Rig Veda on Anger

2 Your Soma−drinker keeps afar your furious rush, Indra and Visnu, when ye come with all your might. T

2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna and I may be united. 3 Fain to know this in in I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuna, and ask them. 4 What, Varuna, hath been my chief transgression, ihat thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises 5 Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended. 6 Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuna wine, dice, or anger. 7 Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. 8 O Lord, O Varuna, may this laudation come close to thed and lie within thy spirit.

2 Agni, the great who ward not off the anger of thy power and might 3 Thee, Agni, would we choose as Priest, the perfecter of strength and skill; 4 Here as is needful for thine aid we toil, O Conqueror, day by day,

2 The mighty flowing Soma−draught, brought by the Hawk, hath gladdened thee, 3 Go forward, meet the foe, be bold; thy bolt of thunder is not checked. 4 Thou smotest Vrtra from the earth, smotest him, Indra, from the sky. 5 The wrathful Indra with his bolt of thunder rushing on the foe, 6 With hundred−jointed thunderbolt Indra hath struck him on the back, 7 Indra, unconquered might is thine, Thunderer, Caster of the Stone; 8 Far over ninety spacious floods thy thunderbolts were cast abroad: 9 Laud him a thousand all at once, shout twenty forth the hymn of praise. 10 Indra hath smitten down the power of Vrtra,−might with stronger might. 11 Yea, even this great Pair of Worlds trembled in terror at thy wrath, 12 But Vrtra scared not Indra with his shaking or his thunder roar. 13 Whenwith the thunder thou didst make thy dart and Vrtra meet in war, 14 When at thy shout, O Thunder−armed, each thing both fixed and moving shook, 15 There is not, in our knowledge, one who passeth Indra in his strength: 16 Still as of old, whatever rite Atharvan, Manus sire of all,

2 As such, O Wonderful, whose hand holds thunder, praised as mighty, Caster of the Stone! 3 We call upon that Indra, who, most active, ever slays the foe: 4 Rcisama, thou forcest men as with a bull, with anger, in the furious fray. 5 O Indra, bring us name and fame, enriching, mightiest, excellent, 6 We call on thee, O King, Mighty amid the Gods, Ruler of men, to succour us. 7 All strength and valour that is found, Indra, in tribes of Nahusas, and all the splendid fame that the Five 8 Or, Maghavan, what vigorous strength in Trksi lay, in Druhyus or in Paru's folk, 9 O Indra, grant a happy home, a triple refuge triply strong. 10 They who with minds intent on spoil subdue the foe, boldly attack and smite him down,− 11 And now, O Indra, strengthen us: come near and aid us in the fight, 12 Give us, where heroes strain their bodies in the fight, the shelter that our fathers loved. 13 When, Indra, in the mighty fray thou urgest chargers to their speed, 14 Speeding like rivers rushing down a steep descent, responsive to the urging call,

1 SING forth, O Kanvas, to your band of Maruts unassailable, 2 They who, self−luminous, were born together, with the spotted deer, 3 One hears, as though 'twere close at hand, the cracking of the whips they hold 4 Now sing ye forth the God−given hymn to your exultant Marut host, 5 Praise ye the Bull among the cows; for 'tis the Maruts' sportive band: 6 Who is your mightiest, Heroes, when, O shakers of the earth and heaven, 7 At your approach man holds him down before the fury of your wrath: 8 They at whose racings forth the earth, like an age−weakened lord of men, 9 Strong is their birth: vigour have they to issue from their Mother; strength, 10 And these, the Sons, the Singers, in their racings have enlarged the bounds, 11 Before them, on the ways they go, they drop this offspring of the cloud, 12 O Maruts, as your strength is great, so have ye cast men down on earth, 13 The while the Maruts pass along, they talk together on the way: 14 Come quick with swift steeds, for ye have worshippers among Kanva's sons 15 All is prepared for your delight. We are their servants evermore,

2 With the most saving medicines which thou givest, Rudra, may I attain a hundred winters. 3 Chief of all born art thou in glory, Rudra, armed with the thunder, mightiest of the mighty. 4 Let us not anger thee with worship, Rudra, ill praise, Strong God! or mingled invocation. 5 May I with praise−songs win that Rudra's favour who is adored with gifts and invocations. 6 The Strong, begirt by Maruts, hath refreshed me, with most invigorating food, imploring. 7 Where is that gracious hand of thine, O Rudra, the hand that giveth health and bringeth comfort, 8 To him the strong, great, tawny, fair−complexioned, I utter forth a mighty hymn of praises. 9 With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations: 10 Worthy, thou carriest thy bow and arrows, worthy, thy manyhued and honoured necklace. 11 Praise him the chariot−borne, the young, the famous, fierce, slaying like a dread beast of the forest. 12 I bend to thee as thou approachest, Rudra, even as a boy before the sire who greets him. 13 Of your pure medicines, O potent Martits, those that are wholesomest and healthbestowing, 14 May Rudra's missile turn aside and spare us, the great wrath of the impetuous One avoid us. 15 O tawny Bull, thus showing forth thy nature, as neither to be wroth, O God, nor slay us.

2 He through his lordship thinks on beings of the earth, on heavenly beings through his high imperial swa 3 May thy bright arrow which, shot down by thee from heaven, flieth upon the earth, pass us uninjured by 4 Slay us not, nor abandon us, O Rudra let not thy noose, when thou art angry, seize us.

2 Thee, then, O Pusan, like a swift one on his way, I urge with lauds that thou mayst make the foemen fle 3 Thou, Pusan, in whose friendship they who sing forth praise enjoy advantage, even in wisdom, through 4 Not stirred to anger, come, Free−giver, nigh to us, to take this gift of ours, thou who hast goats for steed

2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Samb 3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gav 4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his 5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselve 6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave, 7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the loft 8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires. 9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati. 10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati. 11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great, 12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. 13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns. 14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed. 15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well−guided, full of vital strength. 16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.

2 Like chariot−wheels these people all together follow after thee: 3 Not even all the gathered Gods conquered thee, Indra, in the war, 4 When for the sake of those oppressed, and Kutsa as he battled, 5 When, fighting singly, Indra. thou o'ercamest all the furious Gods, thou slewest those who strove with t 6 When also for a mortal man, Indra, thou speddest forth the Sun, 7 What? Vrtra−slayer, art not thou, Maghavan, fiercest in thy wrath? 8 And this heroic deed of might thou, Indra, also hast achieved, 9 Thou, Indra, Mighty One, didst crush Usas, though Daughter of the Sky. 10 Then from her chariot Usas fled, affrighted, from her ruined car. 11 So there this car of Usas lay, broken to pieces, in Vipas, 12 Thou, Indra, didst. with magic power resist the overflowing stream 13 Valiantly didst thou seize and take the store which Susna had amassed, 14 Thou, Indra, also smotest down Kulitara's son Sambara, 15 Of Dasa Varcin's thou didst slay the hundred thousand and the five, 16 So Indra, Lord of Heroes, Powers, caused the unwedded damsel's son, 17 So sapient Indra, Lord of Might, brought Turvaga and Yadu, those 18 Arpa and Citraratha, both Aryas, thou, Indra, slewest swift, 19 Thou, Vrtra−slayer, didst conduct those two forlorn, the blind, the lame. 20 For Divodasa, him who brought oblationt, 1ndra overthrew 21 The thirty thousand Disas he with magic power and weapons sent 22 As such, O Vrtra−slayer, thou art general Lord of kine for all, 23 Indra, whatever deed of might thou hast this day to execute, 24 O Watchful One, may Aryaman the God give thee all goodly things.

5 Ye six divine Expanses, grant us freedom: here, all ye Gods, acquit yourselves like heroes. 6 Baffling the wrath of our opponents, Agni, guard us as our infallible Protector. 7 Lord of the world, Creator of creators the saviour God who overcomes the foeman. 8 Foodful, and much−invoked, at this our calling mty the great Bull vouchsafe us wide protection. 9 Let those who are our foemen stay. afar from us: with Indra and with Agni we will drive them off.

2 Yea, your birth, Maruts, was with wild commotion, ye who move swiftly, fierce in wrath, terrific. 3 Give ample vital power unto our princes let our fair praises gratify the Maruts. 4 Your favoured singer counts his wealth by hundreds: the strong steed whom ye favour wins a thousand. 5 I call, as such, the Sons of bounteous Rudra: will not the Maruts turn again to us−ward? 6 This eulogy of the Bounteous hath been spoken: accept, ye Maruts, this our hymn of praises.

2 Maruts, to you this laud with prayer and worship, formed in the mind and heart, ye Gods, is offered. 3 The Maruts, praised by us, shall show us favour; Maghavan, lauded, shall be most propitious. 4 I fled in terrror from this mighty Indra, my body trembling in alarm, O Maruts. 5 By whom the Manas recognize the day−springs, by whose strength at the dawn of endless mornings, 6 Do thou, O Indra, guard the conquering Heroes, and rid thee of thy wrath against the Maruts,

2 Verily no one knoweth whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other's birth. 3 They strew each other with their blasts, these Hawks: they strove together, roaring like the wind. 4 A sage was he who knew these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Prsni bore. 5 Ever victorious, through the Maruts, be this band of Heroes, nursing manly strength, 6 Most bright in splendour, flectest on their way, close−knit to glory, strong with varied power. 7 Yea, mighty is your power and firm your strength: so, potent, with the Maruts, be the band. 8 Bright is your spirit, wrathful are your minds: your bold troop's minstrel is like one inspired. 9 Ever avert your blazing shaft from us, and let not your displeasure reach us here 10 Your dear names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud till we are satisfied. 11 Well−armed, impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves, their forms, with oblations: to you, the pu 12 Pure, Maruts, pure yourselves, are your oblations: to you, the pure, pure sacrifice I offer. 13 Your rings, O Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains of gold are twined upon your bosoms. 14 Wide in the depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most adorable, ye bear your titles. 15 If, Maruts, ye regard the praise recited here at this mighty singer invocation, 16 The Maruts, fleet as coursers, while they deck them like youths spectators of a festal meeting, 17 So may the Maruts help us and be gracious, bringing free room to lovely Earth and Heaven. 18 The priest, when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising in song your universal bounty. 19 These Maruts bring the swift man to a stand−still, and strength with mightier strength they break and 20 These Maruts rouse even the poor and needy: the Vasus love him as an active champion. 21 Never, O Maruts, may we lose your bounty, nor, car−borne Lords! be hitidmost when ye deal it. 22 What time the men in fury rush together for running streams, for pastures, and for houses.

2 Washed by the men, pressed out with stones, strained through the filter made of wool, 3 This juice have we made sweet for thee like barley, blending it with milk. 4 Beloved of all, Indra alone drinks up the flowing Soma juice 5 The Friend, whom not the brilliant−hued, the badly−mixt or bitter draught, 6 While other men than we with milk chase him as hunters chase a deer, 7 For him, for Indra, for the God, be pressed three draughts of Soma juice 8 Three reservoirs exude their drops, filled are three beakers to the brim, 9 Pure art thou, set in many a place, and blended in the midst with milk 10 Here, Indra, are thy Soma−draughts pressed out by us, the strong, the pure: 11 O Indra, pour in milk, prepare the cake, and mix the Soma−draught. 12 Quaffed juices fight within the breast. The drunken praise not by their wine, 13 Rich be the praiser of one rich, munificent and famed like thee: 14 Foe of the man who adds no milk, he heeds not any chanted hymn 15 Give us not, Indra, as a prey unto the scornful or the proud: 16 This, even this, O Indra, we implore. as thy devoted friends, 17 Naught else, O Thunderer, have I praised in the skilled singer's eulogy: 18 The Gods seek him who presses out the Soma; they desire not sleep 19 Come hither swift with gifts of wealth − be not thou angry with us−like 20 Let him not, wrathful with us, spend the evening far from us to−day, 21 For well we know this Hero's love, most liberal of the boons he gives, 22 Pour forth the gift which Kanvas bring, for none more glorious do we know 23 O presser, offer Soma first to Indra, Hero, Sakra, him 24 Who, in untroubled ways, is best provider, for his worshippers. 25 Pressers, for him blend Soma juice, each draught most excellent, for him 26 The Vrtra−slayer drinks the juice. May he who gives a hundred aids 27 May the strong Bay Steeds, yoked by prayer, bring hither unto us our Friend, 28 Sweet are the Soma juices, come! Blent are the Soma juices, come!

2 This, dealt from heaven ' may both the Worlds vouchsafe us, and Varuna, Indra, Aryaman, and Mitra. 3 Strong be the man and full of power, O Maruts, whom ye, borne on by spotted coursers, favour. 4 This Varuna is guide of Law, he, Mitra, and Aryaman, the Kings, our work have finished. 5 With offerings I propitiate the branches of this swift−moving God, the bounteous Visnu. 6 Be not thou angry here, O glowing Pusan, for what Varutri and the Bounteous gave us. 7 Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasisthas, and holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni.

2 Strong is the stone, the draught is strong, strong is this Soma that is pressed, 3 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunder−armed, with various aids, 4 Impetuous, Thunderer, Strong, quelling the mighty, King, potent, Vrtra−slayer, Soma−drinker, 5 O Surya, when the Asura's descendant Svarbhanu, pierced thee through and through with darkness, 6 What time thou smotest down Svarbhanu's magic that spread itself beneath the sky, O Indra, 7 Let not the oppressor with this dread, through anger swallow me up, for I am thine, O Atri. 8 The Brahman Atri, as he set the press−stones, serving the Gods with praise and adoration, 9 The Atris found the Sun again, him whom Svarbhanu of the brood

2 Bring cattle, bring us ornament, bring us embellishment and steeds, 3 And, Bold One, bring in ample store rich jewels to adorn thi; ear, 4 None other is there for the priest, Hero! but thou, to give him gifts, 5 Indra can never be brought low, Sakra can never be subdued: 6 He spieth out the wrath of man, he who can never be deceived: 7 He hath his stomach full of might, the Vrtra−slayer, Conqueror, 8 In thee all treasures are combined, Soma all blessed things in thee, 9 To thee speeds forth my hope that craves the gift of corn, and kine and gold, 10 Indra, through hope in thee alone even this sickle do I grasp.

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

2 With these discomfit hosts that fight against us, and check the opponent's wrath, thyself uninjured. 3 Those who array themselves as foes to smite us, O Indra, be they kin or be they strangers,− 4 With strength of limb the hero slays the hero, when bright in arms they range them for the combat. 5 Yet no strong man hath conquered thee, no hero, no brave, no warrior trusting in his valour. 6 He is the Lord of both these armies' valour when the commanders call them to the conflict: 7 And when the people stir themselves for battle, be thou their saviour, Indra, and protector, 8 To thee for high dominion hath been for evermore, for slaughtering the Vrtras, 9 So urge our hosts together in the combats: yield up the godless bands that fight against us.

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

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

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

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

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

2 Not this way go I forth: hard is the passage. Forth from the side obliquely will I issue. 3 He bent his eye upon the dying Mother: My word I now withdraw. That way I follow. 4 What strange act shall he do, he whom his Mother bore for a thousand months and many autumns? 5 Deeming him a reproach, his mother hid him, Indra, endowed with all heroic valour. 6 With lively motion onward flow these waters, the Holy Ones, shouting, as 'twere, together. 7 Are they addressing him with words of welcome? Will the floods take on them the shame of Indra? 8 I cast thee from me, mine,−thy youthful mother: thee, mine own offspring, Kusava hath swallowed. 9 Thou art mine own, O Maghavan, whom Vyamsa struck to the ground and smote thy jaws in pieces. 10 The Heifer hath brought forth the Strong, the Mighty, the unconquerable Bull, the furious Ind 1 Then to her mighty Child the Mother turned her, saying, My son, these Deities forsake thee. Th

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

2 To him the Bounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men May do, the Giver of true gifts. 3 O Indra, Lord of boundless might, for us thou winnest strength and kine, 4 Faithful to thee we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to thee: Mark, O Good Lord, this act of ours. 5 Give us not up to man's reproach, to foeman's hateful calumny: In thee alone is all my strength. 6 Thou art mine ample coat of mail, my Champion, Vrtra−Slayer, thou: 7 Yea, great art thou whose conquering might two independent Powers confess. 8 So let the voice surround thee, which attends the Maruts on their way, 9 Let the ascending drops attain to thee, the Wondrous God, in heaven: 10 Bring to the Wise, the Great, who waxeth mighty, your offerings, and make ready your devotion; 11 For Indra, the sublime, the far−pervading, have singers generated prayer and praises: 12 The choirs have stablished Indra King for ever, for victory, him whose anger is resistless:

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

2 With him loud−roaring, ever watchful, Victor, bold, hard to overthrow, Rouser of battle, 3 He rules with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who with his band rings hosts together, 4 Brhaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving off our foemen. 5 Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and fierce, victorious, all−subduing, 6 Cleaver of stalls, kine−winner, armed with thunder, who quells an army and with might destroys it.− 7 Piercing the cow−stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the pitiless Hero, wild with anger, 8 Indra guide these: Brhaspati precede them, the guerdon, and the sacrifice, and Soma; 9 Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuna, and Maruts, and Adityas. 10 Bristle thou up, O Maghavan, our weapons: excite the spirits of my warring heroes. 11 May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered: victorious be the arrows of our army. 12 Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies and depart, O Apva. 13 Advance, O heroes, win the day. May Indra be your sure defence.

2 Indra, who with triumphant wrath smote Vyamsa down, and Sambara, and Pipru the unrighteous one; 3 He whose great work of manly might is heaven and earth, and Varuna and Surya keep his holy law; 4 He who is Lord and Master of the steeds and kine, honoured −the firm and sure− at every holy act; 5 He who is Lord of all the world that moves and breathes, who for the Brahman first before all found the 6 Whom cowards must invoke and valiant men of war, invoked by those who conquer and by those who f 7 Refulgent in the Rudras' region he proceeds, and with the Rudras through the wide space speeds the Da 8 O girt by Maruts, whether thou delight thee in loftiest gathering−place or lowly dwelling, 9 We, fain for thee, strong Indra, have pressed Soma, and, O thou sought with prayer, have made oblation 10 Rejoice thee with thine own Bay Steeds, O Indra, unclose thy jaws and let thy lips be open. 11 Guards of the camp whose praisers are the Maruts, may we through Indra, get ourselves the booty.

2 What child is this thou carriest as handmaid, O Youthful One? The Consort−Queen hath bome him. 3 I saw him from afar gold−toothed, bright−coloured, hurling his weapons from his habitation, 4 I saw him moving from the place he dwells in, even as with a herd, brilliantly shining. 5 Who separate my young bull from the cattle, they whose protector was in truth no stranger? 6 Mid mortal men godless have secreted the King of all who live, home of the people. 7 Thou from the stake didst loose e'en Sunahsepa bound for a thousand; for he prayed with fervour. 8 Thou hast sped from me, Agni, in thine anger: this the protector of Gods' Laws hath told me. 9 Agni shines far and wide with lofty splendour, and by his greatness makes all things apparent. 10 Loud in the heaven above be Agni's roarings with keen−edged weapons to destroy the demons. 11 As a skilled craftsman makes a car, a singer I, Mighty One! this hymn for thee have fashioned. 12 May he, the strong−necked Steer, waxing in vigour, gather the foeman's wealth with none to check hi

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

2 Indra, thou art our own with thy protection, a guardian near to men who love thee truly, 3 May Indra, called with solemn invocations. the young, the Friend, be men's auspicious keeper, 4 With laud and song let me extol that Indra in whom of old men prospered and were mighty. 5 He, Indra whom the Angirases' praise delighted, strengthened their prayer and made their goings prospe 6 He verily, the God, the glorious Indra, hath raised him up for man, best Wonder−Worker. 7 Indra theVrtra−slayer, Fort−destroyer, scattered the Dasa hosts who dwelt in darkness. 8 To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the tumult of thebattle. 9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee. 3 Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over men, o'erthrower, warrior, he hath waxen as he would; 4 The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the deep, the vast, of wisdom unattainable; 5 By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance from him who speeds the flo 6 Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability and fortune;

2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine−and−ninety castles down, 3 This Indra is our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full broad stream 4 Whatever, Vrtra−slayer! thou, Surya, hast risen upon to−day, 5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, I shall not die, 6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee, 7 We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vrtra dead: 8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o'er the joyous draught. 9 By song as 'twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared 10 Indra, Song−lover, lauded, make even in the wilds fair ways for us, 11 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none disregards, 12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beauteous helm! revere 13 Thou in the black cows and the red and in the cows with spotted skin 14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon's furious might, 15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not, 16 Him your best Vrtra−slayer, him the famous Champion of mankind 17 To come, Much−lauded!

2 Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud roar like some wild beast that hungers. 3 May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him bring the earth's autumnal fruitage. 4 To him we offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their strength−inspiring praises. 5 Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car−borne Warrior, Maghavan the Hero; 6 Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness: the earth and heavens suffice not for his girdles. 7 Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in the van,−to draw thee hither, 8 Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods come to cheer these people. 9 So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were through praise of chieftains, 10 Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, wielder of the thunder. 11 For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry in spirit; 12 Let us not here contend with Gods, O Indra, for here, O Mighty One, is thine own portion, 13 Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay Steeds, find us hereby advancement.

2 May this my truthful speech guard me on every side wherever heaven and earth and days are spread abr 3 No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled 4 O Surya, with the light whereby thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray impellest every moving thing, 5 Sent forth thou guardest well the Universe's law, and in thy wonted way arisest free from wrath. 6 This invocation, these our words may Heaven and Earth, and Indra and the Waters and the Maruts hear. 7 Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store of children, free from sickness and from sin, 8 Surya, may we live long and look upon thee still, thee, O Far−seeing One, bringing the glorious light, 9 Thou by whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and by thy beams again returns unto its rest, 10 Bless us with shine, bless us with perfect daylight, bless us with cold, with fervent heat and lustre. 11 Gods, to our living creatures of both kinds vouchsafe protection, both to bipeds and to quadrupeds, 12 If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, with the tongue or thoughtlessness of

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

1 FOR Jatavedas worthy of our praise will we frame with our mind this eulogy as 'twere a car. 2 The man for whom thou sacrificest prospereth, dwelleth without a foe, gaineth heroic might. 3 May we have power to kindle thee. Fulfil our thoughts. In thee the Gods eat the presented offering, 4 We will bring fuel and prepare burnt offerings, reminding thee at each successive festival. 5 His ministers move forth, the guardians of the folk, protecting quadruped and biped with their rays. 6 Thou art Presenter and the chief Invoker, thou Director, Purifier, great High Priest by birth. 7 Lovely of form art thou, alike on every side; though far, thou shinest brightly 8 Gods, foremost he his car who pours libations out, and let our hymn prevail o'er evil−hearted men. 9 Smite with thy weapons those of evil speech and thought, devouring demons, whether near or tar away. 10 When to thy chariot thou hadst yoked two red steeds and two ruddy steeds, wind−sped, thy roar was li 11 Then at thy roar the very birds are terrified, when, eating−up the grass, thy sparks fly forth abroad. 12 He hath the Power to soothe Mitra and Varuna: wonderful is the Maruts' wrath when they descend. 13 Thou art a God, thou art the wondrous Friend of Gods, the Vasu of the Vasus, fair in sacrifice. Under, t

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

1 WHO now is he, what God among Immortals, of whose auspicious name we may bethink us? 2 Agni the God the first among the Immortals, − of his auspicious name let us bethink us. 3 To thee, O Savitar, the Lord of precious things, who helpest us 4 Wealth, highly lauded ere reproach hath fallen on it, which is laid, 5 Through thy protection may we come to even the height of affluence 6 Ne'er have those birds that fly through air attained to thy high dominion or thy might or spirit; 7 Varuna, King, of hallowed might, sustaineth erect the Tree's stem in the baseless region. 8 King Varuna hath made a spacious pathway, a pathway for the Sun wherein to travel. 9 A hundred balms are thine, O King, a thousand; deep and wide−reaching also be thy favours. 10 Whither by day depart the constellations that shine at night, set high in heaven above us? 11 I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. 12 Nightly and daily this one thing they tell me, this too the thought of mine own heart repeateth. 13 Bound to three pillars captured Sunahsepa thus to the Aditya made his supplication. 14 With bending down, oblations, sacrifices, O Varuna, we deprecate thine anger: 15 Loosen the bonds, O Varuna, that hold me, loosen the bonds above, between, and under.

2 Whose prayers have they, the Youthful Ones, accepted? Who to his sacrifice hath turned the Maruts? 3 Whence comest thou alone, thou who art mighty, Indra, Lord of the Brave? What is thy purpose? 4 Mine are devotions, hymns; sweet are libations. Strength stirs, and hurled forth is my bolt of thunder. 5 Therefore together with our strong companions, having adorned our bodies, now we harness, 6 Where was that nature then of yours, O Maruts, that ye charged me alone to slay the Dragon? 7 Yea, much hast thou achieved with us for comrades, with manly valour like thine own, thou Hero. 8 Vrtra I slew by mine own strength, O Maruts, having waxed mighty in mine indignation. 9 Nothing, O Maghavan, stands firm before thee; among the Gods not one is found 10 Mine only be transcendent power, whatever I, daring in my spirit, may accomplish. 11 Now, O ye Maruts, hath your praise rejoiced me, the glorious hymn which ye have made me, Heroes! 12 Here, truly, they send forth their sheen to meet me, wearing their blameless glory and their vigour. 13 Who here hath magnified you, O ye Maruts? speed forward, O ye lovers, to your lovers. 14 To this hath Minya's wisdom brought us, so as to aid, as aids the poet him who worships. 15 May this your praise, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,

2 O Gods, Adityas, well ye know the way to keep all woes afar. 3 As the birds spread their sheltering wings let your protection cover us. 4 To whomsoever they, Most Wise, have given a home and means of life, 5 As drivers of the car avoid ill roads, let sorrows pass us by. 6 For verily men sink and faint through loss of wealth which ye have given. 7 On him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall visit him, 8 Resting in you, O Gods, we are like men who fight in coats of mail. 9 May Aditi defend us, may Aditi guard and shelter us, 10 The shelter, Gods, that is secure, auspicious, free from malady, 11 Look down on us, Adityas, as a guide exploring from the bank. 12 Ill be it for the demons' friend to find us or come near to us. 13 Each evil deed made manifest, and that which is concealed, O Gods, 14 Daughter of Heaven, the dream that bodes evil to us or to our kine, 15 Even if, O Child of Heaven, it make a garland or a chain of gold, 16 To him whose food and work is this, who comes to take his share therein, 17 As we collect the utmost debt, even the eighth and sixteenth part, 18 Now have we conquered and obtained, and from our trespasses are free.

2 They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot an 3 Young Rudras, demon−slayers, never growing old, they have waxed, even as mountains, irresistible. 4 With glittering ornaments they deck them forth for show; for beauty on their breasts they bind their chai 5 Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they make the winds, they make the lightnings with 6 The bounteous Maruts with the fatness dropping milk fill full the waters which avail in solenm rites. 7 Mighty, with wondrous power and marvellously bright, selfstrong like mountains, ye glide swiftly on y 8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all−possessing, are beauteous as antelopes; 9 Heroes who march in companies, befriending man, with serpents' ire through strength, ye greet the earth 10 Lords of all riches, dwelling in the home of wealth, endowed with mighty vigour, singers loud of voice 11 They who with golden fellies make the rain increase drive forward the big clouds like wanderers on th 12 The progeny of Rudra we invoke with prayer, the brisk, the bright, the worshipful, the active Ones 13 Maruts, the man whom ye have guarded with your help, he verily in strength surpasseth all mankind. 14 O Maruts, to the worshippers give glorious strength invincible in battle, brilliant, bringing wealth, 15 Will ye then, O ye Maruts, grant us riches, durable, rich in men, defying onslaught.

2 Drink it thou God who art impetuous victor, Lord of our hymns, with beauteousjaws, the Hero, 3 Drink as of old, and let the draught delight thee. hear thou our prayer and let our songs exalt thee. 4 These gladdening drops, O Indra, Self−sustainer, quaffed shall augment thee in thy mighty splendour. 5 Gladdened whereby, bursting the firm enclosures, thou gavest splendour to the Sun and Morning. 6 Thou with thy wisdom, power, and works of wonder, hast stored the ripe milk in the raw cows' udders 7 Thou hast spread out wide earth, a mighty marvel, and, high thyself, propped lofty heaven, O Indra. 8 Yea, Indra, all the Deities installed thee their one strong Champion in the van for battle. 9 Yea, e'en that heaven itself of old bent backward before thy bolt, in terror of its anger, 10 Yea, Strong One! Tvastar turned for thee, the Mighty, the bolt with thousand spikes and hundred edges 11 He dressed a hundred buffaloes, O Indra, for thee whom all accordant Maruts strengthen. 12 Thou settest free the rushing wave of waters, the floods' great swell encompassed and obstructed. 13 So may our new prayer bring thee to protect us, thee well−armed Hero with thy bolt of thunder, 14 So, Indra, form us brilliant holy singers for strength, for glory, and for food and riches. 15 With this may we obtain strength God−appointed, and brave sons gladden us through a hundred winter

8 When bidden thoughts, spontaneously advancing, glow, and with the stream 9 Indra, may we obtain that wealth in horses and in herds of cows, 10 I from my Father have received deep knowledge of the Holy Law 11 After the lore of ancient time I make, like Kanva, beauteous songs, 12 Whatever Rsis have not praised thee, Indra, or have lauded thee, 13 When his wrath thundered, when he rent Vrtra to pieces, limb by limb, 14 Against the Dasyu gusna thou, Indra, didst hurl thy during bolt: 15 Neither the heavens nor firmaments nor regions of the earth contain 16 O Indra him who lay at length staying thy copious waters thou, 17 Thou hiddest deep in darkness itim, O Indra, who had set his grasp 18 Indra, whatever Yatis and Bhrgus have offered praise to thee, 19 Indra, these spotted cows yield thee their butter and the milky draught; 20 Which, teeming, have received thee as a life−germ, Indra, with their mouth, 21 O Lord of Might, with hymns of praise the Kanvas have increased thy power, 22 Under thy guidance, Indra, mid thy praises, Lord of Thunder, shall 23 Indra, disclose much food for us, like a stronghold with store of kine: 24 And, Indra, grant us all that wealth of fleet steeds which shone bright of old 25 Hither thou seemest to attract heaven's fold which shines before our eyes, 26 Yea, when thou puttest forth thy power, Indra, thou governest the folk.

2 Then Agni was his name, most active to bestow, gathering up the trees with his consuming tooth; 3 Praise him, yourGod who, bird−like, rests upon a tree, scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his flo 4 Thou Everlasting, whom, far−striding fain to burn, the winds, uninterrupted, never overcome, 5 This Agni is the best of Kanvas, Kanvas' Friend, Conqueror of the foe whether afar or near. 6 Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of Jatavedas, mightiest of all, 7 Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded, excellent for conquering strength with chiefs, 8 O Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta's most potent voice reveres thee. 9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrstihavya, the Rsis, the Upastutas invoked thee. 2 Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what thou choosest of the flowing Soma. 3 Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, O Indra, let that effused among mankind delight thee. 4 Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers. 5 Dash down, outffaming their sharp flaming weapons, the strong−holds of the men urged on by demons. 6 Extend afar the votary's fame and glory, as the firm archer's strength drives off the foeman. 7 To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran Ruler, free from anger. 8 Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased with food made ready and with Soma. 9 I send sweet speech to Indra and to Agni: with hymns I speed it like a boat through waters.

2 give us not as a prey to death, to be destroyed by thee in wrath, 3 To gain thy mercy, Varuna, with hymns we bind thy heart, as binds 4 They flee from me dispirited, bent only on obtaining wealths 5 When shall we bring, to be appeased, the Hero, Lord of warrior might, 6 This, this with joy they both accept in common: never do they fail 7 He knows the path of birds that fly through heaven, and, Sovran of the sea, 8 True to his holy law, he knows the twelve moons with their progeny: 9 He knows the pathway of the wind, the spreading, high, and mighty wind 10 Varuna, true to holy law, sits down among his people; he, 11 From thence percerving he beholds all wondrous things, both what hath been, 12 May that Aditya, very −wise, make fair paths for us all our days: 13 Varuna, wearing golden mail, hath clad him in a shining robe. 14 The God whom enemies threaten not, nor those who tyrannize o'er men, 15 He who gives glory to mankind, not glory that is incomplete, 16 Yearning for the wide−seeing One, my thoughts move onward unto him, 17 Once more together let us speak, because my meath is brought: priest−like 18 Now saw I him whom all may see, I saw his car above the earth: 19 Varuna, hear this call of mine: be gracious unto us this day 20 Thou, O wise God, art Lord of all, thou art the King of earth and heaven 21 Release us from the upper bond, untie the bond between, and loose

2 On thee for aid in sacrifice. This youth of ours, the bold, the mighty, hath gonse forth. 3 Come hither, for the drops are here, O Lord of corn−lands. Lord of horses, Lord of kine: 4 For we the kinless singers have drawn hither thee, O Indra, who hast numerous kin. 5 Sitting like birds beside thy meath., mingled with milk, that gladdeneth and exalteth thee, 6 We speak to thee with this our reverential prayer. Why art thou pondering yet awhile? 7 For not in recent times alone, O Indra, Thunder−armed, have we obtained thine aid. 8 Hero, we knew thy friendship and thy rich rewards: these, Thunderer, now we crave of thee. 9 Him who of old hath brought to us this and that blessing, him I magnify for you, 10 Borne by Bay Steeds, the Lord of heroes, ruling men, for it is he who takes; delight. 11 Hero, may we, with thee for Friend, withstand the man who pants against us in his wrath, 12 May we be victors in the singer's battlesong, and meet the wicked, Much invoked! 13 O Indra, from all ancient time rivalless ever and companionless art thou: 14 Thou findest not the wealthy man to be thy friend: those scorn thee who are flown with wine. 15 O Indra, let us not, like fools who waste their lives at home, with friendship such as thine 16 Giver of kine, may we not miss thy gracious gifts: let us not rob thee of thine own. 17 Indra or blest Sarasvati alone bestows such wealth, treasure so great, or thou, 18 Citra is King, and only kinglings are the rest who dwell beside Sarasvati.

2 Heaven trembled at the birth of thine effulgence; Earth trembled at the fear of thy displeasure. 3 Hurling his bolt with might he cleft the mountain, while, putting forth his strength, he showed his vigou 4 Thy Father Dyaus esteemed himself a hero: most noble was the work of Indra's Maker, 5 He who alone o'erthrows the world of creatures, Indra the peoples' King, invoked of many− 6 All Soma juices are his own for ever, most gladdening draughts are ever his, the Mighty, 7 Moreover, when thou first wast born, O Indra, thou struckest terror into all the people. 8 The ever−slaying, bold and furious Indra, the bright bolt's Lord, infinite, strong and mighty, 9 Alone renowned as Maghavan in battles, he frighteneth away assembled armies. 10 Renowned is he when conquering and when slaying: 'fis he who winneth cattle in the combat. 11 Indra hath won all kine, all gold, all horses,−Maghavan, he who breaketh forts in pieces; 12 What is the care of Indra for his Mother, what cares he for the Father who begat him? 13 Maghavan makes the settled man unsettled: he scatters dust that he hath swept together, 14 He urged the chariot−wheel of Surya forward: Etasa, speeding on his way, he rested. 15 As in the night the sacrificing priest. 16 Eager for booty, craving strength and horses, we−singers stir Indra, the strong, for friendship, 17 Be thou our guardian, show thyself our kinsman, watching and blessing those who pour the Soma; 18 Be helping Friend of those who seek thy friendship. give life, when lauded, Indra, to the singer. 19 Alone, when Indra Maghavan is lauded, he slayeth many ne'er−resisted Vrtras. 20 E’en so let Maghavan, the loud−voiced Indra, give us true blessings, foeless, men's upholder. 21 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell high like rivers for the singer.

2 Or, Indra, when with Ruma, Rusama, Syavaka, and Krpa thou rejoicest thee, 3 Even as the wild−bull, when he thirsts, goes to the desert's watery pool, 4 May the drops gladden thee, rich Indra, and obtain bounty for him who pours the juice. 5 With mightier strength he conquered strength, with energy he crushed their wrath. 6 He who wins promise of thine aid goes girt as with a thousand mighty men of war. 7 With thee, the Mighty, for our Friend, we will riot fear or feel fatigue. 8 On his left hip the Hero hath reclined himself: the proffered feast offends him not. 9 Indra, thy friend is fair of form and rich in horses, cars, and kine. 10 Come like a thirsty antelope to the drinking−place: drink Soma to thy heart's desire. 11 Priest, let the Soma juice flow forth, for Indra longs to drink thereof. 12 The man with whom thou fillcst thee with Soma deems himself a pious worshipper. 13 Press out the Soma juice, ye priests, for Indra borne upon his car. 14 To the brown juice may his dear vigorous Bay Steeds bring Indra, to our holy task. 15 Pusan, the Lord of ample wealth, for firm alliance we elect. 16 Sharpen us like a razor in the barber's hands: send riches thou who settest free. 17 Pusan, I long to win thy love, I long to praise thee, Radiant God. 18 My kine, O Radiant God, seek pasture where they will, my during wealth, Immortal One. 19 Rich was the gift Kurunga gave, a hundred steeds at morning rites. 20 What by his morning songs Kanva, the powerful, hath, with the Priyamedhas, gained− 71 The herds of sixty thousand pure and spotless kine, have I, the Rsi, driven away. 21 The very trees were joyful at my coming: kine they obtained in plenty, steeds in plenty.

2 Thou hast a car more swift than thought, O Indra; thercon come hither, come to drink the Soma. 3 Deck out thy body with the fairest colours, with golden splendour of the Sun adorn it. 4 O thou whose grandeur in thy festive transports not even these two great worlds have comprehended. 5 Pressed for thy joyous banquet is the Soma, Soma whereof thou, Indra, ever drinking, 6 Found from of old is this thy cup, O Indra: Satakratu, drink therefrom the Soma. 7 From many a side with proffered entertainment the folk are calling thee, O Mighty Indra. 8 I will declare thy deeds of old, O Indra, the mighty acts which thou hast first accomplished. 9 Lord of the hosts, amid our bands be seated: they call thee greatest Sage among the sages. 10 Aim of our eyes be thou, for we implore thee, O Maghavan, Friend of friends and Lord of treasures. 2 This majesty of his Visnu extols and lauds, making the stalCthat gives the meath flow forth with inight. 3 When, bearing warlike weapons, fain to win thee praise, thou mettest Vrtra, yea, the Dragon, for the fig 4 Soon as he sprang to life he forced asun. der hosts: forward the Hero looked to manly deed and war. 5 Indra hath evermore possessed surpassing power: he forced, far from each other, heaven and earth apart. 6 Then to the mighty powers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce Stormer, loud of voice, they came with 7 Even in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove together came with might to execute, 8 Then all the Gods extolled, with eloquence inspired by draughts of Soma juice, thy deeds of manly mig 9 Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent 10 Give riches manifold with noble horses, to be remembered while my songs address thee.

2 The Darter penetrated, though in trouble, thrice−seven close−pressed ridges of the mountains. 3 The mightiest force is Indra's bolt of iron when firmly grasped in both the arms of Indra. 4 1 count thee as the Holiest of the Holy, the caster−down of what hath ne'er been shaken. 5 What time, O Indra, in thine arms thou tookest thy wildly rushing bolt to Slay the Dragon, 6 Let us praise him who made these worlds and creatures, all things that after him sprang into being. 7 Flying in terror from the snort of Vrtra, all Deities who were thy friends forsook thee. 8 Thrice−sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles of beaming light, worthy of worship. 9 A sharpened weapon is the host of Maruts. Who, Indra, dares withstand thy bolt of thunder? 10 To him the Strong and Mighty, most auspicious, send up the beAuteous hymn for sake of cattle. 11 To him, the Mighty, who accepts laudation, send forth thy thought as by a boat o'er rivers, 12 Serve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes: praise with fair praise, invite him with thine hom 13 The Black Drop sank in Amsumati's bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it. 14 1 saw the Drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank of Amsumati's river, 15 And then the Drop in Amsumati's bosom, splendid with light, assumed its proper body; 16 Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival. 17 So, Thunder−armed! thou with thy bolt of thunder didst boldly smite that power which none might equ 18 Then wast thou, Chieftain of all living mortals, the very mighty slayer of the Vrtras. 19 Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resistless in his anger. 20 Indra is Vrtra's slayer, man's sustainer: he must be called; with fair praise let us call him. 21 This Indra, Vrtra−slayer, this Rbhuksan, even at his birth, was meet for invocation.

21 I praise with song the Friend of man, whom Gods sent down to be herald and messenger, 22 Thou unto sharp−toothed Agni, Young and Radiant God, proclaimest with thy song the feast− 23 While, served with sacrificial oil, now upward and now downward Agni moves his sword, 24 The God, the Friend of man, who bears our gifts to heaven, the God with his sweet−smelling mouth, 25 Son of Strength, Agni, if thou wert the mortal, bright as Mitra, I worshipped with our gifts! 26 I would not give thee up, Vasu, to calumny, or misery, O Bounteous One. 27 Like a son cherished in his father's houi§e, let our oblation rise unto the Gods. 28 With thine immediate aid may I, excellent Agni, ever gain my wish 29 O Agni, by thy wisdom, by thy bounties, by thy leading may I gather wealth. 30 Agni, he conquers by thine aid that brings him store of noble heroes and great strength, 31 Thy spark is black and crackling, kindled in due time, O Bounteous, it is taken up. 32 We Sobharis have come to him, for succour, who is good to help with thousand powers, 33 O Agni, thou on whom all other fires depend, as branches on the parent stem, 34 The mortal whom, Adityas, ye, Guilelew, lead to the farther bank 35 Whoe'er he be, Man−ruling Kings! the Regent of the race of men− 36 A gift of fifty female slaves hath Trasadasyu given me, Purukutsa's son, 37 And Syava too for me led forth a strong steed at Suvastu's ford: 2 Maruts, Rbhuksans, Rudras come ye with your cars strong−fellied and exceeding bright. 3 For well we know the vigorous might of Rudra's Sons, the Martits, who are passing strong, 4 Islands are bursting forth and misery is stayed: the heaven and earth are joined in one. 5 Even things immovable shake and reel, the mountains and the forest trees at your approach, 6 To lend free course, O Maruts, to your furious rush, heaven high and higher still gives way, 7 After their Godlike nature they, the bull.

2 I, Indra, am Atharvan's stay and firm support: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon's grasp. 3 For me hath Tvastar forged the iron thunderbolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power. 4 I won myself these herdi of cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt. 5 Indra am I none ever wins my wealth from me never at any time am I a thrall to death. 6 These, breathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused Indra to bring his bolt of thunder to the fray, 8 Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him mid the folk like Vrtra−conquering strength, 9 With food for mine enjoyment Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine. 10 One of the two hath Soma, seen within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other. 11 I, as a God, ne'er violate the statutes of Gods, of Vasus, Rudriyas, Adityas. 2 The People of the heavens, the waters, and the earth have stablished me among the Gods with Indra's na 3 With deadly blows I smote Atka for Kavi's sake; I guarded Kutsa well with these saving helps. 4 Smadibha, Tugra, and the Vetasus I gave as prey to Kutsa, father−like, to succour him. 5 I gave up Mrgaya to Srutarvan as his prey because he ever followed me and kept my laws. 6 1, I crushed Navavastva of the lofty car, the Dasa, as the Vrtra−slayer kills the fiends; 7 I travel round about borne onward in my might by the fleet−footed dappled Horses of the Sun. 8 Stronger am I than Nabus, I who slew the seven: I glorified with might Yadu and Turvaga. 9 Bull over all the streams that flow along the earth, I took the Seven Rivers as mine own domain. 10 I set within these cows the white milk which no God, not even Tvastar's self, had there deposited,− 11 Even thus hath Indra Maghavan, truly bounteous, sped Gods and men with mighty operation.

2 Strong God, he slew Anarsani, Srbinda, Pipru, and the fiend, 4 Bold, to your famous Soma I call the fair−visored God for aid, 5 Rejoicing in the Soma−draughts, Hero, burst open, like a fort, 6 If my libation gladdens, if thou takest pleasure in my laud, 7 O Indra, Lover of the Song, the singers of thy praise are we: 8 And, taking thy delight with us bring us still undiminished food: 9 Make thou us rich in herds of kine, in steeds, in gold: let us exert 10 Let us call him to aid whose hands stretch far, to whom high laud is due. 11 He, Satakratu, even in fight acts as a Vrtra−slayer s,till: 12 May he, this A;akra, strengthen us, Boon God who satisfies our needs, 13 To him, the mighty stream of wealth, the Soma−presser's rescuing Friend, 14 Who bringeth what is great and firm, who winneth glory in his wars, 15 There liveth none to cheek or stay his energies and gracious deeds: 16 No debt is due by Brahmans now, by active men who press the juice: 17 Sing ye to him who must be praised, say lauds to him who must be praised, 18 May be, unchecked, strong, meet for praise, bring hundreds, thousands forth to light, 19 Go with thy God−like nature forth, go where the folk are calling thee: 20 Drink milky draughts which are thine own, this too which was with Tugrya once, 21 Pass him who psours libations out in angry mood or after sin: 22 Over the three great distances, past the Five Peoples go thy way, 23 Send forth thy ray like Surya: let my songs attract thee hitherward, 24 Now to the Hero fair of cheek, Adhvaryu, pour the Soma forth: 25 Who cleft the water−cloud in twain, loosed rivers for their downward flow, 26 He, meet for praise, slew Vrtra, slew Ahisuva, Urnavabha's son, 27 To him your matchless Mighty One, unconquerable Conqueror, 28 Indra, who in the wild delight of Soma juice considers here 29 Hither let these thy Bays who share thy banquet, Steeds with golden manes, 30 Hither, O thou whom many laud, the Bays whom Priyamedha praised,

2 O thou who castest forth the stones crushing the sorceresses' heads, 3 Do thou, O Maghavan, beat off these sorceresses' daring strength. 4 Of whom thou hast ere now destroyed thrice−fifty with thy fierce attacks. 5 O Indra, crush and bray to bits the fearful fiery−weaponed fiend: 6 Tear down the mighty ones. O Indra, hear thou us. For heaven hath glowed like earth in fear, O 7 The pourer of libations gains the home of wealth, pouring his gift conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostiliti

2 Let not man's guile annoy us, secret or by day: give not us up a prey to these calamities. 3 Bring hither with benignant mind the willing Cow teeming with plenteous milk, full, inexhaustible. 4 With eulogy I call on Raka swift to hear may she, auspicious, hear us, and herself observe. 5 All thy kind thoughts, O Raka, lovely in their form, wherewith thou grantest wealth to him who offers 6 O broad−tressed Sinivali, thou who art the Sister of the Gods, 7 With lovely fingers, lovely arms, prolific Mother of many sons− 8 Her, Sinivali, her, Gungu, her, Raka, her, Sarasvati, Indrani to mine aid I call, and Vartunani for my wea

2 He, Mighty, knows the gift of wealth, he knows the deep recess of heaven: 3 He knows, a God himself, to guide Gods to the righteous in his home: 4 He is the Herald: well−informed, he doth his errand to and fro, 5 May we be they who gratify Agni with sacrificial gifts, 6 Illustrious for wealth are they, and hero deeds, victorious, 7 So unto us, day after day, may riches craved by many come, 8 That holy Singer in his strength shoots forth his arrows swifter than