Book 10

Hymn I. Agni.

This hymn opens Book 10 by invoking Agni at dawn, describing his cosmic birth and power. It connects the household fire to the celestial light that fills all existence, establishing him as the priest and messenger who shares in every act of worship.

1. HIGH hath the Mighty risen before the dawning, and come to us with light from out the darkness. > Fair-shapen Agni with white-shining splendour hath filled at birth all human habitations. > 2 Thou, being born, art Child of Earth and Heaven, parted among the plants in beauty, Agni! > The glooms of night thou, Brilliant Babe, subduest, and art come forth, loud roaring, from thy Mothers. > 3 Here, being manifested, lofty Viṣṇu, full wise, protects his own supremest station. > When they have offered in his mouth their sweet milk, to him with one accord they sing forth praises. > 4 Thence bearing food the Mothers come to meet thee, with food for thee who givest food its increase. > These in their altered form again thou meetest. Thou art Invoking Priest in homes of mortals. > 5 Priest of the holy rite, with car that glitters, refulgent Banner of each act of worship, > Sharinging every God through might and glory, even Agni Guest of men I summon hither. > 6 So Agni stands on earth's most central station, invested in well decorated garments. > Born, red of hue, where men pour out libations, O King, as great High Priest bring the Gods hither. > 7 Over the earth and over heaven, O Agni, thou, Son, hast ever spread above thy Parents. > Come, Youthfullest! to those who long to meet thee, and hither bring the Gods, O Mighty Victor.

Hymn II. Agni.

The hymn calls upon Agni as the divine messenger to travel the path between gods and men. It emphasizes his role as the knowing priest who executes the sacrifice correctly and keeps the cosmic order, correcting the faults of ignorant mortals.

1. GLADDEN the yearning Gods, O thou Most Youthful: bring them, O Lord of Seasons, knowing seasons, > With all the Priests Celestial, O Agni. Best worshipper art thou of all Invokers. > 2 Thine is the Herald's, thine the Cleanser's office, thinker art thou, wealth-giver, true to Order. > Let us with Svāhā offer up oblations, and Agni, worthy God, pay the Gods worship. > 3 To the Gods’ pathway have we travelled, ready to execute what work we may accomplish. > Let Agni, for he knows, complete the worship. He is the Priest: let him fix rites and seasons. > 4 When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, O Deities with whom is knowledge, > Wise Agni shall correct our faults and failings, skilled to assign each God his fitting season. > 5 When, weak in mind, of feeble understanding, mortals bethink them not of sacrificing, > Then shall the prudent and discerning Agni worship the Gods, best worshipper, in season. > 6 Because the Father hath produced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites, their brilliant Banner: > So win by worship pleasant homes abounding in heroes, and rich food to nourish all men. > 7 Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvaṣṭar, maker of fair things, created, > Well knowing, all along the Fathers' pathway, shine with resplendent light, enkindled, Agni.

Hymn III. Agni.

This hymn personifies Agni as a triumphant, brilliant hero who chases away the darkness and follows the dawn, his sister. The verses are filled with powerful imagery, comparing his flames to a radiant car, his sounds to thunder, and his presence to a lover attending the "Blessed Dame."

1. O KING, the potent and terrific envoy, kindled for strength, is manifest in beauty. > He shines, all-knowing, with his lotty splendour: chasing black Night he comes with white-rayed Morning. > 2 Having o’ercome the glimmering Black with beauty, and bringing forth the dame the Great Sire's Daughter, > Holding aloft the radiant light of Sūrya, as messenger of heaven he shines with treasures. > 3 Attendant on the Blessed Dame the Blessed hath come: the Lover followeth his Sister. > Agni, far-spreading with conspicuous lustre, hath compassed Night with whitelyshining garments. > 4 His goings-forth kindle as ’twere high voices the goings of the auspicious Friend of Agni. > The rays, the bright beams of the strong-jawed, mighty, adorable Steer are visible as he cometh. > 5 Whose radiant splendours flow, like sounds, about us, his who is lofty, brilliant, and effulgent, > Who reaches heaven with best and brightest lustres, sportive and piercing even to the summit. > 6 His powers, whose chariot fellies gleam and glitter have loudly roared while, as with teams, he hasted. > He, the most Godlike, far-extending envoy, shines with flames ancient, resonant, whitely-shining. > 7 So bring us ample wealth: seat thee as envoy of the two youthful Matrons, Earth and Heaven. > Let Agni rapid with his rapid, horses, impetuous with impetuous Steeds, come hither.

Hymn IV. Agni.

The hymn addresses Agni with familial intimacy, calling him a fountain in the desert, a friend, and a nurturer. It describes him as both a wild, untamed beast consuming his fodder in the forest and a youthful maiden tended by his mother. The closing verse is a prayer for protection of children and family.

1. To thee will send praise and bring oblation, as thou hast merited lauds when we invoked thee. > A fountain in the desert art thou, Agni, O Ancient King, to man who fain would worship, > 2 Thou unto whom resort the gathered people, as the kine seek the warm stall, O Most Youthful. > Thou art the messenger of Gods and mortals, and goest glorious with thy light between them. > 3 Making thee grow as ’twere some noble infant, thy Mother nurtures thee with sweet affection. > Over the desert slopes thou passest longing, and seekest, like some beast set free, thy fodder. > 4 Foolish are we, O Wise and free from error: verily, Agni, thou dost know thy grandeur. > There lies the form: he moves and licks, and swallows, and, as House Lord, kisses the Youthful Maiden. > 5 He rises ever fresh in ancient fuel: smoke-bannered, gray, he makes the wood his dwelling. > No swimmer, Steer, he presses through the waters, and to his place accordant mortals bear him. > 6 Like thieves who risk their lives and haunt the forest, the twain with their ten girdles have secured him. > This is a new hymn meant for thee, O Agni: yoke as it were thy car with parts that glitter. > 7 Homage and prayer are thine, O Jātavedas, and this my song shall evermore exalt thee. > Agni, protect our children and descendants, and guard with ever watcliful care our bodies.

Hymn V. Agni.

This hymn explores the mysterious and paradoxical nature of Agni, the sacred fire. He is the "Bird" dwelling in the fountain, the secret germ, and the "Infant" who paradoxically creates his own mothers. The verses weave together images of hiddenness and revelation, portraying Agni as the central thread connecting the known and unknown worlds.

1. HE only is the Sea, holder of treasures: born many a time he views the hearts within us. > He hides him in the secret couple's bosom. The Bird dwells in the middle of the fountain. > 2 Inhabiting one dwelling-place in common, strong Stallions and the Mares have come together. > The sages guard the seat of Holy Order, and keep the highest names concealed within them. > 3 The Holy Pair, of wondrous power, have coupled: they formed the Infant, they who bred produced him. > The central point of all that moves and moves not, the while they wove the Sage's thread with insight > 4 For tracks of Order and refreshing viands attend from ancient times the goodly Infant. > Wearing him as a mantle, Earth and Heaven grow strong by food of pleasant drink and fatness. > 5 He, calling loudly to the Seven red Sisters, hath, skilled in sweet drink, brought them to be looked on. > He, born of old, in middle air hath halted, and sought and found the covering robe of Pūṣan. > 6 Seven are the pathways which the wise have fashioned; to one of these may come the troubled mortal. > He standeth in the dwelling of the Highest, a Pillar, on sure ground where paths are parted. > 7 Not Being, Being in the highest heaven, in Aditi's bosom and in Dakṣa's birthplace, > Is Agni, our first-born of Holy Order, the Milch-cow and the Bull in life's beginning.

Hymn VI. Agni.

The hymn praises Agni as the steadfast and cheerful priest who travels between worlds. He is invoked as the "best Sacrificer," whose easy flight to the gods ensures the success of human rituals. His tongue, balming the gods, is the conduit for blessings to flow back to mortals.

1. THIS is that Agni, he by whose protection, favour, and help. the singer is successful; > Who with the noblest flames of glowing fuel comes forth encompassed with far-spreading lustre. > 2 Agni, the Holy One, the everlasting, who shines far beaming with celestial splendours; > He who hath come unto his friends with friendship, like a fleet steed who never trips or stumbles. > 3 He who is Lord of all divine oblation, shared by all living men at break of morning, > Agni to whom our offerings are devoted, in whom rests he whose car, through might, is scatheless. > 4 Increasing by his strength. while lauds content him, with easy flight unto the Gods he travels. > Agni the cheerful Priest, best Sacrificer, balms with his tongue the Gods with whom he mingles. > 5 With songs and adorations bring ye hither Agni who stirs himself at dawn like Indra, > Whom sages laud with hymns as Jātavedas of those who wield the sacrificial ladle. > 6 In whom all goodly treasures meet together, even as steeds and riders for the booty. > Inclining hither bring us help, O Agni, even assistance most desired by Indra. > 7 Yea, at thy birth, when thou hadst sat in glory, thou, Agni, wast the aim of invocations. > The Gods came near, obedient to thy sunimons, and thus attained their rank as chief Protectors.

Hymn VII. Agni.

This hymn invokes Agni, the fire shared by all humanity, to bring good luck from both earth and heaven. It praises him as the divine messenger, the "Son of Strength," and the wise protector who brings wealth and victory. The verses repeatedly call upon him to protect the worshippers with his "far-reaching blessings."

1. O AGNI, shared by all men living bring us good luck for sacrifice from earth and heaven. > With us be thine intelligence, WonderWorker! Protect us, God, with thy far-reaching blessings. > 2 These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses. > Good Lord, when man from thee hath gained enjoyment, by hymns, O noblyborn, hath he obtained it. > 3 Agni I deem my Kinsman and my Father, count him my Brother and my Friend for ever. > I honour as the face of lofty Agni in heaven the bright and holy light of Sūrya. > 4 Effectual, Agni, are our prayers for profit. He whom, at home thou, Priest for ever, guardest > Is rich in food, drawn by red steeds, and holy: by day and night to him shall all be pleasant. > 5 Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendours, > And stablished as Invoker mid the people the ancient Priest the sacrifice's lover. > 6 Worship, thyself, O God, the Gods in heaven: what, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee? > As thou, O God, hast worshipped Gods by seasons, so, nobly-born! to thine own self pay worship. > 7 Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector bestow upon us life and vital vigour. > Accept, O Mighty One, the gifts we offer, and with unceasing care protect our bodies.

Hymn VIII. Agni.

The hymn portrays Agni as a mighty Bull, whose bellowing presence connects earth and heaven. He is the youngling, the calf, and the powerful steer, whose advance brings forth the red dawns. The verses celebrate his cosmic power and his role in the sacrifice.

1. AGNI advances with his lofty banner: the Bull is bellowing to the earth and heavens. > He hath attained the sky's supremest limits. the Steer hath waxen in the lap of waters. > 2 The Bull, the youngling with the hump, hath frolicked, the strong and never-ceasing Calf hath bellowed. > Bringing our offerings to the God's assembly, he moves as Chief in his own dwelling-places. > 3 Him who hath grasped his Parents' head, they stablished at sacrifice a wave of heavenly lustre. > In his swift flight the red Dawns borne by horses refresh their bodies in the home of Order. > 4 For, Vasu thou precedest every Morning, and still hast been the Twins' illuminator. > For sacrifice, seven places thou retainest while for thine own self thou engenderest Mitra. > 5 Thou art the Eye and Guard of mighty Order, and Varuṇa when to sacrifice thou comest. > Thou art the Waters’ Child O Jātavedas, envoy of him whose offering thou acceptest. > 6 Thou art the Leader of the rite and region, to which with thine auspicious teams thou teadest, > Thy light-bestowing head to heaven thou liftest, making thy tongue the oblationbearer, Agni. > 7 Through his wise insight Trita in the cavern, seeking as ever the Chief Sire's intention, > Carefully tended in his Parents' bosom, calling the weapons kin, goes forth to combat. > 8 Well-skilled to use the weapons of his Father, Āptya, urged on by Indra, fought the battle. > Then Trita slew the foe seven-rayed, three-headed, and freed the cattle of the Son of Tvaṣṭar. > 9 Lord of the brave, Indra cleft him in pieces who sought to gain much strength and deemed him mighty. > He smote his three heads from his body, seizing the cattle of the oniniform Son of Tvaṣṭar.

Hymn IX. Waters.

This brief hymn is a charm for healing and purification through the power of the Waters. It invokes them to cleanse all sin, lies, and false oaths. The hymn concludes by calling upon Agni to bring his splendor and unite with the moisture of the waters.

1. YE, Waters, are beneficent: so help ye us to energy > That we may look on great delight. > 2 Give us a portion of the sap, the most auspicious that ye have, > Like mothers in their longing love. > 3 To you we gladly come for him to whose abode ye send us on; > And, Waters, give us procreant strength. > 4 The Waters. be to us for drink, Goddesses for our aid and bliss: > Let them stream to us health and strength. > 5 1 beg the Floods to give us balm, these Queens who rule o’er precious things, > And have supreme control of men. > 6 Within the Waters-Soma thus hath told me-dwell all balms that heal, > And Agni, he who blesseth all. > 7 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, > So that I long may see the Sun. > 8 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought, > If I have lied or falsely sworn, Waters, remove it far from me. > 9 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: > O Agni, rich in milk, come thou, and with thy splendour cover me.

Hymn X. Yama Yami.

This hymn is a rare and dramatic dialogue between the primeval twins, Yama and Yami. Yami, driven by love and a desire to continue the mortal line, implores her brother to lie with her, but Yama refuses, citing the sin of incest and the eternal law of the gods. The tension between mortal necessity and divine ordinance remains unresolved.

1. FAIN would I win my friend to kindly friendship. So may the Sage, come through the air's wide ocean, > Remembering the earth and days to follow, obtain a son, the issue of his father. > 2 Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is near in kindred as stranger. > Sons of the mighty Asura, the Heroes, supporters of the heavens, see far around them. > 3 Yea, this the Immortals seek of thee with longing, progeny of the sole existing mortal. > Then let thy soul and mine be knit together, and as a loving husband take thy consort. > 4 Shall we do now what we ne’er did aforetime? we who spake righteously now talk impurely? > Gandharva in the floods, the Dame of Waters-such is our bond, such our most lofty kinship. > 5 Even in the womb God Tvaṣṭar, Vivifier, shaping all forms, Creator, made us consorts. > None violates his holy ordinances: that we are his the heavens and earth acknowledge. > 6 Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest? Who hatb beheld it? Who can here declare it? > Great is the Law of Varuṇa and Mitra. What, wanton! wilt thou say to men to tempt them? > 7 I, Yami, am possessed by love of Yama, that I may rest on the same couch beside him. > I as a wife would yield me to my husband. Like car-wheels let us speed to meet each other. > 8 They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods who wander round us. > Not me-go quickly, wanton, with another, and hasten like a chariot wheel to meet him. > 9 May Sūrya's eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light spread out before him. > In heaven and earth the kindred Pair commingle. On Yam! be the unbrotherly act of Yama. > 10 Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk. > Not me, O fair one,—seek another husband, and make thine arm a pillow for thy consort. > 11 Is he a brother when no lord is left her? Is she a sister when Destruction cometh? > Forced by my love these many words I utter. Come near, and hold me in thy close embraces. > 12 I will not fold mine arms about thy body: they call it sin when one comes near his sister. > Not me,—prepare thy pleasures with another: thy brother seeks not this from thee, O fair one. > 13 Alas! thou art indeed a weakling, Yama we find in thee no trace of heart or spirit. > As round the tree the woodbine clings, another will cling albout thee girt as with a girdle. > 14 Embrace another, Yami; let another, even as the woodbine rings the tree, enfold thee. > Win thou his heart and let him win thy fancy, and he shall form with thee a blest alliance.

Hymn XI. Agni.

This hymn addresses Agni as the priest who knows the secret heart of the gods and brings their blessings to humanity. It invokes him to be present in the dwelling, to harness his rapid car, and to fulfill the desires of his worshippers. The verses connect Agni to the cosmic order and the success of the sacrifice.

1. THE Bull hath yielded for the Bull the milk of heaven: the Son of Aditi can never be deceived. > According to his wisdom Varuṇa knoweth all: may he, the Holy, hallow times for sacrifice. > 2 Gandharvi spake: may she, the Lady of the flood, amid the river's roaring leave my heart untouched. > May Aditi accomplish all that we desire, and may our eldest Brother tell us this as Chief. > 3 Yea, even this blessed Morning, rich in store of food, splendid, with heavenly lustre, hath shone out for man, > Since they, as was the wish of yearning Gods, brought forth that yearning Agni for the assembly as the Priest. > 4 And the fleet Falcon brought for sacrifice from afar this flowing Drop most excellent and keen of sight, > Then when the Āryan tribes chose as Invoking Priest Agni the Wonder Worker, and the hymn rose up. > 5 Still art thou kind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and, skilled in sacrifice, offers thee holy gifts. > When thou, having received the sage's strengthening food with lauds, after long toil, cornest with many more. > 6 Urge thou thy Parents, as a lover ' to delight: the Lovely One desires and craves it from his heart. > The priest calls out, the sacrificer shows his skill, the Asura tries his strength, and with the hymn is stirred. > 7 Far-famed is he, the mortal man, O Agni, thou Son of Strength, who hath obtained thy favour. > He, gathering power, borne onward by his horses, makes his days lovely in his might and splendour. > 8 When, Holy Agni, the divine assembly, the sacred synod mid the Gods, is gathered, > And when thou, Godlike One, dealest forth treasures, vouchsafe us, too, our portion of the riches. > 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your common dwelling: harness thy rapid car of Amṛta. > Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities' Parents, hither: stay with us here, nor from the Gods be distant.

Hymn XII. Agni.

The hymn praises Agni as the all-encompassing priest, the radiant and joyous messenger between gods and men. It invokes him to bear the oblation, complete the sacrifice, and establish divine order. The verses repeatedly express a desire for him to be a "Priest for ever."

1. HEAVEN and Earth, first by everlasting Order, speakers of truth, are near enough to hear us, > When the God, urging men to worship. sitteth as Priest, assuming all his vital vigour. > 2 As God comprising Gods by Law Eternal, bear, as the Chief who knoweth, our oblation, > Smoke-bannered with the fuel, radiant, joyous, better to praise and worship, Priest for ever. > 3 When the cow's nectar wins the God completely, men here below are heaven's sustainers. > All the Gods came to this thy heavenly Yajus which from the motley Pair milked oil and water. > 4 1 praise your work that ye may make me prosper: hear, Heaven and Earth, Twain Worlds that drop with fatness. > While days and nights go to the world of spirits, here let the Parents with sweet meath refresh us > 5 Hath the King siezed us? How have we offended against his holy ordinance? Who knoweth? > For even Mitra mid the Gods is angry there are both song and strength for those who come not. > 6 ’Tis hard to understand the Immortal's nature, where she who is akin becomes astranger. > Guard ceaselessly, great Agni, him who ponders Yama's name, easy to be comprehended. > 7 They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they are seated in Vivasvān's dwelling, > Have given the Moon his beams, the Sun his splendour-the Two unweariedly maintain their brightness. > 8 The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret plan,—of that we have no knowledge. > There let God Savitar, Aditi, and Mitra proclaim to Varuṇa that we are sinless. > 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your comninn dwell ing: harness thy rapid car, the car of Amṛta. > Bring Heaven and Earth, the Deities' Parents, hither: stay with us here, nor from the Gods be distant.

Hymn XIII. Havirdhanas.

This hymn addresses the Havirdhanas, the two carts that carry the Soma stalks to the place of sacrifice. Personified, they are invoked to be yoked with prayer and to become a conduit for divine blessings. The verses connect the ritual act of preparing the carts to the cosmic order and the journey of the soul.

1. I YOKE with prayer your ancient inspiration: may the laud rise as on the prince's pathway. > All Sons of Immortality shall hear it, all the possessors of celestial natures. > 2 When speeding ye came nigh us like twin sisters, religious-hearted votaries brought you forward. > Take your place, ye who know your proper station: be near, be very near unto our Soma. > 3 Five paces have I risen from Earth. I follow her who hath four feet with devout observance. > This by the Sacred Syllable have I measured: I purify in the central place of Order, > 4 He, for God's sake, chose death to be his portion. He chose not, for men's good, a life eternal > They sacrificed Bṛhaspati the Ṛṣi. Yama delivered up his own dear body. > 5 The Seven flow to the Youth on whom the Maruts wait: the Sons unto the Father brought the sacrifice. > Both these are his, as his they are the Lords of both: both toil; belonging unto both they prosper well.

Hymn XIV. Yama.

This hymn is a funerary ode addressed to Yama, the king of the departed. It guides the spirit of the deceased along the ancient path to meet the Fathers and enjoy a new, bright existence in the highest heaven. The hymn also contains a prayer for the living, asking Yama's two four-eyed dogs to grant them health and prosperity.

1. HONOUR the King with thine oblations, Yama, Vivasvān's Son, who gathers men together, > Who travelled to the lofty heights above us, who searcbes out and shows the path to many. > 2 Yama first found for us a place to dwell in: this pasture never can be taken from > Us. > Men born on earth tread their own paths that lead them whither our ancient Fathers have departed. > 3 Mitali prospers there with Kavyas, Yama with Aṅgiras' sons, Bṛhaspati with Rkvans: > Exalters of the Gods, by Gods exalted, some joy in praise and some in our oblation. > 4 Come, seat thee on this bed of grass, O Yama, in company with Aṅgirases and Fathers. > Let texts recited by the sages bring thee O King, let this oblation make thee joyful. > 5 Come, Yama, with the Aṅgirases the Holy, rejoice thee here with children of Virūpa. > To sit on sacred grass at this our worship, I call Vivasvān, too, thy Father hither. > 6 Our Fathers are Aṅgirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhṛgus who deserve the Soma. > May these, the Holy, look on us with favour, may we enjoy their gracious loving-kindness. > 7 Go forth, go forth upon the ancient pathways whereon our sires of old have gone before us. > 'Mere shalt thou look on both the Kings enjoying their sacred food, God Varuṇa and Yama. > 8 Meet Yama, meet the Fathers, meet the merit of free or ordered acts, in highest heaven. > Leave sin and evil, seek anew thy dwelling, and bright with glory wear another body. > 9 Go hence, depart ye, fly in all directions: this place for him the Fathers have provided. > Yama bestows on him a place to rest in adorned with days and beams of light and waters. > 10 Run and outspeed the two dogs, Saramā's offspring, brindled, four eyed, upon thy happy pathway. > Draw nigh then to the gracious-minded Fathers where they rejoice in company with Yama. > 11 And those two dogs of thine, Yama, the watchers, four-eyed, who look on men and guard the pathway,— > Entrust this man, O King, to their protection, and with prosperity and health endow him. > 12 Dark-hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama's two envoys roam among the People; > May they restore to us a fair existence here and to-day, that we may see the sunlight. > 13 To Yama pour the Soma, bring to Yama consecrated gifts: > To Yama sacrifice prepared and heralded by Agni goes. > 14 Offer to Yama holy gifts enriched with butter, and draw near: > So may he grant that we may live long days of life among the Gods. > 15 Offer to Yama, to the King, oblation very rich in meath: > Bow down before the Ṛṣis of the ancient times, who made this path in days of old. > 16 Into the six Expanses flies the Great One in Trkadrukas. > The Gāyatrī, the Tṛṣṭup, all metres in Yama are contained.

Hymn XV. Fathers.

This hymn is an invocation to the Fathers, the ancestral spirits who have passed into the afterlife. The worshippers invite them to the sacrifice, asking for their favor, protection, and a share of their treasure. The verses distinguish between the ancient and more recent ancestors, but welcome all to the sacred banquet.

1. MAY they ascend, the lowest, highest, midmost, the Fathers who deserve a share of Soma > May they who have attained the life of spirits, gentle and righteous, aid us when we call them. > 2 Now let us pay this homage to the Fathers, to those who passed of old and those who followed, > Those who have rested in the earthly region, and those who dwell among the Mighty Races. > 3 1 have attained the gracious-minded Fathers, I have gained son and progeny from Viṣṇu. > They who enjoy pressed juices with oblation seated on sacred grass, come oftenest hither. > 4 Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help us: these offerings have we made for you; accept them. > So come to us with most auspicious favour, and give us health and strength without a trouble. > 5 May they, the Fathers, worthy of the Soma, invited to their favourite oblations. > Laid on the sacred grass, come nigh and listen: may they be gracious unto us and bless us. > 6 Bowing your bended knees and seated southward, accept this sacrifice of ours with favour. > Punish us not for any sin, O Fathers, which we through human frailty have committed. > 7 Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings, give riches to the man who brings oblations. > Grant to your sons a portion of that treasure, and, present, give them energy, ye Fathers. > 8 Our ancient Fathers who deserve the Soma, who came, most noble, to our Soma banquet,— > With these let Yama, yearning with the yearning, rejoicing eat our offerings at his pleasure. > 9 Come to us, Agni, with the gracioug Fathers who dwell in glowing light, the very Kavyas, > Who thirsted mid the Gods, who hasten hither, oblation winners, theme of singers' praises. > 10 Come, Agni, come with countless ancient Fathers, dwellers in light, primeval, God-adorers, > Eaters and drinkers of oblations, truthful, who travel with the Deities and Indra. > 11 Fathers whom Agni's flames have tasted, come ye nigh: ye kindly leaders, take ye each your proper place. > Eat sacrificial food presented on the grass: grant riches with a multitude of hero sons. > 12 Thou, Agni Jātavedas, when entreated, didst bear the offerings which thou madest fragrant, > And give them to the Fathers who did cat them with Svadha. Eat, thou God, the gifts we bring thee. > 13 Thou, Jātavedas, knowest well the number of Fathers who are here and who are absent, > Of Fathers whom we know and whom we know not: accept the sacrifice wellprepared with portions. > 14 They who, consumed by fire or not cremated, joy in their offering in the midst of heaven,— > Grant them, O Sovran Lord, the world of spirits and their own body, as thy pleasure wills it.

Hymn XVI. Agni.

This hymn is a prayer recited during a cremation, addressing Agni as the one who transports the dead to the world of the Fathers. The verses ask Agni not to consume the body completely but to mature it and deliver it whole to the ancestors. It is a plea for a gentle transition and a blessed afterlife for the departed.

1. Burn him not up, nor quite consume him, Agni: let not his body or his skin be scattered. > O Jātavedas, when thou hast matured him, then send him on his way unto the Fathers. > 2 When thou hast made him ready, Jātavedas, then do thou give him over to the Fathers. > When he attains unto the life that waits him, he shall become the Deities' controller. > 3 The Sun receive thine eye, tne Wind thy spirit; go, as thy merit is, to earth or heaven. > Go, if it be thy lot, unto the waters; go, make thine home in plants with all thy members. > 4 Thy portion is the goat: with heat consume him: let thy fierce flame, thy glowing splendour, burn him > With thine auspicious forms, o Jātavedas, bear this man to the region of the pious. > 5 Again, O Agni, to the Fathers send him who, offered in thee, goes with our oblations. > Wearing new life let him increase his offspring: let him rejoin a body, Jātavedas. > 6 What wound soe’er the dark bird hath inflicted, the emmet, or the serpent, or the jackal, > May Agni who devoureth all things heal it and Soma who hath passed into the Brahmans. > 7 Shield thee with flesh against the flames of Agni, encompass thee about with fat and marrow, > So will the Bold One, eager to attack thee with fierce glow fail to girdle and consume thee. > 8 Forbear, O Agni, to upset this ladle: the Gods and they who merit Soma love it. > This ladle, this which serves the Gods to drink from, in this the Immortal Deities rejoice them. > 9 1 send afar flesh eating Agni, bearing off stains may he depart to Yama's subjects. > But let this other Jātavedas carry oblation to the Gods, for he is skilful. > 10 I choose as God for Father-worship Agni, flesh-eater, who hath past within your dwelling, > While looking on this other Jātavedas. Let him light flames in the supreme assembly. > 11 With offerings meet let Agni bring the Fathers who support the Law. > Let him announce oblations paid to Fathers and to Deities. > 12 Right gladly would we set thee down, right gladly make thee burn and glow. > Gladly bring yearning Fathers nigh to cat the food of sacrifice. > 13 Cool, Agni, and again refresh the spot which thou hast scorched and burnt. > Here let the water-lily grow, and tender grass and leafy herb. > 14 O full of coolness, thou cool Plant, full of fresh moisture, freshening Herb, > Come hither with the female frog: fill with delight this Agni here.

Hymn XVII. Various Deities.

This hymn narrates fragments of divine myths, beginning with the mysterious disappearance of Saranyū, Tvaṣṭar's daughter and Vivasvān's wife. It moves through a series of divine acts, invoking Pūṣan, Sarasvatī, and the primordial Drop that descended from heaven. The verses feel like a collection of sacred stories woven together to sanctify the sacrifice.

1. TVASTAR prepares the bridal of his Daughter: all the world hears the tidings and assembles. > But Yama's Mother, Spouse of great Vivasvān, vanished as she was carried to her dwelling. > 2 From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvān. > Saranyu brought to him the Aśvin brothers, and then deserted both twinned pairs of children. > 3 Guard of the world, whose cattle ne’er are injured, may Pūṣan bear thee hence, for he hath knowledge. > May he consign thee to these Fathers' keeping, and to the gracious Gods let Agni give thee. > 4 May Āyu, giver of all life, protect thee, and bear thee forward on the distant pathway. > Thither let Savitar the God transport thee, where dwell the pious who have passed-before thee. > 5 Pūṣan knows all these realms: may he conduct us by ways that are most free from fear and danger. > Giver of blessings, glowing, all-heroic, may he, thewise and watchful, go before us. > 6 Pūṣan was born to move on distant pathways, on the road far from earth and far from heaven. > To both most wonted places of assembly he travels and returns with perfect knowledge. > 7 The pious call Sarasvatī, they worship Sarasvatī while sacrifice proceedeth. > The pious called Sarasvatī aforetime. Sarasvatī send bliss to him who giveth. > 8 Sarasvatī, who camest with the Fathers, with them rejoicing thee in our oblations, > Seated upon this sacred grass be joyful, and give us strengthening food that brings no sickness. > 9 Thou, called on as Sarasvatī by Fathers who come right forward to our solemn service, > Give food and wealth to present sacrificers, a portion, worth a thousand, of refreshment. > 10 The Mother Floods shall make us bright and shining, cleansers of holy oil, with oil shall cleanse us: > For, Goddesses, they bear off all defilement: I, rise up from them purified and brightened. > 11 Through days of earliest date the Drop descended on this place and on that which was before it. > I offer up, throughout the seven oblations, the Drop which still to one same place is moving. > 12 The Drop that falls, thy stalk which arms have shaken, which from the bosom of the press hath fallen, > Or from the Adhvaryu's purifying filter, I offer thee with heart and cry of Vaṣaṭ! > 13 That fallen Drop of thine, the stalk which from the ladle fell away, > This present God Bṛhaspati shall pour it forth to make us rich. > 14 The plants of earth are rich in milk, and rich in milk is this my speech; > And rich in milk the essence of the Waters: make me pure therewith.

Hymn XVIII. Various Deities.

This funereal hymn seeks to separate the living from the dead, creating a "rampart" to protect them from Death (Mṛtyu). It is a prayer for long life, prosperity, and the joyful continuation of the family line. The final verses address the widow, calling her back from her deceased husband to the world of the living.

1. Go hence, O Death, pursue thy special pathway apart from that which Gods are wont to travel. > To thee I say it who hast eyes and hearest: Touch not our offspring, injure not our heroes. > 2 As ye have come effacing Mrtyu's footstep, to further times prolonging your existence, > May ye be rich in children and possessions. cleansed, purified, and meet for sacrificing. > 3 Divided from the dead are these, the living: now be our calling on the Gods successful. > We have gone forth for dancing and for laughter, tofurther times prolonging our existence. > 4 Here I erect this rampart for the living; let none of these, none other, reach this limit. > May they survive a hundred lengthened autumns, and may they bury Death beneath this mountain. > 5 As the days follow days in close succession, as with the seasons duly come the seasons, > As each successor fails not his foregoer, so form the lives of these, O great Ordainer. > 6 Live your full lives ap! find old age delightful, all of you striving one behind the other. > May Tvaṣṭar, maker of fair things, be gracious and lengthen out the days of your existence. > 7 Let these unwidowed dames with noble husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent. > Decked with fair jewels, tearless, free from sorrow, first let the dames go up to where he lieth. > 8 Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. > Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion, who took thy hand and wooed thee as a lover. > 9 From his dead hand I take the bow be carried, that it may be our power and might and glory. > There art thou, there; and here with noble heroes may we o’ercome all hosts that fight against us. > 10 Betake thee to the Iap of Earth the Mother, of Earth far-spreading, very kind and gracious. > Young Dame, wool-soft unto the guerdongiver, may she preserve thee from Destruction's bosom. > 11 Heave thyself, Earth, nor press thee downward heavily: afford him easy access, gently tending him. > Cover him, as a mother wraps her skirt about her child, O Earth. > 12 Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea,—let a thousand clods remain above him. > Be they to him a home distilling fatness, here let them ever be his place of refuge. > 13 I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I place this piece of earth. > May I be free from injury. > Here let the Fathers keep this pillar firm for thee, and there let Yama make thee an abiding-place. > 14 Even as an arrow's feathers, they have set me on a fitting day. > The fit word have I caught and held as ’twere a courser with the rein.

Hymn XIX. Waters or Cows.

This short hymn is a simple, earnest prayer for the return of lost cattle. The speaker calls upon Indra and Agni, as well as the divine "Home-leader," to guide the kine back to their herd. It is a plea for the restoration of wealth and the continuation of life-giving sustenance.

1. TURN, go not farther on your way: visit us, O ye Wealthy Ones. > Agni and Soma, ye who bring riches again, secure us wealth. > 2 Make these return to us again, bring them beside us once again. > May. Indra give them back to us, and Agni drive them hither-ward. > 3 Let them return to us again: under this herdsman let them feed. > Do thou, O Agni, keep them here, and let the wealth we have remain. > 4 1 call upon their herdsman, him who knoweth well their coming nigh, > Their parting and their home-return, and watcheth their approach and rest. > 5 Yea, let the herdsman, too, return, who marketh well their driving forth; > Marketh their wandering away, their turning back and coming home. > 6 Home-leader, lead them home to us; Indra, restore to us our kine: > We will rejoice in them alive. > 7 1 offer you on every side butter and milk and strengthening food. > May all the Holy Deities pour down on us a flood of wealth. > 8 O thou Home-leader, lead them home, restore them thou who bringest home. > Four are the quarters of the earth; from these bring back to us our kine,

Hymn XX. Agni.

This hymn to Agni is rich with visual metaphor, portraying him as a brilliant force of nature. He is the "Spotted" one, bannered with flame, who glitters with a row of teeth and whose path is black, white, and red. The verses ask this powerful, multi-hued god for a good mind and protection.

1. SEND unto us a good and happy mind. > 2 1 worship Agni, Youthfullest of Gods, resistless, Friend of laws; > Under whose guard and heavenly light the Spotted seek the Mother's breast: > 3 Whom with their mouth they magnify, bannered with flame and homed in light. > He glitters with his row of teeth. > 4 Kind, Furtherer of men, he comes, when he hath reached the ends of heaven, > Sage, giving splendour to the clouds. > 5 To taste man's offerings, he, the Strong, hath risen erect at sacrifice: > Fixing his dwelling he proceeds. > 6 Here are oblation, worship, rest: rapidly comes his furtherance. > To sword-armed Agni come the Gods. > 7 With service for chief bliss I seek the Lord of Sacrifice, Agni, whom > They call the Living, Son of Cloud. > 8 Blest evermore be all the men who come from us, who magnify > Agni with sacrificial gifts. > 9 The path he treads is black and white and red, and striped, and brown, crimson, and glorious. > His sire begat him bright with hues of gold. > 10 Thus with his thoughts, O Son of Strength, O Agni, hath Vimada, accordant with the Immortals, > Offered thee hymns, soliciting thy favour. Thou hast brought all food, strength, a prosperous dwelling.

Hymn XXI. Agni.

The hymn praises Agni as the great invoker, the one chosen to lead the sacrifice. It calls on him to bring the gods to the "glad carouse," celebrating the bright and shining fire who receives all offerings. The verses are a joyous invitation to the sacred feast.

1. WITH offerings of our own we choose thee, Agni, as Invoking Priest, > For sacrifice with trimmed grass,—at your glad carouse-piercing and brightly shining. Thou art waxing great. > 2 The wealthy ones adorn thee, they who bring us horses as their gift: > The sprinkling ladle, Agni,—at your glad carouse -and glowing offering taste thee. Thou art waxing great. > 3 The holy statutes rest by thee, as ’twere with ladles that o’erflow. > Black and white-gleaming colours,—at your glad carouse-all glories thou assurnest. Thou art waxing great. > 4 O Agni, what thou deemest wealth, Victorious and Immortal One! > Bring thou to give us vigour,—at your glad carouse -splendid at sacrifices. Thou art waxing great. > 5 Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan brought to life. > He was Vivasvān's envoy, at your glad carouse-the weIl-loved friend of Yama, Thou art waxing great. > 6 At sacrifices they adore thee, Agni, when the rite proceeds. > All fair and lovely treasures-at your glad carouse-thou givest him who offers. Thou art waxing great. > 7 Men, Agni, have established thee as welcome Priest at holy rites, > Thee whose face shines with butter,—at your glad carouse-bright, with eyes most observant. Thou art waxing great. > 8 Wide and aloft thou spreadest thee, O Agni, with thy brilliant flame. > A Bull art thou when bellowing,—at your glad carouse-thou dost impregn the Sisters. Thou art waxing great.

Hymn XXII. Indra.

This hymn to Indra is a grand portrayal of the god as a cosmic king and a divine hero. The verses depict him as a mighty force whose two dark steeds travel the heavens, making his way glorious. He is praised as the fearless thunderer and the one who stands above all, both god and mortal man.

1. WHERE is famed Indra heard of? With what folk is he renowned to day as Mitra is,— > Who in the home of Ṛṣis and in secret is extolled with song? > 2 Even here is Indra famed, and among us this day the glorious Thunderer is praised, > He who like Mitra mid the folk hath won complete and full renown. > 3 He who is Sovran Lord of great and perfect strength, exerter of heroic might, > Who bears the fearless thunder as a father bears his darling son. > 4 Harnessing to thy car, as God, two blustering Steeds Of the Wind-God, O Thunderer, > That speed along the shining path, thou making ways art glorified. > 5 Even to these dark Steeds of Wind thou of thyself hast come to ride, > Of which no driver may be found, none, be he God or mortal man. > 6 When ye approach, men ask you, thee and Uśanā: Why come ye to our dwelling-place? > Why are ye come to mortal man from distant realms of eapth and heaven? > 7 O Indra, thou shalt speak us fair: our holy prayer is offered up. > We pray to thee for help as thou didst strike the monster Śuṣṇa dead. > 8 Around us is the Dasyu, riteless, void of sense, inhuman, keeping alien laws. > Baffle, thou Slayer of the foe, the weapon which this Dāsa wields. > 9 Hero with Heroes, thou art ours: yea, strong are they whom thou dost help. > In many a place are thy full gifts, and men, like vassals, sing thy praise. > 10 Urge thou these heroes on to slay the enemy, brave Thunderer! in the fight with swords. > Even when hid among the tribes of Sages numerous as stars. > 11 Swift come those gifts of thine whose hand is prompt to rend and burn, O Hero Thunder-armed: > As thou with thy Companions didst destroy the whole of SuSnia's brood. > 12 Let not thine excellent assistance come to us, O Hero Indra, profitless. > May we, may we enjoy the bliss of these thy favours, Thunderer! > 13 May those soft impulses of thine, O Indra, be fruitful and innocent to us. > May we know these whose treasures are like those of milch-kine, Thunderer! > 14 That Earth, through power of knowing things that may be known, handless and footless yet might thrive, > Thou slewest, turning to the right, gu;na for every living man. > 15 Drink, drink the Soma, Hero Indra; be not withheld as thou art good, O Treasure-giver. > Preserve the singers and our liberal princes, and make us wealthy with abundant riches.

Hymn XXIII. Indra.

This hymn is a powerful invocation of Indra, praising his strength and heroic deeds. The verses recall his cosmic acts, such as sundered the world-halves and shaking his beard with might. The singer seeks a personal bond with the god, calling him a true friend and a "Wide-Strider" who can sustain them.

1. INDRA, whose right hand wields the bolt, we worship, driver of Bay Steeds seeking sundered courses. > Shaking his beard with might he hath arisen, casting his weapons forth and dealing bounties. > 2 The treasure which his Bay Steeds found at sacrifice,—this wealth made opulent Indra slayer of the foe. > Ṛbhu, Ṛbhukṣan, Vāja-he is Lord of Might. The Dāsa's very name I utterly destroy. > 3 When, with the Princes, Maghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the thunderbolt of gold, and the Controller's car > Which his two Tawny Coursers draw, then Indra is the Sovran Lord of power whose glory spreads afar. > 4 With him too is this rain of his that comes like herds: Indra throws drops of moisture on his yellow beard. > When the sweet juice is shed he seeks the pleasant place, and stirs the worshipper as wind disturbs the wood. > 5 We laud and praise his several deeds of valour who, fatherlike, with power hath made us stronger; > Who with his voice slew many thousand wicked ones who spake in varied manners with contemptuous cries. > 6 Indra, the Vimadas have formed for thee a laud, copious, unparalleled, for thee Most Bountiful. > We know the good we gain from him the Mighty One when we attract him as a herdsman calls the kine. > 7 Ne’er may this bond of friendship be dissevered, the Ṛṣi Vimada's and thine, O Indra. > We know thou carest for us as a brother with us, O God, be thine auspicious friendship.

Hymn XXIV. Indra. Aśvins.

This hymn is a celebration of the "glad carouse," the ecstatic state induced by the Soma sacrifice. It invokes Indra and the Aśvins to partake in the offering, praising their power and generosity. The verses express a desire for wealth, protection, and the blissful friendship of the gods.

1. O INDRA, drink this Soma, pressed out in the mortar, full of sweets. > Send down to us great riches,—at your glad carouse-in thousands, O Most healthy. Thou art waxing great. > 2 To thee with sacrifices, with oblations, and with lauds we come. > Lord of all strength and power, grant-at your glad carouse-the best choiceworthy treasure. Thou art waxing great. > 3 Thou who art Lord of precious boons, inciter even of the churl. > Guardian of singers, Indra,—at your glad carouse-save us from woe and hatred. Thou art waxing great. > 4 Strong, Lords of Magic power, ye Twain churned the united worlds apart, > When ye, implored by Vimada, Nāsatyas, forced apart the pair. > 5 When the united pair were rent asunder all the Gods complained. > The Gods to the Nāsatyas cried, Bring these together once again. > 6 Sweet be my going forth, and rich in sweets be my approach to home. > So, through your Deity, both Gods, enrich us with all pleasantness.

Hymn XXV. Soma.

This hymn is addressed to Soma, the divine juice, as he undergoes the process of purification. The verses celebrate his power to bring a "good and happy mind," to open the stalls of kine and horses, and to save his worshippers from harm. The refrain, "Thou art waxing great," emphasizes Soma's growing strength and glory through the ritual.

1. SEND us a good and happy mind, send energy and mental power. > Then-at your glad carouse-let men joy in thy love, Sweet juice! as kine in pasture. Thou. art waxing great. > 2 rn all thy forms, O Soma, rest thy powers that influence the heart. > So also these my longings-at your glad carouse-spread themselves seeking riches. Thou art waxing great. > 3 Even if, O Soma, I neglect thy laws through my simplicity, > Be gracious-at your glad carouse-as sire to son. Preserve us even from slaughter. T'hou. art waxing great. > 4 Our songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells. > Soma, that we may live, grant-at your glad carouse-full powers of mind, like beakers. Thou art waxing great. > 5 O Soma, through thy might who art skilful and strong, these longing men, > These sages, have thrown open-at your glad carouse-the stall of kine and horses. Thou art waxing great > 6 Our herds thou guardest, Soma, and the moving world spread far and wide. > Thou fittest them for living,—at your glad carouse-looking upon all beings. Thou art waxing great. > 7 On all sides, Soma, be to us a Guardian ne’er to be deceived. > King, drive away our foemen-at your glad carouse:—let not the wicked rule us. Thou art waxing great. > 8 Be watchful, Soma, passing wise, to give us store of vital strength. > More skilled than man to guide us,—at your glad carouse-save us from harm and sorrow. Thou art waxing great. > 9 Chief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra's gracious Friend, > When warriors invoke him-at your glad carouse -in fight, to win them offspring. Thou art waxing great. > 10 Victorious is this gladdening drink: to Indra dear it grows in strength. > This-at your glad carouse -enhanced the mighty hymn of the great sage Kakṣīvān. Thou art waxing great. > 11 This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from wealth in kine. > This, better than the seven, hath-at your glad carouse-furthered the blind, the cripple. Thou art waxing great.

Hymn XXVI. Pūṣan.

This hymn invokes Pūṣan, the divine guardian of paths and flocks. He is praised as the one who knows the way, who dews the pasture with moisture, and who brings fulfillment to his worshippers' hymns. The verses call upon him as a "Strong Friend" and "mighty Lord" to provide prosperity.

1. FORWARD upon their way proceed the ready teams, the lovely songs. > Further them glorious Pūṣan with yoked chariot, and the Mighty Twain! > 2 With sacred hymns let this man here, this singer, win the God to whom > Belong this majesty and might. He hath observed our eulogies. > 3 Pūṣan the Strong hath knowledge of sweet praises even as Indu hath. > He dews our corn with moisture, he bedews the pasture of our kine. > 4 We will bethink ourselves of thee, O Pūṣan, O thou God, as One. > Who brings fulfilment of our hymns, and stirs the singer and the sage. > 5 joint-sharer of each sacrifice, the driver of the chariot steeds; > The Ṛṣi who is good to man, the singer's Friend and faithful Guard. > 6 One who is Lord of Suca, Lord of Suca caring for herself: > Weaving the raiment of the sheep and making raiment beautiful. > 7 The mighty Lord of spoil and wealth, Strong Friend of all prosperity; > He with light movement shakes his beard, lovely and ne’er to be deceived. > 8 O Pūṣan, may those goats of thine turn hitherward thy chariot-pole. > Friend of all suppliants; art thou, born in old time, and arm and sure. > 9 May the majestic Pūṣan speed our chariot with his power and might. > May he increase our store of wealth and listen to this call of ours.

Hymn XXVII. Indra.

This hymn is a powerful declaration by Indra of his own divine will and strength. He proclaims himself the slayer of the unrighteous, the friend of the worshipper, and the one who prepares a "vigorous bullock" for those who honor him. The verses are a bold assertion of his authority and a warning to those who neglect the sacrifice.

1. THIS, singer, is my firm determination, to aid the worshipper who pours the Soma. > I slay the man who brings no milkoblation, unrighteous, powerful, the truth's perverter. > 2 Then Will I, when I lead my friends to battle against the radiant persons of the godless, > Prepare for thee at home a vigorous bullock, and pour for thee the fifteen-fold strong juices. > 3 I know not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slain the godless in the battle. > Soon as they see the furious combat raging, men speak forth praises of my vigorous horses. > 4 While yet my deeds of might were unrecorded, all passed for Maghavans though I existed. > The potent one who dwelt in peace I conquered, grasped by the foot and slew him on the mountain. > 5 None hinder me in mine heroic exploits, no, not the mountains when I will and purpose. > Even the deaf will tremble at my roaring, and every day will dust be agitated. > 6 To see the Indraless oblation-drinkers, mean offerers, o’ertaken by destruction! > Then shall the fellies of my car pass over those who have blamed my joyous Friend and scorned him. > 7 Thou wast, thou grewest to full vital vigour: an earlier saw, a later one shall see thee. > Two canopies, as ’twere, are round about him who reacheth to the limit of this region. > 8 The freed kine eat the barley of the pious. 1 saw them as they wandered with the herdsman. > The calling of the pious rang around them. What portion will these kine afford their owner? > 9 When we who cat the grass of men are gathered I am with barley eaters in the corn-land. > There shall the captor yoke the yokeless bullock, and he who hath been yoked seek one to loose him. > 10 There wilt thou hold as true my spoken purpose, to bring together quadrupeds. and bipeds. > I will divide, without a fight, his riches who warreth here, against the Bull, with women. > 11 When a man's daughter hath been ever eyeless, who, knowing, will be wroth with her for blindness? > Which of the two will loose on him his anger-the man who leads her home or he who woos her? > 12 How many a maid is pleasing to the suitor who fain would marry for her splendid riches? > If the girl be both good and fair of feature, she finds, herself, a friend among the people. > 13 His feet have grasped: he eats the man who meets him. Around his head he sets the head for shelter. > Sitting anear and right above he smites us, and follows earth that lies spread out beneath him. > 14 High, leafless, shadowless, and swift is Heaven: the Mother stands, the Youngling, loosed, is feeding. > Loud hath she lowed, licking Another's offspring. In what world hath the Cow laid down her udder? > 15 Seven heroes from the nether part ascended, and from the upper part came eight together. > Nine from behind came armed with winnowing-baskets: ten from the front pressed o’er the rock's high ridges. > 16 One of the ten, the tawny, shared in common, they send to execute their final purpose. > The Mother carries on her breast the Infant of noble form and soothes it while it knows not. > 17 The Heroes dressed with fire the fatted wether: the dice were thrown by way of sport and gaming. > Two reach the plain amid the heavenly waters, hallowing and with means of purifying. > 18 Crying aloud they ran in all directions: One half of them will cook, and not the other. > To me hath Savitar, this God, declared it: He will perform, whose food is wood and butter. > 19 I saw a troop advancing from the distance moved, not by wheels but their own God-like nature. > The Friendly One seeks human generations, destroying, still new bands of evil beings. > 20 These my two Bulls, even Pramara's, are harnessed: drive them not far; here let them often linger. > The waters even shall aid him to his object, and the all-cleansing Sun who is above us. > 21 This is the thunderbolt which often whirleth down from the lofty misty realm of Sūrya. > Beyond this realm there is another glory so through old age they pass and feel no sorrow. > 22 Bound fast to,every tree the cow is lowing, and thence the man consuming birds are flying, > Then all this world, though pressing juice for Indra and strengthening the Ṛṣi, is affrighted. > 23 In the Gods’ mansion stood the first-created, and from their separation came the later. > Three warm the Earth while holding stores of water, and Two of these convey the murmuring moisture. > 24 This is thy life: and do thou mark and know it. As such, hide not thyself in time of battle. > He manifests the light and hides the vapour: his foot is never free from robes that veil it.

Hymn XXVIII. Indra. Vasukra.

This hymn is a dialogue, or a series of riddles and answers, between Indra and his worshipper. The singer calls upon the "Bull whose horns are sharpened," and Indra responds by describing his power to protect the faithful and provide for them. The exchange is a playful yet profound exploration of the relationship between god and mortal.

1. Now all my other friends are here assembled: my Sire-in-law alone hath not come hither. > So might he eat the grain and drink the Soma, and, satisfied, return unto; his dwelling. > 2 Loud belloweth the Bull whose horns are sharpened: upon the height above earth's breadth he standeth. > That man I guard and save in all his troubles who fills my flanks when he hath shed the Soma. > 3 Men with the stone press out for thee, O Indra, strong, gladdening Soma, and thereof thou drinkest. > Bulls they dress for thee, and of these thou eatest when, Maghavan, with food thou art invited. > 4 Resolve for me, O singer, this my riddle: The rivers send their swelling water backward: > The fox steals up to the approaching lion: the jackal drives the wild-boar from the brushwood. > 5 How shall I solve this riddle, I, the simple, declare the thought of thee the Wise and Mighty? > Tell us, well knowing, as befits the season: Whitherward is thy prosperous car advancing? > 6 Thus do they magnify me, me the mighty higher than even high heaven is my car-pole. > I all at once demolish many thousands: my Sire begot me with no foe to match me. > 7 Yea, and the Gods have known me also, Indra, as mighty, fierce and strong in every exploit. > Exulting with the bolt I slaughtered Vṛtra, and for the offerer oped with might the cow-stall. > 8 The Deities approached, they carried axes; splitting the wood they came with their attendants. > They laid good timber in the fire-receivers, and burnt the grass up where they found it growing. > 9 The hare hath swallowed up the opposing razor: I sundered with a clod the distant mountain. > The great will I make subject to the little: the calf shall wax in strength and cat the bullock. > 10 There hath the strong-winged eagle left his talon, as a snared lion leaves the trap that caught him. > Even the wild steer in his thirst is captured: the leather strap still holds his foot entangled. > 11 So may the leather strap their foot entangle who fatten on the viands of the Brahman. > They all devour the bulls set free to wander, while they themselves destroy their bodies' vigour. > 12 They were well occupied with holy duties who sped in person with their lauds to Soma. > Speaking like man, mete to us wealth and booty: in heaven thou hast the name and fame of Hero.

Hymn XXIX. Indra.

This hymn invokes Indra with a series of vivid metaphors, comparing him to a rejoicing young bird and his herald-priest to a guardian. It celebrates the power of the gladdening draught of Soma to please the god. The verses ask for Indra's protection, a swift chariot, and the wealth of a hundred chiefs.

1. As sits the young bird on the tree rejoicing, ye, swift Pair, have been roused by clear laudation, > Whose Herald-Priest through many days is Indra, earth's Guardian, Friend of men, the best of Heroes. > 2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! > Let the victorious car with triple splendour bring hitherward the hundred chiefs with Kutsa. > 3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou art mighty. > Why comest thou to me, what gift attracts thee? Fain would I bring thee food most meet to offer. > 4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us? > As a true Friend, Wide-Strider! to sustain us, since food absorbs the thought of each among us. > 5 Speed happily those, as Sūrya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; > Men who present, O Indra strong by nature, with food the many songs that tell thy praises. > 6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide-wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. > Here for thy choice are Somas mixed with butter: may the sweet meath be pleasant for thy drinking. > 7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. > O'er earth's expanse hath he grown great by wisdom, the Friend of man, and by heroic exploits. > 8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship. > Ascend thy chariot as it were in battle, which thou shalt drive to us with gracious favour.

Hymn XXX. Waters.

This hymn is a praise of the celestial Waters, invoked to flow from the reservoir and sanctify the sacrifice. The verses personify the waters as divine beings, with the "Waters' Child" as their sacred essence. It is a prayer for purification, abundance, and the harmonious union of the divine elements.

1. As ’twere with swift exertion of the spirit, let the priest speed to the celestial Waters, > The glorious food of Varuṇa and Mitra. To him who spreadeth far this laud I offer. > 2 Adhvaryus, he ye ready with oblations,, and come with longing to the longing Waters, > Down on which looks the. purple-tinted Eagle. Pour ye that flowing wave this day, deft-handed. > 3 Go to the reservoir, O ye Adhvaryus worship the Waters’ Child with your oblations. > A consecrated wave he now will give you, so press for him the Soma rich in sweetness. > 4 He who shines bright in floods, unfed with fuel, whom sages worship at their sacrifices: > Give waters rich in sweets, Child of the Waters, even those which gave heroic might to Indra: > 5 Those in which Soma joys and is delighted, as a young man with fair and pleasant damsels. > Go thou unto those Waters, O Adhvaryu, and purify with herbs what thou infusest. > 6 So maidens bow before the youthful gallant who comes with love to them who yearn to meet him. > In heart accordant and in wish one-minded are the Adhvaryus and the heavenly Waters. > 7 He who made room for you when fast imprisoned, who freed you from the mighty imprecation,— > Even to that Indra send the meath-rich current, the wave that gratifies the Gods, O Waters. > 8 Send forth to him the meath-rich wave, O Rivers, which is your offspring and a well of sweetness, > Oil-balmed, to be implored at sacrifices. Ye wealthy Waters, hear mine invocation. > 9 Send forth the rapture-giving wave, O Rivers, which Indra drinks, which sets the Twain in motion; > The well that springeth from the clouds, desirous, that wandereth triple formed, distilling transport. > 10 These winding Streams which with their double current, like cattle raiders, seek the lower pastures,— > Waters which dwell together, thrive together, Queens, Mothers of the world, these, Ṛṣi, honour. > 11 Send forth our sacrifice with holy worship send forth the hymn and prayer for gain of riches. > For need of sacrifice disclose the udder. Give gracious hearing to our call, O Waters. > 12 For, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures: ye bring auspicious intellect and Amṛta. > Ye are the Queens of independent riches Sarasvatī give full life to the singer! > 13 When I behold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them milk and mcath and butter, > Bearing the well-pressed Soma juice to Indra, they harmonize in spirit with Adhvaryus. > 14 Rich, they are come with wealth for living beings, O friends, Adhvaryus, seat them in their places. > Seat them on holy grass, ye Soma-bringers in harmony with the Offspring of the Waters. > 15 Now to this grass are come the longing Waters: the Pious Ones are seated at our worship. > Adbvaryus, press the Soma juice for Indra so will the service of the Gods be easy.

Hymn XXXI. Viśvedevas.

This hymn is a prayer for benediction and friendship with the gods, seeking their favor on the path of Order. It calls for a "nobler vigour" and a mind aligned with the divine will, so that the worshippers may become "acquainted with Immortals." The verses weave together praise for the cosmic parents, Heaven and Earth, with a plea for protection and riches.

1. MAY benediction of the Gods approach us, holy, to aid us with all rapid succours. > Therewith may we be happily befriended, and pass triumphant over all our troubles. > 2 A man should think on wealth and strive to win it by adoration on the path of Order, > Counsel himself with his own mental insight, and grasp still nobler vigour with his spirit. > 3 The hymn is formed, poured are the allotted portions: as to a ford friends come unto the Wondrous. > We have obtained the power of case and comfort, we haVe become acquainted, with Immortals. > 4 Pleased be the Eternal Lord who loves the household with this man whom God Savitar created. > May Bhaga Aryaman grace him with cattle: may he appear to him, and be, delightful. > 5 Like the Dawns' dwelling-place be this assembly, where in their might men rich in food have gathered. > Striving to share the praises of this singer. To us come strengthening and effectual riches! > 6 This Bull's most gracious far-extended favour existed first of all in full abundance. > By his support they are maintained in common who in the Asura's mansion dwell together. > 7 What was the tree, what wood, in sooth, produced it, from which they fashioned forth the Earth and Heaven? > These Twain stand fast and wax not old for ever: these have sung praise to many a day and morning. > 8 Not only here is this: more is beyond us. He is the Bull, the Heaven's and Earth's supporter. > With power divine he makes his skin a filter, when the Bay Coursers bear him on as Sūrya. > 9 He passes o’er the broad earth like a Stega: he penetrates the world as Wind the mist-cloud. > He, balmed with oil, near Varuṇa and Mitra, like Agni in the wood, hath shot forth splendour. > 10 When suddenly called the cow that erst was barren, she, self protected, ended all her troubles. > Earth, when the first son sprang from sire and mother, cast up the gami, that which men were seeking. > 11 To Nṛṣad's son they gave the name of Kainva, and he the brown-hued courser won the treasure. > For him dark-coloured streamed the shining udder: none made it swell for him. Thus Order willed it.

Hymn XXXII. Indra.

This hymn portrays Indra in a series of powerful, often enigmatic, images. He is the wanderer who conquers, the one who brings forth both parents, and the husband whose auspicious marriage is performed with joy. The verses are a meditation on his divine nature, filled with paradox and cosmic significance.

1. FORTH speed the Pair to bring the meditating God, benevolent with boons sent in return for boons. > May Indra graciously accept both gifts from us, when he hath knowledge of the flowing Soma juice. > 2 Thou wanderest far, O Indra, through the spheres of light and realms of earth, the region, thou whom many praise! > Let those who often bring their solemn rites conquer the noisy babblers who present no gifts. > 3 More beautiful than beauty must this seem to me, when the son duly careth for his parents' line. > The wife attracts the husband: with a shout of joy the man's auspicious marriage is performed aright. > 4 This beauteous place of meeting have I looked upon, where, like milch cows, the kine order the marriage train; > Where the Herd's Mother counts as first and best of all, and round her are the seven-toned people of the choir. > 5 The Pious One hath reached your place before the rest: One only moves victorious with the Rudras' band. > To these your helpers pour our meath, Immortal Gods, with whom your song of praise hath power to win their gifts. > 6 He who maintains the Laws of God informed me that thou wast lying hidden in the waters. > Indra, who knoweth well, beheld and showed thee. By him instructed am I come, O Agni. > 7 The stranger asks the way of him who knows it: taught by the skilful guide he travels onward. > This is, in truth, the blessing of instruction: he finds the path that leads directly forward. > 8 Even now he breathed: these days hath he remembered. Concealed, he sucked the bosom of his Mother. > Yet in his youth old age hath come upon him: he hath grown gracious, good, and free from anger. > 9 O Kalasa, all these blessings will we bring them, O Kurusravana, who give rich presents. > May he, O wealthy princes, and this Soma which I am bearing in my heart, reward you.

Hymn XXXIII. Various Deities.

This hymn begins with a personal lament, comparing the singer's consuming cares to rats eating a weaver's threads. It then shifts to a praise of the liberal prince Kurusravana, who is chosen as a patron. The hymn expresses a deep sense of loss for a departed friend, acknowledging that no man lives beyond the "statute of the Gods."

1. THE urgings of the people have impelled me, and by,the nearest way I bring you Pūṣan. > The Universal Gods have brought me safely. The cry was heard, Behold, Dubsasu cometh! > 2 The ribs that compass me give pain and trouble me like rival wives. > Indigence, nakedness, exhaustion press me sore: my mind is fluttering like a bird's. > 3 As rats eat weavers' threads, cares are consuming me, thy singer, gatakratu, me. > Have mercy on us once, O Indra, Bounteous Lord: be thou a Father unto us. > 4 I the priests' Ṛṣi chose as prince most liberal Kurusravana, > The son of Trasadasyu's son, > 5 Whose three bays harnessed to the car bear me straight onward: I will laud > The giver of a thousand meeds, > 6 The sire of Upamasravas, even him whose words were passing sweet, > As a fair field is to its lord. > 7 Mark, Upamasravas, his son, mark, grandson of Mitratithi: > I am thy father's eulogist. > 8 If I controlled Immortal Gods, yea, even were I Lord of men, > My liberal prince were living still. > 9 None lives, even had he hundred lives, beyond the statute of the Gods > So am I parted from my friend.

Hymn XXXIV. Dice, Etc.

This is a rare secular hymn, a poignant lament from a gambler ruined by his addiction to the dice. He personifies the "brown dice" as seductive and destructive forces that have alienated him from his wife and family. The hymn ends with a plea from the god Savitar to abandon the dice and cultivate the corn-land, a call to abandon destructive illusion for productive reality.

1. SPRUNG from tall trees on windy heights, these rollers transport me as they turn upon the table. > Dearer to me the die that never slumbers than the deep draught of Mujavan's own Soma. > 2 She never vexed me nor was angry with me, but to my friends and me was ever gracious. > For the die's sake, whose single point is final, mine own devoted wife I alienated. > 3 My wife holds me aloof, her mother hates me: the wretched man finds none to give him comfort. > As of a costly horse grown old and feeble, I find not any profit of the gamester. > 4 Others caress the wife of him whose riches the die hath coveted, that rapid courser: > Of him speak father, mother, brothers saying, We know him not: bind him and take him with you. > 5 When I resolve to play with these no longer, my friends depart from me and leave me lonely. > When the brown dice, thrown on the board, have rattled, like a fond girl I seek the place of meeting. > 6 The gamester seeks the gambling-house, and wonders, his body all afire, Shall I be lucky? > Still do the dice extend his eager longing, staking his gains against his adversary. > 7 Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe. > They give frail gifts and then destroy the man who wins, thickly anointed with the player's fairest good. > 8 Merrily sports their troop, the three-and-fifty, like Savitar the God whose ways are faithful. > They bend not even to the mighty's anger: the King himself pays homage and reveres them. > 9 Downward they roll, and then spring quickly upward, and, handless, force the man with hands to serve them. > Cast on the board, like lumps of magic charcoal, though cold themselves they burn the heart to ashes. > 10 The gambler's wife is left forlorn and wretched: the mother mourns the son who wanders homeless. > In constant fear, in debt, and seeking riches, he goes by night unto the home of others. > 11 Sad is the gambler when he sees a matron, another's wife, and his well-ordered dwelling. > He yokes the brown steeds in the early morning, and when the fire is cold sinks down an outcast. > 12 To the great captain of your mighty army, who hath become the host's imperial leader, > To him I show my ten extended fingers: I speak the truth. No wealth am I withholding. > 13 Play not with dice: no, cultivate thy corn-land. Enjoy the gain, and deem that wealth sufficient. > There are thy cattle there thy wife, O gambler. So this good Savitar himself hath told me. > 14 Make me your friend: show us some little mercy. Assail us not with your terrific fierceness. > Appeased be your malignity and anger, and let the brown dice snare some other captive.

Hymn XXXV. Viśvedevas.

This hymn is a prayer for felicity, invoking the gods at dawn. It calls upon the "great Twain," Heaven and Earth, and the first light of morning to bring blessings and drive sin away. The verses repeatedly express a deep yearning for innocence and prosperity.

1. THESE fires associate with Indra are awake, bringing their light when first the Dawn begins to shine. > May Heaven and Earth, great Pair, observe our holy work. We claim for us this day the favour of the Gods. > 2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Śaryaṇāvān, of the Hills and Mother Streams. > For innocence we pray to Sūrya and to Dawn. So may the flowing Soma bring us bliss to-day. > 3 May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and happiness. > May Morning sending forth her light drive sin afar. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 4 May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for wealth. > The wrath of the malignant may we keep afar. We pray to kindled Agni for feilicity. > 5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us the light, > Shine ye on us to-day auspicious, for renown. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 6 Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze. > The Aśvin Pair have harnessed their swift-moving car. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 7 Send us to-day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth. > I cry to Dhiṣaṇā, Mother of opulence. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 8 Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it! > The Sun goes up beholding all the rays of morn. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing stones, and perfecting the hymn. > Thou in the Ādityas’ keeping movest restlessly. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests,— > Varuṇa, Indra, Mitra, Bhaga for our gain. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 11 Come hither, O Ādityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive. > Pūṣan, Bṛhaspati, Bhaga, both Aśvins, and enkindled Agni we implore for happiness. > 12 Ādityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise-worthy, prosperous, our heroes' sure defence, > For cattle, for our sons, for progeny, for life. We pray to kindled Agni for felicity. > 13 This day may all the Maruts, all he near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled. > May all Gods come to us with gracious favour. May spoil and wealth he ours, and all possessions. > 14 He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction, > Who fears no danger at your milk-libation, -such may we be to feast the Gods, ye Mighty.

Hymn XXXVI. Viśvedevas.

This hymn is a communal prayer for safety, prosperity, and the maintenance of divine favor. It calls upon a wide array of gods, from Indra and Agni to the rivers and mountains, seeking their united blessing. The verses express a desire to follow the path of Law and obtain the "gracious favour of the Gods."

1. THERE are the Dawn and Night, the grand and beauteous Pair, Earth, Heaven, and Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman. > Indra I call, the Maruts, Mountains, and the Floods, Ādityas, Heaven and Earth, the Waters, and the Sky. > 2 May Dyaus and Prthivi, wise, true to Holy Law, keep us in safety from distress and injury. > Let not malignant Nirrti rule over us. We crave to-day this gracious favour of the Gods. > 3 Mother of Mitra and of opulent Varuṇa, may Aditi preserve us safe from all distress. > May we obtain the light of heaven without a foe. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 4 May ringing press-stones keep the Rākṣasas afar, ill dream, and Nirrti, and each voracious fiend. > May the Ādityas and the Maruts shelter us. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 5 Full flow libations; on our grass let Indra sit; Bṛhaspati the singer laud with Sāma hymns! > Wise be our hearts' imaginings that we may live. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 6 Ye Aśvins, make our sacrifice ascend to heaven, and animate the rite that it may send us bliss, > Offered with holy oil, with forward-speeding rein. We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 7 Hither I call the band of Maruts, swift to hear, great, purifying, bringing bliss, to he our Friends. > May we increase our wealth to glorify our name. We crave this graciousfavour of the Gods to-day. > 8 We bring the Stay of Life, who makes the waters swell, swift-hearing, Friend of Gods, who waits on sacrifice. > May we control that Power, Soma whose rays are bright. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 9 Alive ourselves, with living sons, devoid of guilt, may we win this with winners by fair means to win. > Let the prayer-haters bear our sin to every side. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 10 Hear us, O ye who claim the worship of mankind, and give us, O ye Gods, the gift for which we pray, > Victorious wisdom, fame with heroes and with wealth. We crave to-day this gracious favour of the Gods. > 11 We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to-day, great favour of great Gods, sublime and free from foes, > That we may gain rich treasure sprung from hero sons. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 12 In great enkindled Agni's keeping, and, for bliss, free from all sin before Mitra and Varuṇa. > May we share Savitar's best animating help. We crave this gracious favour of the Gods to-day. > 13 All ye, the Gods whom Savitar the Father of truth, and Varuṇa and Mitra govern, > Give us prosperity with hero children, and opulence in kine and various treasure. > 14 Savitar, Savitar from cast and westward, Savitar, Savitar from north and southward, > Savitar send us perfect health and comfort, Savitar let our days of life be lengthened!

Hymn XXXVII. Sūrya.

This hymn is a reverent praise of Sūrya, the Sun, as the all-seeing eye of Mitra and Varuṇa. It celebrates his power to dispel gloom, impel all moving things, and guard the eternal law. The verses are a prayer for long life, protection from sin, and the continued blessing of his light.

1. Do homage unto Varuṇa's and Mitra's Eye: offer this solemn worship to the Mighty God, > Who seeth far away, the Ensign, born of Gods. Sing praises unto Sūrya, to the Son of Dyaus. > 2 May this my truthful speech guard me on every side wherever heaven and earth and days are spread abroad. > All else that is in motion finds a place of rest: the waters ever flow and ever mounts the Sun. > 3 No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled Steeds. > One lustre waits upon thee moving to the cast, and, Sūrya, thou arisest with a different light. > 4 O Sūrya, with the light whereby thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray impellest every moving thing, > Keep far from us all feeble, worthless sacrifice, and drive away disease and every evil dream. > 5 Sent forth thou guardest well the Universe's law, and in thy wonted way arisest free from wrath. > When Sūrya, we address our prayers to thee to-day, may the Gods favour this our purpose and desire. > 6 This invocation, these our words may Heaven and Earth, and Indra and the Waters and the Maruts hear. > Ne’er may we suffer want in presence of the Sun, and, living happy lives, may we attain old age. > 7 Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store of children, free from sickness and from sin, > Long-living, may we look, O Sūrya, upon thee uprising day by day, thou great as Mitra is! > 8 Sūrya, may we live long and look upon thee still, thee, O Far-seeing One, bringing the glorious light, > The radiant God, the spring of joy to every eye, as thou art mounting up o’er the high shining flood. > 9 Thou by whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and by thy beams again returns unto its rest, > O Sūrya with the golden hair, ascend for us day after day, still bringing purer innocence. > 10 Bless us with shine, bless us with perfect daylight, bless us with cold, with fervent heat and lustre. > Bestow on us, O Sūrya, varied riches, to bless us in our home and when we travel. > 11 Gods, to our living creatures of both kinds vouchsafe protection, both to bipeds and to quadrupeds, > That they may drink and eat invigorating food. So grant us health and strength and perfect innocence. > 12 If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, with the tongue or thoughtlessness of heart, > That guilt, O Vasus, lay upon the Evil One, on him who ever leads us into deep distress.

Hymn XXXVIII. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra's battle-prowess and a plea for his aid. The verses invoke him as the mighty hero who brings victory and discloses opulence. The singer expresses a desire to be counted among Indra's friends and to receive his divine favor.

1. O INDRA, in this battle great and glorious, in this loud din of war help us to victory, > Where in the strife for kine among bold ring-decked men arrows fly all around and heroes are subdued. > 2 At home disclose to us opulence rich in food, streaming with milk, O Indra, meet to be renowned. > Śakra, may we be thine, the friendly Conqueror's: even as we desire, O Vasu, so do thou. > 3 The godless man, much-lauded Indra, whether he be Dāsa or be Ārya, who would war with us,— > Easy to conquer he for thee, with us, these foes: with thee may we subdue them in the clash of fight. > 4 Him who must be invoked by many and by few, who standeth nigh with comfort in the war of men, > Indra, famed Hero, winner in the deadly strife, let us bring hitherward to-day to favour us. > 5 For, Indra, I have heard thee called Self. capturer, One, Steer! who never yields, who urges even the churl. > Release thyself from Kutsa and come hither. How shall one like thee sit still bound that he may not move?

Hymn XXXIX. Aśvins.

This hymn invokes the Aśvins with a series of vivid similes, comparing them to press-stones, envoys, car-borne heroes, fair dames, and a married pair. The verses praise their speed, helpfulness, and the bright, life-giving energy they bring. It is a joyful and imaginative celebration of the divine twins.

1. SING like the two press-stones for this same purpose; come like two misers to the tree of treasure; > Like two laud-singing Brahmans in the assembly, like the folk's envoys called in many places. > 2 Moving at morning like two car-borne heroes, like to a pair of goats ye come electing; > Like two fair dames embellishing their bodies, like a wise married pair among the people. > 3 Like to a pair of horns come first to us-ward, like to a pair of hoofs with rapid motion; > Come like two Cakavās in the grey of morning, come like two chariot wheels at dawn, ye Mighty. > 4 Bear us across the rivers like two vessels, save us as ye were yokes, naves, spokes and fellies. > Be like two dogs that injure not our bodies; preserve us, like two crutches, that we fall not. > 5 Like two winds ageing not, two confluent rivers, come with quick vision like two eyes before us. > Come like two hands most helpful to the body, and guide us like two feet to what is precious. > 6 Even as two lips that with the mouth speak honey, even as two breasts that nourish our existence, > Like the two nostrils that protect our being, be to us as our ears that hear distinctly. > 7 Like two hands give ye us increasing vigour; like heaven and earth constrain the airy regions. > Aśvins, these hymns that struggle to approach you, sharpen ye like an axe upon a whetstone. > 8 These prayers of ours exalting you, O Aśvins, have the Gṛtsamadas, for a laud, made ready. > Welcome them, O ye Heroes, and come hither. Loud may we speak. with brave men, in assembly.

Hymn XL. Soma and Pūṣan.

This hymn unites Soma and Pūṣan as cosmic parents, lords of riches, earth, and heaven. It praises their creative power, celebrating how they generate ripe milk in raw cows and have set up shining lights in the sky. The verses invoke them to increase wealth and grant prosperity.

1 SOMA and Pūṣan, Parents of all riches, Parents of earth and Parents of high heaven, > You Twain, brought forth as the whole world's protectors, the Gods have made centre of life eternal. > 2 At birth of these two Gods all Gods are joyful: they have caused darkness, which we hate, to vanish. > With these, with Soma and with Pūṣan, India generates ripe warm milk in the raw milch-cows. > 3 Soma and Pūṣan, urge your chariot hither, the seven-wheeled car that measures out the region, > That stirs not all, that moves to every quarter, five-reined and harnessed by the thought, ye Mighty. > 4 One in the heaven on high hath made his dwelling, on earth and in the firmament the other. > May they disclose to us great store of treasure, much-longed for, rich in food, source of enjoyment. > 5 One of you Twain is Parent of all creatures, the other journeys onward all-beholding. > Soma and Pūṣan, aid my thought with favour: with you may we o’ercome in all encounters. > 6 May Pūṣan stir our thought, the all-impelling, may Soma Lord of riches grant us riches. > May Aditi the perfect Goddess aid us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

Hymn XLI. Various Deities.

This hymn is a rapid series of invocations to a host of deities, calling them to the sacrifice. It moves swiftly from Vāyu to Indra, Mitra, Varuṇa, the Aśvins, and Sarasvatī. The verses are a vibrant and encompassing prayer for protection, wealth, and divine favor.

1. O VĀYU, come to us with all the thousand chariots that are thine, > Team-borne, to drink the Soma juice. > 2 Drawn by thy team, O Vāyu, come; to thee is offered this, the pure. > Thou visitest the presser's house. > 3 Indra and Vāyu, drawn by teams, ye Heroes, come today and drink. > Of the bright juice when blent with milk. > 4 This Soma hath been shed for you, Law-strengtheners, Mitra-Varuṇa! > Listen ye here to this my call. > 5 Both Kings who never injure aught seat them in their supremest home, > The thousand-pillared, firmly-based. > 6 Fed with oblation, Sovran Kings, Ādityas, Lords of liberal gifts. > They wait on him whose life is true. > 7 With kine, Nāsatyas, and with steeds, come, Aśvins, Rudras, to the house > That will protect its heroes well; > 8 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar nor standing nigh to us may harm, > Yea, no malicious mortal foe. > 9 As such, O longed-far Aśvins, lead us on to wealth of varied sort, > Wealth that shall bring us room and rest. > 10 Verily Indra, conquering all, driveth e’en mighty fear away, > For firm is he and swift to act. > 11 Indra be gracious unto us: sin shall not reach us afterward, > And good shall be before us still. > 12 From all the regions of the world let Indra send security, > The foe-subduer, swift to act. > 13 O all ye Gods, come hitherward: hear this mine invocation, seat > Yourselves upon this sacred grass. > 14 Among the Śunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught. > Drink ye of this delightsome juice. > 15 Ye Maruts led by Indra, Gods with Pūṣan for your bounteousest, > Hear all of you this call of mine. > 16 Best Mother, best of Rivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvatī, We are, as ’twere, of no repute and dear Mother, give thou us renown. > 17 In thee, Sarasvatī, divine, all generations have their stay. > Be, glad with Śunahotra's sons: O Goddess grant us progeny. > 18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvatī, these prayers of ours, > Thoughts which Gṛtsamadas beloved of Gods bring, Holy One, to thee. > 19 Ye who bless sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you both, > And Agni who conveys our gifts. > 20 This our effectual sacrifice, reaching the sky, shall Heaven and Earth > Present unto the Gods to-day. > 21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit them down > To-day to drink the Soma here.

Hymn XLII. Kapiñjala.

This hymn is a brief, focused charm addressed to the Kapiñjala, a bird of omen (likely a francolin partridge). The singer listens to its cry, interpreting it as a bringer of good tidings and a ward against evil. It is a prayer for auspicious signs and protection from harm.

1. TELLING his race aloud with cries repeated, he sends his voice out as his boat a steersman. > O Bird, be ominous of happy fortune from no side may calamity befall thee. > 2 Let not the falcon kill thee, nor the eagle let not the arrow-bearing archer reach thee. > Still crying in the region of the Fathers, speak here auspicious, bearing joyful tidings. > 3 Bringing good tidings, Bird of happy omen, call thou out loudly southward of our dwellings, > So that no thief, no sinner may oppress us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

Hymn XLIII. Kapiñjala.

This hymn, like the one before it, is an ode to the Kapiñjala bird, whose song is compared to the sacred chants of a priest. The bird's call is seen as an announcement of good fortune and happy luck. The verses are a plea for the bird to bring auspicious news and kind thoughts.

1. HERE on the right sing forth chanters of hymns of praise, even the winged birds that in due season speak. > He, like: a Sāma-chanter utters both the notes, skilled in the mode of Tṛṣṭup and of Gāyatrī. > 2 Thou like the chanter-priest chantest the Sāma, Bird; thou singest at libations like a Brahman's son. > Even as a vigorous horse when he comes near the mare, announce to us good fortune, Bird, on every side, proclaim in all directions happy luck, O Bird. > 3 When singing here, O Bird. announce good luck to us, and when thou sittest still think on us with kind thoughts.

Hymn XLIV. Agni.

This hymn calls upon Agni as the radiant king and ruler of the sacrifice. It is a song of praise meant to bring forth his "glorious brilliancy" and move him to accept the offerings. The verses are a plea for Agni to seat the deities at the rite and complete the sacred work.

1. PAY service unto Agni with your fuel, rouse your Guest with oil: > In him present your offerings. > 2 Agni, do thou accept my laud, be magnified by this my song: > Welcome my sweetly-spoken words. > 3 Agni, envoy, I place in front; the oblation-bearer I address: > Here let him seat the Deities. > 4 Agni, the lofty flames of thee enkindled have gone up on high, > Thy bright flames, thou Refulgent One. > 5 Beloved! let my ladles full of sacred oil come near to thee: > Agni, accept our offerings. > 6 I worship Agni—may he hear!—the cheerful, the Invoker, Priest, > Of varied splendour, rich in light. > 7 Ancient Invoker, meet for praise, beloved Agni, wise and strong, > The visitant of solemn rites. > 8 Agni, best Aṅgiras, accept straightway these offerings, and guide > The seasonable sacrifice. > 9 Excellent God, with brilliant flames, enkindled bring thou hitherward, > Knowing the way, the Heavenly Host. > 10 Him, Sage and Herald, void of guile, ensign of sacrifices, him > Smoke-bannered, rich in light, we seek. > 11 O Agni, be our Guardian thou, God, against those who injure us: > Destroy our foes, thou Son of Strength. > 12 Making his body beautiful, Agni the Sage hath waxen by > The singer and his ancient hymn. > 13 I invocate the Child of Strength, Agni with purifying flame, > At this well-ordered sacrifice. > 14 So Agni, rich in many friends, with fiery splendour, seat thyself > With Gods upon our sacred grass. > 15 The mortal man who serves the God Agni within his own abode, > For him he causes wealth to shine. > 16 Agni is head and height of heaven, the Master of the earth is he: > He quickeneth the waters’ seed. > 17 Upward, O Agni, rise thy flames, pure and resplendent, blazing high, > Thy lustres, fair effulgences. > 18 For, Agni, thou as Lord of Light rulest o’er choicest gifts: may I, > Thy singer, find defence in thee. > 19 O Agni, they who understand stir thee to action with their thoughts: > So let our songs enhance thy might. > 20 We ever claim the friendship of Agni, the singing messenger, > Of God-like nature, void of guile. > 21 Agni who bears most holy sway, the holy Singer, holy Sage, > Shines holy when we worship him. > 22 Yea, let my meditations, let my songs exalt thee evermore. > Think, Agni, of our friendly bond, > 23 If I were thou and thou wert I, O Agni, every prayer of thine > Should have its due fulfilment here. > 24 For Excellent and Lord of wealth. art thou O Agni, rich in light: > May we enjoy thy favouring grace. > 25 Agni, to thee whose laws stand fast our resonant songs of praise speed forth, > As rivers hasten to the sea. > 26 Agni, the Youthful Lord of men, who stirreth much and eateth all, > The Sage, I glorify with hymns. > 27 To Agni let us haste with lauds, the Guide of sacrificial rites, > Armed with sharp teeth, the Mighty One. > 28 And let this man, good Agni, be with thee the singer of thy praise: > Be gracious, Holy One, to him. > 29 For thou art sharer of our feast, wise, ever watchful as a Sage: > Agni, thou shinest in the sky. > 30 O Agni, Sage, before our foes, before misfortunes fall on us, > Excellent Lord, prolong our lives.

Hymn XLV. Indra.

This hymn is a powerful invocation of Indra, praising him as the "youthful Friend" and "Lord of Bays." The verses celebrate his power to win spoil, his swiftness like a bird, and his constant presence at the sacrifice. It is a song of devotion and a plea for his continued favor and protection.

1. HITHERWARD! they who light flame and straightway trim the sacred grass. > Whose Friend is Indra ever young. > 2 High is their fuel, great their laud, wide is their splinter from the stake, > Whose Friend is Indra ever young. > 3 Unequalled in fight the hero leads his army with the warrior chiefs. > Whose Friend is Indra ever young. > 4 The new-born Vṛtra-slayer asked his Mother, as he seized his shaft, > Who are the fierce? Who are renowned? > 5 Śavasī answered, He who seeks thine enmity will battle like > A stately elephant on a hill. > 6 And hear, O Maghavan; to him who craves of thee thou grantest all > Whate’er thou makest firm is firm. > 7 What time the Warrior Indra goes to battle, borne by noble steeds, > Best of all charioteers is he. > 8 Repel, O Thunder-armed, in all directions all attacks on us: > And be our own most glorious God. > 9 May Indra set our car in front, in foremost Place to win the spoil, > He whom the wicked injure not. > 10 Thine enmity may we escape, and, Śakra, for thy bounty, rich > In kine, may we come near to thee > 11 Softly approaching, Thunder-armed wealthy by hundreds, rich in steeds, > Unrivalled, ready with our gifts. > 12 For thine exalted excellence gives to thy worshippers each day > Hundreds and thousands of thy boons. > 13 Indra, we know thee breaker-down even of strong forts, winner of spoil, > As one who conquers wealth for us. > 14 Though thou art highest, Sage and Bold! let the drops cheer thee when we come > To thee as to a trafficker. > 15 Bring unto us the treasure of the opulent man who, loth to give, > Hath slighted thee for gain of wealth. > 16 Indra, these friends of ours, supplied with Soma, wait and look to thee, > As men with fodder to the herd. > 17 And thee who art not deaf, whose cars are quick to listen, for our aid, > We call to us from far away. > 18 When thou hast listened, make our call one which thou never wilt forget, > And be our very nearest Friend. > 19 When even now, when we have been in trouble, we have thought of thee, > O Indra, give us gifts of kine. > 20 O Lord of Strength, we rest on thee, as old men rest upon a staff: > We long to have. thee dwell with us. > 21 To Indra sing a song of praise, Hero of mighty valour, him > Whom no one challenges to war. > 22 Hero, the Soma being shed, I pour the juice for thee to drink: > Sate thee and finish thy carouse. > 23 Let not the fools, or those who mock beguile thee when they seek thine aid > Love not the enemies of prayer. > 24 Here let them with rich milky draught cheer thee to great munificence: > Drink as the wild-bull drinks the lake. > 25 Proclaim in our assemblies what deeds, new and ancient, far away, > The Vṛtra-slayer hath achieved. > 26 In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank Kadrū's Soma juice: > There he displayed his manly might. > 27 True undeniable strength he found in Yadu and in Turvaśa, > And conquered through the sacrifice. > 28 Him have I magnified, our Lord in, common, Guardian of your folk, > Discloser of great wealth in kine; > 29 Ṛbhukṣan, not to be restrained, who strengthened Tugra's son in lauds, > Indra beside the flowing juice; > 30 Who for Triśoka clave the hill that formed a wide receptacle, > So that the cows might issue forth. > 31 Whate’er thy plan or purpose be, whate’er, in transport, thou wouldst do, > Do it not, Indra, but be kind. > 32 But little hath been heard of done upon the earth by one like thee i > Let thine heart, Indra, turn to us. > 33 Thine then shall be this high renown, thine shall these lofty praises be, > When, Indra, thou art kind to us. > 34 Not for one trespass, not for two, O Hero, slay us, nor for three, > Nor yet for many trespasses. > 35 I fear one powerful like thee, the crusher-down of enemies, > Mighty, repelling all attacks. > 36 O wealthy God, ne’er may I live to see my friend or son in need: > Hitherward let thy heart be turned. > 37 What friend, O people, unprovoked, hath ever said unto a friend, > He turns and leaves us in distress? > 38 Hero, insatiate enjoy this Soma juice so near to thee, > Even as a hunter rushing down. > 39 Hither I draw those Bays of thine yoked > by our hymn, with splendid car, > That thou mayst give unto the priests. > 40 Drive all our enemies away, smite down the foes who press around, > And bring the wealth for which we long: > 41 O Indra, that which is concealed in strong firm place precipitous: > Bring us the wealth for which we long > 42 Great riches which the world of men shall recognize as sent by thee: > Bring us the wealth for which we long.

Hymn XLVI. Indra.

This hymn is a prayer to Indra for wealth, victory, and protection. The verses celebrate his power as the "Hurler of the Bolt" and the "driver of the Tawny Steeds." The singer calls upon Indra for "fair guidance" and the strength to overcome all enemies.

1. WE, Indra, Lord of ample wealth, our Guide, depend on one like thee, > Thou driver of the Tawny Steeds. > 2 For, Hurler of the Bolt, we know thee true, the giver of our food, > We know the giver of our wealth. > 3 O thou whose majesty the bards celebrate with their songs, thou Lord, > Of hundred powers and hundred aids. > 4 Fair guidance hath the mortal man whom Aryaman, the Marut host, > And Mitra, void of guile, protect. > 5 Kine, steeds, and hero strength he gains, and prospers, by the Ādityas sped, > Ever in wealth which all desire. > 6 We pray to Indra for his gift, to him the Fearless and the Strong, > We pray to him the Lord of wealth. > 7 For verily combined in him are all the fearless powers of aid. > Him, rich in wealth, let swift Steeds bring to us, his Bays, to Soma juice for his carouse: > 8 Yea, that most excellent carouse, Indra, which slays most enemies, > With Heroes wins the light of heaven, and is invincible in war: > 9 Which merits fame, all-bountiful! and, unsubdued, hath victory in > deeds of might. > So come to our libations, Strongest! Excellent! May we obtain a stall of kine. > 10 Responding to our wish for cows, for steeds, and chariots, as of old, > Be gracious, Greatest of the Great > 11 For, Hero, nowhere can I find the bounds of thy munificence. > Still do thou favour us, O Bolt-armed Maghavan: with strength hast thou rewarded hymns. > 12 High, glorifier of his friend, he knows all generations, he whom many praise. > All races of mankind with ladies lifted up invoke that Mighty Indra's aid. > 13 Be he our Champion and Protector in great deeds, rich in all wealth, the Vṛtra-slayer, Maghavan. > 14 In the wild raptures of the juice sing to your Hero with high laud, to him the Wise, > To Indra, glorious in his name, the Mighty One, even as the hymn alloweth it. > 15 Thou givest wealth to me myself, thou givest treasure, Excellent! and the strong steed, > O Much-invoked, in deeds of might, yea, even now. > 16 Him, Sovran Ruler of all precious things, who even hath power o’er this fair form of his, > As now it taketh shape, and afterward, > 17 We praise, so that the Mighty One may speed to you, Pourer of bounties, Traveller, prepared to go. > Thou favourest the Maruts known to all, by song and sacrifice. > With song and praise I sing to thee. > 18 We in the sacrifice perform their will whose voice is lifted high, > The worship of those Thundering Ones who o’er the ridges of these mountains fly in troops. > 19 O Indra, Mightiest, bring us that which crushes men of evil minds, > Wealth suited to our needs, O Stirrer of the thought, best wealth, O thou who stirrest thought. > 20 O Winner, noble winner, strong, wondrous, most splendid, excellent, > Sole Lord of victory, bring all-overpowering wealth, joy-giving, chief in deeds of might. > 21 Now let the godless man approach who hath received reward so great > As Vaśa, Aśvya, when this light of morning dawned, received from Pṛthuśravas, from Kanīta's son. > 22 Steeds sixty thousand and ten thousand kine, and twenty hundred camels I obtained; > Ten hundred brown in hue, and other ten red in three spots: in all, ten thousand kine. > 23 Ten browns that make my wealth increase, fleet steeds whose tails are long and fair, > Turn with swift whirl my chariot wheel; > 24 The gifts which Pṛthuśravas gave, Kanīta's son munificent. > He gave a chariot wrought of gold: the prince was passing bountiful, and won himself most lofty fame. > 25 Come thou to this great rite of ours, Vāyu! to give us vigorous light. > We have served thee that thou mightest give much to us, yea, mightest quickly give great wealth. > 26 Who with thrice seven times seventy horses comes to us, invested with the rays of morn, > Through these our Soma-draughts and those who press, to give, drinker of pure bright Soma Juice. > 27 Who hath inclined this glorious one, bounteous himself, to give me gifts. > Borne on firm chariot with the prosperous Nahuṣa, wise, to a man yet more devout. > 28 Sole Lord in beauty meet for praise, O Vāyu, dropping fatness down, > Hurried along by steeds, by camels, and by hounds, spreads forth thy train: even this it is. > 29 So, as a prize dear to the strong, the sixty thousand have I gained, > Bulls that resemble vigorous steeds. > 30 To me come oxen like a herd, yea, unto me the oxen come. > 31 And in the grazing herd he made a hundred camels bleat for me, > And twenty hundred mid the white. > 32 A hundred has the sage received, Dāsa Balbūtha's and Tarukṣa's gifts. > These are thy people, Vāyu, who rejoice with Indra for their guard, rejoice with Gods for guards. > 33 And now to Vaśa Aśvya here this stately woman is led forth, > Adorned with ornaments of gold.

Hymn XLVII. Ādityas.

This hymn is a prayer for protection and liberation from sin, addressed to the Ādityas, the sons of Aditi. The verses ask for their sheltering aid, comparing it to the wings of a bird and the guidance of a leader. The latter part of the hymn is a powerful charm to banish evil dreams, consigning them to Trita Āptya, a distant deity associated with water and purification.

1. GREAT help ye give the worshipper, Varuṇa, Mitra, Mighty Ones! No sorrow ever reaches him whom ye, Ādityas, keep from harm. Yours are incomparable aids, and good the succour they afford. > 2 O Gods, Ādityas, well ye know the way to keep all woes afar. > As the birds spread their sheltering wings, spread your protection over us. > 3 As the birds spread their sheltering wings let your protection cover us. > We mean all shelter and defence, ye who have all things for your own. > 4 To whomsoever they, Most Wise, have given a home and means of life, > O'er the whole riches of this man they, the Ādityas, have control. > 5 As drivers of the car avoid ill roads, let sorrows pass us by. > May we be under Indra's guard, in the Ādityas’ favouring grace. > 6 For verily men sink and faint through loss of wealth which ye have given. > Much hath he gained from you, O Gods, whom ye, Ādityas, have approached. > 7 On him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall visit him, > To whom, Ādityas, ye have lent your shelter that extendeth far. > 8 Resting in you, O Gods, we are like men who fight in coats of mail. > Ye guard us from each great offence, ye guard us from each lighter fault. > 9 May Aditi defend us, may Aditi guard and shelter us, > Mother of wealthy Mitra and of Aryaman and Varuṇa. > 10 The shelter, Gods, that is secure, auspicious, free from malady, > A sure protection, triply strong, even that do ye extend to us. > 11 Look down on us, Ādityas, as a guide exploring from the bank. > Lead us to pleasant ways as men lead horses to an easy ford. > 12 Ill be it for the demons' friend to find us or come near to us. > But for the milch-cow be it well, and for the man who strives for fame. > 13 Each evil deed made manifest, and that which is concealed, O Gods, > The whole thereof remove from us to Trita Āptya far away. > 14 Daughter of Heaven, the dream that bodes evil to us or to our kine, > Remove, O Lady of the Light, to Trita Āptya far away. > 15 Even if, O Child of Heaven, it make a garland or a chain of gold, > The whole bad dream, whate’er it be, to Trita Āptya we consign. > 16 To him whose food and work is this, who comes to take his share therein, > To Trita, and to Dvita, Dawn! bear thou the evil dream away. > 17 As we collect the utmost debt, even the eighth and sixteenth part, > So unto Āptya we transfer together all the evil dream. > 18 Now have we conquered and obtained, and from our trespasses are free. > Shine thou away the evil dream, O Dawn, whereof we are afraid. Yours are incomparable aids, and good the succour they afford.

Hymn XLVIII. Soma.

This hymn is a praise of Soma, the divine drink, and its intoxicating, life-lengthening effects. The singer proclaims that through Soma, they have become immortal, attained the light, and are now beyond the reach of mortal harm. It is a powerful expression of the ecstatic and transcendent experience of the Soma ritual.

1. WISELY have I enjoyed the savoury viand, religious-thoughted, best to find out treasure, > The food to which all Deities and mortals, calling it meath, gather themselves together. > 2 Tlou shalt be Aditi as thou hast entered within, appeaser of celestial anger. > Indu, enjoying Indra's friendship, bring us—as a swift steed the car— forward to riches. > 3 We have drunk Soma and become immortal; we have attained the light, the Gods discovered. > Now what may foeman's malice do to harm us? What, O Immortal, mortal man's deception? > 4 Absorbed into the heart, be sweet, O Indu, as a kind father to his son, O Soma, > As a wise Friend to friend: do thou, wide-ruler, O Soma, lengthen out our days for living. > 5 These glorious drops that give me freedom have I drunk. Closely they knit my joints as straps secure a car. > Let them protect my foot from slipping on the way: yea, let the drops I drink preserve me from disease. > 6 Make me shine bright like fire produced by friction: give us a clearer sight and make us better. > For in carouse I think of thee, O Soma, Shall I, as a rich man, attain to comfort? > 7 May we enjoy with an enlivened spirit the juice thou givest, like ancestral riches. > O Soma, King, prolong thou our existence as Sūrya makes the shining days grow longer. > 8 King Soma, favour us and make us prosper: we are thy devotees; of this be mindful. > Spirit and power are fresh in us, O Indu give us not up unto our foeman's pleasure. > 9 For thou hast settled in each joint, O Soma, aim of men's eyes and guardian of our bodies. > When we offend against thine holy statutes, as a kind Friend, God, best of all, be gracious. > 10 May I be with the Friend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of Bays! when quaffed will never harm me > This Soma now deposited within me. For this, I pray for longer life to Indra. > 11 Our maladies have lost their strength and vanished: they feared, and passed away into the darkness. > Soma hath risen in us, exceeding mighty, and we are come where men prolong existence. > 12, Fathers, that Indu which our hearts have drunken, Immortal in himself, hath entered mortals. > So let us serve this Soma with oblation, and rest securely in his grace and favour. > 13 Associate with the Fathers thou, O Soma, hast spread thyself abroad through earth and heaven. > So with oblation let us serve thee, Indu, and so let us become the lords of riches, > 14 Give us your blessing, O ye Gods’ preservers. Never may sleep or idle talk control us. > But evermore may we, as friends of Soma, speak to the synod with brave sons around us. > 15 On all sides,. Soma, thou art our life-giver: aim of all eyes, light-finder, come within us. > Indu, of one accord with thy protections both from behind and from before preserve us.

Hymn XLIX. Agni.

This hymn invokes Agni as the divine priest and messenger, the "Child of Force" whose locks drop oil. The verses are a prayer for him to bring the gods to the sacrifice and to receive the offered oblations. It is a song of praise that seeks Agni's favor and protection.

1. AGNI, come hither with thy fires; we choose thee as Invoking Priest. > Let the extended ladle full of oil balm thee, best Priest, to sit on sacred grass. > 2 For unto thee, O Aṅgiras, O Son of Strength, move ladles in the sacrifice. > To Agni, Child of Force, whose locks drop oil, we seek, foremost in sacrificial rites. > 3 Agni, thou art Disposer, Sage, Herald, bright God! and worshipful, > Best offerer, cheerful, to be praised in holy rites, pure Lord! by singers with their hymns. > 4 Most Youthful and Eternal, bring the longing Gods to me, the guileless, for the feast. > Come, Vasu, to the banquet that is well-prepared: rejoice thee, gracious, with our songs. > 5 Famed art thou, Agni, far and wide, Preserver, righteous, and a Sage. > The holy singers, O refulgent kindled God! arrangers, call on thee to come. > 6 Shine, Most Resplendent! blaze, send bliss unto the folk, and to thy worshipper > Great art thou. > So may my princes, with good fires, subduing foes, rest in the keeping of the Gods. > 7 O Agni, as thou burnest down to earth even high-grown underwood, > So, bright as Mitra is, burn him who injures us, him who plots ill against thy friend. > 8 Give us not as a prey to mortal enemy, nor to the wicked friend of fiends. > With conquering guards, auspicious, unassailable, protect us, O Most Youthful God. > 9 Protect us, Agni, through the first, protect us through the second hymn, > Protect us through three hymns, O Lord of Power and Might, through four hymns, Vasu, guard thou us. > 10 Preserve us from each fiend who brings the Gods no gift, preserve thou us in deeds of strength: > For we possess in thee the nearest Friend of all, for service of the Gods and weal. > 11 O Holy Agni, give us wealth renowned with men and strengthening life. > Bestow on us, O Helper, that which many crave, more glorious still by righteousness; > 12 Wherewith we may o’ercome our rivals in the war, o’erpowering the foe's designs. > So wax thou by our food, O Excellent in strength. Quicken our thoughts that find out wealth. > 13 Agni is even as a bull who whets and brandishes his horns. > Well-sharpened are his jaws which may not be withstood: the Child of Strength hath powerful teeth. > 14 Not to be stayed, O Bull, O Agni, are thy teeth when thou art spreading far and wide. > Make our oblations duly offered up, O Priest, and give us store of precious things. > 15 Thou liest in the wood: from both thy Mothers mortals kindle thee. > Unweariedly thou bearest up the offerer's gifts, then shinest bright among the Gods. > 16 And so the seven priests, O Agni, worship thee, Free-giver, Everlasting One. > Thou cleavest through the rock with heat and fervent glow. Agni, rise up above the men. > 17 For you let us whose grass is trimmed call Agni, Agni, restless God. > Let us whose food is offered call to all the tribes Agni the Invoking Priest of men. > 18 Agni, with noble psalm that tells his wish he dwells, thinking on thee who guardest him. > Speedily bring us strength of many varied sorts to be most near to succour us. > 19 Agni, Praise-singer! Lord of men, God burner-up of Rākṣasas, > Mighty art thou, the ever-present Household-Lord, Home-friend and Guardian from the sky. > 20 Let no fiend come among us, O thou rich in light, no spell of those who deal in spells. > To distant pastures drive faint hunger: far away, O Agni, chase the demons’ friends.

Hymn L. Indra.

This hymn is a spirited invitation to Indra, calling him to the sacrifice and the flowing Soma juice. The verses praise his power and his role as the "Lord of Bays." It is a song of devotion that seeks Indra's favor and the bestowal of riches.

1. BOTH boons,—may Indra, hitherward turned, listen to this prayer of ours, > And mightiest Maghavan with thought inclined to us come near to drink the Soma juice. > 2 For him, strong, independent Ruler, Heaven and Earth have fashioned forth for power and might. > Thou seatest thee as first among thy peers in place, for thy soul longs for Soma juice. > 3 Fill thyself full, O Lord of wealth, O Indra, with the juice we shed. > We know thee, Lord of Bay Steeds victor in the fight, vanquishing e’en the invincible. > 4 Changeless in truth, O Maghavan Indra, let it be as thou in wisdom willest it. > May we, O fair of check, win booty with thine aid, O Thunderer, swiftly seeking it. > 5 Indra, with all thy saving helps give us assistance, Lord of power. > For after thee we follow even as glorious bliss, thee, Hero, finder-out of wealth. > 6 Increaser of our steeds and multiplying kine, a golden well, O God, art thou, > For no one may impair the gifts laid up in thee. Bring me whatever thing I ask. > 7 For thou,—come to the worshipper!—wilt find great wealth to make us rich. > Fill thyself full, O Maghavan, for gain of kine, full, Indra, for the gain of steeds. > 8 Thou as thy gift bestowest many hundred herds, yea, many thousands dost thou give. > With singers' hymns have we brought the Fort-render near, singing to Indra for his grace. > 9 Whether the simple or the sage, Indra, have offered praise to thee, > He Śatakratu! by his love hath gladdened thee, ambitious! ever pressing on! > 10 If he the Strong of arm, the breaker-down of forts, the great Destroyer, hear my call, > We, seeking riches cry to Indra, Lord of wealth, to Śatakratu with our lauds. > 11 We count not then as sinners, nor as niggardly or foolish men, > When with the Soma juice which we have shed we make Indra, the Mighty One, our Friend. > 12 Him have we yoked in fight, the powerful Conqueror, debt-claimer, not to be deceived. > Best charioteer, the Victor marks each fault, he knows the strong to whom he will come near. > 13 Indra, give us security from that whereof we are afraid. > Help us, O Maghavan, let thy succour give us this: drive away foes and enemies. > 14 For thou, O liberal Lord of bounty, strengthenest his ample home who worships thee. > So Indra, Maghavan, thou Lover of the Song, we with pressed Soma call on thee, > 15 Indra is Vṛtra-slayer, guard, our best defender from the foe. > May he preserve our last and middlemost, and keep watch from behind us and before. > 16 Defend us from behind, below, above, in front, on all sides, Indra, shield us well. > Keep far away from us the terror sent from heaven: keep impious weapons far away. > 17 Protect us, Indra, each to-day, each morrow, and each following day. > Our singers, through all days, shalt thou, Lord of the brave, keep safely both by day and night. > 18 A crushing Warrior, passing rich is Maghavan, endowed with all heroic might. > Thine arms, O Śatakratu, are exceeding strong, arms which have grasped the thunderbolt.

Hymn LI. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty warrior and the "Guard of all." The verses celebrate his power to slay Vṛtra and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks Indra's favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. OFFER ye up as praise to him that wherein Indra takes delight. > The Soma-bringers magnify Indra's great energy with hymns. Good are the gifts that Indra gives. > 2 Sole among chiefs, companionless, impetuous, and peerless, he > Hath waxen great o’er many folk, yea., over all things born, in might. > 3 Lord of swift bounty, he will win e’en with a steed of worthless sort. > This, Indra, must be told of thee who wilt perform heroic deeds. > 4 Come to us hither: let us pay devotions that enhance thy might, > For which, Most Potent! thou wouldst fain bless the man here who strives for fame. > 5 For thou, O Indra, makest yet more bold the spirit of the bold > Who with strong Soma serveth thee, still ready with his reverent prayers. > 6 Worthy of song, he looketh down as a man looketh into wells. > Pleased with the Soma-bringer's skill he maketh him his mate and friend. > 7 In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto thee. > Be thou the Guard of all, O thou whom many praise.

Hymn LII. Indra.

This hymn praises Indra's divine power and the efficacy of his sacrifice. It describes how he, with his "powers of Mighty Ones," has disclosed the kine to the Aṅgirases. The verses celebrate his great deeds and the joy he brings to his worshippers.

1. WITH powers of Mighty Ones hath he, Ancient, Beloved, been equipped, > Through whom the Father Manu made prayers efficacious with the Gods. > 2 Him, Maker of the sky, let stones wet with the Soma ne’er forsake, > Nor hymns and prayer that must be said. > 3 Indra who knew full well disclosed the kine to the Aṅgirases. > This his great deed must be extolled. > 4 Indra, promoter of the song, the sage's Strengthener as of old, > Shall come to bless and succour us at presentation of this laud. > 5 Now after their desire's intent the pious singers with the cry > Of Hail! have sung loud hymns to thee, Indra, to gain a stall of kine. > 6 With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to be performed, > Whom singers know devoid of guile. > 7 When the Five Tribes with all their men to Indra have sent out their voice, > And when the priest hath strewn much grass, this is the Friend's own dwelling-place. > 8 This praise is verily thine own: thou hast performed these manly deeds, > And sped the wheel upon its way. > 9 At the o’erflowing of this Steer, boldly he strode for life, and took > Soma as cattle take their corn. > 10 Receiving this and craving help, we, who with you are Dakṣa's sons, > Would fain exalt the Maruts’ Lord. > 11 Yea, Hero, with the singers we sing to the duly-coming Band. > Allied with thee may we prevail. > 12 With us are raining Rudras, clouds accordant in call to battle, at the death of Vṛtra, > The strong assigned to him who sings and praises. May Gods with Indra at their head protect us.

Hymn LIII. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, ever-youthful steer, the one who brings delight and fulfills the heart's desire. The verses celebrate his power to break through hills and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the bestowal of wealth.

1. MAY our hymns give thee great delight. Display thy bounty, Thunderer. > Drive off the enemies of prayer. > 2 Crush with thy foot the niggard churls who bring no gifts. Mighty art thou > There is not one to equal thee. > 3 Thou art the Lord of Soma pressed, Soma impressed is also thine. > Thou art the Sovran of the folk. > 4 Come, go thou forth, dwelling in heaven and listening to the prayers of men: > Thou fillest both the heavens and earth. > 5 Even that hill with rocky heights, with hundreds, thousands, held within. > Thou for thy worshippers brakest through. > 6 We call on thee both night and day to taste the flowing Soma juice: > Do thou fulfil our heart's desire. > 7 Where is that ever-youthful Steer, strong. necked and never yet bent down? > What Brahman ministers to him? > 8 To whose libation doth the Steer, betake him with delight therein? > Who takes delight in Indra now? > 9 Whom, Vṛtra-slayer, have thy gift and hero powers accompanied? > Who is thy dearest in the laud? > 10 For thee among mankind, among the Pūrus is this Soma shed. > Hasten thou hither: drink thereof. > 11 This, growing by Soma and by Śaryaṇāvān, dear to thee, > In Ārjīkīya, cheers thee best. > 12 Hasten thou hitherward, and drink this for munificence to-day, > Delightful for thine eager draught.

Hymn LIV. Indra.

This hymn invokes Indra as the "Great and Wide" one, the majestic and glorious god who comes to the Soma-draught. The verses praise his power and his generosity, calling upon him to bring his "Bays" and partake of the offerings. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the bestowal of wealth.

1. THOUGH, Indra, thou art called by men from east and west, from north and south, > Come hither quickly with fleet steeds > 2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou takest joy, > Or in the sea in Soma juice. > 3 With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to profit us, > Indra, to drink the Soma-draught. > 4 Hither, O Indra, let thy Bays bear up and, bring upon thy car > Thy glory, God! and majesty. > 5 Thou, Indra, wouldst be sung and praised as great, strong, lordly in thy deeds > Come hither, drink our Soma juice. > 6 We who have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are calling thee. > To sit on this our sacred grass. > 7 As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all alike, > As such we invocate thee now. > 8 The men with stones have milked for thee this nectar of the Soma juice: > Indra, be pleased with it, and drink. > 9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song: come hitherward, > With speed, and give us high renown. > 10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me spotted kine, > Kine decked with golden ornaments. > 11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold, > Pure, brilliant, and exceeding great. > 12 Durgaha's grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munificent, > Have won renown among the Gods.

Hymn LV. Indra.

This hymn praises Indra as the "bard's Cherisher," the one who finds wealth for his worshippers. The verses celebrate his power as a "firm resistless" slayer of foes and his generosity as a giver of glorious wealth. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and protection.

1. LOUD singing at the sacred rite where Soma flows we priests invoke > With haste, that he may help, as the bard's Cherisher, Indra who findeth wealth for you. > 2. Whom with fair helm, in rapture of the juice, the firm resistless slayers hinder not: > Giver of glorious wealth to him who sing a his praise, honouring him who toils and pours: > 3 Śakra, who like a curry-comb for horses or a golden goad, > Indra, the Vṛtra-slayer, urges eagerly the opening of the stall of kine: > 4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even though buried, piled in heaps: > May Indra, Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed Thunderer, act at his pleasure, as he lists. > 5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from men. > All that we offer unto thee, O Indra, now, sacrifice, laud, effectual speech. > 6 To Soma, Much-invoked, Bolt-armed! for thy carouse, Celestial, Soma drinker come. > Thou to the man who- prays and pours the juice hast been best giver of delightful wealth. > 7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder-wielder drink his fill. > So in like manner offer him the juice today. Now range you by the Glorious One. > 8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees. > So graciously accepting, Indra, this our praise, with wondrous thought come forth to us. > 9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not done? > Who hath not heard his glorious title and his fame, the Vṛtra-slayer from his birth? > 10 'How great his power resistless! how invincible the Vṛtra-slayer's matchless might! > Indra excels all usurers who see the day, excels all traffickers in strength. > 11 O Indra, Vṛtra-slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers, > Bring prayers ne’er heard before to thee, O Much-invoked, O Thunder armed, to be thy meed. > 12 O thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an eager hope. > Past the drink-offerings, Vasu, even of the good, hear my call, Strongest God, and come. > 13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. > For there is none but only thou to show us race, O Maghavan, thou much invoked. > 14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us. > Succour us with thine help and with thy wondrous thought. Most Mighty, finder of the way. > 15 Now let your Soma juice be poured; be not afraid, O Kali's sons. > This darkening sorrow goes away; yea, of itself it vanishes.

Hymn LVI. Ādityas.

This hymn is a prayer for protection and liberation from sin, addressed to the Ādityas. The verses invoke their "incomparable aids" and "goodly guidance," asking them to lead the worshippers safely away from harm. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and a life free from affliction.

It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and a life free from affliction.

1. Now pray we to these Ksatriyas, to the Ādityas for their aid, > These who are gracious to assist. > 2 May Mitra bear us o’er distress, and Varuṇa and Aryaman, > Yea, the Ādityas, as they know. > 3 For wonderful and meet for praise is these Ādityas’ saving help > To him who offers and prepares. > 4 The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman, > We claim to be our sure defence. > 5 Guard us, Ādityas, still alive, before the deadly weapon strike: > Are yc not they who hear our call? > 6 What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in pouring gifts, > Graciously bless ye us therewith. > 7 Ādityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom; for the sinless, wealth, > O ye in whom no fault is seen. > 8 Let not this fetter bind us fast: may he release us for success; > For strong is Indra and renowned. > 9 O Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy > Your enemies who go astray. > 10 And thee too, O Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address, > Thee very gracious to assist. > 11 Save us in depth and shallow from the foe, thou Mother of Strong Sons > Let no one of our seed be harmed. > 12 Far-spread! wide-ruling! grant that we, unharmed by envy, may expand > Grant that our progeny may live. > 13 Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, ne’er deceived, > Maintain their statutes, void of guile— > 14 As such, from mouth of ravening wolves, O ye Ādityas, rescue us, > Like a bound thief, O Aditi. > 15 Ādityas, let this arrow, yea, let this malignity depart > From us or e’er it strike us dead. > 16 For, Bountiful Ādityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help, > Both now and in die days of old. > 17 To every one, O ye Most Wise, who turneth even from sin to you, > Ye Gods vouchsafe that he may live. > 18 May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Ādityas, frees like one, > Bound from his bonds, O Aditi. > 19 O ye Ādityas, this your might is not to be despised by us: > So be ye graciously inclined. > 20 Let not Vivasvān's weapon nor the shaft, Ādityas, wrought with skill, > Destroy us ere old age be nigh. > 21 On every side dispel all sin, Ādityas, all hostility, > Indigence, and combined attack.

Hymn LVII. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, ever-active warrior and the "Lord of the brave." The verses celebrate his power to bring victory and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. EVEN as a car to give us aid, we draw thee hither for our bliss, > Strong in thy deeds, checking assault, Lord, Mightiest Indra, of the brave! > 2 Great in thy power and wisdom, Strong, with thought that comprehendeth all > Thou hast filled full with majesty. > 3 Thou very Mighty One, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness grasp, > The golden bolt that breaks its way. > 4 Your Lord of might that ne’er hath bent, that ruleth over all mankind, > I call, that he, as he is wont, may aid the chariots and the men. > 5 Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in both the hosts > Men call to succour and to help. > 6 Indra, the Strong, the measureless, worthy of praise, Most Bountiful, > Sole Ruler even over wealth. > 7 Him, for his ample bounty, him, this Indra do I urge to drink, > Who, as his praise was sung of old, the Dancer, is the Lord of men. > 8 Thou Mighty One, whose friendship none of mortals ever hath obtained > None will attain unto thy might. > 9 Aided by thee, with thee allied, in frays for water and for sun, > Bolt-armed! may we win ample spoil. > 10 So seek we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the Song, > As, in our battles Indra, thou to Purumayya gavest help. > 11 O Thunderer, thou whose friendship and whose onward guidance both are sweet, > Thy sacrifice must be prepared. > 12 To us, ourselves, give ample room, give for our dwelling ample room > Give ample room to us to live. > 13 We count the banquet of the Gods a spacious pathway for the men, > And for the cattle, and the car. > 14 Six men, yea, two and two, made glad with Soma juice, come near to me > With offerings pleasant to the taste. > 15 Two brown-hued steeds, Indrota's gift, two bays from Rksa's son were mine, > From Asvamedha's son two red. > 16 From Atithigva good car-steeds; from Arksa rein-obeying steeds, > From Asvamedha beauteous ones. > 17 Indrota, Atithigva's son, gave me six horses matched with mares > And Patakratu gave besides. > 18 Marked above all, amid the brown, is the red mare Vṛṣanvati, > Obedient to the rein and whip. > 19 O bound to me by deeds of might, not even the man who loves to blame. > Hath found a single fault in you.

Hymn LVIII. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra, the "Thunder-armed" god, and the life-giving power of his sacred kine. The verses celebrate his might and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the bestowal of wealth.

1. I SEND you forth the song of praise for Indu, hero-gladdener. > With hymn and plenty he invites you to complete the sacrifice. > 2 Thou wishest for thy kine a bull, for those who long for his approach, > For those who turn away from him, lord of thy cows whom none may kill. > 3 The dappled kine who stream with milk prepare his draught of Soma juice: > Clans in the birth-place of the Gods, in the three luminous realms of heaven. > 4 Praise, even as he is known, with song Indra the guardian of the kine, > The Son of Truth, Lord of the brave. > 5 Hither his Bay Steeds have been sent, red Steeds are on the sacred grass,, > Where we in concert sing our songs. > 6 For Indra Thunder-armed the kine have yielded mingled milk and meath, > What time he found them in the vault. > 7 When I and Indra mount on high up to the Bright One's place and home, > We, having drunk of meath, will reach his seat whose Friends are three times seven. > 8 Sing, sing ye forth your songs of praise, ye Briyamedhas, sing your songs: > Yea, let young children sing their lauds as a strong castle praise ye him. > 9 Now loudly let the viol sound, the lute send out its voice with might, > Shrill be, the music of the string. To Indra. is the hymn up-raised. > 10 When hither speed the dappled cows, unflinching, easy to be milked, > Seize quickly, as it bursts away, the Soma juice for Indra's drink. > 11 Indra hath drunk, Agni hath drunk. all Deities have drunk their fill. > Here Varuṇa shall have his home, to whom the floods have sung aloud as mother-kine unto their calves. > 12 Thou, Varuṇa, to whom belong Seven Rivers, art a glorious God. > The waters flow into thy throat as ’twere a pipe with ample mouth. > 13 He who hath made the fleet steeds spring, well-harnessed, to the worshipper, > He, the swift Guide, is that fair form that loosed the horses near at hand. > 14 Indra, the very Mighty, holds his enemies in utter scorn. > He, far away, and yet a child, cleft the cloud smitten by his voice. > 15 He, yet a boy exceeding small, mounted his newly-fashioned car. > He for his Mother and his Sire cooked the wild mighty buffalo. > 16 Lord of the home, fair-helmeted, ascend thy chariot wrought of gold. > We will attend the Heavenly One, the thousand-footed, red of hue, matchless, who blesses where he goes. > 17 With reverence they come hitherward to him as to. a Sovran lord, > That they may bring him near for this man's good success, to prosper and bestow his gifts. > 18 The Priyamedhas have observed the offering of the men of old, > Of ancient custom, while they strewed the sacred grass, and spread their sacrificial food.

Hymn LIX. Indra.

This hymn praises Indra as the preeminent, vanquishing lord of hosts, the "Vṛtra-slayer" who is praised with song. The verses celebrate his power and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the bestowal of wealth.

1. HE who, as Sovran Lord of men, moves with his chariots unrestrained, > The Vṛtra-slayer vanquisher, of fighting hosts, preeminent, is praised with song. > 2 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman! for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of old, > The splendid bolt of thunder was deposited, as the great Sun was set in heaven. > 3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens evermore: > No, not by sacrifice, to Indra. praised o all, resistless, daring, bold in might. > 4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war, him at whose birth the Mighty Ones, > The Kine who spread afar, sent their loud voices out, heavens, earths seat their loud voices out, > 5 O Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine— > No, not a thousand Suns could match thee at thy birth, not both the worlds, O Thunderer. > 6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with strength, O Strongest One. > Maghavan, help us to a stable full of kine, O Thunderer, with wondrous aids. > 7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, O thou whose life is long! > But one who yokes the bright-hued steeds, the Etasas, even Indra yoker of the Bays. > 8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to be praised, > To be invoked in shallow waters and in depths, to be invoked in deeds of might. > 9 O Vasu, O thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence. > Raise us to gain of mighty wealth, O Maghavan, O Indra, to sublime renown. > 10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and tramplest down thy slanderers. > Guard thyself, valiant Hero, in thy vital parts: strike down the Dāsa with thy blows. > 11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel, > Him let his friend the mountain cast to rapid death, the mountain cast the Dasyu down. > 12 O Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of corn, > Within thine hand, of these their kine, to give away, yea, gather twice as loving us. > 13 O my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara's praise, > The liberal princely patron, never to be harmed? > 14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually praised, > That thou, O Sara, hast bestowed here one and here another calf. > 15 The noble, Suradeva's son, hath brought a calf, led by the car to three of us. > As a chief brings a goat to milk.

Hymn LX. Agni.

This hymn invokes Agni, asking him to guard the worshippers from all malignity and hate. It praises him as the "Friend from birth," the "Guardian of the earth," and the one who provides wealth and blessings. The verses are a prayer for protection and the bestowal of "all things good."

1. O AGNI, with thy mighty wealth guard us from all malignity, > Yea, from all hate of mortal man. > 2 For over thee, O Friend from birth, the wrath of man hath no control: > Nay, Guardian of the earth art thou. > 3 As such, with all the Gods, O Son of Strength, auspicious in thy flame. > Give us wealth bringing all things good. > 4 Malignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, thou > Protectest while he offers gifts. > 5 Sage Agni, be whom thou dost urge, in worship of the Gods, to wealth, > With thine assistance winneth kine. > 6 Riches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts: > Lead thou us on to higher bliss. > 7 Save us, O Jātavedas, nor abandon us to him who sins, > Unto the evil-hearted man. > 8 O Agni, let no godless man avert thy bounty as a God: > Over all treasures thou art Lord. > 9 So, Son of Strength, thou aidest us to what is great and excellent. > Those, Vasu! Friend! who sing thy praise. > 10 Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with piercing flame > Our offerings, with our homage, to the > Lord of wealth, to him whom many praise, for help: > 11 To Agni Jātavedas, to the Son of Strength, that he may give us precious gifts, > Immortal, from of old Priest among mortal men, the most delightful in the house. > 12 Agni, made yours by sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance; > Agni, the first in songs, first with the warrior steed; Agni to win the land for us. > 13 May Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friendship sake. > Agni we ever seek for seed and progeny, the Vasu who protects our lives. > 14 Solicit with your chants, for help, Agni the God with piercing flame, > For riches famous Agni, Purumīlha and ye men! Agni to light our dwelling well. > 15 Agni we laud that he may keep our foes afar, Agni to give us health and strength. > Let him as Guardian be invoked in all the tribes, the lighter-up of glowing brands.

Hymn LXI. Agni.

This hymn praises Agni, the divine priest, with a series of vivid metaphors, comparing him to a swift courser, a radiant calf, and a fount that circles with a wheel. The verses celebrate his power to bring wealth and protection to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. PREPARE oblation: let him come; and let the minister serve again > Who knows the ordering thereof, > 2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, > Beside the shoot of active power. > 3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man; > With him for tongue they seize the food. > 4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain: life-giving, he hath climbed the wood, > And with his tongue hath struck the rock. > 5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and seeks > The Mother to declare his praise. > 6 And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his, > And traces of his car, are seen. > 7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work, > On the stream's loud-resounding bank. > 8 Entreated by Vivasvān's ten, Indra cast down the water-jar > With threefold hammer from the sky. > 9 Three times the newly-kindled flame proceeds around the sacrifice: > The priests anoint it with the meath. > 10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above, > Exhaustless, with the mouth below. > 11 The pressing-stones are set at work: the meath is poured into the tank, > At the out-shedding of the fount. > 12 Ye cows, protect the fount: the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice. > The handles twain are wrought of gold. > 13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth > Supply the liquid to the Bull. > 14 These know their own abiding-place: like calves beside the mother cows > They meet together with their kin. > 15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven, > To Indra, Agni light and prayer. > 16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in portions seven, > Together with the Sun's seven rays. > 17 I took some Soma when the Sun rose up, O Mitra, Varuṇa. > That is the sick man's medicine. > 18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well-beloved's home, > He with his tongue hath compassed heaven.

Hymn LXII. Aśvins.

This hymn is a prayer to the Aśvins, asking for their protection and help. The verses repeatedly use the refrain, "Let your protecting help be near," creating a sense of urgency and reliance on the divine twins. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and guidance.

1. ROUSE ye for him who keeps the Law, yoke your steeds, Aśvins, to your car > Let your protecting help be near. > 2 Come, Aśvins, with your car more swift than is the twinkling of an eye > Let your protecting help be near. > 3 Aśvins, ye overlaid with cold the fiery pit for Atri's sake: > Let your protecting help be near. > 4 Where are ye? whither are ye gone? whither, like falcons, have ye flown? > Let your protecting help be near. > 5 If ye at any time this day are listening to this my call, > Let your protecting help be near. > 6 The Aśvins, first to hear our prayer, for closest kinship I approach: > Let your protecting help be near. > 7 For Atri ye, O Aśvins, made a dwelling-place to shield him well, > Let your protecting help be near. > 8 Ye warded off the fervent heat for Atri when he sweetly spake: > Let your protecting help be near. > 9 Erst Saptavadhri by his prayer obtained the trenchant edge of fire: > Let your protecting help be near. > 10 Come hither, O ye Lords of wealth, and listen to this call of mine: > Let your protecting help be near. > 11 What is this praise told forth of you as Elders in the ancient way? > Let your protecting help be near. > 12 One common brotherhood is yours, Aśvins your kindred is the same: > Let your protecting help be near. > 13 This is your chariot, Aśvins, which speeds through the regions, earth and heaven > Let your protecting aid be near. > 14 Approach ye hitherward to us with thousands both of steeds and kine: > Let your protecting help be near. > 15 Pass us not by, remember us with thousands both of kine and steeds: > Let your protecting help be near. > 16 The purple-tinted Dawn hath risen, and true to Law hath made the light > Let your protecting help be near. > 17 He looked upon the Aśvins, as an axe-armed man upon a tree: > Let your protecting help be near. > 18 By the black band encompassed round, break it down, bold one, like a fort. > Let your protecting help be near.

Hymn LXIII. Agni.

This hymn is a praise of Agni, the "dear familiar Friend" and "darling Guest" in every home. The verses celebrate his power as a protector and his generosity as a giver of wealth. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. EXERTING all our strength with thoughts of power we glorify in speech > Agni your dear familiar Friend, the darling Guest in every home. > 2 Whom, served with sacrificial oil like Mitra, men presenting gifts > Eulogize with their songs of praise > 3 Much-lauded Jātavedas, him who bears oblations up to heaven > Prepared in service of the Gods. > 4 To noblest Agni, Friend of man, best Vṛtra-slayer, are we come, > Him in whose presence Rksa's son, mighty Srutarvan, waxes great; > 5 To deathless Jātavedas, meet for praise, adored, with sacred oil, > Visible through the gloom of night > 6 Even Agni whom these priestly men worship with sacrificial gifts, > With lifted ladles offering them. > 7 O Agni, this our newest hymn hath been addressed from us to thee, > O cheerful Guest, well-born, most wise, worker of wonders, ne’er deceived. > 8 Agni, may it be dear to thee, most grateful, and exceeding sweet: > Grow mightier, eulogized therewith. > 9 Splendid with splendours may it be, and in the battle with the foe > Add loftier glory to thy fame. > 10 Steed, cow, a lord of heroes, bright like Indra, who shall fill the car. > Whose high renown ye celebrate, and people praise each glorious deed. > 11 Thou whom Gopavana made glad with song, O Agni Aṅgiras, > Hear this my call, thou Holy One. > 12 Thou whom the priestly folk implore to aid the gathering of the spoil, > Such be thou in the fight with foes. > 13 I, called to him who reels with joy, Srutarvan, Rksa's son, shall stroke > The heads of four presented steeds, like the long wool of fleecy rams. > 14 Four coursers with a splendid car, Savistha's horses, fleet of foot, > Shall bring me to the sacred feast, as flying steeds brought Tugra's son. > 15 The very truth do I declare to thee, Paruṣṇī, mighty flood. > Waters! no man is there who gives more horses than Savistha gives.

Hymn LXIV. Agni.

This hymn invokes Agni, the "Strong God," to come and receive the sacrifice. The verses praise his power to lay low the thief and to protect his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the rite.

1. YOKE, Agni, as a charioteer, thy steeds who best invite the Gods: As ancient Herald seat thyself. > 2 And, God, as skilfullest of all, call for us hitherward the Gods: > Give all our wishes sure effect. > 3 For thou, Most Youthful, Son of Strength, thou to whom sacrifice is paid, > Art holy, faithful to the Law. > 4 This Agni, Lord of wealth and spoil hundredfold, thousandfold, is head > And chief of riches and a Sage. > 5 As craftsmen bend the felly, so bend at our general call: come nigh, > Aṅgiras, to the sacrifice. > 6 Now, O Virūpa, rouse for him, Strong God who shines at early morn, > Fair praise with voice that ceases not. > 7 With missile of this Agni, his who looks afar, will we lay low > The thief in combat for the kine. > 8 Let not the Companies of Gods fail us, like Dawns that float away, > Like cows who leave the niggardly. > 9 Let not the sinful tyranny of any fiercely hating foe > Smite us, as billows smite a ship. > 10 O Agni, God, the people sing reverent praise to thee for strength: > With terrors trouble thou the foe. > 11 Wilt thou not, Agni, lend us aid in winning cattle, winning wealth? > Maker of room, make room for us. > 12 In this great battle cast us not aside as one who bears a load: > Snatch up the wealth and win it all. > 13 O Agni, let this plague pursue and fright another and not us: > Make our impetuous strength more strong. > 14 The reverent or unwearied man whose holy labour he accepts, > Him Agni favours with success. > 15 Abandoning the foeman's host pass hither to this company: > Assist the men with whom I stand. > 16 As we have known thy gracious help, as of a Father, long ago, > So now we pray to thee for bliss.

Hymn LXV. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, ever-active warrior and the "Lord of magic power." The verses celebrate his power to slay Vṛtra and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. NOT to forsake me, I invoke this Indra girt by Maruts, > Lord Of magic power who rules with might. > 2 This Indra with his Marut Friends clave into pieces Vṛtra's bead > With hundred-knotted thunderbolt. > 3 Indra, with Marut Friends grown strong, hath rent asunder Vṛtra, and > Released the waters of the sea. > 4 This is that Indra who, begirt by Maruts, won the light of heaven > That he might drink the Soma juice. > 5 Mighty, impetuous, begirt by Maruts, him who loudly roars, > Indra we invocate with songs. > 6 Indra begirt by Maruts we invoke after the ancient plan, > That he may drink the Soma juice. > 7 O liberal Indra, Marut-girt, much-lauded Śatakratu, drink > The Soma at this sacrifice. > 8 To thee, O Indra, Marut-girt, these Soma juices, Thunderer! > Are offered from the heart with lauds. > 9 Drink, Indra, with thy Marut Friends, pressed Soma at the morning rites, > Whetting thy thunderbolt with strength. > 10 Arising in thy might, thy jaws thou shookest, Indra, having quaffed > The Soma which the mortar pressed. > 11 Indra, both worlds complained to thee when uttering thy fearful roar, > What time thou smotest Dasyus dead. > 12 From Indra have I measured out a song eight-footed with nine parts, > Delicate, faithful. to the Law.

Hymn LXVI. Indra.

This hymn celebrates Indra's birth and his heroic deeds, recounting his slaughter of the demons Aurṇavābha and Ahīśuva. The verses praise his power, his "hundred-barbed" shaft, and his Warlike nature. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the bestowal of wealth.

1. SCARCELY was Śatakratu, born when of his Mother he inquired, > Who are the mighty? Who are famed? > 2. Then Śavasī declared to him Aurṇavābha, Ahīśuva: > Son, these be they thou must o’erthrow > 3 The Vṛtra-slayer smote them all as spokes are hammered into naves: > The Dasyu-killer waxed in might. > 4 Then Indra at a single draught drank the contents of thirty pails, > Pails that were filled with Soma juice. > 5 Indra in groundless realms of space pierced the Gandharva through, that he > Might make Brahmans' strength increase. > 6 Down from the mountains Indra shot hither his well-directed shaft: > He gained the ready brew of rice. > 7 One only is that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hundred barbs, > Which, Indra, thou hast made thy friend. > 8 Strong as the Ṛbhus at thy birth, therewith to those who praise thee, men, > And women, bring thou food to eat. > 9 By thee these exploits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, abundantly: > Firm in thy heart thou settest them. > 10 All these things Viṣṇu brought, the Lord of ample stride whom thou hadst sent > A hundred buffaloes, a brew of rice and milk: and Indra, slew the ravening boar > 11 Most deadly is thy bow, successful, fashioned well: good is thine arrow, decked with gold. > Warlike and well equipped thine arms are, which increase sweetness for him who drinks the sweet.

Hymn LXVII. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, ever-active warrior and the "Soma-drinker." The verses celebrate his power to win spoil and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the bestowal of wealth.

1. BRING us a thousand, Indra, as our guerdon for the Soma juice: > Hundreds of kine, O Hero, bring. > 2 Bring cattle, bring us ornament, bring us embellishment and steeds, > Give us, besides, two rings of gold. > 3 And, Bold One, bring in ample store rich jewels to adorn the ear, > For thou, Good Lord, art far renowned. > 4 None other is there for the priest, Hero! but thou, to give him gifts, > To win much spoil and prosper him. > 5 Indra can never be brought low, Śakra can never be subdued: > He heareth and beholdeth all. > 6 He spieth out the wrath of man, he who can never be deceived: > Ere blame can come he marketh it. > 7 He hath his stomach full of might, the Vṛtra-slayer, Conqueror, > The Soma-drinker, ordering all. > 8 In thee all treasures are combined, Soma all blessed things in thee, > Uninjured, easy to bestow. > 9 To thee speeds forth my hope that craves the gift of corn, and kine and gold, > Yea, craving horses, speeds to thee. > 10 Indra, through hope in thee alone even this sickle do I grasp. > Fill my hand, Maghavan, with all that it can hold of barley cut or gathered up.

Hymn LXVIII. Soma.

This hymn praises Soma as the active, all-conquering plant that brings healing and strength. The verses personify Soma as a king who guards his people, a wise friend, and a powerful force that can wound the heart with its "dazzling flame." It is a song of devotion that seeks Soma's favor and protection.

1. THIS here is Soma, ne’er restrained, active, all-conquering bursting forth, > Ṛṣi and Sage by sapience, > 2 All that is bare he covers o’er, all that is sick he medicines; > The blind man sees, the cripple walks. > 3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men, > Hatreds that waste and weaken us. > 4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth > Drivest the sinner's enmity. > 5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace, > And satisfy his wish who thirsts. > 6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man, > And lengthen his remaining life. > 7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts, > Be sweet, O Soma, to our heart. > 8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King: > Wound not our heart with dazzling flame. > 9 When in my dwelling-place I see the wicked enemies of Gods, > King, chase their hatred far away, thou Bounteous One, dispel our foes.

Hymn LXIX. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, ever-active warrior and the "Thunderer." The verses celebrate his power to grant victory and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. O Sarakratu! truely I have made none else my Comforter. > Indra; be gracious unto us. > 2 Thou who hast ever aided us kindly of old to win the spoil, > As such, O Indra, favour us. > 3 What now? As prompter of the poor thou helpest him who sheds the juice. > Wilt thou not, Indra, strengthen us? > 4 O Indra, help our chariot on, yea, Thunderer, though it lag behind: > Give this my car the foremost place. > 5 Ho there! why sittest thou at case? Make thou my chariot to be first > And bring the fame of victory near. > 6 Assist our car that seeks the prize. What can be easier for thee? > So make thou us victorious. > 7 Indra, be firm: a fort art thou. To thine appointed place proceeds > The auspicious hymn in season due. > 8 Let not our portion be disgrace. Broad is the course, the prize is set, > The barriers are opened wide. > 9 This thing we wish. that thou mayst take thy fourth, thy sacrificial name. > So art thou held to be our Lord. > 10 Ekadyu hath exalted you, Immortals: both Goddesses and Gods hath he delighted. > Bestow upon him bounty meet for praises. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

Hymn LXX. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, "Self-ruling King" and the "Lord supreme of wealth." The verses celebrate his power to grant victory and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. INDRA, God of the mighty arm, gather for us with thy right hand > Manifold and nutritious spoil. > 2 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty wealth, > Mighty in measure, prompt to aid. > 3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men > Restrain thee like a fearful Bull. > 4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self-ruling King: > In bounty may he harm us not. > 5 Let prelude sound and following chant so let him hear the Sāman sung, > And with his bounty answer us. > 6 O Indra, with thy right hand bring, and with thy left remember us. > Let us not lose our share of wealth. > 7 Come nigh, O Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of the churl > Who giveth least of all the folk. > 8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive, > Even that booty win with us. > 9 Indra, thy swiftly-coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all, > Sounds quick in concert with our hopes.

Hymn LXXI. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the "Vṛtra-slayer," the mighty god who comes to the Soma-draught. The verses celebrate his power to grant victory and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. HASTE forward to us from afar, or, Vṛtra-slayer, from anear, > To meet the offering to the meath. > 2 Strong are the Soma-draughts; come nigh: the juices fill thee with delight: > Drink boldly even as thou art wont'. > 3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food et it content thy wish and thought, > And be delightful to thine heart. > 4 Come to us thou who hast no foe: we call thee down to hymns of praise, > In heaven's sublimest realm of light. > 5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk for thy carouse, > Indra, is offered up to thee. > 6 Graciously, Indra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, and sate > Thyself with juices blent with milk. > 7 The Soma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee, > Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof. > 8 The Soma seen within the vats, as in the flood the Moon is seen, > Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof. > 9 That which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to thee, > Drink thou, for thou art Lord thereof.

Hymn LXXII. Viśvedevas.

This hymn is a praise of the Viśvedevas, the All-Gods, invoking their high protection. The verses celebrate their power to lead and prosper their worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. WE choose unto ourselves that high protection of the Mighty Gods > That it may help and succour us. > 2 May they be ever our allies, Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman, > Far-seeing Gods who prosper us. > 3 Ye furtherers of holy Law, transport us safe o’er many woes, > As over water-floods in ships. > 4 Dear wealth be Aryaman to us, Varuṇa dear wealth meet for praise: > Dear wealth we choose unto ourselves. > 5 For Sovrans of dear wealth are ye, Ādityas, not of sinner's wealth, > Ye sapient Gods who slay the foe. > 6 We in our homes, ye Bounteous Ones, and while we journey on the road, > Invoke you, Gods, to prosper us. > 7 Regard us, Indra, Viṣṇu, here, ye Aśvins and the Marut host, > Us who are kith and kin to you. > 8 Ye Bounteous Ones, from time of old we here set forth our brotherhood, > Our kinship in. the Mother's womb. > 9 Then come with Indra for your chief, as early day, ye Bounteous Gods > Yea, 1 address you now for this.

Hymn LXXIII. Agni.

This hymn praises Agni as the "dearest Guest," the "ancient, adorable" priest who brings riches to his worshippers. The verses celebrate his power as a protector and his generosity as a giver of wealth. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. AGNI, your dearest Guest, I laud, him who is loving as a friend, > Who brings us riches like a car. > 2 Whom as a far-foreseeing Sage the Gods have, from the olden time, > Established among mortal men. > 3 Do thou, Most Youthful God, protect the men who offer, hear their songs, > And of thyself preserve their seed. > 4 What is the praise wherewith, O God, Aṅgiras, Agni, Son of Strength, > We, after thine own wish and thought, > 5 May serve thee, O thou Child of Power, and with what sacrifice's plan? > What prayer shall I now speak to thee? > 6 Our God, make all of us to dwell in happy habitations, and > Reward our songs with spoil and wealth. > 7 Lord of the house, what plenty fills the songs which thou inspirest now, > Thou whose hymn helps to win the kine? > 8 Hirn Wise and Strong they glorify, the foremost Champion in the fray, > And mighty in his dwelling-place. > 9 Agni, he dwells in rest and peace who smites and no one smites again: > With hero sons he prospers well

Hymn LXXIV. Aśvins.

This hymn invokes the Aśvins, asking where they are and whom they visit, expressing a longing for their presence. The verses praise their power to heal and protect, recounting their deeds for Cyavāna and Paura. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. WHERE in the heavens are ye to-day, Gods, Aśvins, rich in constancy? > Hear this, ye excellent as Steers: Atri inviteth you to come. > 2 Where are they now? Where are the Twain, the famed Nāsatyas, Gods in heaven? > Who is the man ye strive to reach? Who of your suppliants is with you? > 3 Whom do ye visit, whom approach? to whom direct your harnessed car? > With whose devotions are ye pleased? We long for you to further us. > 4 Ye, Strengtheners, for Paura stir the filler swimming in the flood, > Advancing to be captured like a lion to the ambuscade. > 5 Ye from cyavana worn with age removed his skin as ’twere a robe. > So, when ye made him young again, he stirred the longing of a dame. > 6 Here is the man who lauds you both: to see your glory are we here. > Now bear me, come with saving help, ye who are rich in store of wealth. > 7 Who among many mortal men this day hath won you to himself? > What bard, accepters of the bard? Who, rich in wealth! with sacrifice? > 8 O Aśvins, may your car approach, most excellent of cars for speed. > Through many regions may our praise pass onward among mortal men. > 9 May our laudation of you Twain, lovers of meath! be sweet to you. > Fly hitherward, ye wise of heart, like falcons with your winged steeds. > 10 O Aśvins, when at any time ye listen to this call of mine, > For you is dainty food prepared: they mix refreshing food for you.

Hymn LXXV. Aśvins.

This hymn is a praise of the Aśvins, the "Wonder-Workers," invoking their "treasure-bringing car." The verses celebrate their power to bring blessings, to heal, and to protect their worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the bestowal of wealth.

1. To meet your treasure-bringing car, the mighty car most dear to us, > Aśvins, the Ṛṣi is prepared, your raiser, with his song of praise. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. > 2 Pass, O ye Aśvins, pass away beyond all tribes of selfish men, > Wonderful, with your golden paths, most gracious, bringers of the flood. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. > 3 Come to us, O ye Aśvin Pair, bringing your precious treasures, come > Ye Rudras, on your paths of gold, rejoicing, rich in store of wealth. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. > 4 O strong and Good, the voice of him who lauds you well cleaves to your car. > And that great beast, your chariot-steed, fair, wonderful, makes dainty food. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. > 5 Watchful in spirit, born on cars, impetuous, listing to his cry, > Aśvins, with winged steeds ye speed down to cyavana void of guile. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. > 6 Hither, O Heroes, let your steeds, of dappled hue, yoked at the thought, > Your flying steeds, O Aśvins, bring you hitherward, with bliss, to drink. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. > 7 O Aśvins, hither come to us; Nāsatyas, be not disinclined. > Through longing for the pious turn out of the way to reach our home. Lovers of sweetness, bear my call. > 8 Ye Lords of Splendour, free from guile, come, stand at this our sacrifice. > Beside the singer, Aśvins, who longs for your grace and lauds you both. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call. > 9 Dawn with her white herd hath appeared, and in due time hath fire been placed. > Harnessed is your immortal car, O WonderWorkers, strong and kind. Lovers of sweetness, bear my call.

Hymn LXXVI. Aśvins.

This hymn invokes the Aśvins, the "most frequent guests," to come and partake of the sacrifice. The verses celebrate their power to bring wealth and protection, and their constant presence at the morning and evening rites. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. AGNI, the bright face of the Dawns, is shining; the singers' pious voices have ascended. > Borne on your chariot, Aśvins, turn you hither and come unto our full and rich libation. > 2 Most frequent guests, they scorn not what is ready: even now the lauded Aśvins are beside us. > With promptest aid they come at morn and evening, the worshipper's most blessed guards from trouble. > 3 Yea, come at milking-time, at early morning, at noon of day and when the Sun is setting, > By day, by night, with favour most auspicious. Not only now the draught hath drawn the Aśvins. > 4 For this place, Aśvins, was of old your dwelling, these were your houses, this your habitation. > Come to us from high heaven and from the mountain. Come from the waters bringing food and vigour. > 5 May we obtain the Aśvins' newest favour, and gain their health bestowing happy guidance. > Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and joy, Immortals!

Hymn LXXVII. Aśvins.

This hymn is a praise of the Aśvins, invoking them to come and partake of the morning sacrifice. The verses celebrate their power to bring wealth and protection, and their constant presence at the daybreak rites. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. FIRST worship those who come at early morning: let the Twain drink before the giftless niggard. > The Aśvins claim the sacrifice at daybreak: the sages yielding the first share extol them. > 2 Worship at dawn and instigate the Aśvins: nor is the worshipper at eve rejected. > Besides ourselves another craves and worships: each first in worship is most highly favoured. > 3 Covered with gold, meath-tinted, dropping fatness, your chariot with its freight of food comes hither, > Swift as thought, Aśvins, rapid as the tempest, wherewith ye travel over all obstructions. > 4 He who hath served most often the Nāsatyas, and gives the sweetest food at distribution, > Furthers with his own holy works his offspring, and ever passes those whose flames ascend not. > 5 May we obtain the Aśvins' newest favour, and gain their health bestowing happy guidance. > Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and joy, Immortals!

Hymn LXXVIII. Aśvins.

This hymn invokes the Aśvins, comparing their swift coming to that of swans, deer, and wild cattle. The verses recount their miraculous deeds, such as rescuing Atri from a fiery pit and freeing Saptavadhri from his bonds. It is a powerful prayer for healing, deliverance, and the birth of a child.

1. YE Aśvins, hither come to us: Nāsatyas, be not disinclined. > Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed. > 2 O Aśvins, like a pair of deer, like two wild cattle to the mead: > Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed. > 3 O Aśvins rich in gifts, accept our sacrifice to prosper it: > Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed. > 4 As Atri when descending to the cavern called on you loudly like a wailing woman. > Ye came to him, O Aśvins, with the freshest and most auspicious fleetness of a falcon. > 5 Tree, part asunder like the side of her who bringeth forth a child. > Ye Aśvins, listen to my call: loose Saptavadhri from his bonds. > 6 For Saptavadhri, for the seer affrighted when he wept and wailed, > Ye, Aśvins, with your magic powers rent up the tree and shattered it. > 7 Like as the wind on every side ruffles a pool of lotuses, > So stir in thee the babe unborn, so may the ten-month babe descend. > 8 Like as the wind, like as the wood, like as the sea is set astir, > So also, ten-month babe, descend together with the after-birth. > 9 The child who hath for ten months' time been lying in his mother's side,— > May he come forth alive, unharmed, yea, living from the living dame.

Hymn LXXIX. Dawn.

This hymn praises Dawn as the radiant daughter of the sky, whose coming brings opulence and delight. The verses celebrate her power to rouse the people and bestow wealth, asking her to shine upon the worshippers with her "high-born" splendor. It is a song of devotion that seeks her favor and the blessings of the morning.

1. O HEAVENLY Dawn, awaken us to ample opulence to-day > Even as thou hast wakened us with Satyasravas, Vayya's son, high-born! delightful with thy steeds! > 2 Daughter of Heaven, thou dawnedst on Sunitha Sucadratha's son, > So dawn thou on one mightier still, on Satyasravas, Vayya's son, high born! delightful with thy steeds! > 3 So, bringing treasure, dawn to-day on us thou Daughter of the Sky, > As thou, O mightier yet. didst shine for Satyatravas, Vayya's son, high born! delightful with thy steeds! > 4 Here round about thee are the priests who laud thee, Bright One, with their hymns, > And men with gifts, O Bounteous Dame, splendid with wealth and offering much, high-born! delightful with thy steeds! > 5 Whatever these thy bands perform to please thee or to win them wealth, > E’en fain they gird us round and give rich gifts which ne’er are reft away, high-born! delightful with thy steeds! > 6 Give to these wealthy patrons fame, O affluent Dawn, with hero sons, > To these our princes who have brought rich gifts ne’er to be reft away, highborn! delightful with thy steeds! > 7 Bring lofty and resplendent fame, O thou munificent Dawn, to these > Our wealthy patrons who bestow rich gifts on us of steeds and kine, high born! delightful with thy steeds! > 8 Bring us, O Daughter of the Sky, subsistence in our herds of kine, > Together with the sunbeams, with the shine of pure refulgent flames, highborn! delightful with thy steeds! > 9 O Daughter of the Sky, shine forth; delay not to perform thy task. > Let not the Sun with fervent heat consume thee like a robber foe, high born! delightful with the steeds! > 10 So much, and more exceedingly, O Dawn, it suits thee to bestow, > Thou Radiant One who ceasest not to shine for those who sing thy praise, highborn! delightful with thy steeds!

Hymn LXXX. Dawn.

This hymn praises Dawn as the sublime and radiant goddess who brings light and makes the paths easy to travel. The verses celebrate her as the "Child of Heaven," true to eternal order and the giver of every blessing. It is a song of devotion that seeks her favor and the blessings of the morning.

1. THE singers welcome with their hymns and praises the Goddess Dawn who bringeth in the sunlight, > Sublime, by Law true to eternal Order, bright on her path, red-tinted, far-refulgent. > 2 She comes in front, fair, rousing up the people, making the pathways easy to be travelled. > High, on her lofty chariot, all-impelling, Dawn gives her splendour at the days' beginning. > 3 She, harnessing her car with purple oxen. injuring none, hath brought perpetual riches. > Opening paths to happiness, the Goddess shines, praised by all, giver of every blessing. > 4 With changing tints she gleams in double splendour while from the eastward she displays her body. > She travels perfectly the path of Order, nor fails to reach, as one who knows, the quarters. > 5 As conscious that her limbs are bright with bathing, she stands, as ’twere, erect that we may see her. > Driving away malignity and darkness, Dawn, Child of Heaven, hath come to us with lustre. > 6 The Daughter of the Sky, like some chaste woman, bends, opposite to men, her forehead downward. > The Maid, disclosing boons to him who worships, hath brought again the daylight as aforetime.

Hymn LXXXI. Savitar.

This hymn invokes Savitar, the divine impeller, as the lofty priest who knows all works and assigns their tasks. The verses praise him as the "Courser Savitar," who measures the terrestrial regions and combines with the rays of the sun. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. THE priests of him the lofty Priest well-skilled in hymns harness their spirit, yea, harness their holy thoughts. > He only knowing works assigns their priestly tasks. Yea, lofty is the praise of Savitar the God. > 2 The Sapient One arrays himself in every form: for quadruped and biped he hath brought forth good. > Excellent Savitar hath looked on heaven's high vault, and shineth after the outgoing of the Dawn. > 3 Even he, the God whose going-forth and majesty the other Deities have followed with their might, > He who hath measured the terrestrial regions out by his great power, he is the Courser Savitar. > 4 To the three spheres of light thou goest, Savitar, and with the rays of Sidrya thou combinest thee. > Around, on both sides thou encompassest the night: yea, thou, O God, art Mitra through thy righteous laws. > 5 Over all generation thou art Lord alone: Pūṣan art thou, O God, in all thy goings-forth. > Yea, thou hast domination over all this world. Śyāvāśva hath brought praise to thee, O Savitar,

Hymn LXXXII. Savitar.

This hymn is a praise of Savitar, the "general God," whose decrees are true and whose gifts are bountiful. The verses celebrate his power to send riches, drive away evil dreams, and grant prosperity. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. WE crave of Savitar the God this treasure much to be enjoyed. > The best, all-yielding, conquering gift of Bhaga we would gladly win. > 2 Savitar's own supremacy, most glorious and beloved of all, > No one diminisheth in aught. > 3 For Savitar who is Bhaga shall send riches to his worshipper. > That wondrous portion we implore. > 4 Send us this day, God Savitar, prosperity with progeny. > Drive thou the evil dream away. > 5 Savitar, God, send far away all sorrows and calamities, > And send us only what is good. > 6 Sinless in sight of Aditi through the God Savitar's influence, > May we obtain all lovely things. > 7 We with our hymns this day elect the general God, Lord of the good, > Savitar whose decrees are true. > 8 He who for ever vigilant precedes these Twain, the Day and Night, > Is Savitar the thoughtful God. > 9 He who gives glory unto all these living creatures with the song, > And brings them forth, is Savitar.

Hymn LXXXIII. Parjanya.

This hymn is a praise of Parjanya, the god of rain, who with his thunderous roar and mighty weapon smites the trees and demons. The verses celebrate his power to bring forth life, quicken the earth with moisture, and provide abundant food. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the rain.

1. SING with these songs thy welcome to the Mighty, with adoration praise and call Parjanya. > The Bull, loud roaring, swift to send his bounty, lays in the plants the seed. for germination. > 2 He smites the trees apart, he slays the demons: all life fears him who wields the mighty weapon. > From him exceeding strong fices e’en the guiltless, when thundering Parjanya smites the wicked. > 3 Like a car-driver whipping on his horses, he makes the messengers of rain spring forward. > Far off resounds the roaring of the lion, what time Parjanya fills the sky with rain-cloud. > 4 Forth burst the winds, down come the lightning-flashes: the plants shoot up, the realm of light is streaming. > Food springs abundant for all living creatures, what time Parjanya quickens earth with moisture. > 5 Thou at whose bidding earth bows low before thee, at whose command hoofed cattle fly in terror, > At whose behest the plants assume all colours, even thou Parjanya, yield us great protection. > 6 Send down for us the rain of heaven, ye Maruts, and let the Stallion's flood descend in torrents. > Come hither with this thunder while thou pourest the waters down, our heavenly Lord and Father. > 7 Thunder and roar: the germ of life deposit. Fly round us on thy chariot waterladen. > Thine opened water-skin draw with thee downward, and let the hollows and the heights be level. > 8 Lift up the mighty vessel, pour down water, and let the liberated streams rush forward. > Saturate both the earth and heaven with fatness, and for the cows let there be drink abundant. > 9 When thou, with thunder and with roar, Parjanya, smitest sinners down, > This universe exults thereat, yea, all that is upon the earth. > 10 Thou hast poured down the rain-flood now withhold it. Thou hast made desert places fit for travel. > Thou hast made herbs to grow for our enjoyment: yea, thou hast won thee praise from living creatures.

Hymn LXXXIV. Pṛthivī.

This brief hymn is a praise of Pṛthivī, the Earth, personified as a mighty, torrent-rich goddess. The verses celebrate her power to rend the hills and quicken the land with life. She is a wanderer at will, whose movements are like a neighing steed driving the swelling clouds.

1. THOU, of a truth,O Prthivi, bearest the tool that rends the hills: > Thou rich in torrents, who with might quickenest earth, O Mighty One. > 2 To thee, O wanderer at will, ring out the lauds with beams of day, > Who drivest, like a neighing steed, the swelling cloud, O bright of hue. > 3 Who graspest with thy might on earth. e’en the strong sovrans of the wood, > When from the lightning of thy cloud the rain-floods of the heaven descend.

Hymn LXXXV. Varuṇa.

This hymn praises Varuṇa as the sublime and imperial ruler who has spread the earth before the sun and established cosmic order. The verses celebrate his power to let the "big cask" of the heavens flow, watering the earth and nourishing life. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and forgiveness for any transgressions.

1. SING forth a hymn sublime and solemn, grateful to glorious. Varuṇa, imperial Ruler, > Who hath struck out, like one who slays the victim, earth as a skin to spread in front of Sūrya. > 2 In the tree-tops the air he hath extended, put milk in kine and vigorous speed in horses, > Set intellect in hearts, fire in the waters, Siurya in heaven and Soma on the mountain. > 3 Varuṇa lets the big cask, opening downward, flow through the heaven and earth and air's mid-region. > Therewith the universe's Sovran waters earth as the shower of rain bedews the barley. > 4 When Varuṇa is fain for milk he moistens the sky, the land, and earth to her foundation. > Then straight the mountains clothe them in the rain-cloud: the Heroes, putting forth their vigour, loose them. > 5 I will declare this mighty deed of magic, of glorious Varuṇa the Lord Immortal, > Who standing in the firmament hath meted the earth out with the Sun as with a measure. > 6 None, verily, hath ever let or hindered this the most wise God's mighty deed of magic, > Whereby with all their flood, the lucid rivers fill not one sea wherein they pour their waters. > 7 If we have sinned against the man who loves us, have ever wronged a brother, friend, or comrade, > The neighbour ever with us, or a stranger, O Varuṇa, remove from us the trespass. > 8 If we, as gamesters cheat at play, have cheated, done wrong unwittingly or sinned of purpose, > Cast all these sins away like loosened fetters, and, Varuṇa let us be thine own beloved.

Hymn LXXXVI. Indra-Agni.

This hymn invokes the powerful duo of Indra and Agni, praising them as "invincible in war" and "Lords of the Fivefold People." The verses celebrate their strength, their keen lightning, and their generosity to their worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. THE mortal man whom ye, the Twain, Indra and Agni, help in fight, > Breaks through e’en strongly-guarded wealth as Tṛta burst his way through reeds. > 2 The Twain invincible in war, worthy to be renowned in frays, > Lords of the Fivefold. People, these, Indra and Agni, we invoke. > 3 Impetuous is their strength, and keen the lightning of the mighty Pair, > Which from their arms speeds with the car to Vṛtra's slayer for the kine. > 4 Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, as such, to send your cars: > Lords of quick-coming bounty, ye who know, chief lovers of the song. > 5 These who give increase day by day, Gods without guile for mortal man, > Worthy themselves, I honour most, Two Gods as partners, for my horse. > 6 The strength-bestowing offering thus to Indra-Agni hath been paid, as butter, purified by stones. > Deal to our princes high renown, deal wealth to those who sing your praise, deal food to those who sing your praise.

Hymn LXXXVII. Maruts.

This hymn praises the Maruts, the storm gods who follow Viṣṇu, as a "strong band" adorned with bracelets. The verses celebrate their tremendous roar, their impetuous rush, and their power to make all things tremble. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and protection.

1. To Viṣṇu, to the Mighty whom the Maruts follow let your hymns born in song go forth, Evayamarut; > To the impetuous, strong band, adorned with bracelets, that rushes on in joy and ever roars for vigour. > 2 They who with might were manifest, and who willingly by their own knowledge told it forth, Evayamarut. > Maruts, this strength of yours no wisdom comprehendeth: through their gifts' greatness they are moveless as the mountains. > 3 Who by the psalm they sing are heard, from lofty heaven, the strong, the brightly shining Ones, Evayamarut; > In whose abode there is no mightier one to move them, whose lightnings are as fires, who urge the roaring rivers. > 4 He of the Mighty Stride forth strode, Evayamarut, out of the spacious dwelling-place, their home in common. > When he, himself, hath yoked his emulous strong horses on heights, he cometh forth, joy-giving, with the Heroes. > 5 Like your tremendous roar, the rainer with light flashing, strong, speeding, hath made all tremble, Evayamarut, > Wherewith victorious ye, self-luminous, press onward, with strong reins, decked with gold, impetuous and well-weaponed. > 6 Unbounded is your greatness, ye of mighty power: may your bright vigour be our aid, Evayamarut; > For ye are visible helpers in the time of trouble: like fires, aglow with light, save us from shame and insult. > 7 So may the Rudras, mighty warriors, Evayamarut, with splendid brilliancy, like fires, be our protectors; > They whose terrestrial dwelling-place is wide-extended, whom none suspect of sin, whose bands have lofty courage. > 8 Come in a friendly spirit, come to us, O Maruts, and hear his call who praises you, Evayamarut. > Like car-borne men, one-minded with the mighty Viṣṇu, keep enmity far from us with your deeds of wonder. > 9 Come to our sacrifice, ye Holy Ones, to bless it, and, free from demons, hear our call, Evayamarut.

Hymn LXXXVIII. Agni.

This hymn is a praise of Agni, the divine messenger, who has spread forth the heavens and borne the world. The verses celebrate his power as a protector and his generosity as a giver of wealth. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. DEAR, ageless sacrificial drink is offered in light-discovering, heaven pervading Agni. > The Gods spread forth through his Celestial Nature, that he might bear the world up and sustain it. > 2 The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent. > The Deities, the broad earth, and the heavens, and plants, and waters gloried in his friendship. > 3 Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni, > Him who hath spread abroad the earth with lustre, this heaven, and both the worlds, and air's mid-region. > 4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter, > He swiftly made all things that fly, stand, travel, all that hath motion, Agni Jātavedas. > 5 Because thou, Agni, Jātavedas, stoodest at the world's head with thy refulgent splendour, > We sent thee forth with hymns and songs and praises: thou filledst heaven and earth, God meet for worship. > 6 Head of the world is Agni in the night-time; then, as the Sun, at morn springs up and rises. > Then to his task goes the prompt Priest foreknowing the wondrous power of Gods who must be honoured. > 7 Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent. > With resonant hymns all Gods who guard our bodies have offered up oblation in this Agni. > 8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation. > He was their sacrifice that guards our bodies: him the heavens know, the earth, the waters know him. > 9 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures, > He with his bright glow heated earth and heaven, urging himself right onward in his grandeur. > 10 Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vigour. > They made him to appear in threefold essence: he ripens plants of every form and nature. > 11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Sūrya, Son of Aditi, in heaven, > When the Pair, ever wandering, sprang to being, all creatures that existed looked upon them. > 12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaiśvānara to be the days' bright Banner,— > Him who hath spread abroad the radiant Mornings, and, coming with his light, unveils the darkness. > 13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaiśvānara whom age ne’er touches. > The Ancient Star that wanders on for ever, lofty and. strong, Lord of the Living Being. > 14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaiśvānara the ever beaming, > Who hath surpassed both heaven and earth in greatness: he is a God below, a God above us. > 15 I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals. > On these two paths each moving creature travels, each thing between the Father and the Mother. > 16 These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit > He stands directed to all things existing, hasting, unresting in his fiery splendour. > 17 Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite-leaders? > Our friends have helped to gather our assembly. They came to sacrifice; who will announce it? > 18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters? > Not jestingly I speak to you, O Fathers. Sages, I ask you this for information. > 19 As great as is the fair-winged Morning's presence to him who dwells beside us, Mātariśvan! > Is what the Brahman does when he approaches to sacrifice and sits below the Hotar.

Hymn LXXXIX. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, ever-active hero and the "noble Indra." The verses celebrate his power to force earth and sky asunder, to destroy Vṛtra, and to bring forth the kine. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. I WILL extol the most heroic Indra who with his might forced earth and sky asunder; > Who hath filled all with width as man's Upholder, surpassing floods and rivers in his greatness. > 2 Sūrya is he: throughout the wide expanses shall Indra turn him, swift as car-wheels, hither, > Like a stream resting not but ever active he hath destroyed, with light, the black-hued darkness. > 3 To him I sing a holy prayer, incessant new, matchless, common to the earth and heaven, > Who marks, as they were backs, all living creatures: ne’er doth he fail a friend, the noble Indra. > 4 I will send forth my songs in flow unceasing, like water from the ocean's depth, to Indra. > Who to his car on both its sides securely hath fixed the earth and heaven as with an axle. > 5 Rousing with draughts, the Shaker, rushing onward, impetuous, very strong, armed as with arrows > Is Soma; forest trees and all the bushes deceive not Indra with their offered likeness. > 6 Soma hath flowed to him whom naught can equal, the earth, the heavens, the firmament, the mountains,— > When heightened in his ire his indignation shatters the firm and breaks the strong in pieces. > 7 As an axe fells the tree so be slew Vṛtra, brake down the strongholds and dug out the rivers. > He cleft the mountain like a new-made pitcher. Indra brought forth the kine with his Companions. > 8 Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, O Indra. The sword lops limbs, thou smitest down the sinner, > The men who injure, as it were a comrade, the lofty Law of Varuṇa and Mitra. > 9 Men who lead evil lives, who break agreements, and injure Varuṇa, Aryaman and Mitra,— > Against these foes, O Mighty Indra, sharpen, as furious death, thy Bull of fiery colour. > 10 Indra is Sovran Lord of Earth and Heaven, Indra is Lord of waters and of mountains. > Indra is Lord of prosperers and sages Indra must be invoked in rest and effort. > 11 Vaster than days and nights, Giver of increase, vaster than firmament and flood of ocean, > Vaster than bounds of earth and wind's extension, vaster than rivers and our lands is Indra. > 12 Forward, as herald of refulgent Morning, let thine insatiate arrow fly, O Indra. > And pierce, as ’twere a stone launched forth from heaven, with hottest blaze the men who love deception. > 13 Him, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees followed and the plants and herbage. > Yearning with love both Worlds approached, the Waters waited on Indra when he first had being. > 14 Where was the vengeful dart when thou, O Indra, clavest the demon ever beat on outrage? > When fiends lay there upon the ground extended like cattle in the place of immolation? > 15 Those who are set in enmity against us, the Ogaṇas, O Indra, waxen mighty,— > Let blinding darkness follow those our foemen, while these shall have bright shining nights to light them. > 16 May plentiful libations of the people, and singing Ṛṣis’ holy prayers rejoice thee. > Hearing with love this common invocation, come unto us, pass by all those who praise thee. > 17 O Indra, thus may we be made partakers of thy new favours that shall bring us profit. > Singing with love, may we the Viśvāmitras win daylight even now through thee, O Indra. > 18 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best hero in the fight where spoil is gathered, > The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vṛtras, wins and gathers riches.

Hymn XC. Puruṣa.

This is the famous Puruṣa Sūkta, a foundational hymn of cosmic creation. It describes how the universe was formed from the sacrifice of a primeval being, Puruṣa, who has a thousand heads, eyes, and feet. From his dismembered body emerged the hymns, the animals, the social orders (varna), and the very elements of the world, including the sun, moon, and gods like Indra and Agni.

1. A THOUSAND heads hath Puruṣa, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet. > On every side pervading earth he fills a space ten fingers wide. > 2 This Puruṣa is all that yet hath been and all that is to be; > The Lord of Immortality which waxes greater still by food. > 3 So mighty is his greatness; yea, greater than this is Puruṣa. > All creatures are one-fourth of him, three-fourths eternal life in heaven. > 4 With three-fourths Puruṣa went up: one-fourth of him again was here. > Thence he strode out to every side over what cats not and what cats. > 5 From him Virāj was born; again Puruṣa from Virāj was born. > As soon as he was born he spread eastward and westward o’er the earth. > 6 When Gods prepared the sacrifice with Puruṣa as their offering, > Its oil was spring, the holy gift was autumn; summer was the wood. > 7 They balmed as victim on the grass Puruṣa born in earliest time. > With him the Deities and all Sādhyas and Ṛṣis sacrificed. > 8 From that great general sacrifice the dripping fat was gathered up. > He formed the creatures of-the air, and animals both wild and tame. > 9 From that great general sacrifice Ṛcas and Sāma-hymns were born: > Therefrom were spells and charms produced; the Yajus had its birth from it. > 10 From it were horses born, from it all cattle with two rows of teeth: > From it were generated kine, from it the goats and sheep were born. > 11 When they divided Puruṣa how many portions did they make? > What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet? > 12 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rājanya made. > His thighs became the Vaiśya, from his feet the Śūdra was produced. > 13 The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth; > Indra and Agni from his mouth were born, and Vāyu from his breath. > 14 Forth from his navel came mid-air the sky was fashioned from his head > Earth from his feet, and from his car the regions. Thus they formed the worlds. > 15 Seven fencing-sticks had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were prepared, > When the Gods, offering sacrifice, bound, as their victim, Puruṣa. > 16 Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim these were the earliest holy ordinances. > The Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there where the Sādhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling.

Hymn XCI. Agni.

This hymn praises Agni as the familiar friend and priest, kindled in the house and adorned with oblations. The verses celebrate his wisdom, his role as the messenger between gods and men, and his power to grant wealth and protection. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. BRISK, at the place of Iḷā, hymned by men who wake, our own familiar Friend is kindled in the house; > Hotar of all oblation, worthy of our choice, Lord, beaming, trusty friend to one who loveth him. > 2 He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift-winged bird a home in every tree. > Benevolent to men, he scorns no living man: Friend to the tribes of men he dwells with every tribe. > 3 Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art thou, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing all. > As Vasu, thou alone art Lord of all good things, of all the treasures that the heavens and earth produce. > 4 Foreknowing well, O Agni, thou in Iḷā's place hast occupied thy regular station balmed with oil. > Marked are thy comings like the comings of the Dawns, the rays of him who shineth spotless as the Sun. > 5 Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, marked, many hued, like heralds of the Dawns’ approach, > When, loosed to wander over plants and forest trees, thou crammest by thyself thy food into thy mouth. > 6 Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life. > So in like manner do the forest trees and plants bear him within them and produce him evermore. > 7 When, sped and urged by wind, thou spreadest thee abroad, swift piercing through thy food according to thy will, > Thy never-ceasing blazes, longing to consume, like men on chariots, Agni, strive on every side. > 8 Agni, the Hotar-priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought,— > Him, yea, none other than thyself, doth man elect at sacrificial offerings great and small alike. > 9 Here, Agni, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest in sacred gatherings, > When men with strewn clipt grass and sacrificial gifts offer thee entertainment, piously inclined. > 10 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. > Thou art Director, thou the ministering Priest: thou art the Brahman, Lord and Master in our home. > 11 When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his sacrificial gift, > Then thou art his Adhvaryu, Hotar, messenger, callest the Gods and orderest the sacrifice. > 12 From us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these. holy words, these Ṛcas, songs and eulogies, > Eager for wealth, to Jātavedas fain for wealth: when they have waxen strong they please their Strengthener. > 13 This newest eulogy will I speak forth to him, the Ancient One who loves it. May he hear our voice. > May it come near his heart and make it stir with love, as a fond well dressed matron clings about her lord. > 14 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up,— > To Agni, Soma-sprinkled, drinker of sweet juice, Disposer, with my heart I bring a fair hymn forth. > 15 Into thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle. > Vouchsafe us wealth. strength-winning, blest with heroes, wealth lofty, praised by men, and full of splendour.

Hymn XCII. Viśvedevas.

This hymn invokes the Viśvedevas, the All-Gods, praising their power and generosity. The verses celebrate their role as protectors and their ability to bring wealth and victory. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. I PRAISE your Charioteer of sacrifice, the Lord of men, Priest of the tribes, refulgent, Guest of night. > Blazing amid dry plants, snatching amid the green, the Strong, the Holy Herald hath attained to heaven. > 2 Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the sacrifice. > With kisses they caress the Grandson of the Red, like the swift ray of light, the Household Priest of Dawn. > 3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard's ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume. > When his terrific flames have reached the Immortal's world, then men remember and extol the Heavenly Folk. > 4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest praise, > Varuṇa, Indra, Mitra were of one accord, and Savitar and Bhaga, Lords of holy might. > 5 Onward, with ever-roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run. > With them Parijman, moving round his vast domain, loud bellowing, bedews all things that are within. > 6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home-dwellers with the Asura,— > Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman look on with these, and the swift-moving Indra with swift-moving Gods. > 7 With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light's beauty, in the very Strong One's strength; > The singers who in men's assemblies forged for him, according to his due, his friend the thunderbolt. > 8 Even the Sun's Bay Coursers hath lie held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all. > Unhindered, from the air's vault thunders day by day the loud triumphant breathing of the fearful Bull. > 9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: > With whom, the Eager Ones, going their ordered course, he comes from heaven Self-bright, auspicious, strong to guard. > 10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Bṛhaspati and Soma's brotherhood. > Atharvan first by sacrifices made men sure: through skill the Bhṛgus were esteemed of all as Gods. > 11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four bodied Narāśaṁsa, Yama, Aditi, > God Tvaṣṭar Wealth-bestower, the Ṛbhukṣaṇas, Rodasī, Maruts, Viṣṇu, claim and merit praise. > 12 And may he too give car, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call. > Ye Sun and Moon who dwell in heaven and move in turn, and with your thought, O Earth and Sky, observe this well. > 13 Dear to all Gods, may Pūṣan guard the ways we go, the Waters’ child and Vāyu help us to success. > Sing lauds for your great bliss to Wind, the breath of all: ye Aśvins prompt to hear, hear this upon your way. > 14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self-resplendent One. > We praise Night's youthful Lord benevolent to men, the foeless One, the free, with all celestial Dames. > 15 By reason of his birth here Aṅgiras first sang: the pressing-stones upraised beheld the sacrifice > The stones through which the Sage became exceeding vast, and the sharp axe obtains in fight the beauteous place.

Hymn XCIII. Viśvedevas.

This hymn is a praise of the Viśvedevas, the All-Gods, celebrating their power and their generosity. The verses invoke them as "mighty" and "far-extended," like two young Dames. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. MIGHTY are ye, and far-extended, Heaven and Earth: both Worlds are evermore to us like two young Dames. > Guard us thereby from stronger foe; guard us hereby to give us strength. > 2 In each succeeding sacrifice that mortal honoureth the Gods, > He who, most widely known and famed for happiness, inviteth them. > 3 Ye who are Rulers over all, great is your sovran power as Gods. > Ye all possess all majesty: all must be served in sacrifice. > 4 These are the joyous Kings of Immortality, Parijman, Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa. > What else is Rudra, praised of men? the Maruts, Bhaga, Pūṣaṇa? > 5 Come also to our dwelling, Lords of ample wealth, common partakers of our waters, Sun and Moon, > When the great Dragon of the Deep hath settled down upon their floors. > 6 And let the Aśvins, Lords of splendour, set us free,—both Gods, and, with their Laws, Mitra and Varuṇa. > Through woes, as over desert lands, he speeds to ample opulence. > 7 Yea, let the Aśvins Twain he gracious unto us, even Rudras, and all Gods, Bhaga, Rathaspati; > Parijman, Ṛbhu, Vāja, O Lords of all wealth Ṛbhukṣaṇas. > 8 Prompt is Ṛbhukṣan, prompt the worshipper's strong drink: may thy fleet Bay Steeds, thine who speedest on, approach. > Not mans but God's is sacrifice whose psalm is unassailable. > 9 O God Savitar, harmed by none, lauded, give us a place among wealthy princes. > With his Car-steeds at once 'hath our Indra guided the reins and the car of these men. > 10 To these men present here, O Heaven and Earth, to us grant lofty fame extending over all mankind. > Give us a steed to win us strength, a steed with wealth for victory. > 11 This speaker, Indra—for thou art our Friend—wherever he may be, guard thou, Victor! for help, ever for help > Thy wisdom, Vasu! prosper him. > 12 So have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to take its bright path to the Sun, and reconciles the men: > Thus forms a carpenter the yoke of horses, not to be displaced. > 13 Whose chariot-seat hath come again laden with wealth and bright with gold, > Lightly, with piercing ends, as ’twere two ranks of heroes ranged for fight. > 14 This to Duḥśīma Pṛthavāna have I sung, to Vena, Rama, to the nobles, and the King. > They yoked five hundred, and their love of us was famed upon their way. > 15 Besides, they showed us seven-and-seventy horses here. > Tānva at once displayed his gift, Pārthya at once displayed his gift; and straightway Māyava showed his.

Hymn XCIV. Press-stones.

This hymn is a praise of the Pressing-stones used to extract the Soma juice. The verses personify the stones as speaking, crying aloud, and even dancing. They are praised for their power to produce the "savoury meath" that brings Indra to the sacrifice.

1. LET these speak loudly forth; let us speak out aloud: to the loud speaking Pressing-stones address the speech; > When, rich with Soma juice, Stones of the mountain, ye, united, swift to Indra bring the sound of praise. > 2 They speak out like a hundred, like a thousand men: they cry aloud to us with their green-tinted mouths, > While, pious Stones, they ply their task with piety, and, even before the Hotar, taste the offered food. > 3 Loudly they speak, for they have found the savoury meath: they make a humming sound over the meat prepared. > As they devour the branch of the Red-coloured Tree, these, the well pastured Bulls, have uttered bellowings. > 4 They cry aloud, with strong exhilarating drink, calling on Indra now, for they have found the meath. > Bold, with the sisters they have danced, embraced by them, making the earth reecho with their ringing sound. > 5 The Eagles have sent forth their cry aloft in heaven; in the sky's vault the dark impetuous ones have danced. > Then downward to the nether stone's fixt place they sink, and, splendid as the Sun, effuse their copious stream. > 6 Like strong ones drawing, they have put forth all their strength: the Bulls, harnessed together, bear the chariot-poles. > When they have bellowed, panting, swallowing their food, the sound of their loud snorting is like that of steeds. > 7 To these who have ten workers and a tenfold girth, to these who have ten yoke-straps and ten binding thongs, > To these who bear ten reins, the eternal, sing ye praise, to these who bear ten car-poles, ten when they are yoked. > 8 These Stones with ten conductors, rapid in their course, with lovely revolution travel round and round. > They have been first to drink the flowing Soma juice, first to enjoy the milky fluid of the stalk. > 9 These Soma-eaters kiss Indra's Bay-coloured Steeds: draining. the stalk they sit upon the ox's hide. > Indra, when he hath drunk Soma-meath drawn by them, waxes in strength, is famed, is mighty as a Bull. > 10. Strong is your stalk; ye, verily, never shall be harmed; ye have refreshment, ye are ever satisfied. > Fair are ye, as it were, through splendour of his wealth, his in whose sacrifice, O Stones, ye find delight. > 11 Bored deep, but not pierced through with holes, are ye, O Stones, not loosened, never weary, and exempt from death, > Eternal, undiseased, moving in sundry ways, unthirsting, full of fatness, void of all desire. > 12 Your fathers, verily, stand firm from age to age: they, loving rest, are not dissevered from their seat. > Untouched by time, ne’er lacking green plants and green trees, they with their voice have caused the heavens and earth to hear. > 13 This, this the Stones proclaim, what time they are disjoined, and when with ringing sounds they move and drink the balm. > Like tillers of the ground when they are sowing seed, they mix the Soma, nor, devouring, minish it. > 14 They have raised high their voice for juice, for sacrifice, striking the Mother earth as though they danced thereon. > So loose thou too his thought who hath effused the sap, and let the Stones which we are honouring be disjoined.

Hymn XCV. Uravasi. Purūravas.

This hymn presents a tragic dialogue between the mortal king Purūravas and the celestial nymph Urvasi, who is leaving him. He pleads with her to stay, but she, like the wind, is impossible to capture and reminds him that "hearts of hyenas are the hearts of women." The hymn closes with a divine prophecy that, though separated, Purūravas's sons will serve the gods and he will find joy in heaven.

1. Ho there, my consort! Stay, thou fierce-souled lady, and let us reason for a while together. > Such thoughts as these of ours, while yet unspoken in days gone by have never brought us comfort. > 2 What am I now to do with this thy saying? I have gone from thee like the first of Mornings. > Purūravas, return thou to thy dwelling: I, like the wind, am difficult to capture. > 3 Like a shaft sent for glory from the quiver, or swift-steed winning cattle winning hundreds. > The lightning seemed to flash, as cowards planned it. The minstrels bleated like a lamb in trouble. > 4 Giving her husband's father life and riches, from the near dwelling, when her lover craved her, > She sought the home wherein she found her pleasure, accepting day and night her lord's embraces. > 5 Thrice in the day didst thou embrace thy consort, though coldly she received thy fond caresses. > To thy desires, Purūravas, I yielded: so wast thou king, O hero, of my body. > 6 The maids Sujirni, Sreni, Sumne-api, Charanyu, Granthini, and Hradecaksus,— > These like red kine have hastened forth, the bright ones, and like milch cows have lowed in emulation. > 7 While he was born the Dames sate down together, the Rivers with free kindness gave him nurture; > And then, Purūravas, the Gods increased thee for mighty battle, to destroy the Dasyus. > 8 When I, a mortal, wooed to mine embraces these heavenly nymphs who laid aside their raiment, > Like a scared snake they fled from me in terror, like chariot horses when the car has touched them. > 9 When, loving these Immortal Ones, the mortal hath converse with the nymphs as they allow him. > Like swans they show the beauty of their bodies, like horses in their play they bite and nibble. > 10 She who flashed brilliant as the falling lightning brought me delicious presents from the waters. > Now from the flood be born a strong young hero May Uruvasi prolong her life for ever > 11 Thy birth hath made me drink from earthly milch-kine: this power, Purūravas, hast thou vouchsafed me. > I knew, and, warned thee, on that day. Thou wouldst not hear me. What sayest thou, when naught avails thee? > 12 When will the son be born and seek his father? Mourner-like, will he weep when first he knows him? > Who shall divide the accordant wife and husband, while fire is shining with thy consort's parents? > 13 I will console him when his tears are falling: he shall not weep and cry for care that blesses. > That which is thine, between us, will I send thee. Go home again, thou fool;ṭhou hast not won me. > 14 Thy lover shall flee forth this day for ever, to seek, without return, the farthest distance. > Then let his bed be in Destruction's bosom, and there let fierce rapacious wolves devour him. > 15 Nay, do not die, Purūravas, nor vanish: let not the evil-omened wolves devour thee. > With women there can be no lasting friendship: hearts of hyenas are the hearts of women. > 16 When amid men in altered shape I sojourned, and through four autumns spent the nights among them, > I tasted once a day a drop of butter; and even now with that am I am contented. > 17 I, her best love, call Urvasi to meet me, her who fills air and measures out the region. > Let the gift brought by piety approach thee. Turn thou to me again: my heart is troubled. > 18 Thus speak these Gods to thee, O son of Iḷā: As death hath verily got thee for his subject, > Thy sons shall serve the Gods with their oblation, and thou, moreover, shalt rejoice in Svarga.

Hymn XCVI. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra, the "Golden-hued" god, and the intoxicating power of the Soma juice. The verses celebrate his strength, his victorious deeds, and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1 In the great synod will I laud thy two Bay Steeds: I prize the sweet strong drink of thee the Warrior-God, > His who pours lovely oil as ’twere with yellow drops. Let my songs enter thee whose form hath golden tints. > 2 Ye who in concert sing unto the goldhued place, like Bay Steeds driving onward to the heavenly seat, > For Indra laud ye strength allied with Tawny Steeds, laud him whom cows content as ’twere with yellow drops. > 3 His is that thunderbolt, of iron, goldenhued, gold-coloured, very dear, and yellow in his arms; > Bright with strong teeth, destroying with its tawny rage. In Indra are set fast all forms of golden hue. > 4 As if a lovely ray were laid upon the sky, the golden thunderbolt spread out as in a race. > That iron bolt with yellow jaw smote Ahi down. A thousand flames had he who bore the tawny-hued. > 5 Thou, thou, when praised by men who sacrificed of old. hadst pleasure in their lauds, O Indra golden-haired. > All that befits thy song of praise thou welcornest, the perfect pleasant gift, O Golden-hued from birth. > 6 These two dear Bays bring hither Indra on his car, Thunder-armed, joyous, meet for laud, to drink his fill. > Many libations flow for him who loveth them: to Indra have the gold hued Soma juices run. > 7 Tle gold-hued drops have flowed to gratify his wish: the yellow dro s have urged the swift Bays to the Strong. > He who speeds on with Bay Steeds even as he lists hath satisfied his longing for the golden drops. > 8 At the swift draught the Soma-drinker waxed in might, the Iron One with yellow beard and yellow hair. > He, Lord of Tawny Coursers, Lord of fleet-foot Mares, will bear his Bay Steeds safely over all distress. > 9 His yellow-coloured jaws, like ladles move apart, what time, for strength, he makes the yellow-tinted stir, > When, while the bowl stands there, he grooms his Tawny Steeds, when he hath drunk strong drink, the sweet juice that he loves. > 10 Yea, to the Dear One's seat in homes of heaven and earth the Bay Steeds' Lord hath whinnied like a horse for food. > Then the great wish hath seized upon him mightily, and the Beloved One hath gained high power of life, > 11 Thou, comprehending with thy might the earth and heaven, acceptest the dear hymn for ever new and new. > O Asura, disclose thou and make visible the Cow's beloved home to the bright golden Sun. > 12 O Indra, let the eager wishes of the folk bring thee, delightful, golden visored, on thy car, > That, pleased with sacrifice wherein ten fingers toil, thou mayest, at the feast, drink of our offered meath. > 13 Juices aforetime, Lord of Bays, thou drankest; and thine especially is this libation. > Gladden thee, Indra, with the meath-rich Soma: pour it down ever, Mighty One! within thee.

Hymn XCVII. Praise of Herbs.

This hymn is a powerful charm that invokes the divine power of Herbs to heal and protect. The plants are addressed as "Mothers" with a thousand growths, whose virtues can free a patient from disease and save their vital breath. The hymn is a testament to the ancient belief in the sacred and medicinal properties of the natural world.

1. HERBS that sprang up in time of old, three ages earlier than the Gods,— > Of these, whose hue is brown, will I declare the hundred powers and seven. > 2 Ye, Mothers, have a hundred homes, yea, and a thousand are your growths. > Do ye who have a thousand powers free this my patient from disease. > 3 Be glad and joyful in the Plants, both blossoming and bearing fruit, > Plants that will lead us to success like mares who conquer in the race. > 4 Plants, by this name I speak to you, Mothers, to you the Goddesses: > Steed, cow, and garment may I win, win back thy very self, O man. > 5 The Holy Fig tree is your home, your mansion is the Parna tree: > Winners of cattle shali ye be if ye regain for me this man. > 6 He who hath store of Herbs at hand like Kings amid a crowd of men,— > Physician is that sage's name, fiend-slayer, chaser of disease. > 7 Herbs rich in Soma, rich in steeds, in nourishments, in strengthening power,— > All these have I provided here, that this man may be whole again. > 8 The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth like cattle from the stall,— > Plants that shall win me store of wealth, and save thy vital breath, O man. > 9 Reliever is your mother's name, and hence Restorers are ye called. > Rivers are ye with wings that fly: keep far whatever brings disease. > 10 Over all fences have they passed, as steals a thief into the fold. > The Plants have driven from the frame whatever malady was there. > 11 When, bringing back the vanished strength, I hold these herbs within my hand, > The spirit of disease departs ere he can seize upon the life. > 12 He through whose frame, O Plants, ye creep member by member, joint by joint,— > From him ye drive away disease like some strong arbiter of strife. > 13 Fly, Spirit of Disease, begone, with the blue jay and kingfisher. > Fly with the wind's impetuousspeed, vanish together with the storm. > 14 Help every one the other, lend assistance each of you to each, > All of you be accordant, give furtherance to this speech of mine. > 15 Let fruitful Plants, and fruitless, those that blossom, and the blossomless, > Urged onward by Bṛhaspati, release us from our pain and grief; > 16 Release me from the curse's plague and woe that comes from Varuṇa; > Free me from Yama's fetter, from sin and offence against the Gods. > 17 What time, descending from the sky, the Plants flew earthward, thus they spake: > No evil shall befall the man whom while he liveth we pervade, > 18 Of all the many Plants whose King is, Soma, Plants of hundred forms, > Thou art the Plant most excellent, prompt to the wish, sweet to the heart. > 19 O all ye various Herbs whose King is Soma, that o’erspread the earth, > Urged onward by Bṛhaspati, combine your virtue in this Plant. > 20 Unharmed be he who digs you up, unharmed the man for whom I dig: > And let no malady attack biped or quadruped of ours. > 21 All Plants that hear this speech, and those that have departed far away, > Come all assembled and confer your healing power upon this Herb. > 22 With Soma as their Sovran Lord the Plants hold colloquy and say: > O King, we save from death the man whose cure a Brahman undertakes. > 23 Most excellent of all art thou, O Plant thy vassals are the trees. > Let him be subject to our power, the man who seeks to injure us.

Hymn XCVIII. The Gods.

This hymn is a priestly invocation led by Devāpi, who performs a sacrifice for his brother Śāntanu to bring rain. The verses call upon a host of gods, including Indra, Bṛhaspati, and Agni, to accept the offerings and release the celestial waters. It is a powerful narrative of ritual action leading to cosmic blessing.

1. COME, be thou Mitra, Varuṇa, or Pūṣan, come, O Bṛhaspati, to mine oblation: > With Maruts, Vasus, or Ādityas, make thou Parjanya pour for Santanu his rain-drops. > 2 The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to me, Devapi: > Address thyself to me and turn thee hither within thy lips will I put brilliant language. > 3 Within my mouth, Bṛhaspati, deposit speech lucid, vigorous, and free from weakness, > Thereby to win for Santanu the rain-fall. The meath-rich drop from heaven hath passed within it. > 4 Let the sweet drops descend on us, O Indra: give us enough to lade a thousand wagons. > Sit to thy Hotar task; pay worship duly, and serve the Gods, Devapi, with oblation. > 5 Knowing the God's good-will, Devapi, Ṛṣi, the son of Rstisena, sate as Hotar. > He hath brought down from heaven's most lofty summit the ocean of the rain, celestial waters. > 6 Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood by deities obstructed. > They burried down set free by Arstisena, in gaping clefts, urged onward by Devapi. > 7 When as chief priest for Santanu, Devapi, chosen for Hotar's duty, prayed beseeching, > Graciously pleased Bṛhaspati vouchsafed him a voice that reached the Gods and won the waters. > 8 O Agni whom Devapi Arstisena, the mortal man, hath kindled in his glory, > Joying in him with all the Gods together, urge on the sender of the rain, Parjanya. > 9 All ancient Ṛṣis with their songs approached thee, even thee, O Much invoked, at sacrifices. > We have provided wagon-loads in thousands: come to the solemn rite, Lord of Red Horses. > 10 The wagon-loads, the nine-and-ninety thousand, these have been offered up to thee, O Agni. > Hero, with these increase thy many bodies, and, stimulated, send us rain from heaven. > 11 Give thou these ninety thousand loads, O Agni, to Indra, to the Bull, to be his portion. > Knowing the paths which Deities duly travel, set mid the Gods in heaven Aulana also. > 12 O Agni, drive afar our foes, our troubles chase malady away and wicked demons. > From this air-ocean, from the lofty heavens, send down on us a mighty flood of waters.

Hymn XCIX. Indra.

This hymn praises Indra as the "Splendid One," the "Loud-voiced, Farstriding" god who fashions the Vṛtra-slaying bolt. The verses celebrate his power to end his work with lightning flashes and to quell Saptatha's magic devices. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. WHAT Splendid One, Loud-voiced, Farstriding, dost thou, well knowing, urge us to exalt with praises? > What give we him? When his might dawned, he fashioned the Vṛtra slaying bolt, and sent us waters. > 2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. > With his Companions, not without his Brother, he quells Saptatha's magic devices. > 3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven's light, full fain to gain it; > He seized the hundred-gated castle's treasure by craft, unchecked, and slew the lustful demons. > 4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither, > Where, footless, joined, without a car to bear them, with jars for steeds, they pour their flood like butter. > 5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, > Came, seized the food of Vamra and his consort, and left the couple weeping and unsheltered. > 6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six eyed and triple-headed. > Tṛta, made stronger by the might he lent him, struck down the boar with shaft whose point was iron. > 7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. > Strong, glorious, manliest, for us he shattered the forts of Nabus when he slew the Dasyus. > 8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. > When the Hawk comes in body to the Soma, armed with his iron claws he slays the Dasyus. > 9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. > He led the lauded Kavi, he delivered Atka as prey to him and to his heroes. > 10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuṇa who works with magic, > Was known, yet young as guardian of the seasons; and he quelled Araru, four-footed dernon. > 11 Through lauds of him hath Auśija Ṛjiśvan burst, with the Mighty's aid, the stall of Pipru. > When the saint pressed the juice and shone as singer, he seized the forts and with his craft subdued them. > 12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra. > He will, when supplicated, bring him blessing: he hath brought all, food, strength, a happy dwelling.

Hymn C. Viśvedevas.

This hymn is a praise of the Viśvedevas, the All-Gods, invoking them to be present at the sacrifice. The verses celebrate their power to grant freedom and felicity. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the rite.

1. Be, like thyself, O Indra, strong for our delight: here lauded, aid us, Maghavan, drinker of the juice. > Savitar with the Gods protect us: hear ye Twain. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 2 Bring swift, for offering, the snare that suits the time, to the pure drinker Vāyu, roaring as he goes, > To him who hath approached the draught of shining milk. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 3 May Savitar the God send us full life, to each who sacrifices, lives aright and pours the juice > That we with simple hearts may wait upon the Gods. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 4 May Indra evermore be gracious unto us, and may King Soma meditate our happiness, > Even as men secure the comfort of a friend. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 5 Indra hath given the body with its song and strength: Bṛhaspati, thou art the lengthener of life. > The sacrifice is Manu, Providence, our Sire. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 6 Indra possesseth might celestial nobly formed: the singer in the house is Agni, prudent Sage. > He is the sacrifice in synod, fair, most near. We ask for freedom and complete felicity, > 7 Not often have we sinned against you secretly, nor, Vasus, have we openly provoked the Gods. > Not one of its, ye Gods, hath worn an alien shape. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 8 May Savitar remove from us our malady, and may the Mountains keep it far away from where > The press-stone as it sheds the meath rings loudly forth. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 9 Ye Vasus, let the stone, the presser stand erect: avert all enmities and keep them far remote. > Our guard to be adored is Savitar this God. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 10 Eat strength and fatness in the pasture, kine, who are balmed at the reservoir and at the seat of Law. > So let your body be our body's medicine. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 11 The singer fills the spirit: all mens, love hath he. Indra takes kindly care of those who pour the juice. > For his libation is the heavenly udder full. We ask for freedom and complete felicity. > 12 Wondrous thy spirit-filling light, triumpliant; thy hosts save from decay and are resistless. > The pious votary by straightest pathway speeds to possess the best of all the cattle.

Hymn CI. Viśvedevas.

This hymn is a praise of the Viśvedevas, the All-Gods, invoking them to come and receive the sacrifice. The verses celebrate their power to grant freedom and felicity. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the rite.

1. WAKE with one mind, my friends, and kindle Agni, ye who are many and who dwell together. > Agni and Dadhikrās and Dawn the Goddess, you, Gods with Indra, I call down to help us. > 2 Make pleasant hymns, spin out your songs and praises: build ye a ship equipped with oars for transport. > Prepare the implements, make all things ready, and let the sacrifice, my friends, go forward. > 3 Lay on the yokes, and fasten well the traces: formed is the furrow, sow the seed within it. > Through song may we find bearing fraught with plenty: near to the ripened grain approach the sickle. > 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. > We will pour forth the well that hath a copious stream, fair-flowing well that never fails. > 6 I pour the water from the well with pails prepared and goodly straps, > Unfailing, full, with plenteous stream. > 7 Refresh the horses, win the prize before you: equip a chariot fraught with happy fortune. > Pour forth the well with stone wheel, wooden buckets, the drink of heroes, with the trough for armour. > 8 Prepare the cow-stall, for there drink your heroes: stitch ye the coats of armour, wide and many. > Make iron forts, secure from all assailants let not your pitcher leak: stay it securely. > 9 Hither, for help, I turn the holy heavenly mind of you the Holy Gods, that longs for sacrifice. > May it pour milk for us, even as a stately cow who, having sought the pasture, yields a thousand streams. > 10 Pour golden juice within the wooden vessel: with stone-made axes fashion ye and form it. > Embrace and compass it with tenfold girdle, and to both chariot-poles attach the car-horse. > 11 Between both poles the car-horse goes pressed closely, as in his dwelling moves the doubly-wedded. > Lay in the wood the Soviran of the Forest, and sink the well although ye do not dig it. > 12 Indra is he, O men, who gives us happiness: sport, urge the giver of delight to win us strength > Bring quickly down, O priests, hither to give us aid, to drink the Soma, Indra Son of Nistigri.

Hymn CII. Indra.

This hymn celebrates the legendary victory of Mudgalānī, a female charioteer, who, with Indra's aid, won a great prize in battle. The verses describe her as "Indra's dart," a fierce and triumphant warrior. The hymn is a powerful testament to the strength and valor of women in the Vedic world.

1. FOR thee may Indra boldly speed the car that works on either side. > Favour us, Much-invoked! in this most glorious fight against the raiders of our wealth. > 2 Loose in the wind the woman's robe was streaming what time she won a car-load worth a thousand. > The charioteer in fight was Mudgalani: she Indra's dart, heaped up the prize of battle. > 3 O Indra, cast thy bolt among assailants who would slaughter us: > The weapon both of Dāsa and of Ārya foe keep far away, O Maghavan. > 4 The bull in joy had drunk a lake of water. His shattering horn encountered an opponent. > Swiftly, in vigorous strength, eager for glory, he stretched his forefeet, fain to win and triumph. > 5 They came anear the bull; they made him thunder, made him pour rain down ere the fight was ended. > And Mudgala thereby won in the contest well-pastured kine in hundreds and in thousands. > 6 In hope of victory that bull was harnessed: Kesi the driver urged him on with shouting. > As he ran swiftly with the car behind him his lifted heels pressed close on Mudgalani. > 7 Deftly for him he stretched the car-pole forward, guided the bull thereto and firmly yoked him. > Indra vouchsafed the lord of cows his favour: with mighty steps the buffalo ran onward. > 8 Touched by the goad the shaggy beast went nobly, bound to the pole by the yoke's thong of leather. > Performing deeds of might for many people, he, looking on the cows, gained strength and vigour. > 9 Here look upon this mace, this bull's companion, now lying midway on the field of battle. > Therewith hath Mudgala in ordered contest won for cattle for himself, a hundred thousand. > 10 Far is the evil: who hath here beheld it? Hither they bring the bull whom they are yoking.. > To this they give not either food or water. Reaching beyond the pole it gives directions. > 11 Like one forsaken, she hath found a husband, and teemed as if her breast were full and flowing. > With swiftly-racing chariot may we conquer, and rich and blessed be our gains in battle. > 12 Thou, Indra, art the mark whereon the eyes of all life rest, when thou, > A Bull who drivest with thy bull, wilt win the race together with thy weakling friend.

Hymn CIII. Indra.

This hymn is a powerful war song, invoking Indra and Bṛhaspati to lead the army to victory. The verses are filled with the imagery of battle, from the sharpening of weapons to the roar of conquering cars. It is a prayer for strength, courage, and the complete vanquishing of the foe.

1. SWIFT, rapidly striking, like a bull who sharpens his horns, terrific, stirring up the people, > With eyes that close not, bellowing, Sole Hero, Indra. subdued at once a hundred armies. > 2 With him loud-roaring, ever watchful, Victor, bold, hard to overthrow, Rouser of battle, > Indra. the Strong, whose hand bears arrows, conquer, ye warriors, now, now vanquish in the combat. > 3 He rules with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who with his band rings hosts together, > Foe-conquering, strong of arm, the Soma-drinker, with mighty bow, shooting with well-laid arrows. > 4 Bṛhaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving off our foemen. > Be thou protector of our cars, destroyer, victor in battle, breaker-up of armies. > 5 Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and fierce, victorious, all-subduing, > The Son of Conquest, passing men and heroes, kine-winner, mount thy conquering car, O Indra. > 6 Cleaver of stalls, kine-winner, armed with thunder, who quells an army and with might destroys it.- > Follow him, brothers! quit yourselves like heroes, and like this Indra show your zeal and courage. > 7 Piercing the cow-stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the pitiless Hero, wild with anger, > Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless,may he protect our armies in our battles. > 8 Indra guide these: Bṛhaspati precede them, the guerdon, and the sacrifice, and Soma; > And let the banded Maruts march in forefront of heavenly hosts that conquer and demolish. > 9 Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuṇa, and Maruts, and Ādityas. > Uplifted is the shout of Gods who conquer high-minded Gods who cause the worlds to tremble. > 10 Bristle thou up, O Maghavan, our weapons: excite the spirits of my warring heroes. > Urge on the strong steeds' might, O Vṛtra-slayer, and let the din of conquering cars go upward. > 11 May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered: victorious be the arrows of our army. > May our brave men of war prevail in battle. Ye Gods, protect us in the shout of onset. > 12 Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies and depart, O Apva. > Attack them, set their hearts on fire and burn them: so let our foes abide in utter darkness. > 13 Advance, O heroes, win the day. May Indra be your sure defence. > Exceeding mighty be your arms, that none may wound or injure you.

Hymn CIV. Indra.

This hymn is a praise of Indra as the mighty, ever-active warrior and the "Lord of Tawny Horses." The verses celebrate his power to bring victory and his generosity to his worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. Soma hath flowed for thee, Invoked of mat Speed to our sacrifice with both thy Coursers. > To thee have streameld the songs or mighty singers, imploring, Indra, drink of our libation. > 2 Drink of the juice which men have washed in waters, and fill thee full, O Lord of Tawny Horses. > O Indra, hearer of the laud, with Soma which stones have mixed for thee enhance thy rapture. > 3 To make thee start, a strong true draught I offer to thee, the Bull, O thou whom Bay Steeds carry. > Here take delight, O Indra, in our voices while thou art hymned with power and all our spirit. > 4 O Mighty Indra, through thine aid, thy prowess, obtaining life, zealous, and skilled in Order, > Men in the house who share the sacred banquet stand singing praise that brings them store of children. > 5 Through thy directions, Lord of Tawny Coursers, thine who art firm, splendid, and blest, the people > Obtain most liberal aid for their salvation, and praise thee, Indra, through thine excellencies. > 6 Lord of the Bays, come with thy two Bay Horses, come to our prayers, to drink the juice of Soma. > To thee comes sacrifice which thou acceptest: thou, skilled in holy rites, art he who giveth. > 7 Him of a thousand powers, subduing foemen, Maghavan praised with hymns and pleased with Soma,— > Even him our songs approach, resistless Indra: the adorations of the singer laud him. > 8 The way to bliss for Gods and man thou foundest, Indra, seven lovely floods, divine, untroubled, > Wherewith thou, rending forts, didst move the ocean, and nine-and ninety flowing streams of water. > 9 Thou from the curse didst free the mighty Waters, and as their only God didst watch and guard them. > O Indra, cherish evermore thy body with those which thou hast won in quelling Vṛtra. > 10 Heroic power and noble praise is Indra yea, the song worships him invoked of many. > Vṛtra he quelled, and gave men room and freedom: gakra, victorious, hath conquered armies. > 11 Call we on Maghayan, auspicious Indra. best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered, > The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vṛtras, wins and gathers riches.

Hymn CV. Indra.

This hymn praises Indra as the mighty, ever-active hero who knows the needs of his worshippers. The verses celebrate his power to bring victory and his generosity, comparing his gift of wealth to a flowing stream. It is a song of devotion that seeks his favor and the blessings of the sacrifice.

1. WHEN, Vasu, wilt thou love the laud? Now let the channel bring the stream. > The juice is ready to ferment. > 2 He whose two Bay Steeds harnessed well, swerving, pursue the Bird's tail-plumes, > With Rowing manes, like heaven and earth, he is the Lord with power to give. > 3 Bereft of skill is Indra, if, like some outwearied man he fears > The sinner, when the Mighty hath prepared himself for victory. > 4 Indra with these drives round, until he meets with one to worship him: > Indra is Master of the pair who snort and swerve upon their way. > 5 Borne onward by the long-maned Steeds who stretch themselves as ’twere for food, > The God who wears the helm defends them with his jaws. > 6 The Mighty sang with Lofty Ones: the Hero fashioned with his strength, > Like skilful Mātariśvan with his power and might, > 7 The bolt, which pierced at once the vitals of the Dasyu easy to be slain, > With jaw uninjured like the wondrous firmament. > 8 Grind off our sins: with song will we conquer the men who sing no hymns: > Not easily art thou pleased with prayerless sacrifice. > 9 When threefold flame burns high for thee, to rest on poles of sacrifice, > Thou with the living joyest in the self-bright Ship. > 10 Thy glory was the speckled cup, thy glory was the flawless scoop. > Wherewith thou pourest into thy receptacle. > 11 As hundreds, O Immortal God, have sung to thee, so hath Sumitra, yea, Durmitra praised thee here, > What time thou holpest Kutsa's son, when Dasyus fell, yea, holpest Kutsa's darling when the Dasyus died.

Hymn CVI. Aśvins.

This hymn is a praise of the Aśvins, the divine twins, who are invoked to come to the sacrifice. The verses celebrate their power as healers and protectors, and their generosity to their worshippers. It is a song of devotion that seeks their favor and the blessings of the rite.

1. THIS very thing ye Twain hold as your object: ye weave your songs as skilful men weave garments. > That ye may come united have I waked you: ye spread out food like days of lovely weather. > 2 Like two plough-bulls ye move along in traces, and seek like eager guests your bidder's banquet. > Ye are like glorious envoys mid the people: like bulls, approach the place where ye are watered. > 3 Like the two pinions of a bird, connected, like two choice animals, ye have sought our worship. > Bright as the fire the votary hath kindled, ye sacrifice in many a spot as roamers. > 4 Ye are our kinsmen, like two sons, two fathers, strong in your splendour and like kings for conquest; > Like rays for our enjoyment, Lords to feed us, ye, like quick bearers, have obeyed our calling. > 5 You are like two pleasantly moving well-fed (hills) like Mitra and Varuṇa, the two bestowers of felicity, veracious, possessors of infinite wealth, happy, like two horses plump with fodder, abiding in the firmament, like two rams (are you) to be nourished with sacrificial food, to be cherished (with oblations). > 6 You are like two mad elephants bending their forequarters and smiting the foe, like the two sons of Nitosa destroying (foes), and cherishing (friends); you are bright as two water-born (jewels), do you, who are victorious, (render) my decaying mortal body free from decay. > 7 Fierce (Aśvins), like two powerful (heroes), you enable this moving, perishable mortal (frame) to cross over to the objects (of its destination) as over water; extremely strong, like the Ṛbhus, your chariot, attained its destination swift as the wind, it pervaded (everywhere), it dispensed riches. > 8 With your bellies full of the Soma, like two saucepans, preservers of wealth, destroyers of enemies. (you are) armed with hatchets, moving like two flying (birds) with forms like the moon, attaining success through the mind, like two laudable beings, (you are) approaching (the sacrifice). > 9 Like giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in depths, like feet for one who fords a shallow. > Like cars ye will attend to him who orders: ye Two enjoy our wondrous work as sharers. > 10 Like toiling bees ye bring to us your honey, as bees into the hide that opens downward. > 11 May we increase the laud and gain us vigour: come to our song, ye whom one chariot carries. > Filled be our kine with ripened meath like glory: Bhutamsa hath fulfilled the Aśvins' longing.

Hymn CVII. Dakṣiṇā.

This hymn is a praise of Dakṣiṇā, the personified Guerdon or sacrificial fee given to the priests. The verses celebrate her as a source of light, life, and wealth, who brings blessings to the liberal giver. She is the path to the gods, the armor of the wise, and the mother of a fragrant dwelling.

1. THESE men's great bounty hath been manifested, and the whole world of life set free from darkness. > Great light hath come, vouchsafed us by the Fathers: apparent is the spacious path of Guerdon. > 2 High up in heaven abide the Guerdon-givers: they who give steeds dwell with the Sun for ever. > They who give gold are blest with life eternal. they who give robes prolong their lives, O Soma. > 3 Not from the niggards-for they give not fireely-comes Meed at sacrifice, Gods’ satisfaction: > Yea, many men with hands stretched out with Guerdon present their gifts because they dread dishonour. > 4 These who observe mankind regard oblation as streamy Vāyu and light-finding Arka. > They satisfy and give their gifts in synod, and pour in streams the seven mothered Guerdon. > 5 He who brings Guerdon comes as first invited: chief of the hamlet comes the Guerdon-bearer. > Him I account the ruler of the people who was the first to introduce the Guerdon. > 6 They call him Ṛṣi, Brahman, Sāma-chanter, reciter of the laud, leader of worship. > The brightly-shining God's three forms he knoweth who first bestowed