Rig Veda on Charity

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.

1 INDRA and Agni I invoke fain are we for their song of praise 2 Praise ye, O men, and glorify Indra−Agni in the holy rites: 3 Indra and Agni we invite, the Soma−drinkers, for the fame 4 Strong Gods, we bid them come to this libation that stands ready here: 5 Indra and Agni, mighty Lords of our assembly, crush the fiends: 6 Watch ye, through this your truthfulness, there in the place of spacious view 1 WAKEN the Asvin Pair who yoke their car at early morn: may they 2 We call the Asvins Twain, the Gods borne in a noble car, the best 3 Dropping with honey is your whip, Asvins, and full of pleasantness 4 As ye go thither in your car, not far, O Asvins, is the home 5 For my protection I invoke the golden−handed Savitar. 6 That he may send us succour, praise the Waters' Offspring Savitar: 7 We call on him, distributer of wondrous bounty and of wealth, 8 Come hither, friends, and seat yourselves Savitar, to be praised by us, 9 O Agni, hither bring to us the willing Spouses of the Gods, 10 Most youthful Agni, hither bring their Spouses, Hotra, Bharati, 11 Spouses of Heroes, Goddesses, with whole wings may they come to us 12 Indrani, Varunani, and Agnayi hither I invite, 13 May Heaven and Earth, the Mighty Pair, bedew for us our sacrifice, 14 Their water rich with fatness, there in the Gandharva's steadfast place, 15 Thornless be thou, O Earth, spread wide before us for a dwelling−place: 16 The Gods be gracious unto us even from the place whence Visnu strode 17 Through all this world strode Visnu; thrice his foot he planted, and the whole 18 Visnu, the Guardian, he whom none deceiveth, made three steps; thenceforth 19 Look ye on Visnu's works, whereby the Friend of Indra, close−allied, 20 The princes evermore behold that loftiest place where Visnu is, 21 This, Vishnu's station most sublime, the singers, ever vigilant,

1 Thou, Agni, wast the earliest Angiras, a Seer; thou wast, a God thyself, the Gods' auspicious Friend. 2 O Agni, thou, the best and earliest Angiras, fulfillest as a Sage the holy law of Gods. 3 To Matarisvan first thou, Agni, wast disclosed, and to Vivasvan through thy noble inward power. 4 Agni thou madest heaven to thunder for mankind; thou, yet more pious, for pious Pururavas. 5 Thou, Agni, art a Bull who makes our store increase, to be invoked by him who lifts the ladle up. 6 Agni, thou savest in the synod when pursued e'en him, farseeing One! who walks in evil ways. 7 For glory, Agni, day by day, thou liftest up the mortal man to highest immortality, 8 O Agni, highly lauded, make our singer famous that he may win us store of riches: 9 O blameless Agni lying in thy Parents' lap, a God among the Gods, be watchful for our good. 10 Agni, thou art our Providence, our Father thou − we are thy brethren and thou art our spring of life. in 11 Thee, Agni, have the Gods made the first living One for living man, Lord of the house of Nahusa. 12 Worthy to be revered, O Agni, God, preserve our wealthy patrons with thy succours, and ourselves. 13 Agni, thou art a guard close to the pious man; kindled art thou, four−eyed! for him who is unarmcd. 14 Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly−praising priest the highest wealth, the object of a man's desire. 15 Agni, the man who giveth guerdon to the priests, like well−sewn armour thou guardest on every side. 16 Pardon, we pray, this sin of ours, O Agni, −− the path which we have trodden, widely straying, 17 As erst to Manus, to Yayiti, Angiras, so Angiras! pure Agni! come thou to our hall 18 By this our prayer be thou, O Agni, strengthened, prayer made by us after our power and knowledge.

1 Now Morning with her earliest light shines forth, dear Daughter of the Sky: 2 Sons of the Sea, mighty to save discoverers of riches, ye 3 Your giant coursers hasten on over the region all in flames, − 4 He, liberal, lover of the flood, Lord of the House, the vigilant, 5 Ye have regard unto our hymns, Nasatyas, thinking of our words: 6 Vouchsafe to us, O Asvin Pair, such strength as, with attendant light, 7 Come in the ship of these our hymns to bear you to the hither shore 8 The heaven's wide vessel is your own on the flood's shore your chariot waits 9 Kanvas, the drops are in the heaven; the wealth is at the waters' place: 10 Light came to lighten up the branch, the Sun appeared as it were gold: 11 The path of sacrifice was made to travel to the farther goal: 12 The singer of their praise awaits whatever grace the Asvins give, 13 Ye dwellers with Vivasvan come, auspicious, as to Manu erst; 14 O circumambient Asvins, Dawn follows the brightness of your way: 15 Drink ye of our libations, grant protection, O ye Asvins Twain, 1 ASVINS, for you who strengthen Law this sweetest Soma hath been shed. 2 Come, O ye Asvins, mounted on your triple car three−seated, beautiful of form 3 O Asvins, ye who strengthen Law, drink ye this sweetest Soma juice. 4 Omniscient Asvins, on the thrice−heaped grass bedew with the sweet juice the sacrifice. 5 O Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye guarded Kanva carefully, 6 O Mighty Ones, ye gave Sudas abundant food, brought on your treasure−laden car; 7 Nasatyas, whether ye be far away or close to Turvasa, 8 So let your coursers, ornaments of sacrifice, bring you to our libations here. 9 Come, O Nasatyas, on your car decked with a sunbright canopy, 10 With lauds and songs of praise we call them down to us, that they, most rich, may succour us;

2 We call that perfecter of worship by the path or sacrifice; with reverence rich in offerings, with worship 3 In ordered course forthwith he traverses the earth, swift−swallowing, bellowing Steer, bearing the genia 4 That Agni, wise High−Priest, in every house takes thought for sacrifice and holy service, yea, takes 5 When through his power and in his strong prevailing flames the Maruts' gladdening boons mingle with 6 Vast, universal, good he was made messenger; the speeder with his right hand hath not loosed his hold, 7 That Agni hath been set most kind in camp of men, in sacrifice like a Lord victorious, like a dear Lord i 8 Agni the Priest they supplicate to grant them wealth: him, dear, most thoughtful, have they made their 2 Hear, Indra, thou whom men in every fight must call to show thy strength, for cry of battle with the men 3 Thou, Mighty, pourest forth the hide that holds the rain, thou keepest far away, Hero, the wicked man, t 4 We. wish our Indra here that he may further you, the Friend, beloved of all, the very strong ally, in wars 5 Bow down the overweening pride of every foe with succour like to kindling−wood in fiercest flame, wit 6 This may I utter to the present Soma−drop, which, meet to be invoked, with power, awakes the prayer, 7 By thoughtful invocation this may we obtain, obtain great wealth, O Wealthy One, with Hero sons, weal 8 On, for your good and ours, come Indra with the aid of his own lordliness to drive the wicked hence, to 9 With riches in abundance, Indra, come to us, come by an unobstructed path, come by a path from demo 10 Thou art our own, O Indra, with victorious wealth: let might accompany thee, the Strong, to give us ai 11 Save us from injury, thou who art well extolled: ever the warder−off art thou of wicked ones, even as a

2 He, wondrous envoy, goes between the earth and heaven, firm seated as the Herald, great High Priest of 3 Sages shall glorify Agni with earnest thoughts, ensign of sacrifice, who fills the synod full: 4 The Sire of sacrifice, great God of holy bards, Agni, the measure and the symbol of the priests, 5 Bright Agni with the bright car, Lord of green domains, Vaisvanara dweller in the floods, who finds the 6 Agni, together with the Gods and Manu's folk by thought extending sacrifice in varied form, 7 Sing, Agni, for long life to us and noble sons: teem thou with plenty, shine upon us store of food. 8 The Mighty One, Lord of the people and their guest, the leader of their thoughts, devoted Friend of pries 9 Agni the God resplendent, giver of great joy, hath on his lovely car compassed the lands with, might. 10 I celebrate thy glories, O Vaisvanara, wherewith thou, O farsighted God, has found the light. 11 By his great skill the Sage alone hath brought to pass a great deed, mightier than Vaisvanara's wondrou 2 Agni whom daily Varuna and Mitra the Gods bring thrice a day to this our worship, 3 The thought that bringeth every boon proceedeth to worship first the Priest of the libation, 4 On high your way to sacrifice was made ready; the radiant flames went upward to the regions. 5 Claiming in mind the seven priests' burntoblations, inciting all, they came in settled order. 6 Night and Dawn, lauded, hither come together, both smiling, different are their forms in colour, 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortalls Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests; and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.

2 Robed in fair raiment meet to wear in battle, a mighty Sage pronouncing invocations. 3 Dear, he is brightened on the fleecy summit, a Prince among us, nobler than the noble. 4 Let us sing praises to the Gods: sing loudly, send ye the Soma forth for mighty riches. 5 Winning the friendship of the Deities, Indu flows in a thousand streams to make them joyful. 6 Flow, Gold−hued, cleansing thee, to enrich the singer: let thy juice go to Indra to support him. 7 The God declares the Deities' generations, like Usana, proclaiming lofty wisdom. 8 The Swans, the Vrsaganas from anear us have brought their restless spirit to our dwelling. 9 He follows the Wide−strider's rapid movement: cows low, as 'twere, to him who sports at pleasure. 10 Strong Indu, bathed in milk, flows on for Indra, Soma exciting strength, to make him joyful. 11 Then in a stream he flows, milked out with press−stones, mingled with sweetness, through the fleecy 12 As he is purified he pours out treasures, a God bedewing Gods with his own juices. 13 The Red Bull bellowing to the kine advances, causing the heavens and earth to roar and tbunder. 14 Swelling with milk, abounding in sweet flavours, urging the meath−rich plant thou goest onward. 15 So flow thou on inspiriting, for rapture, aiming deatb−shafts at him who stays the waters, 16 Pleased with us, Indu, send us as thou flowest good easy paths in ample space and comforts. 17 Pour on us rain celestial, quickly streaming, refreshing, fraught with health and ready bounty. 18 Part, like a knotted tangle, while they cleanse thee, O Soma, righteous and unrighteous conduct. 19 For the God's service, for delight, O Indu, run o'er the height, run o'ver the fleecy summit. 20 Without a car, without a rein to guide them, unyoked, like coursers started in the contest, 21 So for our banquet of the Gods, O Indu, pour down the rain of heaven into the vessels.

nanilbld are Ins eulogies: 4 Friends, sing your psalm and offer praise to him to whom the prayer is brought: 5 Thou, Slaughterer of Vrtra, art Guardian and Friend of one and two, 6 Beyond men's hate thou leadest us, and givest cause to sing thy praise: 7 I call with hymns, as 'twere a cow to milk, the Friend who merits praise, 8 Him in whose hands they say are stored all treasures from the days of old, 9 Lord of Strength, Caster of the Stone, destroy the firm forts built by men, 10 Thee, thee as such, O Lord of Power, O Indra, Soma−drinker, true, 11 Such as thou wast of old, and art now to be called on when the prize 12 With hymns and coursers we will gain, Indra, through thee, both steeds and spoil 13 Thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, whom men must stir to help, hast been 14 Slayer of foes, whatever aid of thine imparts the swiftest course, 15 As skilfullest of those who drive the chariot, with our art and aim, 16 Praise him who, Matchless and Alone, was born the Lord of living men, 17 Thou who hast been the singers' Friend, a Friend auspicious with thine aid, 18 Grasp in thine arms the thunderbolt, O Thunder−armed, to slay the fiends: 19 I call the ancient Friend, allied with wealth, who speeds the lowly man, 20 For he alone is Lord of all the treasures of the earth: he speeds 21 So with thy yoked teams satisfy our wish with power and wealth in steeds 22 Sing this, what time the ' juice is pressed, to him your Hero, Much−invoked, 23 He, Excellent, withholdeth not his gift of power and wealth in kine, 24 May he with might unclose for us the cow's stall, whosesoe'er it be, 25 O Indra Satakratu, these our songs have called aloud to thee, 26 Hard is thy love to win: thou art a Steer to him who longs for steers: 27 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence:

2 They who like kindled flames of fire are glowing,. the Maruts, twice and thrice have waxen mighty. 3 They who are Sons of the rain−pouring Rudra, whom the long−lasting One had power to foster: 4 They shrink not from the birth; in this same manner still resting there they purge away reproaches. 5 Even those who bear the brave bold name of Maruts, whom not the active quickly wins for milking. 6 When, strong in strength and armed with potent weapons, they had united wellformed earth and heaven, 7 No team of goats shall draw your car, O Maruts, no horse no charioteer be he who drives it. 8 None may obstruct, none overtake, O Maruts, him whom ye succour in the strife of battle 9 Bring a bright hymn to praise the band of Maruts, the Singers, rapid, strong in native vigour, 10 Bright like the flashing flames of sacrifices, like tongues of fire impetuous in their onset, 11 That swelling band I call with invocation, the brood of Rudra, armed with glittering lances. 2 To you Two Gods is this my thought extended, turned to the sacred grass with loving homage. 3 Come hither, Mitra−Varuna, invited with eulogies and loving adoration, 4 Whom, of pure origin, like two strong horses, Aditi bore as babes in proper season, 5 As all the Gods in their great joy and gladness gave you with one accord your high dominion, 6 So, through the days maintaining princely power. ye prop the height as 'twere from loftiest heaven. 7 Take the strong drink, to quaff till ye are sated, when he and his attendants fill the chamber. 8 So with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful and very wise, attends our worship. 9 When, Mitra−Varuna, they strive against you and break tlie friendly laws ye have established, 10 When singers in their song uplift their voices, some chant the Nivid texts with steady purpose. 11 O Mitra−Varuna, may your large bounty come to us hither, near to this our dwelling,

2 In thy kind grace and favour may we still be strong: expose us not to foe's attack. 3 May these my songs of praise exalt thee, Lord, who hast abundant wealth. 4 He, with his might enhanced by Rsis thousandfold, hath like an ocean spread himself. 5 Indra for worship of the Gods, Indra while sacrifice proceeds, 6 With might hath Indra spread out heaven and earth, with power hath Indra lighted up the Sun. 7 Men with their lauds are urging thee, Indra, to drink the Soma first. 8 Indra increased his manly strength at sacrifice, in the wild rapture of this juice. 9 I crave of thee that hero strength, that thou mayst first regard this prayer, 10 Wherewith thou sentest mighty waters to the sea, that, Indra, is thy manly strength. 11 Help us, O Indra, when we pray to thee for wealth and hero might. 12 Help for us, Indra, as thou holpest Paura once, this man's devotions bent on gain. 13 What newest of imploring prayers shall, then, the zealous mortal sing? 14 When shall they keep the Law and praise thee mid the Gods? Who counts as Rsi and as sage? 15 These songs of ours exceeding sweet, these hymns of praise ascend to thee, 16 The Bhrgus are like Suns, like Kanvas, and have gained all that their thoughts were bent upon. 17 Best slayer of the Vrtras, yoke thy Bay Steeds, Indra, from afar. 18 For these, the bards and singers, have cried out to thee with prayer, to gain the sacrifice. 19 Thou from the lofty plains above, O Indra, hurledst Vrtra down. 20 Bright were the flaming fires, the Sun gave forth his shine, and Soma, Indra's juice, shone clear. 21 The fairest courser of them all, who runneth on as 'twere to heaven. 22 To me hath Pakasthaman given, a ruddy horse,good at the pole, 23 Compared with whom no other ten strong coursers, harnessed to the pole, 24 Raiment is body, food is life, and healing ointment giveth strength.

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.

2 Let Indra drink, O Soma, of thy juice for wisdom, and all Deities for strength. 3 So flow thou on as bright celestial juice, flow to the vast, immortal dwelling−place. 4 Flow onward, Soma, as a mighty sea, as Father of the Gods to every form. 5 Flow on, O Soma, radiant for the Gods and Heaven and Earth and bless our progeny. 6 Thou, bright Juice, art Sustainer of the sky: flow, mighty, in accordance with true Law. 7 Soma, flow splendid with thy copious stream through the great fleece as in the olden time. 8 Bom, led by men, joyous, and purified, let the Light−finder make all blessings flow: 9 Indu, while cleansed, keeping the people safe, shall give us all possessions for our own. 10 Flow on for wisdom, Soma, and for power, as a strong courser bathed, to win the prize. 11 The pressers purify this juice of thine, the Soma, for delight, and lofty fame 12 They deck the Gold−hued Infant, newlyborn, even Soma, Indu, in the sieve for Gods. 13 Fair Indu hath flowed on for rapturous joy, Sage for good fortune in the waters' lap. 14 He bears the beauteous name of Indra, that wherewith he overcame all demon foes. 15 All Deities are wont to drink of him, pressed by the men and blent with milk and curds. 16 He hath flowed forth with thousand streams effused, flowed ihsough the filter and the sheep's long wo 17 With endless genial flow the Strong hath run, purified by the waters, blent with milk. 18 Pressed out with stones, directed by the men, go fortli, O Soma, into Indra's throat. 19 The mighty Soma with a thousand streams is poured to Indra through the cleansing sieve. 20 Indu they balm with pleasant milky juice for Indra, for the Steer, for his delight. 21 Lightly, for sheen, they cleanse thee for the Gods, gold−coloured, wearing water as thy robe. 22 Indu to Indra streams, yea, downward streams, Strong, flowing to the floods, and mingling −there.

2 To mighty Heaven and Earth I sing forth loudly: my wish goes out desirous and well knowing 3 O Heaven and Earth, may your great law he faithful: he ye our leaders for our high advantage. 4 Yea, holy Heaven and Earth, the ancient sages whose word was ever true had power to find you; 5 What pathway leadeth to the Gods? Who knoweth this of a truth, and who will now declare it? 6 The Sage who looketh on mankind hath viewed them bedewed, rejoicing in the seat of Order. 7 Partners though parted, with far−distant limits, on one firm place both stand for ever watchful, 8 All living things they part and keep asunder; though bearing up the mighty Gods they reel not. 9 Afar the Ancient from of old I ponder, our kinship with our mighty Sire and Father,− 10 This laud, O Heaven and Earth, to you I utter: let the kind−hearted hear, whose tongue is Agni, 11 The fair−tongued Savitar, the golden−handed, comes thrice from heaven as Lord in our assembly. 12 Deft worker, skiful−handed, helpful, holy, may Tvastar, God, give us these things to aid us, 13 Borne on their flashing car, the spear−armed Maruts, the nimble Youths of Heaven, the Sons of Order, 14 To Visnu rich in marvels, songs And praises shall go as singers on the road of Bhaga,− 15 Indra, who rules through all his powers heroic, hath with his majesty filled earth and heaven. 16 My Sires are the Nasatyas, kind tokinsmen: the Asvins' kinship is a glorious title. 17 This is, ye Wise, your great and glorious title, that all ye Deities abide in Indra. 18 Aryaman, Aditi deserve our worship: the laws of Varuna remain unbroken. 19 May the Gods' envoy, sent to many a quarter, proclaim us sinless for our perfect safety. 20 Hear us the mouatains which distil the rain−drops, and, resting firm, rejoice in freshening moisture. 21 Soft be our path for ever, well−provisioned: with pleasant meath, O Gods, the herbs besprinkle. 22 Enjoy the offering: beam thou strength upon us; combine thou for our good all kinds of glory.

2 This sweet juice here had mightiest power to gladden: it boldened Indra when he siaughtered Vrtra, 3 This stirreth up my voice when I have drunk it: this hath aroused from sleep my yearning spirit. 4 This, even this, is he who hath created the breadth of earth, the lofty height of heaven. 5 He found the wavy sea of brilliant colours in forefront of the Dawns who dwell in brightness. 6 Drink Soma boldly from the beaker, Indra, in war for treasures, Hero, Vrtra−slayer! 7 Look out for us, O Indra, as our Leader, and guide us on to gain yet goodlier treasure. 8 Lead us to ample room, O thou who knowest, to happiness, security, and sunlight. 9 Set us on widest chariot−seat, O Indra, with two steeds best to draw, O Lord of Hundreds! 10 Be gracious, Indra, let my days be lengthened: sharpen my thought as 'twere a blade of iron 11 Indra the Rescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each invocation, 12 May helpful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us with succour, 13 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell in his auspicious favour. 14 Like rivers rushing down a slope, O Indra, to thee haste songs and prayers and linked verses. 15 Who lauds him, satisfies him, pays him worship? E'en the rich noble still hath found him mighty. 16 Famed is the Hero as each strong man's tamer, ever advancing one and then another. 17 He loves no more the men he loved aforetime: he turns and moves away allied with others. 18 In every figure he hath been the mode: this is his only form for us to look on. 19 Here Tvastar, yoking to the car the Bay Steeds, hath extended sway. 20 Gods, we have reached a country void of pasture the land, though spacious, was too small to hold us. 21 Day after day far from their seat he drove them, alike, from place to place, those darksome creatures. 22 Out of thy bounty, Indra, hath Prastoka bestowed ten coffers and ten mettled horses.

27 Grant that no mighty foes, unknown, malevolent, unhallowed, tread us to the ground. 2 With soma they brought Indra from a distance, Over Vaisanta, from the strong libation. 3 So, verily, with these he crossed the river, in company with these he slaughtered Bheda. 4 I gladly, men I with prayer prayed by our fathers have fixed your axle: ye shall not be injured: 5 Like thirsty men they looked to heaven, in battle with the Ten Kings, surrounded and imploring. 6 Like sticks and staves wherewith they drive the cattle, Stripped bare, the Bharatas were found defencele 7 Three fertilize the worlds with genial moisture: three noble Creatures cast a light before them. 8 Like the Sun's growing glory is their splendour, and like the sea's is their unflathomed greatness. 9 They with perceptions of the heart in secret resort to that which spreads a thousand branches. 10 A form of lustre springing from the lightning wast thou, when Varuna and Mitra saw thee. 11 Born of their love for Urvasi, Vasistha thou, priest, art son of Varuna and Mitra; 12 He thinker, knower both of earth and heaven, endowed with many a gift, bestowing thousands, 13 Born at the sacrifice, urged by adorations, both with a common flow bedewed the pitcher. 14 He brings the bearer of the laud and Saman: first shall he speak bringing the stone for pressing. 3 Yea, the broad waters swell their flood ior him: of him strong heroes think amid their foes. 4 Set ye for him the coursers to the pole: like Indra Thunderer is the Golden−armed. 5 Arouse you, like the days, to sacrifice speed gladly like a traveller on the way. 6 Go swift to battles, to the sacrifice: set up a flag, a hero for the folk. 7 Up from his strength hath risen as 'twere a light: it bears the load as earth bears living things. 8 Agni, no demon I invoke the Gods: by law completing it, I form a hymn. 9 Closely albout you lay your heavenly song, and send your voice to where the Gods abide.

2 Wise Agni Jatavedas, I beget a song of praise for thee. 3 Thy sharpened flames, O Agni, like the gleams of light that glitter through, 4 Gold−coloured, bannered with the smoke, urged by the wind, aloft to heaven 5 These lightly kindled fiery flames are all around made visible, 6 As Jatavedas speeds along, the dust is black beneath his feet, 7 Making the plants his nourishment, Agni devours and wearies not, 8 Bending him down with all his tongues, he flickers with his fiery glow 9 Agni, thine home is in the floods: into the plants thou forcest way, 10 Worshipped with offerings shines thy flame, O Agni, from the sacred oil, 11 Let us serve Agni with our hymns, Disposer, fed on ox and cow, 12 Yea, thee, O Agni, do we seek with homage and with fuel, Priest 13 O worshipped with oblations, pure Agni, we call on thee as erst, 14 For thou, O Agni, by the fire, Sage by the Sage, Good by the Good, 15 So wealth in thousands, food with store of heroes give thou to the sage, 16 O Agni, Brother, made by strength, Lord of red steeds and brilliant sway, 17 My praises, Agni, go to thee, as the cows seek the stall to meet, 18 Agni, best Angiras, to thee all people who have pleasant homes, 19 The sages skilled in holy song and thin. kers with their thoughts have urged 20 So, Agni, unto thee the Priest, Invoker, strong in forays, pray 21 In many a place, the same in look art thou, a Prince o'er all the tribes 22 Pray thou to Agni, pray to him who blazes served with sacred oil: 23 We call on thee as such, as one who hears, as Jatavedas, one, 24 I pray to Agni, King of men, the Wonderful, the President 25 Him like a bridegroom, him who stirs all people, like a noble horse, 26 Slaying things deadly, burning up foes, Riksasas, on every side, 27 Thou whom the people kindle even as Manus did, best Angiras! 28 O Agni, made by strength!

2 Agni, do thou accept my laud, be magnified by this my song: 3 Agni, envoy, I place in front; the oblation−bearer I address: 4 Agni, the lofty flames of' thee enkindled have gone up on high, 5 Beloved! let my ladles full of sacred oil come near to thee: 6 I worship Agni−may he hear!−the cheerful, the Invoker, Priest, 7 Ancient Invoker, meet for praise, beloved Agni, wise and strong, 8 Agni, best Angiras, accept straightway these offerings, and guide 9 Excellent God, with brilliant flames, enkindled bring thou hitherward, 10 Him, Sage and Herald, void of guile, ensign of sacrifices, him 11 O Agni, be our Guardian thou, God, against those who injure us: 12 Making his body beautiful, Agni the Sage hath waxen by 13 I invocate the Child of Strength, Agni with purifying flame, 14 So Agni, rich in many friends, with fiery splendour, seat thyself 15 The mortal man who serves the God Agni within his own abode, 16 Agni is head and height of heaven, the Master of the earth is he: 17 Upward, O Agni, rise thy flames, pure and resplendent, blazing high, 18 For, Agni, thou as Lord of Light rulest o'er choicest gifts: may I, 19 O Agni, they who understand stir thee to action with their thoughts: 20 We ever claim the friendship of Agni, the singing messenger, 21 Agni who bears most holy sway, the holy Singer, holy Sage, 22 Yea, let my meditations, let my songs exalt thee evermore. 23 If I were thou and thou wert I, O Agni, every prayer of thine 24 For Excellent and Lord of wealth. art thou O Agni, rich in light: 25 Agni, to thee whose laws stand fast our resonant songs of praise speed forth, 26 Agni, the Youthful Lord of men, who stirreth much and eateth all, 27 To Agni let us haste with lauds, the Guide of sacrificial rites, 28 And let this man, good Agni, be with thee the singer of thy praise: 29 For thou art sharer of our feast, wise, ever watchful as a Sage: 30 O Agni, Sage, before our foes, before misfortunes fall on us,

2 Smote swiftly forts, and gambara, then Yadu and that Turvaga, 3 Finder of horses, pour on us horses and 4 We seek to win thy friendly love, even Pavamana's flowing o'er 5 With those same waves which in their stream oyerflow the purifying sieve, 6 O Soma, being purified, bring us from all sides,−for thou canst,− 7 Him here, the Child whom streams have borne, the ten swift fingers beautify 8 With Indra and with Vayu he, effused, flows onward with,the beams 9 Flow rich in sweets and lovely for our Bhaga, Vayu, Pusan flow 10 High is thy juice's birth: though set in heaven, on earth it hath obtained 11 Striving to win, with him we gain all wealth from the ungodly man, 12 Finder of room and freedom, flow for Indra whom we must adore, 13 The Gods have come to Indu well−descended, beautified with milk, 14 Even as mother cows their calf, so let our praise−songs strengthen him, 15 Soma, pour blessings on our kine, pour forth the food that streams with milk 16 From heaven hath Pavamana made, as 'twere, the marvellous thunder, and 17 The gladdening and auspicious juice of thee, of Pavamana, King! 18 Thy juice, O Pavamana, sends its rays abroad like splendid skill, 19 Flow onward with that juice of thine most excellent, that brings delight, 20 Killing the foeman and his hate, and winning booty every day, 21 Red−hued, be blended with the milk that seems to yield its lovely breast, 22 Flow onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter Vrtra who 23 Soma who rainest gifts, may we win riches with our hero sons: 24 Aided by thee, and through thy grace, may we be slayers when we war: 25 Chasing our foemen, driving off the godless, Soma flowcth on, 26 O Pavamana, hither bring great riches, and destroy our foes: 27 A hundred obstacles have ne'er checked 28 Indu, flow on, a mighty juice; glorify us among the folk: 29 Indu, in this thy friendship most lofty and glorious may we 30 Those awful weapons that thou hast, sharpened at point to strike men down−

2 The Holy, whose are earth and heaven, and succour waits upon his strength; 3 He is the Sage who guides these men, Leader of sacred rites is he. 4 So may the gracious Agni grant most goodly shelter for our use; 5 The singers kindle him, the Priest, Agni the Lord of tribes of men, 6 Help us, thou Brahman, best of all invokers of the Gods in song. 7 Yea, grant us treasure thousandfold with children and with nourishm

2 Men have obtained his strength by sacrificing, and ever urged him, on to hero valour. 3 Associate with him, as teams of horses, help, manly might, and vigour follow Indra. 4 Lauded by us, let flow the spring, O Indra, of excellent and brightly−shining riches. 5 Hear what thou mayst hear, thou who, fain for worship, as heaven girds earth, guardest thy servant's 2 Forth to the vat the brown drops flow for service, and purified proceed directly forward. May I

2 Let the impatient Portals be thrown open bring thou the Gods impatient to come hither. 3 Taste, Agni: serve the Gods with our oblation. Offer good sacrifices, Jatavedas! 4 Let Jatavedas pay fair sacrifices, worship andgratify the Gods Immortal. 5 Wise God, win for us things that are all−goodly, and let the prayers, we pray today be fruitful. 6 Thee, even thee, the Son of Strength, O Agni, those Gods have made the bearer of oblations. 7 To thee the God may we perform our worship: do thou, besought, grant us abundant riches.

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

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

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