Rig Veda on Wealth

2 The Maruts, yea, the Rudras, who have mounted their famous spotted deer and cars swift−moving,− 3 Though vast and tall, the mountain is affrighted, the height of heaven is shaken at your roaring 4 They, like young suitors, sons of wealthy houses, have with their golden natures decked their bodies. 5 None being eldest, none among them youngest, as brothers they have grown to happy fortune. 6 Whether, O blessed Maruts, ye be dwelling in highest, midmost, or in lowest heaven, 7 O Maruts, Lords of all, when Agni and when ye drive downward from sublimest heaven along the heigh 8 O Agni, with the Maruts as they gleam and sing, gathered in troop, rejoicing drink the Soma juice;

1 O WORTHY of oblation, Lord of prospering powers, assume thy robes, 2 Sit ever to be chosen, as our Priest., most youthful, through our hymns, 3 For here a Father for his son, Kinsman for kinsman worshippeth, 4 Fiere let the foe−destroyers sit, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 5 O ancient Herald, be thou glad in this our rite and fellowship: 6 Whate'er in this perpetual course we sacrifice to God and God, 7 May he be our dear household Lord, Priest, pleasant and, choice−worthy may 8 The Gods, adored with brilliant fires. have granted precious wealth to us 9 And, O Immortal One, so may the eulogies of mortal men 10 With all thy fires, O Agni, find pleasure in this our sacrifice,

2 They bear you hither by well−orderd statute: our sacred offerings rise as if to parents. 3 With lightly−rolling car and well−yoked horses hear this, the press−stone's song, ye Wonder−Workers. 4 Remember us, and come to us, for ever men, as their wont is, invocate the Asvins. 5 Even through many regions, O ye Asvins high praise is yours among mankind, ye Mighty− 6 Ancient your home, auspicious is your friendship: Heroes, your wealth is with the house of Jahnu. 7 O Asvins, Very Mighty ones, with Vayu and with his steeds, one−minded, ever−youthful, 8 Asvins, to you are brought abundant viands in rivalry with sacred songs, unceasing. 9 Asvins, your Soma sheds delicious sweetness: drink ye thereof and come unto our dwelling.

2 O Agni, Indra, Varuna, and Mitra, give, O ye Gods, and Marut host, and Visnu. 3 Indra and Agni, Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the Waters, Mountains, Maruts, Sky, and Earth and Heaven, 4 May Visnu also and Vata who injures none, and Soma granter of possessions give us joy; 5 So may the band of Maruts dwelling in the sky, the holy, come to us to sit on sacred grass; 6 And may the Mountains famed in noble eulogies, and the fair−gleaming Rivers keep us safe from harm. 7 May the Gods' Spouses aid us of their own freewill, aid us to offspring and the winning of the spoil. 8 May the Dames, wives of Gods, enjoy our presents, Rat, Asvini, Agnayi, and Indrani.

1 As a good cow to him who milks, we call the doer of fair deeds, 2 Come thou to our libations, drink of Soma; Soma−drinker thou! 3 So may we be acquainted with thine innermost benevolence: 4 Go to the wise unconquered One, ask thou of Indra, skilled in song, 5 Whether the men who mock us say, Depart unto another place, 6 Or whether, God of wondrous deeds, all our true people call us blest, 7 Unto the swift One bring the swift, man−cheering, grace of sacrifice, 8 Thou, Satakratu, drankest this and wast the Vrtras' slayer; thou 9 We strengthen, Satakratu, thee, yea, thee the powerful in fight, 10 To him the mighty stream of wealth, prompt friend ot'him who pours the juice,

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

1 SPEAK forth three words, the words which light precedeth, which milk this udder that produceth nectar 2 Giver of growth to plants, the God who ruleth over the waters and all moving creatures, 3 Now he is sterile, now begetteth offspring, even as he willeth doth he change his figure. 4 In him all living creatures have their being, and the three heavens with triplyflowing waters. 5 May this my song to Sovran Lord Parjanya come near unto his heart and give him pleasure. May we obt 1 SING forth and laud Parjanya, son of Heaven, who sends the gift of rain 2 Parjanya is the God who forms in kine, in mares, in plants of earth, 3 Offer and pour into his mouth oblation rich in savoury juice:

1 INDRA the singers with high praise, Indra reciters with their lauds, 2 Indra hath ever close to him his two bay steeds and word−yoked car, 3 Indra hath raised the Sun on high in heaven, that he may see afar: 4 Help us, O Indra, in the frays, yea, frays, where thousand spoils are gained, 5 In mighty battle we invoke Indra, Indra in lesser fight, 6 Unclose, our manly Hero, thou for ever bounteous, yonder cloud, 7 Still higher, at each strain of mine, thunder−armed Indra's praises rise: 8 Even as the bull drives on the herds, he drives the people with his might, 9 Indra who rules with single sway men, riches, and the fivefold race 10 For your sake from each side we call Indra away from other men:

2 Arrows with hundred points, unconquerable, are this Indra's n−dghty arms in war. 3 What time the flowing Soma−drops have gladdened with their taste the Friend, 4 To him the peerless, who is calling you to give you aid, forth flow the drops of pleasant meath. 5 He rushes hurrying like a steed to Soma that adorns our rite, 6 Praise the strong, grasping Hero, winner of the spoil, ruling supreme oer mighty wealth. 7 Now whether thou be far away, or in the heavens, or on the earth, 8 The Bays who draw thy chariot, Steeds who injure none, surpass the wind's impetuous strength− 9 O gracious Hero, may we learn anew to know thee as thou art: 10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva at the sacred feast, to Dirghanitha thine home−friend,

20 The singers, seeking help, adorn the Sage who must be decked with songs: 21 The singers with their thoughts and hymns have, in the stream of sacrifice, 22 God, working with mankind, flow on; to Indra go thy gladdening juice: 23 O Soma, Pavamana, thou pourest out wealth that brings renown: 24 Soma thou flowest chasing foes and bringing wisdom and delight: 25 The Pavamanas have been poured, the brilliant drops of Soma juice, 26 The Pavamanas have been shed, the beautiful swift Soma−drops, 27 From, heaven, from out the firmament, hath Pavamana been effused 28 O Soma, Indu, very wise, drive, being purified, with thy stream 29 Driving the Raksasas afar, O Soma, bellowing, pour for us 30 Soma, do thou secure for us the treasures of the earih and heaven,

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

1 They who stand round him as he moves harness the bright, the ruddy Steed 2 On both sides to the car they yoke the two bay coursers dear to him, 3 Thou, making light where no light was, and form, O men: where form was not, 4 Thereafter they, as is their wont, threw off the state of' babes unborn, 5 Thou, Indra, with the Tempest−Gods, the breakers down of what is firm ' 6 Worshipping even as they list, singers laud him who findeth wealth, 7 Mayest thou verily be seen coming by fearless Indra's side: 8 With Indra's well beloved hosts, the blameless, hastening to heaven, 9 Come from this place, O Wanderer, or downward from the light of heaven: 10 Indra we seek to give us help, from here, from heaven above the earth,

2 Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters, 3 Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon's slayer, sent forth the flood of waters to the ocean. 4 To him who worshippeth hath Indra given many and matchless gifts. He slayeth Vrtra. 5 To him who poured him gifts he gave up Surya,−Indra, the God, the Mighty, to the mortal; 6 Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa, he gave up greedy Surya, plague of harvest; 7 So have we brought our hymn to thee, O Indra, strengthening thee and fain ourselves for glory. 8 Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, O Hero, have wrought their hymn and task as seeking favour. 9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee,

2 Waxing greatness Indra slayeth Vrtra: the Hero with his aid hath helped the singer. He gave S 4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, O Indra, even both the worlds with might, O thou Most Mighty. 5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly. 6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God's terrific spirit. 7 Whene'er the elder fain would help the younger the greater cometh to the lesser's present. 8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, thy friends, O Thunder−wielder. 9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us.

2 Lauded by many, much−invoked, leader of song, renowned of old: 3 Indra the Dancer be to us the giver of abundant strength: 4 Indra whose jaws are strong hath drunk of worshipping Sudaksa's draught, 5 Call Indra loudly with your songs of praise to drink the Soma juice. 6 When he hath drqnk its gladdening drops, the God with vigour of a God 7 Thou speedest down to succour us this ever−conquering God of yours, 8 The Warrior not to he restrained, the Soma−drinker ne'er o'erthrown, 9 O Indra, send us riches, thou Omniscient, worthy of our praise: 10 Even thence, O 1ndra, come to us with food that gives a hundred powers, 11 We sought the wisdom of the wise. Sakra, Kine−giver, Thunder−armed! 12 We make thee, Satakratu, find enjoyment in the songs we sing.

2 Hither to newer. resting−place the ancient Living Ones are come. 3 O Pavamana, bring to us the unsacrificing foeman's wealth, 4 The living Somas being cleansed diffuse exhilarating drink, 5 Soma gows on intelligent, possessing sap and mighty strength, 6 For Indra, Soma! thou art cleansed, a feast−companion for the Gods: 7 When he had drunken draughts of this, Indra smote down resistless foes: 2 The milk hath run to meet them like floods rushing down a precipice: 3 O Soma Pavamana, thou art flowing to be Indra's drink: 4 Victorious, to be hailed with joy, O Soma, flow, delighting men, 5 Thou, Indu, when, effused by stones, thou runnest to the filter, art, 6 Flow on, best Vrtra−slayer; flow meet to be hailed with joyful lauds. 7 Pure, purifying is he called the Soma of the meath eflused,

2 Effused, he hath, as on a car, invested him in fleecy mail: 3 Effused, this Indu hath flowed on, distilling rapture, to the fleece: 4 For thou thyself, O Indu, God, to every mortal worshipper 5 Good Vrtra−slayer, may we be still nearest to this wealth of thine 6 Whom, bright with native splendour, crushed between the pair of pressingstones− 7 Him with the fleece they purify, brown, golden−hued, beloved of all, 8 Through longing for this sap of yours ye drink what brings ability, 9 Indu at holy rites produced you, Heaven and Earth, the Friends of men, 10 For Vrtra−slaying Indra, thou, Soma, art poured that he may drink, 11 These ancient Somas, at the break of day, have flowed into the sieve, 12 Friends, may the princes, ye and we, obtain this Most Resplendent One.

2 rn all thy forms, O Soma, rest thy powers that influence the heart. 3 Even if, O Soma, I neglect thy laws through my simplicity, 4 Our songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells. 5 O Soma, through thy might who art skilful and strong, these longing men, 6 Our herds thou guardest, Soma, and the moving world spread far and wide. 7 On all sides, Soma, be to us a Guardian ne'er to be deceived. 8 Be watchful, Soma, passing wise, to give us store of vital strength. 9 Chief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra's gracious Friend, 10 Victorious is this gladdening drink: to Indra dear it grows in strength. 11 This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from wealth in kine.

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 To Asamati, spring of gifts, lord of the brave, a radiant car, 3 Who, when the spear hath armed his hand, or even weaponless o'erthrows 4 Him in whose service flourishes Iksvaku, rich and dazzling−bright. 5 Indra, support the princely power of Rathaprosthas matched by none, 6 Thou for Agastya's sister's sons yokest thy pair of ruddy steeds. 7 This is the mother, this the sire, this one hath come to be thy life. 8 As with the leather thong they bind the chariot yoke to hold it fast, 9 Even as this earth, the mighty earth, holds fast the monarchs of the wood. 10 Subandlin's spirit I have brought from Yarna, from Vivasvan's Son, 11 The wind blows downward from on high, downward the Sun−God sends his heat, 12 Felicitous is this mine hand, yet more felicitous is this.

23 Ten horses and ten treasure−chests, ten garments as an added gift, 24 Ten cars with extra steed to each, for the Atharvans hundred cows, 25 Thus Srnjaya's son honoured the Bharadvajas, recipients of all noble gifts and bounty. 26 Lord of the wood, be firm and strong in body: be, bearing us, a brave victorious hero 27 Its mighty strength was borrowed from the heaven and earth: its conquering force was brought from 28 Thou Bolt of Indra, Vanguard of the Maruts, close knit to Varuna and Child of Mitra,− 29 Send forth thy voice aloud through earth and heaven, and let the world in all its breadth regard thee; 30 Thunder out strength and fill us full of vigour: yea, thunder forth and drive away all dangers. 31 Drive hither those, and these again bring hither: the War−drum speaks aloud as battle's signal.

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 Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty: let us do many deeds to bring us glory. 3 May we o'ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills over lowlands. 4 Give us not up as prey to death, O Sorna still let us look upon the Sun arising. 5 O Asuniti, keep the soul within us, and make the days we have to live yet longer. 6 Give us our sight again, O Asuniti, give us again our breath and our enjoyment. 7 May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and mid−air restore it. 8 May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of everlasting Law. 9 Health−giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and threes, 10 Drive forward thou the wagon−ox, O Indra, which brought Usinarani's wagon hither.

2 The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, 3 Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food and feeble. 4 No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing. 5 Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. 6 The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food −I speak the truth− shall be his ruin. 7 The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and with its feet cuts through the path it follo 8 He with one foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two−footed catches the three−footed. 9 The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of sister milch−kine is unequal.

23 We to the Mighty with our might, with lauds to him who hears our call, 24 Not earth, nor heaven, nor firmaments contain the Thunder−wielding God: 25 What time the Gods, O Indra, get thee foremost in the furious fight, 26 When Vrtra, stayer of the floods, thou si"est, Thundeicr with might, 27 When Visnu, through thine energy, strode wide those three great steps of his, 28 When thy two beautiful Bay Steeds grew great and greater day by day, 29 When, Indra, all the Marut folk humbly submitted them to thee, 30 When yonder Sun, that brilliant light, thou settest in the heaven above, 31 To thee, O Indra, with this thought the sage lifts up this eulogy, 32 When in thine own dear dwelling all gathered have lifted up the voice 33 As Priest, O Indra, give us wealth in brave men and good steeds ana kine

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 Thou wanderest far, O Indra, through the spheres of light and realms of earth, the region, thou whom m 3 More beautiful than beauty must this seem to me, when the son duly careth for his parents' line. 4 This beauteous place of meeting have I looked upon, where, like milch−cows, the kine order the marria 5 The Pious One hath reached your place before the rest: One only moves victorious with the Rudras' ban 6 He who maintains the Laws of God informed me that thou wast lying hidden in the waters. 7 The stranger asks the way of him who knows it: taught by the skilful guide he travels onward. 8 Even now he breathed: these days hath he remembered. Concealed, he sucked the bosom of his Mother. 9 O Kalasa, all these blessings will we bring them, O Kurusravana, who give rich presents.

2 Like two plough−bulls ye move along in traces, and seek like eager guests your bidder's banquet. 3 Like the two pinions of a bird, connected, like two choice animals, ye have sought our worship. 4 Ye are our kinsmen, like two sons, two fathers, strong in your splendour and like kings for conquest; 5 You are like two pleasantly moving well−fed (hills) like Mitra and Varuna, the two bestowers of felicity 6 You are like two mad elephants bending their forequarters and smiting the foe, like the two sons of Nito 7 Fierce (Asvins), like two powerful (heroes), you enable this moving, perishable mortal (frame) to cross 8 With your bellies full of the Soma, like two saucepans, preservers of wealth, destroyers of enemies. (yo 9 Like giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in depths, like feet for one who fords a shallow. Like c

2 The hymn shone brightly from the seat of worship: to the kine came the Bull, the Heifer's Offipring 3 Indra knows, verily, how to hear our singing, for he, victorious, made a path for Surya. 4 Praised by Angirases, Indra demolished with might the works of the great watery monster 5 The counterpart of heaven and earth is Indra: he knoweth all libations, slayeth Susna. 6 The Vrtra−slaver with his bolt felled Vrtra: the magic of the godless, waxen mighty, 7 When the Dawns come attendant upon Surya their rays discover wealth of divers colours. 8 Far have they gone, the first of all these waters, the waters that flowed forth when Indra sent them. 9 Thou didst free rivers swallowed by the Dragon; and rapidly they set themselves in motion, 10 Yearning together they have sped to Sindhu: the Fort−destroyer, praised, of old, hath loved them.

1 THOUGH e'en this heaven's wide space and earth have spread them out, nor heaven nor earth may be in 2 Like as the watery ocean, so doth he receive the rivers spread on all sides in their ample width. 3 Thou swayest, Indra, all kinds of great manly power, so as to bend, as't were, even that famed mountain 4 He only in the wood is praised by worshippers, when he shows forth to men his own fair Indra−power. 5 Yet verily the Warrior in his vigorous strength stirreth up with his might great battles for mankind; 6 Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, he with great might destroys the dwellings 7 Drinker of Soma, let thy heart incline to give; bring thy Bays hitherward, O thou who hearest praise. 8 Thou bearest in both hands treasure that never fails; the famed One in his body holds unvanquished mig

2 Our sires with lauds burst e'en the firmset fortress, yea, the Angirases, with roar, the mountain. 3 They stablished order, made his service fruitful; then parting them among the longing faithful, 4 Since Matarisvan, far−diffused, bath stirred him, and he in every house grown bright and noble, 5 When man poured juice to Heaven, the mighty Father, he knew and freed himself from close embracem 6 Whoso, bath flames for thee within his dwelling, or brings the worship which thou lovest daily, 7 All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the Seven mighty Rivers seek the ocean. 8 When light bath filled the Lord of men for increase, straight from the heaven descends the limpid moist 9 He who like thought goes swiftly on his journey, the Sun, alone is ever Lord of riches. 10 O Agni, break not our ancestral friendship, Sage as thou art, endowed with deepest knowledge.

2 Let us declare aloud the name of Ghrta, and at this sacrifice hold it up with homage. 3 Four are his horns, three are the feet that bear him; his heads are two, his hands are seven in number. 4 That oil in triple shape the Gods discovered laid down within the Cow, concealed by Panis. 5 From inmost reservoir in countless channels flow down these rivers which the foe beholds not. 6 Like rivers our libations flow together, cleansing themselves in inmost heart and spirit. 7 As rushing down the rapids of a river, flow swifter than the wind the vigorous currents, 9 As maidens dock themselves with gay adornment to join the bridal feast, I now behold them. 10 Send to our eulogy a herd of cattle bestow upon us excellent possessions. 11 The universe depends upon thy power and might within the sea, within the heart, within all life.

2 Like a steed neighing eager for the pasture, when he hath stepped forth from the great enclosure: 3 From thee a Bull but newly born, O Agni, the kindled everlasting flames rise upward. 4 Thou whose fresh lustre o'er the earth advanceth when greedily with thy jaws thy food thou eatest. 5 The men have decked him both at eve and morning, Most Youthful Agni, as they tend a courser. 6 O fair of face, beautiful is thine aspect when, very near at hand, like gold thou gleamest, 7 That we may worship, with your Hail to Agni! with sacrificial cakes and fat oblations, 8 Thine are resistless songs for him who offers, and hero−giving hymns wherewith thou savest; 9 When forth he cometh, like an axe new−sharpened, pure in his form, resplendent in his body, 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

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 High heaven unsupported in space he stablished: he filled the two worlds and the air's mid−region. 3 From front, as 'twere a house, he ruled and measured; pierced with his bolt the fountains of the rivers, 4 Compassing those who bore away Dabhiti, in kindled fire he burnt up all their weapons. 5 The mighty roaring flood he stayed from flowing, and carried those who swam not safely over. 6 With mighty power he made the stream flow upward, crushed with his thunderbolt the car of Usas, 7 Knowing the place wherein the maids were hiding, the outcast showed himself and stood before them. 8 Praised by the Angirases he slaughtered Vala, and burst apart the bulwarks of the mountain. 9 Thou, with sleep whelming Cumuri and Dhuni, slewest the Dasyu, keptest safe Dabhiti. 10 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty; 3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, 4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them a 5 He with his might made firm the forward−bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordaine 6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. 7 As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all. 8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours. 9 Now may that weaithy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 The Fathers, who drave forth the wealth in cattle, have in the year's courses cleft Vala by Eternal Law: 3 Ye raised the Sun to heaven by everlasting Law, and spread broad earth, the Mother, out on every side. 4 This kinsman in your dwellingplace speaks pleasant words: give car to this, ye Rsis, children of the God 5 Distinguished by their varied form, these Rsis have been deeply moved. 6 Distinguished by their varied form, they sprang from Agni, from the sky. 7 With Indra for associate the priests have cleared the stable full of steeds and kine, 8 May this man's sons be multiplied; like springing corn may Manu grow, 9 No one attains to him, as though a man would grasp the heights of heaven. 10 Yadu and Turva, too, have given two Dasas, well−disposed, to serve, 11 Blest be the hamlet's chief, most liberal Manu, and may his bounty rival that of Surya.

2 High up in heaven abide the Guerdon−givers: they who give steeds dwell with the Sun for ever. 3 Not from the niggards−for they give not fireely−comes Meed at sacrifice, Gods' satisfaction: 4 These who observe mankind regard oblation as streamy Vayu and light−finding Arka. 5 He who brings Guerdon comes as first invited: chief of the hamlet comes the Guerdon−bearer. 6 They call him Rsi, Brahman, Sama−chanter, reciter of the laud, leader of worship. 7 Guerdon bestows the horse, bestows the bullock, Guerdon bestows, moreover, gold that Rsisters. 8 The liberal die not, never are they ruined: the liberal suffer neither harm nor trouble. 9 First have the liberal gained a fragrant dwelling, and got themselves a bride in fair apparel. 10 They deck the fleet steed for the bounteous giver: the maid adorns herself and waits to meet him. 11 Steeds good at draught convey the liberal giver, and lightly rolling moves the car of Guerdon.

1 THE chanters hymn thee, they who say the word of praise magnify thee. 2 As up he clomb from ridge to ridge and looked upon the toilsome task, 3 Harness thy pair of strong bay steeds, long−maned, whose bodies fill the girths, 4 Come hither, answer thou the song, sing in approval, cry aloud. 5 To Indra must a laud be said, to strengthen him who freely gives, 6 Him, him we seek for friendship, him for riches and heroic might. 7 Easy to turn and drive away, Indra, is spoil bestowed by thee. 8 The heaven and earth contain thee not, together, in thy wrathful mood. 9 Hear, thou whose ear is quick, my call; take to thee readily my songs 10 We know thee mightiest of all, in battles hearer of our cry. 11 O Indra, Son of Kusika, drink our libation with delight. 12 Lover of song, may these our songs on every side encompass thee:

2 What hero hath been made his feast−companion? Who hath been partner in his loving−kindness? 3 How heareth Indra offered invocation? How, hearing, marketh he the invoker's wishes? 4 How doth the priest who laboureth, ever longing, win for himself the wealth which he possesseth? 5 How, and what bond of friendship with a mortal hath the God chosen as this morn is breaking? 6 Is then thy friendship with thy friends most mighty? Thy brotherhood with us, −when may we tell it? 7 About to stay the Indra−less destructive spirit he sharpens his keen arms to strike her. 8 Eternal Law hath varied food that strengthens; thought of eternal Law, removes transgressions. 9 Firm−seated are eternal Law's foundations in its fair form are many splendid beauties. 10 Fixing eternal Law he, too, upholds it swift moves the might of Law and wins the booty. 11 Now, Indra! lauded,− glorified with praises, let power swell high like rivers to the singer.

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

2 His Mother−for she knew−spake and proclaimed him who was about to cast his bolt at Vrtra. 3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Vrtra shot his deadly missile. 4 As with a bolt, Brhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vrkadvaras', the Asura's, heroes. 5 Cast down from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder wherewith in joy thou smitest dead the foeman. 6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain are the rich worshipper's advancers. 7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let us say, Press not the Soma; 8 Sarasvati, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our foemen, 9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,−aim at him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon. 10 Perform, O Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou hast to finish. 11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the company of Maruts,

37 O Child of Strength, to thee whose look is lovely we with dainty food, 38 To thee for shelter are we come, as to the shade from fervent heat 39 Mighty as one who slays with shafts, or like a bull with sharpened horn, 40 Whom, like an infant newly born, devourer, in their arms they bear, 41 Bear to the banquet of the Gods the God best finder−out of wealth, 42 In Jatavedas kindle ye the dear guest who hath now appeared 43 Harness, O Agni, O thou God, thy steeds which are most excellent: 44 Come hither, bring the Gods to us to taste the sacrificial feast, 45 O Agni of the Bharatas, blaze high with everlasting might, 46 The mortal man who serves the God with banquet, and, bringing gifts at sacrifice, lauds Agni, 47 Agni, we bring thee, with our hymn, oblation fashioned in the heart. 48 The Gods enkindle Agni, best slayer of Vrtra, first in rank,

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

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,

1 AGNI and Soma, mighty Pair, graciously hearken to my call, A 2 The man who honours you to−day, Agni and Soma, with this h 3 The man who offers holy oil and burnt oblations unto you, 4 Agni and Soma, famed is that your. prowess wherewith ye stole the kine, his food, from Pani. 5 Agni and Soma, joined in operation ye have set up the shining lights in heaven. 6 One of you Mitarisvan brought from heaven, the Falcon rent the other from the mountain. 7 Taste, Agni, Soma, this prepared oblation; accept it, Mighty Ones, and let it please you. 8 Whoso with oil and poured oblation honours, with God−devoted heart, Agni and Soma,− 9 Invoked together, mates in wealth, AgniSoma, accept our hymns: 10 Agni and Soma, unto him who worships you with holy oil 11 Agni and Sonia, be ye pleased with these oblations brought to you, 12 Agni and Soma, cherish well our horses, and let our cows be fat who yield oblations.

2 Bull, hurler of the four−edged rain−producer with both his arms, strong, mighty, most heroic; 3 God who of all the Gods was born divinest, endowed with ample strength and mighty powers, 4 Before the High God, at his birth, heaven trembled, earth, many floods and all the precipices. 5 These are thy great deeds, Indra, thine, the Mighty, deeds to be told aloud at all libations, 6 True are all these thy deeds, O Most Heroic. The Milch−kine issued from the streaming udder. 7 With joy, O Indra, Lord of Tawny Coursers, the Sisters then, these Goddesses, extolled thee, 8 Pressed is the gladdening stalk as 'twere a river: so let the rite, the toiler's power, attract thee 9 Ever by us perform thy most heroic, thine highest, best victorious deeds, O Victor. 10 Graciously listen to our prayer, O Indra, and strength of varied sort bestow thou on us. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let wealth swell hiah like rivers to the singer.

2 To be invoked and hymned in fight with Vrtra, that well−praised Indra gives us real bounties. 3 Him, verily, the men invoke in combat; risking their lives they make him their protector, 4 Strong God! the folk at need put forth their vigour, striving together in the whirl of battle. 5 Hence many a one worships the might of Indra: hence let the brew succeed the meal−oblation. 6 Indra gives comfort to the man who truly presses, for him who longs fot it, the Soma, 7 He who this day for Indra presses Soma, prepares the brew and fries the grains of barley− 8 When the impetuous chief hath sought the confliet, and the lord looked upon the long−drawn battle, 9 He bid a small price for a thing of value: I was content, returning, still unpurchased. 10 Who for ten milch−kine purchaseth from rne this Indra who is mine? 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let wealth swell high like rivers for the singer.

2 May the auspicious favour of the Gods be ours, on us descend the bounty of the righteous Gods. 3 We call them hither with a hymn of olden time, Bhaga, the friendly Daksa, Mitra, Aditi, 4 May the Wind waft to us that pleasant medicine, may Earth our Mother give it, and our Father Heaven, 5 Him we invoke for aid who reigns supreme, the Lord of all that stands or moves, inspirer of the soul, 6 Illustrious far and wide, may Indra prosper us: may Pusan prosper us, the Master of all wealth. 7 The Maruts, Sons of Prani, borne by spotted steeds, moving in glory, oft visiting holy rites, 8 Gods, may we with our ears listen to what is good, and with our eyes see what is good, ye Holy Ones. 9 A hundred autumns stand before us, O ye Gods, within whose space ye bring our bodies to decay; 10 Aditi is the heaven, Aditi is mid−air, Aditi is the Mother and the Sire and Son.

2 Moving to sacrifice through realms of lustre they light the radiance of the car that bears them. 3 Ye to that bounteous path of yours, ye mighty, have ever borne away our thoughts with horses, 4 So ye, when ye have yoked your chariothorses, come to the hymn of the most recent singer. 5 With newest hymn I call those Wonder−Workers, ancient and brilliant, and exceeding mighty, 6 So ye, with birds, out of the sea and waters bore Bhujyu, son of Tugra, through the regions. 7 Victors, car−borne, ye rent the rock asunder: Bulls, heard the calling of the eunuch's consort. 8 Whate'er from olden time, Heaven, Earth! existeth great object of the wrath of Gods and mortals, 9 May he who knows, as Varuna and Mitra, air's realm, appointing both the Kings in season, 10 Come to our home with friendly wheels, for offipring; come on your radiant chariot rich in heroes. 11 Come hitherward to us with teams of horses, the highest and the midmost and the lowest.

3 Sakra, who like a curry−comb for horses or a golden goad, 4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even though buried, piled in heaps: 5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from men. 6 To Soma, Much−invoked, Bolt−armed! for thy carouse, Celestial, Soma−drinker come. 7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder−wielder drink his fill. 8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees. 9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not done? 10 'How great his power resistless! how invincible the Vrtra−slayer's matchless might! 11 O Indra, Vrtra−slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers, 12 O thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an eager hope. 13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. 14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us. 15 Now let your Soma juice be poured; be not afraid, O Kali's sons.

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

2 Directed unto thee my spirit never strays, for I have set my hopes on thee, O Much−invoked! 3 From indigence and hunger Indra turns away: Maghavan hath dominion over precious wealth. 4 As on the fair−leafed tree rest birds, to Indra flow the gladdening Soma juices that the bowls contain. 5 As in the game a gambler piles his winnings, so Maghavan, sweeping all together, gained the Sun 6 Maghavan came by turns to all the tribes of men: the Steer took notice of the people's songs of praise. 7 When Soma streams together unto Indra flow like waters to the river, rivulets to the lake, 8 He rushes through the region like a furious Bull, he who hath made these floods the dames of worthy lor 9 Let the keen axe come forth together with the light: here be,.as erst, the teeming cow of sacrifice. 10 O Much−invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle. 11 Brhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners.

2 As there ye, Mitra, Varuna, above the true have taken to yourselves the untrue with your mind, with 3 Asvins, the pious call you with their hymns of praise, sounding their loud song forth to you, these living 4 Well is it known, O Mighty Ones: ye open heaven; for you the chariotsteeds are yoked for morning rites 5 O Rich in Strength, through your great power vouchsafe us blessings day and night. 6 These Soma−drops, strong Indra! drink for heroes, poured, pressed out by pressing−stones, are welling 7 Quickly, O Agni, hear us: magnified by us thou shalt speck for us to the Gods adorable yea, to the King 8 Ne'er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never may your bright glories fall into decay, ne 9 Dadhyac of old, Anigiras, Priyamedha these, and Kanva, Atri, Manu knew my birth, yea, tbose of ancie 10 Let the Invoker bless: let offerers bring choice gifts; Brhaspati the Friend doth sacrifice with Steers, St 11 O ye Eleven Gods whose home is heaven, O ye Eleven who make earth your dwelling,

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

2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. 3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven's light, full fain to gain it; 4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither, 5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, 6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six−eyed and triple−headed. 7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. 8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. 9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. 10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuna who works with magic, 11 Through lauds of him hath Ausija Rjisvan burst, with the Mighty's aid, the stall of Pipru. 12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra.

2 Agni of Divodasa turned, as 'twere in majesty, to the Gods. 3 Him before whom the people shrink when he performs his glorious deeds, 4 The mortal man whom thou wouldst lead to opulence, O Vasu, he who brings thee gifts. 5 He with the steed wins spoil even in the fenced fort, and gains imperishable fame. 6 To him who dealeth out all wealth, who is the cheerful Priest of men, 7 Votaries, richly−gifted, deck him with their songs, even as the steed who draws the car. 8 Sing forth to him, the Holy, most munificent, sublime with his refulgent glow, 9 Worshipped with gifts, enkindled, splendid, Maghavan shall win himself heroic fame. 10 Priest, presser of the juice! praise now the dearest Guest of all our friends, 11 Who, finder−out of treasures open and concealed, bringeth them hither, Holy One; 12 Let not the noble Guest, Agni, be wroth with us: by many a man his praise is sung, 13 O Vasu, Agni, let not them be harmed who come in any way with lauds to thee. 14 Friend of the Maruts, Agni, come with Rudras to the Soma−draught,

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.