Rig Veda on Compassion

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.

2 For ye were strong to gain, exceeding mighty, growing together, waxing in your vigour. 3 Yea when the strong have entered our assembly, and singers seeking with their hymns your favour, 4 The singer, seeking with his hymns your favour, begs splendid riches of their first possessor. 5 When two great hosts, arrayed against each other, meet clothed with brightness, in the fierce encounter 6 To this our Soma−pressing, Indra−Agni, come ye prepared to show your loving−kindness, 7 So Agni, kindled mid this adoration, invite thou Mitra, Varuna, and Indra. 8 While we accelerate these our sacrifices, may we win strength from both of you, O Agni:

2 Wealth, fully armed, good guard and kind protector, sprung from four seas, the prop and stay of treasure 3 Wealth, with good Brahmans, Indra! God−attended, high, wide, and deep, arid based on broad foundati 4 Victorious, winning strength, with hero sages, confirmed in power, most useful, wealth−attracting, 5 Wealthy in heroes and in cars and horses, strength hundredfold and thousandfold, O Indra, 6 To Saptagu the sage, the holy−minded, to him, Brhaspati, the song approaches, 7 My lauds, like envoys, craving loving−kindness, go forth to Indra with their strong entreaty, 8 Grant us the boon for which I pray, O Indra, a spacious home unmatched among the people.

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

2 Thou who hast ever aided us kindly of old to win the spoil, 3 What now? As prompter of the poor thou helpest him who sheds the juice. 4 O Indra, help our chariot on, yea, Thunderer, though it lag behind: 5 Ho there! why sittest thou at case? Make thou my chariot to be first 6 Assist our car that seeks the prize. What can be easier for thee? 7 Indra, be firm: a fort art thou. To thine appointed place proceeds 8 Let not our portion be disgrace. Broad is the course, the prize is set, 9 This thing we wish. that thou mayst take thy fourth, thy sacrificial name. 10 Ekadyu hath exalted you, Immortals: both Goddesses and Gods hath he delighted.

2 What time on these, as on a dry skin lying in the pool's bed, the floods of heaven descended, 3 When at the coming of the Rains the water has poured upon them as they yearned and thirsted, 4 Each of these twain receives the other kindly, while they are revelling in the flow of waters, 5 When one of these repeats the other's language, as he who learns the lesson of the teacher, 6 Onc is Cow−bellow and Goat−bleat the other, one Frog is Green and one of them is Spotty. 7 As Brahmans, sitting round the brimful vessel, talk at the Soma−rite of Atiratra, 8 These Brahmans with the Soma juice, performing their year−long rite, have lifted up their voices; 9 They keep the twelve month's God−appointed order, and never do the men neglect the season. 10 Cow−bellow and Goat−bleat have granted riches, and Green and Spotty have vouchsafed us treasure.

2 Wild in their course, in well−marked wise rejoicing were they, Brhaspati, who pressed around us. 3 Brhaspati, from thy remotest distance have they sat down who love the law eternal. 4 Brhaspati, when first he had his being from mighty splendour in supremest heaven, 5 With the loud−shouting band who sang his praises, with thunder, he destroyed obstructive Vala. 6 Serve we with sacrifices, gifts, and homage even thus the Steer of all the Gods, the Father. 7 Surely that King by power and might heroic hath made him lord of all his foes' posses−ions, 8 In his own house he dwells in peace and comfort: to him for ever holy food flows richly. 9 He, unopposed, is master of the riches.of his own subjects and of hostile people. 10 Indra, Brhaspati, rainers of treasure, rejoicing at this sacrifice drink the Soma. 11 Brhaspati and Indra, make us prosper may this be your benevolence to usward.

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

2 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 Bring swift, for offering, the snare that suits the time, to the pure−drinker Vayu, roaring as he goes, 3 May Savitar the God send us full life, to each who sacrifices, lives aright and pours the juice 4 May Indra evermore be gracious unto us, and may King Soma meditate our happiness, 5 Indra hath given the body with its song and strength: Brhaspati, thou art the lengthener of life. 6 Indra possesseth might celestial nobly formed: the singer in the hotise is Agni, prudent Sage. 7 Not often have we sinned against you secretly, nor, Vasus, have we openly provoked the Gods. 8 May Savitar remove from us our malady, and may the Mountains keep it far away from where 9 Ye Vasus, let the stone, the presser stand erect: avert all enmities and keep them far remote. 10 Eat strength and fatness in the pasture, kine, who are balmed at the reservoir and at the seat of Law. 11 The singer fills the spirit: all mens, love hath he. Indra takes kindly care of those who pour the juice. 12 Wondrous thy spirit−filling light, triumpliant; thy hosts save from decay and are resistless.

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,−

1 LET thy Bay Steeds bring thee, the Strong, hither to drink the Soma draught− Those, Indra, who are 2 Here are the grains bedewed with oil: hither let the Bay Coursers bring 3 Indra at early morn we call, Indra in course of sacrifice, 4 Come hither, with thy long−maned Steeds, O Indra, to− the draught we pour 5 Come thou to this our song of praise, to the libation poured for thee 6 Here are the drops of Soma juice expressed on sacred grass: thereof 7 Welcome to thee be this our hymn, reaching thy heart, most excellent: 8 To every draught of pressed−out juice Indra, the Vrtra−slayer, comes, 9 Fulfil, O Satakratu, all our wish with horses and with kine: 1 I CRAVE help from the Imperial Lords, from Indra−Varuna; may they 2 Guardians of men, ye ever come with ready succour at the call 3 Sate you, according to your wish, O Indra−Varuna, with wealth: 4 May we be sharers of the powers, sharers of the benevolence 5 Indra and Varuna, among givers of thousands, meet for praise, 6 Through their protection may we gain great store of wealth, and heap it up 7 O Indra−Varuna, on you for wealth in many a form I call: 8 O Indra−Varuna, − through our songs that seek to win you to ourselves, 9 O Indra−Varuna, to you may fair praise which I offer come,

2 Bringing the pleasant mcath as 'twere their own dear son, they sport in sportive wise gay at their gatheri 3 To whomsoever, bringer of oblations, they immortal guardians, have given plenteous wealth, 4 Ye who with mighty powers have stirred the regions up, your coursers have sped forth directed by 5 When they in dazzling rush have made the mountains roar, and shaken heaven's high back in their heroi 6 Terrible Maruts, ye with ne'er−diminished host, with grcat benevolence fulfil our heart's desire. 7 Givers of during gifts whose bounties never fail, free from ill−will, at sacrifices glorified, 8 With castles hundredfold, O Maruts, guard ye well the man whom ye have loved from ruin and from sin 9 O Maruts, in your cars are all things that are good: great powers are set as 'twere in rivalry therein. 10 Held in your manly arms are many goodly things, gold chains are on your chests, and glistering 11 Mighty in mightiness, pervading, passing strong, visible from afar as 'twere with stars of heaven, 12 This is your majesty, ye Maruts nobly born, far as the sway of Adid your bounty spreads. 13 This is your kinship, Maruts, that, Immortals, ye were oft in olden time regardful of our call, 14 That, O ye Maruts, we may long time flourish through your abundant riches, O swift movers, 15 May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,

2 What am I now to do with this thy saying? I have gone from thee like the first of Mornings. 3 Like a shaft sent for glory from the quiver, or swift−steed winning cattle winning hundreds. 4 Giving her husband's father life and riches, from the near dwelling, when her lover craved her, 5 Thrice in the day didst thou embrace thy consort, though coldly she received thy fond caresses. 6 The maids Sujirni, Sreni, Sumne−api, Charanyu, Granthini, and Hradecaksus,− 7 While he was born the Dames sate down together, the Rivers with free kindness gave him nurture; 8 When I, a mortal, wooed to mine embraces these heavenly nymphs who laid aside their raiment, 9 When, loving these Immortal Ones, the mortal hath converse with the nymphs as they allow him. 10 She who flashed brilliant as the falling lightning brought me delicious presents from the waters. 11 Thy birth hath made me drink from earthly milch−kine: this power, Pururavas, hast thou vouchsafed m 12 When will the son be born and seek his father? Mourner−like, will he weep when first he knows him? 13 I will console him when his tears are falling: he shall not weep and cry for care that blesses. 14 Thy lover shall flee forth this day for ever, to seek, without return, the farthest distance. 15 Nay, do not die, Pururavas, nor vanish: let not the evil−omened wolves devour thee. 16 When amid men in altered shape I sojourned, and through four autumns spent the nights among them, 17 I, her best love, call Urvasi to meet me, her who fills air and measures out the region. 18 Thus speak these Gods to thee, O son of Ila: As death hath verily got thee for his subject,

2 He who with dainty food hath won you, Indra and Varuna, Gods, as his allies to friendship, 3 Indra and Varuna are most liberal givers of treasure to the men who toil to serve them, 4 Indra and Varuna, ye hurl, O Mighty, on him your strongest flashing bolt of thunder 5 O Indra−Varuna, be ye the lovers of this my song, as steers who love the milch−Cow. 6 For fertile fields, for worthy sons and grandsons, for the Sun's beauty and for steer−like vigour, 7 For you, as Princes, for your ancient kindness, good comrades of the man who seeks for booty, 8 Showing their strength, these hymns for grace, Free−givers I have gone to you, devoted, as to battle. 9 To Indra and to Varuna, desirous of gaining wealth have these my thoughts proceeded. 10 May we ourselves be lords of during riches, of ample sustenance for car and hones. 11 Come with your mighty succours, O ye Mighty; come, Indra−Varuna, to us in battle. 2 I am King Varuna. To me were given these first existinghigh celestial powers. 3 I Varuna am Indra: in their greatness, these the two wide deep fairly−fashioned regions, 4 I made to flow the moisture−shedding waters, and set the heaven firm in the scat of Order. 5 Heroes with noble horses, fain for battle, selected warriors, call on me in combat. 6 All this I did. The Gods' own conquering power never impedeth me whom none opposeth. 7 All beings know these deeds of thine thou tellest this unto Varuna, thou great Disposer! 8 Our fathers then were these, the Seven his, what time the son of Durgaha was captive. 9 The spouse of Purukutsa gave oblations to you, O Indra−Varuna, with homage. 10 May we, possessing much, delight in riches, Gods in oblations and the kine in pasture;

May the Swift give us rapture, and like the Sun shine forth from yonder dawning, 7 When the wood−pile, made of good logs, is ready, at the Sun's worship to bind fast the Bullock, 8 Eight steeds thou broughtest down from mighty heaven, when fighting for the well that giveth splendou 9 Thou hurledst forth from heaven the iron missile, brought by the Skilful, from the sling of leather, 10 Bolt−armed, ere darkness overtook the sunlight, thou castest at the veiling cloud thy weapon, 11 The mighty Heaven and Earth, those bright expanses that have no wheels, joyed, Indra, at thine exploit 12 Mount Indra, lover of the men thou guardest, the well−yoked horses of the wind, best bearers. 13 The strong Bay Horses of the Sun thou stayedst: this Etasa drew not the wheel, O Indra. 14 Indra, preserve thou us from this affliction Thunder−armed, save us from the misery near us. 15 Never may this thy loving−kindness fail us; mighty in strength, may plenteous food surround us. 2 Strong to exalt the early invocation are Night and Dawn who show with varied aspect. 3 Cheer us the Roamer round, who strikes at morning, the Wind delight us, pourer forth of waters! 4 And Ausija shall call for me that famous Pair who enjoy and drink, who come to brighten. 5 For you shall Ausija call him who thunders, as, to win Arjuna's assent, cried Ghosa. 6 Hear, Mitra−Varuna, these mine invocations, hear them from all men in the hall of worship. 7 Praised, Mitra, Varuna! is your gift, a hundred cows to the Prksayamas and the Pajra. 8 Praised is the gift of him the very wealthy: may we enjoy it, men with hero children: 9 The folk, O Mitra−Varuna, who hate you, who sinfully hating pour you no libations, 10 That man, most puissant, wondrously urged onward, famed among heroes, liberal in giving, 11 Come to the man's, the sacrificer's calling: hear, Kings of Immortality, joy−givers! 12 Vigour will we bestow on that adorer whose tenfold draught we come to taste, so spake they.

2 For they are dealers forth of wealth, and, not deluded, with their might 3 Shelter may they vouchsafe to us, Immortal Gods to mortal men, 4 May they mark out our paths to bliss, Indra, the Maruts, Pusan, 5 Yea, Pusan, Visnu, ye who run your course, enrich our hymns with kine; 6 The winds waft sweets, the rivers pour sweets for the man who keeps the Law 7 Sweet be the night and sweet the dawns, sweet the terrestrial atmosphere; 8 May the tall tree be full of sweets for us, and full of sweets the Sun: 9 Be Mitra gracious unto us, and Varuna and Aryaman: 2 Thou by thine insight art most wise, O Soma, strong by thine energies and all possessing, 3 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, O Soma, is thy glory. 4 With all thy glories on the earth, in heaven, on mountains, in the plants, and in the waters,− 5 Thou, Soma, art the Lord of heroes, King, yea, Vrtra−slayer thou: 6 And, Soma, let it be thy wish that we may 7 To him who keeps the law, both old and young, thou givest happiness, 8 Guard us, King Soma, on all sides from him who threatens us: never let 9 With those delightful aids which thou hast, Soma, for the worshipper,− 10 Accepting this our sacrifice and this our praise, O Soma, come, 11 Well−skilled in speech we magnify thee, Soma, with our sacred songs: 12 Enricher, healer of disease, wealth−finder, prospering our store, 13 Soma, be happy in our heart, as milch−kine in the grassy meads, 14 O Soma, God, the mortal man who in thy friendship hath delight, 15 Save us from slanderous reproach, keep us., O Soma, from distress: 16 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite in thee: 17 Wax, O most gladdening Soma, great through all thy rays of light, and be 16 In thee be juicy nutriments united, and powers and mighty foe−subduing vigour, 19 Such of thy glories as with poured oblations men honour, may they all invest our worship.

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

2 To us may all the Gods come trooped together, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna concordant, 3 Agni I sing, the guest you love most dearly: the Conqueror through our lauds is friendly−minded. 4 To you I seek with reverence, Night and Morning, like a cow good to milk, with hope to conquer, 5 May the great Dragon of the Deep rejoice us: as one who nourishes her young comes Sindhu, 6 Moreover Tvastar also shall approach us, one−minded with the princes at his visit. 7 Him too our hymns delight, that yoke swift horses, like mother cows who lick their tender youngling. 8 So may the Maruts, armed with mighty weapons, rest here on heaven and earth with hearts in concord, 9 They hasten on to happy termination their orders when they are made known by 10 Incline the Asvins to show grace, and Pusan, for power and might have they, their own possession. 11 This is my reverent thought of you, ye Holy; may it inspire you, make you dwell among us,−

2 Let not the Gods here injure us, O Agni, nor Fathers of old time who know the region, 3 My wishes fly abroad to many places: I glance back to the ancient sacrifices. 4 King Universal, born to sundry quarters, extended through the wood be lies on couches. 5 Lodged in old plants, he grows again in younger, swiftly within the newly−born and tender. 6 Now lying far away, Child of two Mothers, he wanders unrestrained, the single youngling. 7 Child of two Mothers, Priest, sole Lord in synods, he still precedes while resting as foundation. 8 As to a friendly warrior when he battles, each thing that comes anear is seen to meet him. 9 Deep within these the hoary envoy pierceth; mighty, he goeth to the realm of splendour, 10 Visnu, the guardian, keeps the loftiest station, upholding dear, immortal dwelling−places. 11 Ye, variant Pair, have made yourselves twin beauties: one of the Twain is dark, bright shines the other; 12 Where the two Cows, the Mother and the Daughter, meet and give suck yielding their lordly nectar, 13 Loud hath she lowed, licking the other's youngling. On what world hath the Milch−cow laid her udder 14 Earth weareth beauties manifold: uplifted, licking her Calf of eighteen months, she standeth. 15 Within a wondrous place the Twain are treasured: the one is manifest, the other hidden. 16 Let the milch−kine that have no calves storm downward, yielding rich nectar, streaming, unexhausted, 17 What time the Bull bellows in other regions, another herd receives the genial moisture; 18 Let us declare the Hero's wealth in horses, O all ye folk: of this the Gods have knowledge. 19 Tvastar the God, the omniform. Creator, begets and feeds mankind in various manner. 20 The two great meeting Bowls hath he united: each of the Pair is laden with histreasure. 21 Yea, and on this our earth the All−Sustainer dwells like a King with noble friends about him. 22 Rich in their gifts for thee are herbs and waters, and earth brings all her wealth for thee, O Indra.

2 For thou hast ever been the Car−driver, Agni, of noble 3 Through these our praises come thou to meet us, bright as the sunlight, 4 Now may we serve thee singing these lauds this day to thee, Agni. 5 just at this time of the day and the night thy look is the sweetest. 6 Spotless thy body, brilliant as gold, like clarified butter: 7 All hate and mischief, yea, if committed, Agni, thou turnest, 8 Agni, with you Gods, prosperous be our friendships and kinships.

2 Auspicious Friends to us be Bhaga, Sathsa, auspicious be Purandhi aid all Riches; 3 Kind unto us he Maker and Sustainer, and the far−reaching Pair with God−like natures. 4 Favour us Agni with his face of splendour, and Varuva and Mitra and the Asvins. 5 Early invoked, may Heaven and Earth be friendly, and Air's mid−region good for us to look on. 6 Be the God Indra with the Vasus friendly, and, with Adityas, Varuna who blesseth. 7 Blest unto us be Soma, and devotions, blest be the Sacrifice, the Stones for pressing. 8 May the far−seeing Sun rise up to bless us: be the four Quarters of the sky auspicious. 9 May Adid through holy works be gracioas, and may the Maruts, loud in song, be friendly. 10 Prosper us Savitar, the God who rescues, and let the radiant Mornings be propitious. 11 May all the fellowship of Gods befriend us, Sarasvati, with Holy Thoughts, be gracious. 12 May the great Lords of Truth protect and aid us: blest to us be our horses and our cattle. 13 May Aja−Ekapad, the God, be gracious, gracious the Dragon of the Deep, and Ocean. 14 So may the Rudras, Vasus, and Adityas accept the new hymn which we now are making. 15 They who of Holy Gods are very holy, Immortal, knowing Law, whom man must worship,−

2 O Indu, high o'er heaven and earth be thou, increaser of our might: 3 The winds are gracious in their love to thee, the rivers flow to thee 4 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite in thee: 5 For thee, brown−hued! the kine have poured imperishable oil and milk. 6 Friendship, O Indu, we desire with thee who bearest noble arms,

6 So purifying thee vouchsafe us waters, heaven's light, and cows, offipring and many children. Give us h

22 What time the loving spirit's word had formed him Chief of all food, by statute of the Highest, 23 The Sage, Celestial, liberal, raining bounties, pours as he flows the Genuine for the Truthful. 24 He who beholds mankind, made pure with filters, the King supreme of Deities and mortals, 25 Haste, like a steed, to vittory for glory, to Indra's and to Vayu's entertainment. 26 Effused by us let God−delighting Somas bring as they flow a home with noble heroes. 27 So, God, for service of the Gods flow onward, flow, drink of Gods, for ample food, O Soma. 28 Thou, yoked by strong men, neighest like a courser, swifter than thought is, like an awful lion. 29 Sprung from the Gods, a hundred streams, a thousand, have been effused: sages prepare and purge the 30 The streams of days, were poured as 'twere from heaven: the wise King doth not treat his friend unkind 31 Now are thy streams poured forth with all their sweetness, when, purified. thou goest through the filter 32 Bright, bellowing aiong the path of Order, thou shinest as the form of life eternal. 33 Pouring out streams at the Gods' feast with service, thou, Soma, lookest down, a heavenly Eagle. 34 Three are the voices that the Courser utters: he speaks the thought of prayer, the law of Order. 35 To Soma come the Cows, the Milch−kine longing, to Soma sages with their hvmns inquiring. 36 Thus, Soma, as we pour thee into vessels, while thou art purified flow for our welfare. 37 Singer of true songs, ever−watchful, Soma hath settled in the ladles when they cleanse him. 38 Cleansed near the Sun as 'twere he as Creator hath filled full heaven and earth, and hath disclosed the 39 He, being cleansed, the Strengthener and Increaser, Soma the Bounteous, helped us with his lustre, 40 In the first vault of heaven loud roared the Ocean, King of all being, generating creatures. 41 Soma the Steer, in that as Child of Waters he chose the Gods, performed that great achievement.

2 As ye have come effacing Mrtyu's footstep, to further times prolonging your existence, 3 Divided from the dead are these, the living: now be our calling on the Gods successful. 4 Here I erect this rampart for the living; let none of these, none other, reach this limit. 5 As the days follow days in close succession, as with the seasons duly come the seasons, 6 Live your full lives ap! find old age delightful, all of you striving one behind the other. 7 Let these unwidowed dames with noble husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent. 8 Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. 9 From his dead hand I take the bow be carried, that it may be our power and might and glory. 10 Betake thee to the Iap of Earth the Mother, of Earth far−spreading, very kind and gracious. 11 Heave thyself, Earth, nor press thee downward heavily: afford him easy access, gently tending him. 12 Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea,− let a thousand clods remain above him. 13 I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I place this piece of earth. May I be free from injury. 14 Even as an arrow's feathers, they have set me on a fitting day.

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

2 He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift−winged bird a home in every tree. 3 Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art thou, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing al 4 Foreknowing well, O Agni, thou in Ila's place hast occupied thy regular station balmed with oil. 5 Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, marked, many−hued, like heralds of the Dawns' 6 Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life. 7 When, sped and urged by wind, thou spreadest thee abroad, swift piercing through thy food according to 8 Agni, the Hotar−priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought, 9 Here, Api, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest in sacred gatherings, 10 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. 11 When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his sacrificial gift, 12 From us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these. holy words, these Rcas, songs and eulo 13 This newest eulogy will I speak forth to him, the Ancient One who loves it. May he hear our voice. 14 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up,− 15 Into thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle.

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.