 4 Thy pure white horses from their bonds are loosened: O Radiant One, they shear the ground beneath the 5 Forth darts the Bull's tongue like the sharp stone weapon discharged by him who fights to win the cattle. 6 Thou with the sunlight of the great Impeller hast boldly over−spread the earth's expanses. 7 Wondrous! of wondrous power! give to the singer wealth wondrous, marked, most wonderful, life−givi

2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled, 3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni, 4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far−apparent splendour: 5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes, 6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth. 7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.

2 By paths that are thine own come hither, Agni, joyous, delighting in the Gods' alliance, 3 The grass is strewn; the sacrifice advances adored as Priest, Agni is made propitious, 4 Forthwith the men, the best of these for wisdom, have made him leader in the solemn worship. 5 He hath come, chosen bearer, and is seated in man's home, Brahman, Agni, the Supporter, 6 These have passed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought with skill the hymn of adoration; 7 We, the Vasisthas, now implore thee, Agni, O Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and treasure.

2 Through piety they came to Indra for his aid, they whose libations give theejoy. 3 Agreeing in your spirit, all ye Deities, come nigh to us. 4 May Pusan, Visnu, and Sarasvati befriend, and the Seven Streams, this call of mine: 5 Indra, with thine own bounteous gift, most liberal of the Mighty Ones, 6 Leader of heroes, Lord of battle, lead thou us to combat, thou Most Sapient One. 7 Our hopes rest on the Faithful One: in Indra is the people's life. 8 Thee would we worship, Indra, with our songs of praise: O Satakratu, be thou ours.

2 May these rites please you in your heart and spirit; may the drops clothed in oil this day approach you. 3 Your threefold going near is God−appointed, so praise is given you, Vajas and Rbhuksans. 4 Strong, with fair chains of gold and jaws of iron, ye have a splendid car and well−fed horses. 5 Rbhuksans! him, for handy wealth, the mightiest comrade in the fight, 6 The mortal man whom, Rbhus, ye and Indra favour with your help, 7 O Vajas and Rbhuksans, free for us the paths to sacrifice, 8 O Vajas and Rbhuksans, ye Nasatyas, Indra, bless this wealth,

2 On, onward to a glorious home; dear to the people void of guile, 3 He, the bright Son, when born illumed his Parents who had sprung to life, 4 Urged by the seven devotions he hath stirred the guileless rivers which 5 These helped to might theYouthful One, high over all, invincible, 6 The immortal Courser, good to draw, looks down upon the Seven: the fount 7 Aid us in holy rites, O Man: O Pavamana, drive away 8 Make the paths ready for a hymn newer and newer evermore: 9 Give, Pavamana, high renown, give kine and steeds and hero sons:

2 These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses. 3 Agni I deem my Kinsman and my Father, count him my Brother and my Friend for ever. 4 Effectual, Agni, are our prayers for profit. He whom, at home thou, Priest for ever, guardest 5 Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendours, 6 Worship, thyself, O God, the Gods in heaven: what, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee? 7 Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector bestow upon us life and vital vigour.

2 Blest be the wood that feeds the active Agni: within the two great worlds hath Agni entered. 3 Agni rejoiced the car of him who praised lim, and from the waters burnt away jarutha. 4 Agni hath granted wealth that decks the hero, and sent the sage who wins a thousand cattle. 5 With songs of praise the Rsis call on Agni; on Agni, heroes worsted in the foray. 6 Races of human birth pay Agni worship, men who have sprung from Nahus' line adore him. 7 The Rbhus fabricated prayer for Agni, and we with mighty hymns have called on Agni.

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.

2 Indra, whom many laud, accept the strength−conferring Soma juice: 3 Indra, with all the Gods promote our wealth−bestowing sacrifice, 4 Lord of the brave, to thee proceed these drops of Soma juice expressed, 5 Within thy belly, Indra, take juice, Soma the most excellent: Thine are the drops celestial. 6 Drink our libation, Lord of hymns: with streams of meath thou art bedewed 7 To Indra go the treasures of the worshipper, which never fail: 8 From far away, from near at hand, O Vrtra−slayer, come to us: 9 When from the space between the near and far thou art invoked by us,

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

7 She bringeth bounty and sweet charm of voices. The flushing Dawn is sung by the Vasist 2 Turned to this All, far−spreading, she hath risen and shone in brightness with white robes about her. 3 Bearing the Gods' own Eye, auspicious Lady, leading her Courser white and fair to look on, 4 Draw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman: prepare for us wide pasture free from danger. 5 Send thy most excellent beams to shine and light us, giving us lengthened days, O Dawn, O Goddess, 6 O Usas, nobly−born, Daughter of Heaven, whom the Vasisthas with their hymns make mighty,

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 Thou who subduedst Ayu, Kutsa, Atithigva, waxing daily in thy might, 3 The pressing−stones shall pour for us the essence of the meath of all, 4 Repel all enmities and keep thern far away: let all win treasure for their own. 5 Come, Indra, very near to us with aids of firmly−based resolve; 6 Bless thou with progeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, victor in the fray. 7 May we be such in battle as are surest to obtain thy grace: 8 Thine, Lord of Bays, am I. Prayer longeth for the spoil. Still with thy help I seek the fight.

2 Sing forth, ye men who long for help, to Pavamana, to the Sage, 3 The Soma−drops with thousand powers are purified for victory, 4 Yea, as thou flowest bring great store of food that we may win the spoil 5 May they in flowing give us wealth in thousands, and heroic power,− 6 Like coursers by their drivers urged, they were poured forth, for victory, 7 Noisily flow the Soma−drops, like milch−kine lowing to their calves: 8 As Gladdener whom Indra loves, O Pavamana, with a roar 9 O Pavamamas, driving off the godless, looking on the light, Sit in the place of s

2 Our priest is seated, true to time; the grass is regularly strewn; 3 These prayers, O thou who hearest prayer are offered: seat thee on the grass. 4 O Vrtra−slayer, be thou pleased with these libations, with these hymns, 5 Our hymns caress the Lord of Strength, vast, drinker of the Soma's juice, 6 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence: 7 We, Indra, dearly loving thee, bearing oblation, sing thee hymns 8 O thou to whom thy Bays are dear, loose not thy Horses far from us: 9 May long−maned Coursers, dropping oil, bring thee on swift car hitherward,

2 Who hath with prayer bowed to the Soma−lover? What pious man endues the beams of morning? 3 Who claims to−day the Deities' protection, asks Aditi for light, or the Adityas? 4 To him shall Agni Bharata give shelter: long shall he look upon the Sun up−rising, 5 Him neither few men overcome, nor many to him shall Aditi give spacious shelter. 6 This Hero curbs the mighty for the zealous: the presser's brew Indra possesses solely: 7 Not with the wealthy churl who pours no Soma doth Indra, Soma−drinker, bind alliance. 8 Highest and lowest, men who stand between diem, going, returning, dwelling in contentment,

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 Agni, burn down the word within their bodies through our newest speech, 3 Agni, I offer hymns to thee, like holy oil within thy moutlh. 4 Agni bestows all vital power even as each man supplicates. 5 Agni hath made himself renowned by wonderful victorious act. 6 Agni knows all that springs from Gods, he knows the mystery of men. 7 Agni inhabiteth with Gods and men who offer sacrifice. 8 Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the Sevenfold Race of men, 9 Agni the Wise inhabiteth three gathering−places, triply formed. 10 Our Agni, thou art first among the Gods, and first mid living men.

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

2 The treasure which his Bay Steeds found at sacrifice,−this wealth made opulent Indra slayer of the foe. 3 When, with the Princes, Maghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the thunderbolt of gold, and the Controlle 4 With him too is this rain of his that comes like herds: Indra throws drops of moisture on his yellow bear 5 We laud and praise his several deeds of valour who, fatherlike, with power hath made us stronger; 6 Indra, the Vimadas have formed for thee a laud, copious, unparalleled, for thee Most Bountiful. 7 Ne'er may this bond of friendship be dissevered, the Rsi Vimada's and thine, O Indra.

2 Pass, O ye Asvins, pass away beyond all tribes of selfish men, 3 Come to us, O ye Asvin Pair, bringing your precious treasures, come 4 O strong and Good, the voice of him who lauds you well cleaves to your car. 5 Watchful in spirit, born on cars, impetuous, listing to his cry, 6 Hither, O Heroes, let your steeds, of dappled hue, yoked at the thought, 7 O Asvins, hither come to us; Nasatyas, be not disinclined. 8 Ye Lords of Splendour, free from guile, come, stand at this our sacrifice. 9 Dawn with her white herd hath appeared, and in due time hath fire been placed.

26 Who with thrice seven times seventy horses comes to us, invested with the rays of morn, 27 Who hath inclined this glorious one, buunteous himself, to give me gifts. 28 Sole Lord in beauty meet for praise, O Vayu, dropping fatness down, 29 So, as a prize dear to the strong, the sixty thousand have I gained, 30 To me come oxen like a herd, yea, unto me the oxen come. 31 And in the grazing herd he made a hundred camels bleat for me, 32 A hundred has the sage received, Dasa Balbutha's and Taruksa's gifts. 33 And now to Vasa Asvya here this stately woman is led forth,

2 O'er all thou rulest with these Two which, Soma Pavamana, stand, 3 Wise Soma Pavamana, thou encompassest on every side 4 Flow onward, generating food, for precious boons of every kind, 5 Upon the lofty ridge of heaven thy bright rays with their essences, 6 O Soma, these Seven Rivers flow, as being thine, to give command: 7 Flow onward, Soma in a stream, effused to gladden Indra's heart, 8 Driving thee in Vivasvan's course, the Seven Sisters with their hymns 9 The virgins deck thee o'er fresh streams to drive thee to the sieve when thou, 10 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Sage, Mighty One, have pouredthem forth.

1 WHAT shall we sing to Rudra, strong, most bounteous, excellently wise, 2 That Aditi may grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine, 3 That Mitra and that Varuna, that Rudra may remember us, 4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines, 5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold is he, 6 May he grant health into our steeds, wellbeing to our rams and ewes, 7 O Soma, set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men, 8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us. 9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as serving thee,

1 THE other fires are, verily, thy branches; the Immortals all rejoice in thee, O Agni. 2 The forehead of the sky, earth's centre, Agni became the messenger of earth and heaven. 3 As in the Sun firm rays are set for ever, treasures are in Vaisvanara, in Agni. 4 As the great World−halves, so are their Son's praises; skilled, as a man, to act, is he the Herald. 5 Even the lofty heaven, O Jatavedas Vaisvanara, hath not attained thy greatness. 6 Now will I tell the greatness of the Hero whom Prarti's sons follow as Vrtra's slayer: 7 Vaisvanara, dwelling by his might with all men, far−shining, holy mid the Bharadvajas,

2 The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, in thy wisdom, Indra. 3 That spear of thine sat firm for us, O Indra: the Maruts set their whole dread power in motion. 4 Vouchsafe us now that opulence, O Indra, as guerdon won by mightiest donation. 5 With thee, O Indra, are most bounteous riches that further every one who lives uprightly. 6 Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, O Indra: exert thee in the great terrestrial region; 7 Heard is the roar of the advancing Maruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly moving, 8 Give to the Manas, Indra with Maruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle foremost.

2 He, Narasamsa, ne'er beguiled, inspiriteth this sacrifice: 3 Adored, O Agni, hither bring Indra the Wonderful, the Friend, 4 Spread thyself out, thou soft as wool The holy hymns have sung to thee. 5 Open yourselves, ye Doors Divine, easy of access for our aid: 6 Fair strengtheners of vital power, young Mothers of eternal Law, 7 On the wind's flight come, glorified, ye two celestial Priests of man 8 l! Sarasvati, Mahl, three Goddesses who tring us weal, 9 Rich in all plenty, Tvastar, come auspicious of thine own accord 10 Vanaspati, wherever thou knowest the Gods' mysterious names, 11 To Agni and to Varuna, Indra, the Maruts, and the Gods,

2 Thee, Agni, men have stablished as their guest of old, as Master of the household, thee, with hair of fla 3 The tribes of men praise thee, Agni, who knowest well burnt offerings, the Discerner, lavishest of wealt 4 Ever to thee, O Agni, as exceeding strong have we drawn nigh with songs and reverence singing hymns. 5 Thou, Agni! multiform, God who art lauded much! givest in every house subsistence as of old. 6 The Gods, Most Youthful Agni, have made thee, inflamed, the bearer of oblations and the messenger. 7 Men seeking joy have lit thee worshipped from of old, O Agni, with good fuel and with sacred oil.

2 Ye who inspire all hymns, Indra and Visnu, ye vessels who contain the Soma juices, 3 Lords of joy−giving draughts, Indra and Visnu, come, giving gifts of treasure, to the Soma. 4 May your foe−conquering horses bring you hither, Indra and Visnu, sharers of the banquet. 5 This your deed, Indra−Visnu, must be lauded: widely ye strode in the wild joy of Soma. 6 Strengthened with sacred offerings, IndraVisnu, first eaters, served with worship ana oblation, 7 Drink of this meath, O Indra, thou, and Visnu; drink ye your fill of Soma, Wonder−Workers. 8 Ye Twain have conquered, ne'er have yc been conquered: never hath either of the Twain been vanquish

2 Strong are the Soma−draughts; come nigh: the juices fill thee with delight: 3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food et it content thy wish and thought, 4 Come to us thou who hast no foe: we call thee down to hymns of praise, 5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk for thy carouse, 6 Graciously, Indra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, and sate 7 The Soma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee, 8 The Soma seen within themats, as in the flood the Moon is seen, 9 That which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to thee,

2 Thy birth who seekest food is in the falling flood, Agni: as Comrade thou winnest all living things. 3 And thou, O Agni, thou of Godlike nature, sparest the stones, while caring up the brushwood. 4 O'er hills through vales devouring as thou goest, thou partest like an army fain for booty 5 Apparent are his lines as he approaches the course is single, but the cars are many, 6 Now let thy strength, thy burning flames fly upward, thine energies, O Agni, as thou toilest. 7 This is the waters' reservoir, the great abode of gathered streams. 8 On thy way hitherward and hence let flowery Durva grass spring up

2 Fiend−queller, Friend of all men, he hath with the wood attained unto 3 Be thou best Vrtra−slayer, best granter of bliss, most liberal: 4 Flow onward with thy juice unto the banquet of the Mighty Gods: 5 O Indu, we draw nigh to thee, with this one object day by day: 6 By means of this eternal fleece may Surya's Daughter purify 7 Ten sister maids of slender form seize him within the press and hold 8 The virgins send him forth: they blow the the skin musician−like and fuse 9 Inviolable milch−kine round about him blend for Indra's drink, 10 In the wild raptures of this draught, Indra slays all the Vrtras: he,

2 O Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing−wise who knowest every ordinance. 3 Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal Giver, to the pious worshipper, 4 The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of 5 First messenger art thou, meet for election: drink thou thy fill invited to the Anirta, 6 Milking the teeming Cow for all−sustaining food. O Wise One, for the worship−loving worshipper, 7 They who at flushing of this dawn appointed thee their messenger, these men have paid thee reverence. 8 Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang Vasisistha s sons have called thee down, the Potent One

2 Let no malignity prevail against us, either God's or man's. 3 So through thy favour may we force through all our enemies a way, 4 Thou, Purifier Agni, high shinest forth, bright, adorable, 5 Ours art thou, Agni, Bharata, honoured by us with barren cows, 6 Wood−fed, bedewed with sacred oil, ancient, Invoker, excellent, 2 Who, guiding worshippers aright, withers, untouched by age, the foe: 3 Who for his glory is extolled at eve and morning in our homes, 4 Who shines refulgent like the Sun, with brilliance and with fiery flame, 5 Him Atri, Agni, have our songs Strengthened according to his sway: 6 May we with Agni's, Indra's help, with Soma's, yea, of all the Gods,

2 Forth come your viands rich with store of pleasant meath, and cars and horses at the flushing of the daw 3 Drink of the meath with lips accustomed to the draught; harness for the meath's sake the chariot that ye 4 The swans ye have are friendly, rich in store of mcath, gold−pinioned, strong to draw, awake at early m 5 Well knowing solemn rites and rich in meath, the fires sing to the morning Asvins at the break of day, 6 The rays advancing nigh, chasing with day the gloom, spread through the firmament bright radiance like 7 Devout in thought I have declared, O Asvins, your chariot with good steeds, which lasts for ever,

3 The Vrtra−slayer smote them all as spokes are hammered into naves: 4 Then Indra at a single draught drank the contents of thirty pails, 5 Indra in groundless realms of space pierced the Gandharva through, that he 6 Down from the mountains Indra shot hither his well−directed shaft: 7 One only is that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hundred barbs, 8 Strong as the gbhus at thy birth, therewith to those who praise thee, men, 9 By thee these exploits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, abundantly: 10 All these things Visnu brought, the Lord of ample stride whom thou hadst sent− 11 Most deadly is thy bow, successful, fashioned well: good is thine arrow, decked with gold.

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

2 'Tis Agni whom we laud as good, to whom the milch−kine come in herds, 3 Agni the God of all mankind, gives, verily, a steed to man. 4 God, Agni, we will kindle thee, rich in thy splendour, fading not, 5 To thee the splendid, Lord of flame, bright, wondrous, Prince of men, is brought. 6 These Agnis in the seats of the fire nourish each thing most excellent. 7 Agni, these brilliant flames of thine wax like strong chargers mightily, 8 To us who laud thee, Agni, bring fresh food and safe and happy homes. 9 Thou, brilliant God, within thy mouth warmest both ladies of the oil. 10 Thus Agni have we duly served with sacrifices and with hymns.

1 NE'ER doth the man repent, who, seeking profit, bringeth his gift to the far−striding Visnu. 2 Thou, Visnu, constant in thy courses, gavest good−will to all men, and a hymn that lasteth, 3 Three times strode forth this God in all his grandeur over this earth bright with a hundred splendours. 4 Over this earth with mighty step strode Visnu, ready to give it for a home to Manu. 5 To−day I laud this name, O gipivista, I, skilled in rules, the name of thee the Noble. 6 What was there to be blamed in thee, O Visnu, when thou declaredst, I am Sipivista? 7 O Visnu, unto thee my lips cry Vasat! Let this mine offering, Sipivista, please thee.

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 This God, made ready with the hymn, runs swiftly through the winding ways, 3 This God while flowing is adorned, like a bay steed for war, by men 4 He, like a warrior going forth with heroes, as he flows along 5 This God, as he is flowing on, speeds like a car and gives his gifts: 6 Praised by the sacred bards, this God dives into waters, and bestows 7 Away he rushes with his stream, across the regions, into heaven, 8 While flowing, meet for sacrifice, he hath gone up to heaven across 9 After the 'way of ancient time, this God, pressed out for Deities, 10 This Lord of many Holy Laws, even at his birth engendering strength,

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 O Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers, may those who praise thee hitherward. 3 O Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers, with all our songs we invocate 4 We strive for glory through the powers immense of him whom many praise, 5 For Vrtra's slaughter I address Indra whom many invocate, 6 In battles be victorious. We seek thee, Lord of Hundred Powers, 7 In splendid combats of the hosts, in glories where the fight is won. 8 Drink thou the Soma for our help, bright, vigilant, exceeding strong, 9 O Satakratu, powers which thou mid the Five Races hast displayed− 10 Indra, great glory hast thou gained. Win splendid fame which none may mar 11 Come to us either from anear, Or, Sakra, come from far away.

2 T'he son of Prsadvana was Praskaniva's host, who lay decrepit and forlorn. 3 Call hither with thy newest song Indra who lacks not hymns of praise, 4 He unto whom they sang the seven−headed hymn, three−parted, in the loftiest place, 5 We invocate that Indra who bestoweth precious things on us. 6 He whom thou aidest, gracious Lord, to give again, obtains great wealth to nourish him. 7 Ne'er art thou fruitless, Indra ne'er dost thou desert the worshipper 8 He who hath. overtaken Krvi with his might, and silenced Susna with deathbolts,− 9 Good Lord of wealth is he to whom all Aryas, Dasas here belong. 10 In zealous haste the singers have sung forth a song distilling oil and rich in sweets.

2 They who with laud extol the ancient statutes, when they shine forth infallible dividers, 3 The Housewife Goddess, Aditi, and Sindhu, the Goddess Svasti I implore for friendship: 4 Aryaman, Varuna have disclosed the pathway, Agni as Lord of Strength the road to welfare. 5 I have besought the favourof the Maruts, of Parvata, of Bhaga God who rescues. 6 Agree, through these our watery oblations, Goddesses, Heaven and Earth, with Ahibudhnya. 7 May Goddess Aditi with Gods defend us, save us the saviour God with care unceasing. 8 Agni is Sovran Lord of wealth, Agni of great prosperity: 9 Hither to us, rich pleasant Dawn, bring many things to be desired, 10 So then may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Indra, with bounty come to us.

2 May we go forth with Pusan who shall point the houses out to us, 3 Unharmed is Pusan's chariot wheel; the box ne'er falleth to the ground, 4 Pusan forgetteth not the man who serveth him with offered gift: 5 May Pusan follow near our kine; may Pusan keep our horses safe: 6 Follow the kine of him who pours libations out and worships thee; 7 Let none be lost, none injured, none sink in a pit and break a limb. 8 Pusan who listens to our prayers, the Strong whose wealth is never lost, 9 Secure in thy protecting care, O Pusan, never may we fail. 10 From out the distance, far and wide, may Pusan stretch his right hand forth, And drive our lost ag

2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the offerer slays his foes. 3 The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, O Indra, Lover of the Son 4 The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, the sweetest of the meath drink thou, 5 Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Soma−pressers like a horse− 6 With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, preeminent, with unfailing wealth. 7 If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the earth, 8 The active, fleet−foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift to victory, like the Wind, 9 Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine, 10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and Dasavraja;

2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! 3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou ar 4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us 5 Speed happily those, as Surya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; 6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide−wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. 7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. 8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship.

2 What time the grasshopper replies and swells the shrill cicala's voice, 3 And, yonder, cattle seem to graze, what seems a dwelling−place appears: 4 Here one is calling to his cow, another there hath felled a tree: 5 The Goddess never slays, unless some murderous enemy approach. 6 Now have I praised the Forest Queen, sweet−scented, redolent of balm, 2 Thou with thy magic powers didst rend the conjurer Vrtra, O Blameless One, with heart that longed for 3 God Much−invoked, take pleasure in these princes here, who, thine exalters, Maghavan, have come to 4 That man shall find delight in well−protected wealth whose care provides for him the quick−sought joy 5 Now for our band, O Maghavan, when lauded, make ample room with might, and grant us riches.

2 When thy two wandering Bays thou drawest hither, thy praiser laid within thine arms the thunder, 3 Faithful art thou, these thou defiest, Indra; thou art the Rbhus' Lord, heroic, victor. 4 That, as a friend, thou furtheredst, O Indra, when, Thundcrer, −strong in act, thou crushedst Vrtra; 5 This doest thou, and art not harmed, O Indra, e'en in the anger of the strongest mortal. 6 Hence men invoke thee, Indra, in the tumult of battle, in the light−bestowing conflict. 7 Warring for Purukutsa thou, O Indra, Thunder−armed I breakest down the seven castles; 8 O Indra, God who movest round about us, feed us with varied food plenteous as water− 9 Prayers have been made by Gotamas, O Indra, addressed to thee, with laud for thy Bay Horses.

2 For, verily, men pray to thee with sacrifices and with songs. 3 Of one accord men kindle thee Heaven's signal of the sacrifice, 4 Let the man thrive who travails sore, in prayer, far thee the Bountiful. 5 The mortal who with fuel lights thy flame and offers unto thee, 6 Thy bright smoke lifts itself aloft, and far−extended shines in heaven. 7 For in men's houses thou must be glorified as a well−loved guest, 8 Thou, Agni, like an able steed, art urged by wisdom in the wood. 9 E'en things imperishable, thou, O Agni, like a gazing ox, 10 Agni, thou enterest as Priest the home of men who sacrifice. 11 O Agni, God with Mitra's might, call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven.

2 Worshipping, seeking him with adoration like some lost creature followed by its footprints, 3 On the Cow's forehead, with laborious searching, Trita, the offspring of Vibhiavas, found him. 4 Yearning, with homage, they have set and made him blithe Priest among mankind, oblation−bearer, 5 The foolish brought the ne'er−bewildered forward, great, Victor, Song−inspirer, Fort−destroyer. 6 Holding his station firmly in the houses, Trita sat down within his home surrounded 7 His are the fires, eternal, purifying, that make the houses move, whose smoke is shining, 8 The tongue of Agni bears away the praisesong, and, through his care for Earth, her operations. 9 That Agni, him whom Heaven and Earth engendered, the Waters. Tvastar, and with might, the Bhrgus, 10 Agni, whom Gods have made oblationbearer, and much−desiring men regard as holy,

2 Press the libation out, most excellent of all: the Pressing−stone is grasped like a hand−guided steed. 3 Juice that this Stone pours out removes defect of ours, as in old time it brought prosperity to man. 4 Drive ye the treacherous demons far away from us: keep Nirrti afar and banish Penury. 5 To you who are more mighty than the heavens themselves, who, finishing your task with more than 6 Stirred be the glorious Stones: let it press out the juice, the Stone with heavenly song that reaches up to 7 The Stones press out the Soma, swift as car−borne men, and, eager for the spoil, drain forth the sap ther 8 Ye, present men, have been most skilful in your work, even ye, O Stones who pressed Soma for Indra's

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.

ye triumphed in your heart, and onward went to liberate the flood of milk; 19 Wherewith ye brought awife for Vimada to wed, wherewith ye freely gave the ruddy cows away; 20 Wherewith ye bring great bliss to him who offers gifts, wherewith ye have protected Bhujyu, Adhrigu, 21 Wherewith ye served Krsanu where the shafts were shot, and helped the young man's horse to swiftnes 22 Wherewith ye speed the hero as he fights for kine in hero battle, in the strife for land and sons, 23 Wherewith ye, Lords of Hundred Powers, helped Kutsa, son of Aduni, gave Turviti and Dabhiti streng 24 Make ye our speech effectual, O ye Asvins, and this our hymn, ye mighty Wonder−Workers. 25 With, undiminished blessings, O ye Asvins, for evermore both night and day protect us.

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

2 With callings ever they invoke Agni, Agni, Lord of the House, 3 Bring the Gods hither, Agni, born for him who strews the sacred grass: 4 Wake up the willing Gods, since thou, Agni, performest embassage: 5 O Agni, radiant One, to whom the holy oil is poured, bum up 6 By Agni Agni is inflamed, Lord of the House, wise, young, who bears 7 Praise Agni in the sacrifice, the Sage whose ways are ever true, 8 God, Agni, be his strong defence who lord of sacrificial gifts, 9 Whoso with sacred gift would fain call Agni to the feast of Gods, 10 Such, Agni, Purifier, bright, bring hither to our sacrifice, 11 So lauded by our newest song of praise bring opulence to us, 12 O Agni, by effulgent flame, by all invokings of the Gods,

2 And, O Nasatyas, man's dear Priest is seated, who brings to sacrifice and offers worship, 3 We choosing you, have let our worship follow its course: ye Steers, accept this hymn with favour. 4 And these Two Priests come nigh unto our people, united, demon−slayers, mighty−handed. 5 Come from the west, come from the cast, Nasatyas, come, Asvins, from below and from above us. 2 O Heroes, ye bestow wonderful nourishment. send it to him whose songs are sweet 3 Approach ye and be near to us. drink, O ye Asvins, of the meath. 4 The horses that convey you in their rapid flight down to the worshipper's abode, 5 Yea, verily, our princes seek the Asvins in pursuit of food. 6 Those who have led the way, like cars, offending none, those who are guardians of the men−