Rig Veda on Strength

2 A far−extended pillar that supports the sky the Soma−stalk, filled full, moves itself every way. 3 Wide space hath he who follows Aditi's right path, and mighty, well−made food, meath blent with Som 4 Butter and milk are drawn from animated cloud; thence Amrta is produced, centre of sacrifice. 5 The Soma−stalk hath roared, following with the wave: he swells with sap for man the skin which Gods 6 In the third region which distils a thousand streams, may the Exhaustless Ones descend with procreant 7 Soma assumes white colour when he strives to gain: the bounteous Asura knows full many a precious b 8 Yea, to the shining milk−anointed beaker, as to his goal, hath stepped the conquering Courser. 9 Soma, thy juice when thou art blended with the streams, flows, Pavamana, through the long wool of the

1 YE Asvins, rich in treasure, Lords of splendour, having nimble hands, 2 Ye Asvins, rich in wondrous deeds, ye heroes worthy of our praise, 3 Nisatyas, wonder−workers, yours arc these libations with clipt grass: 4 O Indra marvellously bright, come, these libations long for thee, 5 Urged by the holy singer, sped by song, come, Indra, to the prayers, 6 Approach, O Indra, hasting thee, Lord of Bay Horses, to the prayers. 7 Ye Visvedevas, who protect, reward, and cherish men, approach 8 Ye Visvedevas, swift at work, come hither quickly to the draught, 9 The Visvedevas, changing shape like serpents, fearless, void of guile, 10 Wealthy in spoil, enriched with hymns, may bright Sarsavad desire, 11 Inciter of all pleasant songs, inspirer o all gracious thought, 12 Sarasvati, the mighty flood,− she with be light illuminates, She brightens every pi

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

2 She in whose bosom all the Gods, and Sun and Moon for men to see, 3 This all the pious sing to us, and sacred poets evermore: 4 Here is the Soma ready pressed of this the Maruts drink, of this 5 Of this, moreover, purified, set in three places, procreant, 6 And Indra, like the Herald Priest, desirous of the milky juice, 7 When have the Princes gleamed and shone through waters as through troops of foes'? 8 What favour do I claim this day of you 9 1 call, to drink the Soma, those Maruts who spread all realms of earth 10 You, even such, pure in your might, you, O ye Maruts, I invoke 11 The Maruts, those who have sustained and propped the heavens and earth apart, 12 That vigorous band of Maruts that abidetb in the mountains, I

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

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

2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra's throat they pour the Soma juice, 3 He goes upon his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring sound which Sarya's Daughter loves. 4 Washed by the men, stone−pressed, dear on the holy grass, faithful to seasons, Lord of cattle from of ol 5 O Indra, urged by arms of men and poured in streams, Soma flows on for thee after.his Godlike kind. 6 Sages well−skilled in work, intelligent, drain out the stalk that roars, the Sage, the Everlasting One. 7 Earth's central point, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distilled into the streams, into the waters' wave, 8 Over the earthly region flow thou on thy way, helping the praiser and the pourer, thou Most Wise. 9 Hither, O Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand gifts of cattle and of gold,

2 The worlds expand to hirn who from aforetime found light to spread the law of life eternal. 3 When the sage bears his holy wisdom round him, like a car visiting all worlds, the Hero, 4 For glory born be hath come forth to glory: he giveth life and glory to the singers. 5 Stream to us food and vigour, kine and horses: give us broad lights and fill thGods with rapture. 2 As one who rows drives on his boat, he, Gold−hued, sends forth his voice, loosed on the path of Order. 3 Hastening onward like the waves of waters, our holy hymns are pressing nigh to Soma. 4 They drain the stalk, the Steer who dwells on mountains, even as a Bull who decks him on the upland. 5 Sending thy voice out as Director, loosen the Invoker's thought, O Indu, as they cleanse thee.

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

1 O INDRA drink the Soma juice with Rtu; let the cheering drops 2 Drink from the Purifier's cup, Maruts, with Rtu; sanctify 3 O Nestar, with thy Dame accept our sacrifice; with Rtu drink, 4 Bring the Gods, Agni; in the three appointed places set them down: 5 Drink Soma after the Rtus, from the Brahmana's bounty: undissolved, 6 Mitra, Varuna, ye whose ways are firm − a Power that none deceives−, 7 The Soma−pressers, fain for wealth, praise the Wealth−giver in the rite, 8 May the Wealth−giver grant to us riches that shall be far renowned. 9 He with the Rtu fain would drink, Wealth−giver, from the Nestar's bowl. 10 As we this fourth time, Wealth−giver, honour thee with the Rtus, be 11 Drink ye the meath, O Asvins bright with flames, whose acts are pure. who with 12 With Rtu, through the house−fire, thou, kind Giver, guidest sacrifice:

2 The Gods infallible all searching found not him, the dear Babe who still is round about us. 3 Because with holy oil the pure Ones, Agni, served thee the very pure three autumn seasons, 4 Making them known to spacious earth and heaven, the holy Ones revealed the powers of Rudra. 5 Nigh they approached, one−minded, with their spouses, kneeling to him adorable paid worship. 6 Soon as the holy beings had discovered the thrice−seven mystic things contained within thee, 7 Thou, Agni, knower of men's works, hast sent us good food in constant course for our subsistence: 8 Knowing the Law, the seven strong floods from heaven, full of good thought, discerned the doors of ric 9 They who approached all noble operations making a path that leads to life immortal, 10 When Gods immortal made both eyes of heaven, they gave to him the gift of beauteous glory. No

2 Brightly hath Agni shone by us enkindled: the limits even of darkness were apparent. 3 With hymns the deft priest is about you, Asvins, the eloquent priest attends you now, Nasatyas. 4 When, suppliant for your help, Lovers of Sweetness! I seeking wealth call you to our libation, 5 Bring forward, Asvins, Gods, to its fulfilment my never−wearied prayer that asks for riches. 6 Favour us in these prayers of ours, O Asvins. May we have genial vigour, ne'er to fail us. 7 Lovers of Sweetness, we have brought this treasure to you as 'twere an envoy sent for friendship. 8 With one, the same, intention, ye swift movers, o'er the Seven Rivers hath your chariot travelled. 9 Exhaustless be your bounty to our princes who with their wealth incite the gift of riches, 10 Now hear, O Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

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 Strong, bellowing, he goes, like one who slays the folk; he lets this hue of Asuras flow off from him, 3 Onward he flows, from both the hands, pressed out with stones: excited by the prayer, the water makes 4 They pour out meath around the Master of the house, Celestial Strengthener of the mountain that gives 5 They, the ten sisters, on the lap of Aditi, have sent him forward like a car from both the arms. 6 Like as a falcon to his home, so speeds the God to his own golden wisely−tashioned place to rest. 7 From far away, from heaven, the redhued noted Sage, Steer of the triple height, hath sung unto the kine. 8 His covering assumes a radiant hue; where'er he comes into the fight he drives the foe afar. 9 Like a bull roaming round the herds he bellows: he hath assumed the brilliancy of Surya.

2 Indra, thou humbledst tribes that spake with insult by breaking down seven autumn forts, their refuge. 3 With whom thou drivest troops whose lords are heroes, and bringest daylight now, much worshipped In 4 They through the greatness of thy spear, O Indra, shall, to thy praise, rest in this earthly station. 5 Indra, bear Kutsa, him in whom thou joyest: the dark−red horses of the Wind are docile. 6 Thou Indra, Lord of Bays, made strong by impulse, hast slain the vexers of thy friends, who give not. 7 Indra, the bard sang forth in inspiration: thou madest earth a covering for the Dasa. 8 These thine old deeds new bards have sung, O Indra. Thou conqueredst, boundest many tribes for ever. 9 A Stormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, O Indra, like the running rivers. 10 Indra, mayst thou be ours in all occasions, protector of the men, most gentle−hearted,

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

2 The Munis, girdled with the wind, wear garments soiled of yellow hue. 3 Transported with our Munihood we have pressed on into the winds: 4 The Muni, made associate in the holy work of every God, 5 The Steed of Vata, Vayu's friend, the Muni, by the Gods impelled, 6 Treading the path of sylvan beasts, Gandharvas, and Apsarases, 7 Vayu hath churned for him: for him he poundeth things most hard to bend, 2 Two several winds are blowing here, from Sindhu, from a distant land. 3 Hither, O Wind, blow healing balm, blow all disease away, thou Wind; 4 I am come nigh to thee with balms to give thee rest and keep thee safe. 5 Here let the Gods deliver him, the Maruts' band deliver him: 6 The Waters have their healing power, the Waters drive disease away. 7 The tongue that leads the voice precedes. Then with our ten−fold branching hands,

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

2 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 With sacrifice to these we men will honour the majesty of holy Narasamsa− 3 We will extol at sacrifice for ever, as men may do, Agni whom Manu kindled, 4 Bearing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it with reverence, on their knees, by Agni. 5 With holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Doors fain for chariots in the Gods' assembly. 6 And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Night, like a cow good at milking, 7 You, Bards and Singers at men's sacrifices, both filled with wisdom, I incline to worship. 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortals Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou, O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests, and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.

1 HIS bright rays bear him up aloft, the God who knoweth all that lives, 2 The constellations pass away, like thieves, together with their beams, 3 His herald rays are seen afar refulgent o'er the world of men, 4 Swift and all beautiful art thou, O Surya, maker of the light, 5 Thou goest to the hosts of Gods, thou comest hither to mankind, 6 With that same eye of thine wherewith thou lookest brilliant Varuna, 7 Traversing sky and wide mid−air, thou metest with thy beams our days, 8 Seven Bay Steeds harnessed to thy car bear thee, O thou farseeing One, 9 Surya hath yoked the pure bright Seven, the daughters of the car; with these, 10 Looking upon the loftier light above the darkness we have come 11 Rising this day, O rich in friends, ascending to the loftier heaven, 12 To parrots and to starlings let us give away my yellowness, 13 With all his conquering vigour this Aditya hath gone up on high,

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

2 Like violent gusts of wind the draughts that I have drunk have lifted me 3 The draughts I drank have borne me up, as fleet−foot horses draw a car: 4 The hymn hath reached me, like a cow who lows to meet her darling calf: 5 As a wright bends a chariot−seat so round my heart I bend the hymn: 6 Not as a mote within the eye count the Five Tribes of men with me: 7 The heavens and earth themselves have not grown equal to one half of me 8 I in my grandeur have surpassed the heavens and all this spacious earth 9 Aha! this spacious earth will I deposit either here or there 10 In one short moment will I smite the earth in fury here or there: 11 One of my flanks is in the sky; I let the other trail below: 12 1, greatest of the Mighty Ones, am lifted to the firmament: 13 I seek the worshipper's abode; oblation−bearer to the Gods:

1 AGNI I first invoke for our prosperity; I call on Mitra, Varuna, to aid us here. 2 Throughout the dusky firmament advancing, laying to rest the immortal and the mortal, 3 The God moves by the upward path, the downward; with two bright Bays, adorable, he journeys. 4 His chariot decked with pearl, of various colours, lofty, with golden pole, the God hath mounted, 5 Drawing the gold−yoked car his Bays, white−footed, have manifested light to all the peoples. 6 Three heavens there are; two Savitar's, adjacent: in Yama's world is one, the home of heroes, 7 He, strong of wing, hath lightened up the regions, deep−quivering Asura, the gentle Leader. 8 The earth's eight points his brightness hath illumined, three desert regions and the Seven Rivers. 9 The golden−handed Savitar, far−seeing, goes on his way between the earth and heaven, 10 May he, gold−handed Asura, kind Leader, come hither to us with his help and favour. 11 O Savitar, thine ancient dustless pathways are well established in the air's midregion:

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

2 Whom, served with sacrificial oil like Mitra, men presenting gifts 3 Much−lauded Jatavedas, him who bears oblations up to heaven 4 To noblest Agni, Friend of man, best Vrtra−slayer, are we come, 5 To deathless Jatavedas, meet for praise, adored, with sacred oil, 6 Even Agni whom these priestly men worship with sacrificial gifts, 7 O Agni, this our newest hymn hath been addressed from us to thee, 8 Agni, may it be dear to thee, most grateful, and exceeding sweet: 9 Splendid with splendours may it be, and in the battle with the foe 10 Steed, cow, a lord of heroes, bright like Indra, who shall fill the car. 11 Thou whom Gopavana made glad with song, O Agni Angiras, 12 Thou whom the priestly folk implore to aid the gathering of the spoil, 13 I, called to him who reels with joy, Srutarvan, Rksa's son, shall stroke 14 Four coursers with a splendid car, Savistha's horses, fleet of foot, 15 The very truth do I declare to thee, Parusni, mighty flood.

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

2 Make pleasant hymns, spin out your songs and praises: build ye a ship equipped with oars for transport. 3 Lay on the yokes, and fasten well the traces: formed is the furrow, sow the seed within it. 4 Wise, through desire of bliss from Gods, the skilful bind the traces fast, And lay the yokes on either side 5 Arrange the buckets in their place securely fasten on the straps. 6 I pour the water from the well with pails prepared and goodly straps, 7 Refresh the horses, win the prize before you: equip a chariot fraught with happy fortune. 8 Prepare the cow−stall, for there drink your heroes: stitch ye the coats of armour, wide and many. 9 Hither, for help, I turn the holy heavenly mind of you the Holy Gods, that longs for sacrifice. 10 Pour golden juice within the wooden vessel: with stone−made axes fashion ye and form it. 11 Between both poles the car−horse goes pressed closely, as in his dwelling moves the doubly−wedded. 12 Indra is he, O men, who gives us happiness: sport, urge the giver of delight to win us strength

2 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worship, furthering us, best Offerer, meet for honour. 3 In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest with much wealth as with an army, 4 They who approached the God's abode with homage, eager for glory, won them perfect glory: 5 On earth the people magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial and terrestrial riches. 6 Dear priest among mankind, adorable Agni hath seated him, joy−giver, skilled in worship. 7 Longing for bliss, pure−minded, God−devoted, Agni, we seek thee, such, meet to be lauded. 8 Sage of mankind, all peoples' Lord and Master, the Bull of men, the sender down of blessings, 9 Agni, the mortal who hath toiled and worshipped, brought thee oblations with his kindled fuel, 10 Mightily let us worship thee the Mighty, with reverence, Agni! fuel and oblations, 11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with splendour and with thy glories, glorious and triumphant. 12 Vouchsafe us ever, as man needs, O Vasu, abundant wealth of kine for son and offspring. 13 May I obtain much wealth in many places by love of thee and through thy grace, King Agni;

2 This Purusa is all that yet hath been and all that is to be; 3 So mighty is his greatness; yea, greater than this is Purusa. 4 With three−fourths Purusa went up: onefourth of him again was here. 5 From him Viraj was born; again Purusa from Viraj was born. 6 When Gods prepared the sacrifice with Purusa as their offering, 7 They balmed as victim on the grass Purusa born in earliest time. 8 From that great general sacrifice the dripping fat was gathered up. 9 From that great general sacrifice Rcas and Sama−hymns were born: 10 From it were horses born, from it all cattle with two rows of teeth: 11 When they divided Purusa how many portions did they make? 12 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rajanya made. 13 The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth; 14 Forth from his navel came mid−air the sky was fashioned from his head 15 Seven fencing−sticks had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were prepared, 16 Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim these were the carliest holy ordinances.

2 As vast as all this world is in its compass, deep as it is, with its far−stretching surface, 3 For ye have won a blessed name together: yea, with one aim ye strove, O Vrtra−slayers. 4 Both stand adorned, when fires are duly kindled, spreading the sacred grass, with lifted ladles. 5 The brave deeds ye have done, Indra and Agni, the forms ye have displayed and mighty exploits, 6 As first I said when choosing you, in battle we must contend with Asuras for this Soma. 7 If in your dwelling, or with prince or Brahman, ye, Indra−Agni, Holy Ones, rejoice you, 8 If with, the Yadus, Turvasas, ye sojourn, with Druhyus, Anus, Purus, Indra−Agni! 9 Whether, O Indra−Agni, ye be dwelling in lowest earth, in central, or in highest. 10 Whether, O Indra−Agni, ye be dwelling in highest earth, in central, or in lowest, 11 Whether ye be in heaven, O Indra−Agni, on earth, on mountains, in the herbs, or waters, 12 If, when the Sun to the mid−heaven hath mounted, ye take delight in food, O Indra−Agni, 13 Thus having drunk your fill of our libation, win us all kinds of wealth, Indra and Agni.

2 This Steed which Yama gave hath Trita harnessed, and him, the first of all, hath Indra mounted. 3 Yama art thou, O Horse; thou art Aditya; Trita art thou by secret operation. 4 Three bonds, they say, thou hast in heaven that bind thee, three in the waters, 5 Here−, Courser, are the places where they groomed thee, here are the traces of thy hoofs as winner. 6 Thyself from far I recognized in spirit,−a Bird that from below flew through the heaven. 7 Here I beheld thy form, matchless in glory, eager to win thee food at the Cow's station. 8 After thee, Courser, come the car, the bridegroom, the kine come after, and the charm of maidens. 9 Horns made of gold hath he: his feet are iron: less fleet than he, though swift as thought, is Indra. 10 Symmetrical in flank, with rounded haunches, mettled like heroes, the Celestial Coursers 11 A body formed for flight hast thou, O Charger; swift as the wind in motion is thy spirit. 12 The strong Steed hath come forward to the slaughter, pondering with a mind directed God−ward. 13 The Steed is come unto the noblest mansion, is come unto his Father and his Mother.

2 Rise up, O Savitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man while sacrifice is offered, 3 Let Savitar the God he hymned with praises, to whom the Vasus, even, all sing glory. 4 Even he whom Aditi the Goddess praises, rejoicing in God Savitar's incitement: 5 They who come emulous to our oblation, dispensing bounty, from the earth and heaven. 6 This may the Lord of Life, entreated, grant us,−the wealth which Savitar the God possesses. 7 Bless us the Vajins when we call, while slowly they move, strong Singers, to the Gods' assembly. 8 Deep−skilled in Law eternal, deathless, Singers, O Vajins, help us in each fray for booty. 2 Soft to the tread, their sacred grass is scattered: these go like Kings amid the band around them, 3 Here on their path the noble Gods proceeded: in the wide firmament the Beauteous decked them. 4 For they are holy aids at sacrifices: all Gods approach the place of congregation. 5 Agni, to these men's hymns, from earth, from heaven, bring Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Agni, 6 Even as the holy wish, the gift is offered: may he, unsated, come when men desire him. 7 Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasisthas; and holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni.

2 Supreme in sovran power, far−sighted, Chiefs and Kings, most swift to hear from far away, 3 The rapid messenger who runs before you, Mitra−Varuna, with iron head, swift to the draught, 4 He whom no man may question, none may summon back, who stands not still for colloquy,− 5 To Aryaman and Mitra sing a reverent song, O pious one, 6 The true, Red Treasure they have sent, one only Son born of the Three. 7 My songs are lifted up, and acts most splendid are to be performed. 8 Lords of great wealth, when we invoke your bounty which no demon checks, 9 Come, Vayu, drawn by fair hymns, to our sacrifice that reaches heaven. 10 He comes by straightest paths, as ministering Priest, to taste the sacrificial gifts. 11 Verily, Surya, thou art great; truly, Aditya, thou art great. 12 Yea, Surya, thou art great in fame thou evermore, O God, art great. 13 She yonder, bending lowly down, clothed in red hues and rich in rays, 14 Past and gone are three mortal generations: the fourth and last into the Sun hath entered. 15 The Rudras' Mother, Daughter of the Vasus, centre of nectar, the Adityas' Sister− 16 Weak−minded men have as a cow adopted me who came hither from the Gods, a Goddess,

2 May the stone draw thee as it speaks, the Soma−stone with ringing voice. 3 The stones' rim shakes the Soma here like a wolf worrying a sheep. 4 The Kanvas call thee hitherward for succour and to win the spoil. 5 I set for thee, as for the Strong, the first draught of the juices shed. 6 Come with abundant blessings, come with perfect care to succour us. 7 Come, Lord of lofty thought, who hast infinite wealth and countless aids. 8 Adorable mid Gods, the Priest good to mankind shall bring thee near. 9 As wings the falcon, so thy Bays rushing in joy shall carry thee. 10 Come from the enemy to us, to svaha and the Soma−draught. 11 Come hither with thine car inclined to hear, take pleasure in our lauds. 12 Lord of well−nourished Horses, come with well−fed Steeds alike in hue. 13 Come hither from the mountains, come from regions of the sea of air. 14 Disclose to us O Hero, wealth in thousands both of kine and steeds. 15 Bring riches hitherward to us in hundreds, thousands, myriads. 16 The thousand steeds, the mightiest troop, which we and Indra have received 17 The brown that match the wind in speed, and bright bay coursers fleet of foot, 18 Mid the Pargvata's rich gifts, swift steeds whose wheels run rapidly,

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

2 Tlou shalt be Aditi as thou hast entered within, appeaser of celestial anger. 3 We have drunk Soma and become immortal; we have attained the light, the Gods discovered. 4 Absorbed into the heart, be sweet, O Indu, as a kind father to his son, O Soma, 5 These glorious drops that give me freedom have I drunk. Closely they knit my joints as straps secure a c 6 Make me shine bright like fire produced by friction: give us a clearer sight and make us better. 7 May we enjoy with an enlivened spirit the juice thou givest, like ancestral riches. 8 King Soma, favour us and make us prosper: we are thy devotees; of this be mindful. 9 For thou hast settled in each joint, O Soma, aim of men's eyes and guardian of our bodies. 10 May I be with the Friend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of Bays! when quaffed will never harm me 11 Our maladies have lost their strength and vanished: they feared, and passed away into the darkness. 13 Associate with the Fathers thou, O Soma, hast spread thyself abroad through earth and heaven. 14 Give us your blessing, O ye Gods' preservers. Never may sleep or idle talk control us. 15 On all sides,. Soma, thou art our life−giver: aim of all eyes, light−finder, come within us.

1 LET thy Bay Steeds bring thee, the Strong, hither to drink the Soma draught− Those, Indra, who are 2 Here are the grains bedewed with oil: hither let the Bay Coursers bring 3 Indra at early morn we call, Indra in course of sacrifice, 4 Come hither, with thy long−maned Steeds, O Indra, to− the draught we pour 5 Come thou to this our song of praise, to the libation poured for thee 6 Here are the drops of Soma juice expressed on sacred grass: thereof 7 Welcome to thee be this our hymn, reaching thy heart, most excellent: 8 To every draught of pressed−out juice Indra, the Vrtra−slayer, comes, 9 Fulfil, O Satakratu, all our wish with horses and with kine: 1 I CRAVE help from the Imperial Lords, from Indra−Varuna; may they 2 Guardians of men, ye ever come with ready succour at the call 3 Sate you, according to your wish, O Indra−Varuna, with wealth: 4 May we be sharers of the powers, sharers of the benevolence 5 Indra and Varuna, among givers of thousands, meet for praise, 6 Through their protection may we gain great store of wealth, and heap it up 7 O Indra−Varuna, on you for wealth in many a form I call: 8 O Indra−Varuna, − through our songs that seek to win you to ourselves, 9 O Indra−Varuna, to you may fair praise which I offer come,

2 Adhvaryus, he ye ready with oblations,, and come with longing to the longing Waters, 3 Go to the reservoir, O ye Adhvaryus worship the Waters' Child with your oblations. 4 He who shines bright in floods, unfed with fuel, whom sages worship at their sacrifices: 5 Those in which Soma joys and is delighted, as a young man with fair and pleasant damsels. 6 So maidens bow before the youthful gallant who comes with love to them who yearn to meet him. 7 He who made room for you when fast imprisoned, who freed you from the mighty imprecation,− 8 Send forth to him the meath−rich wave, O Rivers, which is your offspring and a well of sweetness, 9 Send forth the rapture−giving wave, O Rivers, which Indra drinks, which sets the Twain in motion; 10 These winding Streams which with their double current, like cattle−raiders, seek the lower pastures,− 11 Send forth our sacrifice with holy worship send forth the hymn and prayer for gain of riches. 12 For, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures: ye bring auspicious intellect and Amrta. 13 When I behold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them milk and mcath and butter, 14 Rich, they are come with wealth for living beings, O friends, Adhvaryus, seat them in their places. 15 Now to this grass are come the longing Waters: the Pious Ones are seated at our worsh

27 For so much bliss, or even more, O Asvins, Wealthy Gods, than this, 28 Ascend your car with golden seat, O Asvins, and with reins of gold, 29 Golden is its supporting shaft, the axle also is of gold, 30 Thereon, ye Lords of ample wealth, come to us even from afar, 31 From far away ye come to us, Asvins, enjoying plenteous food 32 With splendour, riches, and renown, O Asvins, hither come to us, 33 May dappled horses, steeds who fly with pinions, bring you hitherward 34 The whcel delayeth not that car of yours accompanied by song, 35 Borne on that chariot wrought of gold, with coursers very fleet of foot, 36 O Wealthy Gods, ye taste and find the brisk and watchful wild beast good. 37 As such, O Asvins, find for me my share of new−presented gifts, 38 He who hath given me for mine own ten Kings like gold to look upon. 39 No man, not any, goes upon the path on which the Cedis walk. 2 When the priests, strengthening the Son of Holy Law, present their gifts, 3 Since Kanvas with their lauds have made Indra complete the sacrifice. 4 Before his hot displeasure all the peoples, all the men, bow down, 5 This power of his shone brightly forth when Indra brought together, like 6 The fiercely−moving Vrtra's head he severed with his thunderbolt, 7 Here are−we sing them loudly forth−our thoughts among−the best of songs.

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

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

2 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 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,

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 Readily have the purple beams of light shot up; the Red Cows have they harnessed, easy to be yoked. 3 They sing their song like women active in their tasks, along their common path hither from far away, 4 She, like a dancer, puts her broidered garments on: as a cow yields her udder so she bares her breast. 5 We have beheld the brightness of her shining; it spreads and drives away the darkiorne monster. 6 We have o'erpast the limit of this darkness; Dawn breaking forth again brings clear perception. 7 The Gotamas have praised Heaven's radiant Daughter, the leader of the charm of pleasant voices. 8 O thou who shinest forth in wondrous glory, urged onward by thy strength, auspicious Lady, 9 Bending her looks on all the world, the Goddess shines, widely spreading with her bright eye westward. 10 Ancient of days, again again born newly, decking her beauty with the self−same raiment. 11 She hath appeared discovering heaven's borders: to the far distance she drives off her Sister. 12 The bright, the blessed One shines forth extending her rays like kine, as a flood rolls his waters. 13 O Dawn enriched with ample wealth, bestow on us the wondrous gift 14 Thou radiant mover of sweet sounds, with wealth of horses and of kine 15 O Dawn enriched with holy rites, yoke to thy car thy purple steeds, 16 O Asvins wonderful in act, do ye unanimous direct 17 Ye who brought down the hymn from heaven, a light that giveth light to man, 18 Hither may they who wake at dawn bring, to drink Soma both the Gods

2 May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart−gladdening son, my song that lauds her. 3 In spirit him, the Sagest of the Sages; with sacrificial oil and meath bedew him 4 With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, prosperity, Lord of Bays! and pious patrons; 5 God Bhaga, Savitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they who conquer Vrtra's treasures, 6 Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor whom the Maruts follow. 7 Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brhaspati distributor of treasures, 8 Tended, Brhaspati, with thy protections, the princes are unharmed and girt by heroes. 9 Make their wealth flee who, through our hymns enjoying their riches, yield us not an ample guerdon. 10 With wheelless chariots drive down him, O Maruts, who at the feasts of Gods regards the demons. 11 Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord of every balm that bealeth. 12 May the House−friends, the cunning−handed Artists, may the Steer's Wives, the streams carved out by 13 My newest song, thought that now springs within me, I offer to the Great, the Sure Protector, 14 Now, even now, may thy fair praise, O Singer, attain Idaspati who roars and thunders, 15 May this my laud attain the troop of Maruts, those who are youths in act, the Sons of Rudra. 16 May this my laud reach earth and air's mid−region, and forest trees and plants to win me riches. 17 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 18 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

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

2 The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent. 3 Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni, 4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter, 5 Because thou, Agni, Jatavedas, stoodest at the world's head with thy refulgent splendour, 6 Head of the world is Agni in the night−time; then, as the Sun, at morn springs up and rises. 7 Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent. 8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation. 9 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures, 10 Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vig 11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Surya, Son of Aditi, in heaven, 12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaisvanara to be the days' bright Banner,− 13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaisvanara whom age ne'er touches. 14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaisvanara the ever−beaming, 15 I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals. 16 These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit 17 Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite−leaders? 18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters? 19 As great as is the fair−winged Morning's presence to him who dwells beside us, matarisvan!

2 What am I now to do with this thy saying? I have gone from thee like the first of Mornings. 3 Like a shaft sent for glory from the quiver, or swift−steed winning cattle winning hundreds. 4 Giving her husband's father life and riches, from the near dwelling, when her lover craved her, 5 Thrice in the day didst thou embrace thy consort, though coldly she received thy fond caresses. 6 The maids Sujirni, Sreni, Sumne−api, Charanyu, Granthini, and Hradecaksus,− 7 While he was born the Dames sate down together, the Rivers with free kindness gave him nurture; 8 When I, a mortal, wooed to mine embraces these heavenly nymphs who laid aside their raiment, 9 When, loving these Immortal Ones, the mortal hath converse with the nymphs as they allow him. 10 She who flashed brilliant as the falling lightning brought me delicious presents from the waters. 11 Thy birth hath made me drink from earthly milch−kine: this power, Pururavas, hast thou vouchsafed m 12 When will the son be born and seek his father? Mourner−like, will he weep when first he knows him? 13 I will console him when his tears are falling: he shall not weep and cry for care that blesses. 14 Thy lover shall flee forth this day for ever, to seek, without return, the farthest distance. 15 Nay, do not die, Pururavas, nor vanish: let not the evil−omened wolves devour thee. 16 When amid men in altered shape I sojourned, and through four autumns spent the nights among them, 17 I, her best love, call Urvasi to meet me, her who fills air and measures out the region. 18 Thus speak these Gods to thee, O son of Ila: As death hath verily got thee for his subject,

2 May Narasamsa lighting up the chambers, bright in his majesty through threefold heaven, 3 Adored in heart, as is thy right, O Agni, serve the Gods first to−day before the mortal. 4 O Grass divine, increasing, rich in heroes, strewn for wealth' sake, well laid upon this altar,− 5 Wide be the Doors, the Goddesses, thrown open, easy to pass, invoked, through adorations, 6 Good work for us, the glorious Night and Morning, like female weavers, waxen from aforetime, 7 Let the two heavenly Heralds, first, most wise, most fair, present oblation duly with the sacred verse, 8 Sarasvati who perfects our devotion, Ila divine, Bharati all surpassing,− 9 Born is the pious hero swift of hearing, like gold in hue, well formed, and full of vigour. 10 Vanaspati shall stand anear and start us, and Agni with his arts prepare oblation. 11 Oil has been mixt: oil is his habitation. In oil he rests: oil is his proper province. 2 Bhrgus who served him in the home of waters set him of old in houses of the living. 3 Among the tribes of men the Gods placed Agni as a dear Friend when they would dwell among them. 4 Sweet is his growth as of one's own possessions; his look when rushing fain to burn is lovely. 5 Since they who honour me have praised my greatness,−he gave, as 'twere, his hue to those who love hi 6 Like one athirst, he lighteth up the forests; like water down the chariot ways he roareth. 7 Around, consuming the broad earth, he wanders, free roaming like an ox without a herdsman,− 8 I, in remembrance of thine ancient favour have sung my hymn in this our third assembly. 9 May the Grtsamadas, serving in secret, through thee, O Agni, overcome their neighbours,

2 Whom, well−dis sed, the Blirgus stablished as a rriend, whom men must glorify, high−flaming in the w 3 Be thou the foeless helper of the skilful man, subduer of the enemy near or far away. 4 Him, your refulgent guest, Agni who comes from heaven, the Herald of mankind, well−skilled in sacred 5 Who with his purifying, eye−attracting form hath shone upon the earth as with the light of Dawn; 6 Worship ye Agni, Agni, with your log of wood; praise your beloved, your beloved guest with songs. 7 Agni inflamed with fuel in my song I sing, pure, Cleanser, steadlast, set in tront at sacrifice. 8 Men, Agni, in each age have made thee, Deathiess One, their envoy, offering−bearer, guard adorable. 9 Thou, Agni, ordering the works and ways of both, as envoy of the Gods traversest both the worlds. 10 Him fair of face, rapid, and fair to look on, him very wise may we who know not follow. 11 Him, Agni, thou deliverest and savest who brings him prayer to thee the Wise, O Hero, 12 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us, O thou Victor, from dishonour. 13 Agni, the Priest, is King, Lord of the homestead, he, Jatayedas, knows all generations. 14 Whate'er to−day thou, bright−flamed Priest, enjoyest from the man's rite−for thou art sacrificer− 15 Look thou upon the viands duly laid for thee. Fain would he set thee here to worship Heaven and,Earth 16 Together with all Gods, O fair−faced Agni, be seated first upon the woollined altar, 17 Here the arranging priests, as did Atharvan, rub this Agni forth, 18 For the Gods' banquet be thou born, for full perfection and for weal. 19 O Agni, Lord and Master of men's homesteads, with kindled fuel we have made thee mighty.

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

20 Two Birds with fair wings, knit with bonds of friendship, in the same sheltering tree have found a refu 21 Where those fine Birds hymn ceaselessly their portion of life eternal, and the sacred synods, 22 The, tree whereon the fine Birds eat the sweetness, where they all rest and procreate their offspring,− 23 How on the Gayatri. the Gayatri was based, how from the Tristup they fashioned the Tristup forth, 24 With Gayatri he measures out the praise−song, Sama with praise−song, triplet with the Tristup. 25 With Jagati the flood in heaven he stablished, and saw the Sun in the Rathantara Saman. 26 I invocate the milch−cow good for milking so that the milker, deft of hand, may drain her. 27 She, lady of all treasure, is come hither yearning in spirit for her calf and lowing. 28 The cow hath lowed after her blinking youngling; she licks his forehead, as she lows, to form it. 29 He also snorts, by whom encompassed round the Cow laws as she clings unto the shedder of the rain. 30 That which hath breath and speed and life and motion lies firmly stablished in the midst of houses. 31 I saw the Herdsman, him who never stumbles, approaching by his pathways and departing. 32 He who hath made him cloth not comprehend him: from him who saw him surely is he hidden. 33 Dyaus is my Father, my begetter: kinship is here. This great earth is my kin and Mother. 35 This altar is the earth's extremest limit; this sacrifice of ours is the world's centre. 36 Seven germs unripened yet are heaven's prolific, seed: their functions they maintain by Visnu's ordinan 37 What thing I truly am I know not clearly: mysterious, fettered in my mind I wander. 38 Back, forward goes he, grasped by strength inherent, the Immortal born the brother of the mortal 39 Upon what syllable of holy praise−song, as twere their highest heaven, the Gods repose them,− 40 Forunate mayst thou be with goodly pasture, and may we also be exceeding wealthy.

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

2 As rapid chariot−steeds, so turned in several ways have thine exhilarating juices darted forth, 3 Like a steed urged to battle, finder of the light; speed onward to the cloud−born reservoir of heaven, 4 Fleet as swift steeds, thy drops, divine, thought−swift, have been, O Pavamana, poured with milk into th 5 O thou who seest all things, Sovran as thou art and passing strong, thy rays encompass all abodes. 6 The beams of Pavamana, sent from earth and heaven, his ensigns who is ever steadfast, travel round. 7 Served with fair rites he flows, ensign of sacrifice: Soma advances to the special place of Gods. 8 The Sovran dips him in the seain and the streams, and set in rivers with the waters' wave moves on. 9 He on whose high decree the heavens and earth depend nath roared and thundered like the summit of th 10 He, light of sacrifice distils delicious meath, most wealthy, Father and begetter of the Gods. 11 The vigorous and far−seeing one, the Lord of heaven, flows, shouting to the beaker, with his thousand 12 In forefront of the rivers Pavamana speeds, in forefront of the hymn, foremost among the kine. 13 This heedful Pavamana, like a bird sent forth, hath with his wave flowed onward to the fleecy sieve. 14 He, clad in mail that reaches heaven, the Holy One, filling the firmament stationed amid the worlds, 15 He who was first of all to penetrate his form bestowed upon his race wide shelter and defence. 16 Indu hath started for Indra's special place and slights not as a Friend the promise of his Friend. 17 Your songs, exhilarating, tuneful, uttering praise, are come into the placns where the people meet. 18 O Soma, Indu, while they cleanse thee, pour on us accumulateds Plentiful, nutritious food, 19 Far−seeing Soma flows, the Steer, the Lord of hymns, the Furtherer of day, of morning, and of heaven. 20 On, with the prudent singers, flows the ancient Sage and guided by the men hath roared about the vats.

21 He, being purified, hath made the Mornings shine: this, even this is he who gave the rivers room. 22 Flow, onward, Soma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, Indu, poured within the beaker and the sieve. 23 Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, O Indu, entering the depths of Indra's throat. 24 In thee, O Soma, while thou purifitedst thee, high−thoughted sages, seeking favour, have rejoiced. 25 Seven Milch−kine glorify the Tawny−coloured One while with his wave in wool he purifies himself. 26 Indu, attaining purity, plunges through the foe, making Ilis ways all easy for the pious man. 27 The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams sing, as they hasten near, to him the 28 These are thy generations of celestial seed thou art the Sovran Lord of all the world of life. 29 Thou art the sea, O Sage who bringest alf to light: under thy Law are these five regions of the world. 30 Thou in the filter, Soma Pavamana, art purified to support the region for the Gods. 31 Onward the Singer travels o'er the fleecy sieve. the Tawny Steer hath bellowed in the wooden vats. 32 He hath assumed the rays of Surya for his robe, spinning, as he knows bow, the triply−twisted thread. 33 On flows the King of rivers and the Lord of heaven: he follows with a shout the paths of Holy Law. 34 Fain to be cleansed, thou, Pavamana, pourest out, like wondrous Surya, through the fleece, an ample se 35 Thou, Pavamana, sendest food and power in streams. thou sittest in the beakers as a hawk on trees, 36 The Sisters Seven, the Mothers, stand around the Babe, the noble, new−born Infant, skilled in holy son 37 As Sovran Lord thereof thou Passest through these worlds, O Indu, harnessing thy tawny well−winged 38 O Soma, thou beholdest men from every side: O Pavamana, Steer, thou wanderest through these. 39 Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as impregner, Indu, mid the worlds of life.