Rig Veda on Children

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

2 Agni, Eternal Father, offering− bearer, fair to behold, far−reaching, far−refulgent, 3 The Sage of men, the Lord of human races, pure, purifying Agni, balmed with butter, 4 Agni, enjoy, of one accord with Ila, striving in rivalry with beams of Sarya, 5 As dear House−Friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our sacrifice come thou who knowest. 6 Drive thou away the Dasyu with thy weapon. As, gaining vital power for thine own body, 7 May we, O Agni, with our lauds adore thee, and with our gifts, fair−beaming Purifier! 8 Son of Strength, Agni, dweller in three regions, accept our sacrifice and our oblation. 9 Over all woes and dangers, Jatavedas, bear us as in a boat across a river. 10 As I, remembering thee with grateful spirit, a mortal, call with might on thee Immortal, 11 The pious man, O Jatavedas Agni, to whom thou grantest ample room and pleasure,

2 Ye as ye travel overtake the Courser who flies apart, the Friend of man, most holy. 3 Ye have deposited, matured within her, in the raw cow the first milk of the milch−cow, 4 Ye made the fierce heat to be full of sweetness for Atri at his wish, like streaming water. 5 Like Tugra's ancient son may I, ye Mighty, bring you to give your gifts with milk−oblations. 6 When, Bounteous Ones, ye drive your yoked team downward, ye send, by your own natures, 7 For verily we truthful singers praise you the niggard trafficker is here excluded. 8 You of a truth day after day, O Asvins, that he might win the very plenteous torrent, 9 When with the glory of your car ye travel, when we go speeding like the priest of mortals, 10 With songs of praise we call to−day, O Asvins, that your new chariot, for our own well−being,

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:

6 Most near, most oft comes Indra with protection, and she Sarasvati, who swells with rivers − 7 Hear this mine invocation; come hither, O Universal Gods, 8 To him who comes to meet you, Gods, with offerings bathed in holy oil− 9 All Sons of Immortality shall listen to the songs we sing, 10 May all the Gods who strengthen Law, with Rtus, listening to our call, 11 May 1ndra, with the Marut host, with Tvastar, Mitra, Aryaman, 12 O Agni, Priest, as rules ordain, offer this sacrifice of ours, 13 Listen, All−Gods, to this mine invocation, Ye who inhabit heaven, and air's midregions, 14 May the All−Gods who claim our worship hear my thought; may the two World−halves hear it, and th 15 And those who, Mighty, with the wiles of serpents, were born on earth, in heaven, where waters gather 16 At this my call, O Agni and Parjanya, help, swift to hear, my thought and our laudation.

40 The wave of flowing meath hath wakened up desires: the Steer enrobed in milk plunges into the stream 41 Dear to all life, he sends triumphant praises forth, abundant, bringing offspring, each succeeding day. 42 When days begin, the strong juice, lovely, golden−hued, is recognized by wisdom more and more each 43 They balm him, balm him over balm him thoroughly, caress the mighty strength and balm it with the 44 Sing forth to Pavamana skilled in holy song: the juice is flowing onward like a mighty stream. 45 Dweller in floods, King, foremost, he displays his might, set among living things as measurer of days. 46 Loosed is the heavens! support, the uplifted cheering juice: the triply−mingled draught flows round int 47 Thy strearns that flow forth rapidly collected run over the fine fleece of the sheep as thou art cleansed. 48 Winner of' power, flow, Soma, worthy of our laud: run onward to the fleece as well−beloved meath.

2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving. 3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship. 4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, 5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom, 6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection. 7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,−these, reverent, I address at this our worship, 8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain, 9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour. 10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. 11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.

2 Knowing your birth and rich in gathered treasure, Rbhus, rejoice together with the Rtus. 3 For you was made this sacrifice, O Rbhus, which ye, like men, won for yourselves aforetime. 4 Now for the mortal worshipper, O Heroes, for him who served you, was the gift of riches. 5 Come to us, Heroes, Vajas and Rbhuksans, glorified for the sake of mighty treasure. 6 Come to this sacrifice of ours, ye Children of Strength, invoked with humble adoration. 7 Close knit with Varuna drink the Soma, Indra; close−knit, ilymn−lover! with the Maruts drink it: 8 Rejoice in full accord with the Adityas, in concord with the Parvatas, O Rbhus; 9 Rbhus, who helped their Parents and the Asvins, who formed the Milch−cow and the pair of horses, 10 Ye who have wealth in cattle and in booty, in heroes, in rich sustenance and treasure, 11 Ye were not far: we have not left you thirsting, blameless in this our sacrifice, O Rbhus.

2 The thought is deeply fixed; the savoury juice is shed; the tongue with joyous sound is stirring in the 3 He flows about the sheep−skin, longing for a bride: he looses Aditi's Daughters for the worshipper. 4 The Bull is bellowing; the Cows are coming nigh: the Goddesses approach the God's own resting−place. 5 The golden−hued, Immortal, newly bathed, puts on a brightly shining vesture that is never harmed. 6 Even as the beams of Surya, urging men to speed, that cheer and send to sleep, together rush they forth, 7 As down the steep slope of a river to the vale, drawn from the Steer the swift strong draughts have foun 8 Pour out upon us wealth in goods, in gold, in steeds, in cattle and in corn, and great heroic strength. 9 These Pavamanas here, these drops of Soma, to Indra have sped forth like cars to booty. 10 O Indu, flow thou on for lofty Indra, flow blameless, very gracious, foe−destroyer.

2 The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to me, Devapi: 3 Within my mouth, Brhaspati, deposit speech lucid, vigorous, and free from weakness, 4 Let the sweet drops descend on us, O Indra: give us enough to lade a thousand wagons. 5 Knowing the God's good−will, Devapi, Rsi, the son of Rstisena, sate as Hotar. 6 Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood by deities obstructed. 7 When as chief priest for Santanu, Devapi, chosen for Hotar's duty, prayed beseeching, 8 O Agni whom Devapi Arstisena, the mortal man, hath kindled in his glory, 9 All ancient Rsis with their songs approached thee, even thee, O Much−invoked, at sacrifices. 10 The wagon−loads, the nine−and−ninety thousand, these have been offered up to thee, O Agni. 11 Give thou these ninety thousand loads, O Agni, to Indra, to the Bull, to be his portion. 12 O Agni, drive afar our foes, our troubles chase malady away and wicked demons.

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

2 Come to us with your chariot triple seated, three−wheeled, of triple form, that rolleth lightly. 3 With your well−rolling car, descending swiftly, hear this the press−stone's song, ye Wonder−Workers. 4 O Asvins, let your falcons bear you hither, yoked to your chariot, swift, with flying pinions, 5 The youthful Daughter of the Sun, delighting in you, ascended there your chariot, Heroes. 6 Ye raised up Vandana, strong WonderWorkers! with great might, and with power ye rescued Rebha. 7 To Atri, cast down to the fire that scorched him, ye gave, O Asvins, strengthening tbod and favour. 8 For ancient Sayti in his sore affliction ye caused his cow to swell with milk, O Asvins. 9 A white horse, Asvins, ye bestowed on Pedu, a serpent−slaying steed sent down by Indra, 10 Such as ye are, O nobly horn, O Heroes, we in our trouble call on you for succour. 11 Come unto us combined in love, Nasatyas come with the fresh swift vigour of the fal

2 Bearing thy body, Vajin, may thy body afford us blessing and thyself protection. 3 Strong Steed art thou: go to the yearning Maidens with vigour, happily go to heaven and praises: 4 Part of their grandeur have the Fathers also gained: the Gods have seated mental power in them as Gods 5 They strode through all the region with victorious might, establishing the old immeasurable laws. 6 In two ways have the sons established in his place the Asura who finds the light, by the third act, 7 As in a ship through billows, so through regions of air, with blessings, through toils and troubles 2 May we obtain, completely wrought, the thread spun out to reach the Gods, 3 We call the spirit hither with the Soma of our parted sires, 4 Thy spirit come to thee again for wisdom, energy, and lire, 5 O Fathers, may the Heavenly Folk give us our spirit once again, 6 O Soma with the spirit still within us, blest with progeny,

2 May he who goes before the Gods come hither with steeds whose shapes are varied, Narasarhsa. 3 Men with oblations laud most constant Agni, and pray him to perform an envoy's duty. 4 May the delight of Gods spread out transversely: may it be with us long in length and fragrant. 5 Touch ye the far−extending height of heaven or spring apart to suit the wide earth's measure. 6 Here in this shrine may Dawn and Night, the Daughters of Heaven, the skilful Goddesses, be seated. 7 Up stands the stone, high burns the fire enkindled: Aditi's lap contains the Friendly Natures 8 On our wide grass, Three Goddesses be seated: for you have we prepared and made it pleasant. 9 Since thou, God Tvastar, hast made beauty perfect, since hou hast been the Angirases' Companion, 10 Well−knowing, binding with thy cord, bring hither, Lord of the Wood, the Deities' assembly. 11 Agni, bring hither Varuna to help us, Indra from heaven, from air's mid−realm the Maruts.

2 There with fiend's ways e'en Prsni was seated: with much laudation they exalted Indra. 3 High are thy feet when on thy way thou goest: the strength thou foundest here hath lent thee vigour. 4 Speeding at once to sacrifice thou comest for friendship thou art bringing both Nasatyas. 5 Glad, for the race that rests on holy Order, with friends who hasten to their goal, hath Indra 6 Two of like name for him didst thou demolish, as Indra striking down the car of Usas. 7 War−loving Namuci thou smotest, robbing the Dasa of his magic for the Rsi. 8 These names of thine thou hast fulfilled completely: as Lord, thou boldest in thine arm, O Indra. 9 May the sweet Soma juices make him happy to cast his quoit that lies in depth of waters. 10 When others call him offspring of the Courser, my meaning is that Mighty Power produced him. 11 Like birds of beauteous wing the Priyamedhas, Rsis, imploring, have come nigh to Indra:

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

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

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

2 Butter is that which makes Vadhryaiva's fire growstrong: the butter is its food, the butter makes it fat. 3 Still newest is this face of thine, O Agni, which Manu and Sumitra have enkindled. 4 Accept this offering, Agni, whom aforetime Vadhryasva, hath entreated and enkindled. 5 Be splendid, guard us Kinsman of Vadhryasva: let not the enmity of men o'ercome thee, 6 All treasures hast thou won, of plains and mountains, and quelled the Dasas' and Aryas' hatred. 7 Deft Agni hath a lengthened thread, tall oxen, a thousand heifers, numberless devices. 8 Thine is the teeming cow, O Jatavedas, who pours at once her ceaseless flow, Sabardhuk, 9 Even Immortal Gods, O Jatavedas, Vadhryasva's Kinsman, have declared thy grandeur. 10 Like as a father bears his son, O Agni, Vadhryasva bare thee in his lap and served thee. 11 Vadhryasva's Agni evermore hath vanquished his foes with heroes who had pressed the Soma. 12 This Agni of Vadhryasva, Vrtra−slayer, lit from of old, must be invoked with homage.

1 'Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night and morn, through age−inducing dawnings. 2 For even the men aforetime, law−fulfillers, who with the Gods declared eternal statutes,−− 3 Non inutilis est labor cui Dii favent: nos omnes aemulos et aemulas vincamus. 4 Cupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc utrum illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit. 5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath been imbibed within the spirit, 6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, progeny and. power, 5 Membrum suum virile, quod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retraxit. Rursus illud quod in juvenem filiam 6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo disceden 7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum ed congressus suum semen supra wrrarn effudit. Tum Dii benigni 8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est. Quasi dex 9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Rakasas approach) not Ag

2 Agni I laud, the Sage inspired, crowner of sacrifice through song, 3 O Agni, if we might obtain control of thee the potent God, 4 Kindled at sacrifices he is Agni, hallower, meet for praise, 5 Immortal Agni, shining far, enrobed with oil, well worshipped, bears 6 The priests with ladles lifted up, worshipping here with holy thought, 7 Immortal, Sacrificer, God, with wondrous power he leads the way, 8 Strong, he is set on deeds ofstrength. In sacrifices led in front, 9 Excellent, he was made by thought. The Germ of beings have I gained, 10 Thee have I stablished, Excellent, O strengthened by the sage's prayer, 11 Agni, the swift and active One, singers, at time of sacrifice, 12 Agni the Son of Strength who shines up to the heaven in solemn rites, 13 Meet to be lauded and adored, showing in beauty through the dark, 14 Agni is kindled as a bull, like a horsebearer of the Gods: 15 Thee will we kindle as a bull, we who are Bulls ourselves, O Bull.

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

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

2 The Son of Angirases, meeting the cattle, as Bhaga, brought in Aryaman among us. 3 Brhaspati, having won them from the mountains, strewed down, like barley out of winnowing− baskets, 4 As the Sun dews with meath the seat of Order, and casts a flaming meteor down from heaven. 5 Forth from mid air with light he dravc the darkness, as the gale blows a lily from the fiver. 6 Brhaspati, when he with fiery lightnings cleft through the weapon of reviling Vala, 7 That secret name borne by the lowing cattle within the cave Brhaspati discovered, 8 He looked around on rock−imprisoned sweetness as one who eyes a fish in scanty water. 9 He found the light of heaven, and fire, and Morning: with lucid rays he forced apart the darkness. 10 As trees for foliage robbed by winter, Vala mourned for the cows Brhaspati had taken. 11 Like a dark steed adorned with pearl, the Fathers have decorated heaven With constellation 12 This homage have we.offered to the Cloud God who thunders out to many in succession.

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

2 Best Priest, he hath been won by being seated, for he hath looked on the well−ordered viands. 3 Now hath he made the feast of Gods effective: now have we found the secret tongue of worship. 4 This prelude of my speech I now will utter, whereby we Gods may quell our Asura foemen. 5 May the Five Tribes be pleased with mine oblation, and the Cow's Sons and all who merit worship. 6 Spinning the thread, follow the region's splendid light: guard thou the path ways well which wisdom hat 7 Lovers of Soma, bind the chariot traces fast: set ye the reins in order and embellish them. 8 Here flows Asmanvati: hold fast each other, keep yourselves up, and pass, my friends, the river. 9 Tvastar, most deft of workmen, knew each magic art, bringing most blessed bowls that hold the drink of 10 Now, O ye Sapient Ones, make ye the axes sharp wherewith ye fashion bowls to hold the Amrta. 11 Ye with a secret tongue and dark intention laid the maiden deep within, the calf within the mouth.

1 URGE us not, Maghavan, to this distressful fight, for none may comprehend the limit of thy strength. 2 Sing hymns of praise to Sakra, Lord of power and might; laud thou and magnify Indra who hearcth thee 3 Sing forth to lofty Dyaus a strength−bestowing song, the Bold, whose resolute mind hath independent 4 The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, daring, of thyself smotest through Sambara, 5 When with a roar that fills the woods, thou forcest down on wind's head the stores which 8usga kept 6 Thou helpest Narya, Turvasa, and Yadu, and Vayya's son Turviti, Satakratu! 7 A hero−lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free oblations and promotes the Law, 8 His power is matchless, matchless is his wisdom; chief, through their work, be some who drink the Som 9 Therefore for thee are these abundant beakers Indra's drink, stone−pressed juices held in ladles. 10 There darkness stood, the vault that stayed the waters' flow: in Vrtra's hollow side the rain−cloud lay 11 So give us, Indra, bliss−increasing glory give us great sway and strength that conquers people.

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 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman! for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of old, 3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens evermore: 4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war, him at whose birth the Mighty Ones, 5 O Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine− 6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with strength, O Strongest One. 7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, O thou whose life is long! 8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to be praised, 9 O Vasu, O thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence. 10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and tramplest down thy slanderers. 11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel, 12 O Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of corn, 13 O my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara's praise, 14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually praised, 15 The noble, Suradeva's son, hath brought a calf, led by the car to three of us.

2 Thinking aright, praising eternal Order, the sons of Dyaus the Asura, those heroes, 3 Girt by his friends who cried with swanlike voices, bursting the stony barriers of the prison, 4 Apart from one, away from two above him, he drave the kine that stood in bonds of falsehood. 5 When he had cleft the lairs and western castle, he cut off three from him who held the waters. 6 As with a hand, so with his roaring Indra cleft Vala through, the guardian of the cattle. 7 He with bright faithful Friends, winners of booty, hath rent the milker of the cows asunder. 8 They, longing for the kine, with faithful spirit incited with their hymns the Lord of cattle. 9 In our assembly with auspicious praises exalting him who roareth like a lion, 10 When he had won him every sort of booty and gone to heaven and its most lofty mansions, 11 Fulfil the prayer that begs for vital vigour: aid in your wonted manner even the humble. 12 Indra with mighty strength cleft asunder the head of Arbuda the watery monster,

2 I praise that Indra, known to all men, honoured with songs, extolled with hymns at sacrifices, 3 He hath made pathways, with the Sun to aid him, throughout the darkness that extended pathless. 4 And he who did these things, where is that Indra? among what tribes? what people doth he visit? 5 Yea, here were they who, born of old, have served thee, thy friends of ancient time, thou active Worker. 6 Inquiring after him, thy later servants, Indra, have gained thy former old traditions. 7 The demon's strength is gathered fast against thee: great as that strength hath grown, go forth to meet it. 8 Hear, too, the prayer of this thy present beadsman, O Indra, Hero, cherishing the singer. 9 Bring to our help this day, for our protection, Varuna, Mitra, Indra, and the Maruts, 10 The singers here exalt with hymns and praises thee who art very Mighty and Most Holy. 11 Now to my words come quickly thou who knowest, O Son of Strength, with all who claim our worship 12 On good and evil ways be thou our Leader, thou who art known to all as Path−preparer.

2 And, God, as skilfullest of all, call for us bitherward the Gods: 3 For thou, Most Youthful, Son of Strength, thou to whom sacrifice is paid, 4 This Agni, Lord of wealth and spoil hundredfold, thousandfold, is head 5 As craftsmen bend the felly, so bend at our general call: come nigh, 6 Now, O Virupa, rouse for him, Strong God who shines at early morn, 7 With missile of this Agni, his who looks afar, will we lay low 8 Let not the Companies of Gods fail us, like Dawns that float away, 9 Let not the sinful tyranny of any fiercely hating foe 10 O Agni, God, the people sing reverent praise to thee for strength: 11 Wilt thou not, Agni, lend us aid in winning cattle, winning wealth? 12 In this great battle cast us not aside as one who bears a load: 13 O Agni, let this plague pursue and fright another and not us: 14 The reverent or unwearied man whose holy labour he accepts, 15 Abandoning the foeman's host pass hither to this company: 16 As we have known thy gracious help, as of a Father, long ago,

2 In thee, effused, O Soma, we rejoice ourselves for great supremacy in fight. 3 O Pavamana, thou didst generate the Sun, and spread the moisture out with power, 4 Thou didst produce him, Deathless God mid mortal men for maintenance of Law and lovely Amrta: 5 All round about hast thou with glory pierced for us as 'twere a never−failing well for men to drink, 6 Then, beautifully radiant, certain Heavenly Ones, have sung to him their kinship as they looked thereon, 7 Soma, the men of old whose grass was trimmed addressed the hymn to thee for mighty strength and for 8 They have drained forth from out the great depth of the sky the old primeval milk of heaven that claims 9 As long as thou, O Pavamana, art above this earth and heaven and all existence in thy might, 10 In the sheep's wool hath Soma Pavamana flowed, while they cleanse him, like a playful infant, 11 Holy and sweet, while purified, this Indu flows on, a wave of pleasant taste, to Indra,− 12 So flow thou on, subduing our assailants, chasing the demons hard to beencountered,

2 Grown to their perfect strength greatness have they attained; the Rudras have established their abode in 3 When, Children of the Cow, they shine in bright attire, and on their fair limbs lay their golden ornament 4 When, mighty Warriors, ye who glitter with your spears, o'erthrowing with your strength e'en what is ne 5 When ye have harnessed to your cars the spotted deer, urging the thunderbolt, O Maruts, to the fray, 6 Let your swift−gliding coursers bear you hitherward with their fleet pinions. Come ye forward with you 7 Strong in their native strength to greatness have they grown, stepped to the firmament and made their 8 In sooth like heroes fain for fight they rush about, like combatants fame−seeking have they striven in w 9 When Tyastar deft of hand had turned the thunderbolt, golden, with thousand edges, fashioned more 10 They with their vigorous strength pushed the well up on high, and clove the cloud in twain though it w 11 They drave the cloud transverse directed hitherward, and poured the fountain forth for thirsting Gotam 12 The shelters which ye have for him who lauds you, bestow them threefold on the man who offers.

2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as Minister and Priest, 3 He, verily, who honours thee with fuel, Knower of all life, 4 Ensign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us, 5 ToAgni, the Invoking Priest, offer your best, your lofty speech, 6 Let these our hymns make Agni grow, whence, meet for laud, he springs to life, 7 Best Sacrificer, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious man: 8 As such, O Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might: 9 So, wakeful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers kindly thee. 2 Oblation−bearer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger, 3 Ensign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well knoweth with his thought 4 Agni, illustrious from old time, the Son of Strength who knows all life, 5 Infallible is Agni, he who goes before the tribes of men, 6 Strength of the Gods which none may harm, subduing all his enemies, 7 By offering sacred food to him the mortal worshipper obtains. 8 From Agni, by our hymns, may we gain all things that bring happiness, 9 O Agni, in our deeds of might may we obtain all precious things:

2 Even as the power of Dyaus, to thee, O Indra, all Asura sway was by the Gods entrusted, 3 Indra, Strong, Victor, Mightier than the mighty, addressed with prayer and perfect in his splendour, 4 There, Indra, while the light was won, the Panis f1ed, 'neath a hundred blows, for wise Dasoni, 5 What time the thunder fell and Susna perished, all life's support from the great Druh was taken. 6 As the Hawk rent for him the stalk that gladdens, he wrenched the head from Namuci the Dasa. 7 Thou, thunder−armed, with thy great might hast shattered Pipru's strong forts who knew the wiles of 8 The crafty Vetasu, the swift Dasni, and Tugra speedily with all his servants, 9 Resistless, with the hosts he battles, bearing in both his arms the Vrtra−slaying thunder. 10 May we, O Indra, gain by thy new favour: so Parus laud thee, with their sacrifices, 11 Favouring Usana the son of Kavi, thou wast his ancient strengthener, O Indra. 12 Thou, roaring Indra, drovest on the waters that made a roaring sound like rushing rivers, 13 This Indra, was thy work in war: thou sentest Dhuni and Cumuri to sleep and slumber.

2 Assemble, speak together: let your minds be all of one accord, 3 The place is common, common the assembly, common the mind, so be their thought united. 4 One and the same bt your resolve, and be your minds of one accord. 1 'Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night and morn, through age−inducing dawnings. 2 For even the men aforetime, law−fulfillers, who with the Gods declared eternal statutes,−− 3 Non inutilis est labor cui Dii favent: nos omnes aemulos et aemulas vincamus. 4 Cupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc utrum illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit. 5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath been imbibed within the spirit, 6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, progeny and. power, 5 Membrum suum virile, quod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retraxit. Rursus illud quod in juvenem filiam 6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo disceden 7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum ed congressus suum semen supra wrrarn effudit. Tum Dii benigni 8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est.

2 Not interrupting heavenly ordinances, although she minisheth human generations. 3 There in the eastern region she, Heaven's Daughter, arrayed in garments all of light, appeareth. 4 Near is she seen, as 'twere the Bright One's bosom: she showeth sweet things like a new song−singer. 5 There in the east half of the watery region the Mother of the Cows hath shown her ensign. 6 She, verily, exceeding vast to look on debarreth from her light nor kin nor stranger. 7 She seeketh men, as she who hath no brother, mounting her car, as 'twere to gather riches. 8 The Sister quitteth, for the elder Sister, her place, and having looked on her departeth. 9 To all these Sisters who ere now have vanished a later one each day in course succeedeth. 10 Rouse up, O Wealthy One, the liberal givers; let niggard traffickers sleep on unwakened: 11 This young Maid from the east hath shone upon us; she harnesseth her team of bright red oxen. 12 As the birds fly forth from their resting places, so men with store of food rise at thy dawning. 13 Praised through my prayer be ye who should be lauded. Ye have increased our wealth, ye Dawns who

2 So with thy joyous tongues for us sacrifice nobly in this rite. 3 For well, O God, Disposer, thou knowest, straight on, the paths and ways, 4 Thee, too, hath Bharata of old, with mighty men, implored for bliss. 5 Thou givest these abundant boons to Divodasa pouring forth, 6 Do thou, Immortal Messenger, bring hither the Celestial Folk; 7 Mortals with pious thought implore thee, Agni, God, at holy rites, 8 I glorify thine aspect and the might of thee the Bountilul. 9 Invoker placed by Manus, thou, Agni, art near, the wisest Priest: 10 Come, Agni, lauded, to the feast; come to the offering of the gifts. 11 So, Angiras, we make thee strong with fuel and with holy oil. 12 For us thou winnest, Agni, God, heroic strength exceeding great, 13 Agni, Atharvan brought thee forth, by rubbing, from the lotus−flower, 14 Thee. Vrtra's slayer, breaker down of castles, hath Atharvan's son, 15 The hero Pathya kindled thee the Dasyus'. most destructive foe, 16 Come, here, O Agni, will I sing verily other songs to thee, 17 Where'er tby mind applies itself, vigour preeminent bast thou: 18 Not for a moment only lasts thy bounty, good to many a one!

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 Now let us pay this homage to the Fathers, to those who passed of old and those who followed, 3 1 have attained the gracious−minded Fathers, I have gained son and progeny from Visnu. 4 Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help us: these offerings have we made for you; accept them. 5 May they, the Fathers, worthy of the Soma, invited to their favourite oblations. 6 Bowing your bended knees and seated southward, accept this sacrifice of ours with favour. 7 Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings, give riches to the man who brings oblations. 8 Our ancient Fathers who deserve the Soma, who came, most noble, to our Soma banquet,− 9 Come to us, Agni, with the gracioug Fathers who dwell in glowing light, the very Kavyas, 10 Come, Agni, come with countless ancient Fathers, dwellers in light, primeval, God−adorers, 11 Fathers whom Agni's flames have tasted, come ye nigh: ye kindly leaders, take ye each your proper pla 12 Thou, Agni Jatavedas, when entreated, didst bear the offerings which thou madest fragrant, 13 Thou, Jatavedas, knowest well the number of Fathers who are here and who are absent, 14 They who, consumed by fire or not cremated, joy in their offering in the midst of heaven,−

4 Two arms−the Soma's dexterous immo. lators−and the ten fingers set and fix the press−stone. 5 The Soma hath been pressed for thee, its lover, to give thee power and might and high enjoyment. 6 Bring by God−traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati, Celestial Lady, 7 As on his father's lap the son, the darling, so on the fire is set the sacred caldron, 8 Hither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty song, most sweet and pleasant! 9 I have declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and victorious Vayu, 10 Invoked by us bring hither, jatavedas the Maruts all under their names and figures. 11 From high heaven may Sarasvati the Holy visit our sacrifice, and from the mountain. 12 Set in his seat the God whose back is dusky, Brhaspati the lofty, the Disposer. 13 May the Sustainer, high in heaven, come hither, the Bounteous One, invoked, with all his favours, 14 The tuneful eloquent priests of him who liveth have sought the Mother's bright and loftiest station. 15 Agni, great vital power is thine, the mighty: pairs waxing old in their devotion seek thee. 16 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 17 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

1 Ye who observe this day be with us even thrice: far−stretching is you bounty, Asvins and your course. 2 Three are the fellies in your honey−bearing car, that travels after Soma's loved one, as all know. 3 Thrice in the self−same day, ye Gods who banish want, sprinkle ye thrice to−day our sacrifice with mea 4 Thrice come ye to our home, thrice to the righteous folk, thrice triply aid the man who well deserves yo 5 Thrice, O ye Asvins, bring to us abundant wealth: thrice in the Gods' assembly, thrice assist our thought 6 Thrice, Asvins, grant to us the heavenly medicines, thrice those of earth and thrice those that the waters 7 Thrice are ye to be worshipped day by day by us: thrice, O ye Asvins, ye travel around the earth. 8 Thrice, O ye Asvins, with the Seven Mother Streams; three are the jars, the triple offering is prepared. 9 Where are the three wheels of your triple chariot, where are the three seats thereto firmly fastened? 10 Nasatyas, come: the sacred gift is offered up; drink the sweet juice with lips that know the sweetness w 11 Come, O Nasatyas, with the thrice−eleven Gods; come, O ye Asvins, to the drinking of the meath. 12 Borne in your triple car, O Asvins, bring us present prosperity with noble offspring.

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.

3 Bright God, whose look is free from stain like Surya's, thou, swift, what time thou earnestly desirest, 4 Fierce is his gait and vast his wondrous body: he champeth like a horse with bit and bridle, 5 Archer−like, fain toshoot, he sets his arrow, and whets his splendour like the edge of iron: 6 In beams of morn he clothes him like the singer, and bright as Mitra with his splendour crackles. 7 Like Heaven's when scattering beams his voice was uttered: among the plants the radiant Hero shouted, 8 Who, with supporting streams and rays that suit him, hath flashed like lightning with his native vigour. 2 May Agni, radiant Herald of the morning, meet to be known, accept our praise with favour. 3 Whose might the very heavens regard with wonder: bright as the Sun he clothes himself with lustre. 4 Thou art a Singer, Son! our feast−companion: Agni at birth prepared his food and pathway. 5 Even he who cats his firm hard food with swiftness,and overtakes the nights as Vayu kingdoms. 6 Like Surya with his fulgent rays, O Agni, thou overspreadest both the worlds with splendour. 7 We have elected thee as most delightful for thy beams' glow: hear our great laud, O Agni. 8 Now, Agni, on the tranquil paths of riches come to us for our weal: save us from sorrow.

2 The Sun ascending, the refulgent Star, pours down his beams together with the Dawn. 3 Promptly we woke to welcome thee, O Usas, Daughter of the Sky, 4 Thou, dawning, workest fain to light the great world, yea, heaven, Goddess! that it may be seen. 5 Bring us that wondrous bounty, Dawn, that shall be famed most far away. 6 Give to our princes opulence and immortal fame, and strength in herds of kine to us. 2 O Indra−Varuna, mighty and very rich One of you is called Monarch and One Autocrat. 3 Ye with your strength have pierced the fountains of the floods: the Sun have ye brought forward as the 4 In battels and in frays we ministering priests, kneeling upon our knees for furtherance of our weal, 5 O Indra−Varuna, as ye created all these creatures of the world by your surpassing might, 6 That Varuna's high worth may shine preeminent, these Twain have measured each his proper power and 7 No trouble, no misfortune, Indra−Varuna, no woe from any side assails the mortal man 8 With your divine protection, Heroes, come to us: mine invncation hear, if ye be pleased therewith. 9 In battle after battle, Indra−Varuna, be ye our Champions, ye who are the peoples' strength, 10 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far.

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.

2 Thou makest food and vigour swell for Indra, best of gladdeners! 3 For Indra and for Visnu poured, Soma hath flowed into the jar: 4 These Somas swift and brown of hue, in stream of solemn sacrifice 5 Performing every noble work, active, augmenting Indra's strength, 6 Brown Soma−drops, effused that seek Indra, to their appropriate place 7 Flow onward with that stream of thine wherewith thou gavest Surya light, 8 He, Pavamana, high o'er man yoked the Sun's courser Etasa 9 And those ten Coursers, tawny−hued, he harnessed that the Sun might come 10 Hence, singers, pour the gladdeningjuice to Vayu and to Indra, pour 11 O Soma Pavamana, find wealth for us not to be assailed, 12 Send riches hither with thy stream in thousands, both of steeds and kine, 13 Soma the God, expressed with stones, like Surya, floweth on his way, 14 These brilliant drops have poured for us, in stream of solemn sacrifice, 15 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Somas, blent with curdled milk, 16 Soma, do thou most rich in sweets, a gladdening drink most dear to Gods, 17 For Indra, living men adorn the Tawny Courser in the streams, Indu, the giver of delight. 18 Pour for us, Soma, wealth in gold, in horses and heroic sons, 19 For Indra pour ye on the fleece him very sweet to taste, who longs.

2 May Dyaus and Prthivi, wise, true to Holy Law, keep us in safety from distress and injury. 3 Mother of Mitra and of opulent Varuna, may Aditi preserve us safe from all distress. 4 May ringing press−stones keep the Raksasas afar, ill dream, and Nirrti, and each voracious fiend. 5 Full flow libations; on our grass let Indra sit; Brhaspati the singer laud with Sama hymns! 6 Ye Asvins, make our sacrifice ascend to heaven, and animate the rite that it may send us bliss, 7 Hither I call the band of Maruts, swift to hear, great, purifying, bringing bliss, to he our Friends. 8 We bring the Stay of Life, who makes the waters swell, swift−hearing, Friend of Gods, who waits on 9 Alive ourselves, with living sons, devoid of guilt, may we win this with winners by fair means to win. 10 Hear us, O ye who claim the worship of mankind, and give us, O ye Gods, the gift for which we pray, 11 We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to−day, great favour of great Gods, sublime and free from fo 12 In great enkindled Agni's keeping, and, for bliss, free from all sin before Mitra and Varuna. 13 All ye, the Gods whom Savitar the Father of truth, and Varuna and Mitra govern, 14 Savitar, Savitar from cast and westward, Savitar, Savitar from north and southward,

2 Now all this world, for worship, shall come after thee−the offerer's libations like floods to the depth, 3 To him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this r 4 Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee. 5 Great is thy power, O Indra, we are thine. Fulfil, O Maghavan, the wish of this thy worshipper. 6 Thou, who hast thunder for thy weapon, with thy bolt hast shattered into pieces this broad massive clou 2 Never decaying, seizing his appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry wood he spreads. 3 Set high in place o'er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, Lord of riches, seated as High Priest; 4 Urged by the wind be spreads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his tongues for sickles, with a 5 With teeth of flame, wind−driven, through the wood he speeds, triumphant like a bull among the herd of 6 The Bhrgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; 7 Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sacrificer, him whom the priests elect at solemn worship, 8 Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day to us thy praisers. 9 Be thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to those who worship.

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 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when he had drunk of Soma juices, 3 And, O ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of this my carefully pressed Sorna; 4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and supported: wrapped even in these he struck the Beast with terror 5 Thus all the Gods, O Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free will the draught of Soma; 6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished his nine−and−ninety castles all together, 7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred buffaloes, even as he willed it. 8 When thou three hundred buffaloes' flesh hadst eaten, and drunk, as Maghavan, three lakes of Soma, 9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, O Usana and Indra, to the dwelling, 10 One car−wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou settest free to move for Kutsa. 11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to Vidathin's son, as prey, thou gavest Pipru. 12 Navagvas and Dasgvas with libations of Soma juice sing hymns of praise to Indra. 13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well what hero deeds thou hast accomplished? 14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all these many acts, O Indra. 15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the new prayers, Mightiest! which we utter.

1 To splendid Agni seated by the altar, loving well his home, I bring the food as 'twere his place of birth. 2 Child of a double birth he grasps at triple food; in the year's course what he hath swallowed grows anew 3 The pair who dwell together, moving in the dark bestir themselves: both parents hasten to the babe, 4 For man, thou Friend of men, these steeds of thine are yoked, impatient, lightly running, ploughing 5 Dispelling on their way the horror of black gloom, making a glorious show these flames Of his fly forth 6 Amid brown plants he stoops as if adorning them, and rushes bellowing like a bull upon his wives. 7 Now covered, now displayed he grasps as one who knows his resting−place in those who know him wel 8 The maidens with long, tresses hold him in embrace; dead, they rise up again to meet the Living One. 9 Licking the mantle of the Mother, far and wide he wanders over fields with beasts that flee apace. 10 O Agni, shine resplendent with our wealthy chiefs, like a loud−snorting bull, accustomed to the house. 11 May this our perfect prayer be dearer unto thee than an imperfect prayer although it please thee well. 12 Grant to our chariot, to our house, O Agni, a boat with moving feet and constant oarage, 13 Welcome our laud with thine approval, Agni. May earth and heaven and freely flowing rivers

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

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

2 May Mitra bear us oer distress, and Varuna and Aryaman, 3 For wonderful and meet for praise is these Adityas' saving help 4 The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varuna, Mitra, Aryarnan, 5 Guard us, Adityas, still alive, before the deadly weapon strike: 6 What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in pouring gifts, 7 Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom; for the sinless, wealth, 8 Let not this fetter bind us fast: may he release us for success; 9 O Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy 10 And thee too, O Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address, 11 Save us in depth and shallow from the foe, thbu Mother of Strong Sons 12 Far−spread! wide−ruling! grant that we, unharmed by envy, may expand 13 Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, neer deceived, 14 As such, from mouth of ravening wolves, O ye Adityas, rescue us, 15 Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this mali. gnity depart 16 Fori Bountiful Adityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help, 17 To every one, O ye Most Wise, who turneth even from sin to you, 18 May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Adityas, frees like one, 19 O ye Adityas, this your might is not to be despised by us: 20 Let not Vivasvan's weapon nor the shaft, Adityas, wrought with skill, 21 On every side dispel all sin, Adityas, all hostility,

2 For the strong band of Maruts will we frame a hymn: the chiefs shall bring forth sacrifice for Indra's tro 3 May Indra with the Vasus keep our dwelling safe, and Aditi with Adityas lend us sure defence. 4 Aditi, Heaven and Earth, the great eternal Law, Indra, Visnu, the Maruts, and the lofty Sky. 5 With Holy Thoughts Sarasvan, firm−lawed Varuna, great Vayu, Pusan, Visnu, and the Asvins Twain, 6 Strong be the sacrifice, strong be the Holy Ones, strong the preparers of oblation, strong the Gods. 7 To win us strength I glorify the Mighty Twain, Agni and Soma, Mighty Ones whom many laud. 8 Potent, with firm−fixt laws, arranging sacrifice, visiting solemn rites in splendour of the day, 9 The Holy Ones engendered, for their several laws, the heavens and earth, the waters, and the plants and 10 May they who bear up heaven, the Rbhus deft of hand, and Vata and Parjanya of the thundering Bull, 11 Sindhu, the sea, the region, and the firmament, the thunder, and the ocean, Aja−Ekapad, 12 May we, be yours, we men, to entertain the Gods: further our sacrifice and give it full success. 13 I follow with success upon the path of Law the two celestial Hotars, Priests of oldest time. 14 Vasistha's sons have raised their voices, like their sire. Rsi−like praying to the Gods for happiness. 15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasistha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings.

11 They have been poured upon the fleece towards the meath−distilling vat: 12 Like milch−kine coming home, the drops of Soma juice have reached the lake, 13 O Indu, to our great delight the running waters flow to us, 14 In this thy friendship, and with thee to help us, fain to sacrifice, 15 Flow on, O Soma, for the great Viewer of men, for gain of Idne 16 Best art thou, Soma, of the great, Strongest of strong ones, Indu: thou 17 Mightier even than the strong, more valiant even than the brave, 18 Soma, as Sura, bring us food, win offspring of our bodies: we 19 Agni, thou pourest life; send down upon us food and vigorous strength; 20 Agni is Pavamana, Sage, Chief Priest of all the Races Five: 21 Skilled in thy task, O Agni, pour splendour with hero strength on us, 22 Beyond his enemies away to sweet praise Pavamana flows, 23 Adorned by living men, set forth for entertainment, rich in food, 24 He, Pavamana, hath produced the lofty Law, the brilliant light, 25 From tawny Pavamana, the Destroyer, radiant streams have sprung, 26 Best rider of the chariot, praised with fairest praise mid beauteous ones, 27 May Pavamana, best to win the booty, penetrate with rays, 28 Over the fleecy sieve hath flowed the drop effused: to Indra comes 29 This Soma, through the pressing−stones, is sporting on the oxhide, and 30 O Pavamana, bless us, so that we may live, with that bright milk

2 Awake all pleasant strains and let the hymns flow forth: raise up abundant fulness: this is our desire. 3 Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers of the slow although he linger last. 4 Ye made Cyavana, weak and worn with length of days, young again, like a car, that he had power to mo 5 We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic; yea, ye were Physicians bringing health. 6 Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me−your aid as sire and mother aid their son. 7 Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Vimada the comely maid of Purumitra as a bride. 8 Ye gave a ain the vigour of his youthful life to tge sage Kali when old age was coming nigh. 9 Ye Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought forth Reblia when hidden in the cave and 10 On Pedu ye bestowed, Asvins, a courser white, mighty with nine−and−ninety varied gifts of strength, 11 From no side, ye Two Kings whom none may check or stay, doth grief, distress, or danger come u on t 12 Come on that Chariot which the Rbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Asvins, that is speedier than thou 13 Come, Conquerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Asvins who made the cow stream milk for 14 We have prepared this laud for you, O Asvins, and, like the Bhrgus, as a car have framed it,

2 Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the 3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard's ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume. 4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest 5 Onward, with ever−roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run. 6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home−dwellers with the Asura,− 7 With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light's beauty, in the very Strong One's 8 Even the Sun's Bay Coursers hath lie held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all. 9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: 10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Brhaspati and Soma's brotherhood. 11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four−bodied Narasmsa, Yama, Aditi, 12 And may he too give car, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call. 13 Dear to all Gods, may Pasan guard the ways we go, the Waters' child and Vayu help us to success. 14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self−resplend 15 By reason of his birth here Angiras first sang: the pressing−stones upraised bebeld the sacrifice−