Rig Veda on Courage

1 Come, fain for booty let us seek to Indra: yet more shall he increase his care that guides us. 2 I fly to him invisible Wealth−giver as flies the falcon to his cherished eyrie, 3 Mid all his host, he bindeth on the quiver he driveth cattle from what foe he pleaseth: 4 Thou slewest with thy bolt the wealthy Dasyu, alone, yet going with thy helpers, Indra! 5 Fighting with pious worshippers, the riteless turned and fled, Indra! with averted faces. 6 They met in fight the army of the blameless. then the Navagvas put forth all their power. 7 Whether they weep or laugh, thou hast o'erthrown them, O Indra, on the sky's extremest limit. 8 Adorned with their array of gold and jewels, they o'er the earth a covering veil extended. 9 As thou enjoyest heaven and earth, O Indra, on every side surrounded with thy greatness, 10 They who pervaded earth's extremest limit subdued not with their charms the Wealth−bestower: 11 The waters flowed according to their nature; he raid the navigable streams waxed mighty. 12 Indra broke through Ilibisa's strong castles, and Suspa with his horn he cut to pieces: 13 Fierce on his enemies fell Indra's weapon: with. his sharp bull he rent their forts in pieces. 14 Indra, thou helpest Kutsa whom thou lovedst, and guardedst brave Dagadyu when he battled, 15 Svitra's mild steer, O Maghavan thou helpest in combat for the land, mid Tugra's houses.

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

1 I WILL declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the Thunder−wielder. 2 He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvastar fashioned. 3 Impetuous as a bull, he chose the Soma and in three sacred beakers drank the juices. 4 When, Indra, thou hadst slain the dragon's firstborn, and overcome the charms of the enchanters, 5 Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote into pieces Vrtra, worst of Vrtras. 6 He, like a mad weak warrior, challenged Indra, the great impetuous many−slaying Hero. 7 Footless and handless still he challenged Indra, who smote him with his bolt between the shoulders. 8 There as he lies like a bank−bursting river, the waters taking courage flow above him. 9 Then humbled was the strength of Vrtra's mother: Indra hath cast his deadly bolt against her. 10 Rolled in the midst of never−ceasing currents flowing without a rest for ever onward. 11 Guarded by Ahi stood the thralls of Dasas, the waters stayed like kine held by the robber. 12 A horse's tail wast thou when he, O Indra, smote on thy bolt; thou, God without a second, 13 Nothing availed him lightning, nothing thunder, hailstorm or mist which had spread around him: 14 Whom sawest thou to avenge the Dragon, Indra, that fear possessed thy heart when thou hadst slain hi 15 Indra is King of all that moves and moves not, of creatures tame and horned, the Thunder−wielder.

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−

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

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

2 The Sage who knows these Gods' three ranks and orders, and all their generations near and distant, 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, the noble, 4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe−destroyers, great Kings, bestowers of fair homes to dwell in, 5 O Heaven our Father, Earth our guileless Mother, O Brother Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us. 6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she−wolf, O ye Holy. 7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, O Vasus, punish. 8 Mighty is homage: I adopt and use it. Homage hath held in place the earth and heaven. 9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwellers in the home of Order, 10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through all our troubles these conduct us safely− 11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Pusan increase our laud, increase the Fivefold people. 12 Come now, O Gods, to your celestial station: the Bharadvajas' priest entreats your favour. 13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil−hearted thief away, 14 Soma, these pressing−stones have called aloud to win thee for our Friend. 15 Ye, O most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the sky. 16 Now have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without a foe, 2 Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making, 3 Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches? 4 May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me. 5 Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises.

2 Born for us here this day, O Son of Vigour, between both races of born beings, Agni, 3 I laud the ruddy steeds who pour down blessing, dropping oil, flectest through the thoualit of Order. 4 Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, and Indra with Visnu, of the Gods, Maruts and Asvins− 5 Agni, be this our sacrifice eternal, with brave friends, rich in kine and sheep and horses, 6 The man who, sweating, brings for thee the fuel, and makes his head to ache, thy faithful servant,− 7 Who brings thee food, though thou hast food in plenty, welcomes his cheerful guest and speeds him 8 Whoso sings praise to thee at eve or morning, and, with oblation, doth the thing thou lovest,− 9 Whoso brings gifts to thee Immortal, Agni, and doth thee service with uplifted ladle,− 10 Whose well−wrought worship thou acceptest, Agni, thou God a mortal's gift, thou liberal Giver,− 11 May he who knows distinguish sense and folly of men, like straight and crooked backs of horses. 12 This Sage the Sages, ne'er deceived, commanded, setting him down in dwellings of the living. 13 Good guidance hast thou for the priest, O Agni, who, Youngest God! with outpoured Soma serves thee 14 Now all that we, thy faithful servants, Agni, have done with feet, with hands, and with our bodies, 15 May we, seven sages first in rank, engender, from Dawn the Mother, men to be ordainers. 16 As in the days of old our ancient Fathers, speeding the work of holy worship, Agni, 17 Gods, doing holy acts, devout, resplendent, smelting like ore their human generations. 18 Strong One! he marked them−and the Gods before them−like herds of cattle in a foodful pasture. 19 We have worked for thee, we have laboured nobly−bright Dawns have shed their light upon our worsh 20 Agni, Disposer, we have sung these praises to thee the Wise: do thou accept them gladly.

2 Floods great and many, compassed by the Dragon, thou badest swell and settest free, O Hero. 3 For, Hero, in the lauds wherein thou joyedst, in hymns of praise, O Indra, songs of Rudras, 4 We who add strength to thine own splendid vigour, laying within thine arms the splendid thunder− 5 Hero, thou slewest in thy valour Ahi concealed in depths, mysterious, great enchanter, 6 Indra, we laud thy great deeds wrought aforetime, we laud thine exploits later of achievement; 7 Indra, thy Bay Steeds showing forth their vigour have sent a loud cry out that droppeth fatness. 8 Down, never ceasing, hath the rain−cloud settled: bellowing, it hath wandered with the Mothers. 9 Indra hath hurled down the magician Vrtra who lay beleaguering the mighty river. 10 Loud roared the mighty Hero's bolt of thunder, when he, the Friend of man, burnt up the monster, 11 Drink thou, O Hero Indra, drink the Soma; let the joy−giving juices make thee joyful. 12 Singers have we become with thee, O Indra: may we serve duly and prepare devotion. 13 May we be thine, such by thy help, O Indra, as swell thy vigour while they seek thy favour. 14 Give us a friend, give us an habitation; Indra, give us the company of Maruts, 15 Let those enjoy in whom thou art delighted. Indra, drink Soma for thy strength and gladness. 16 Great, verily, are they, O thou Protector, who by their songs of praise have won the blessing. 17 Upon the great Trikadruka days, Hero, rejoicing thee, O Indra, drink the Soma. 18 Hero, assume the might wherewith thou clavest Vrtra piecemeal, the Danava Aurnavabha. 19 May we gain wealth, subduing with thy succour and with the Arya, all our foes, the Dasyus. 20 He cast down Arbuda what time his vigour was strengthened by libations poured by Trta. 21 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 I stimulate thy zeal, the Strong, the Hero decking my song of praise forth; Immortal. 3 Leading, his band Indra encompassed Vrtra; weak grew the wily leader of enchanters. 4 Indra, light−winner, days' Creator, conquered, victorious, hostile bands with those who loved him. 5 Forward to fiercely falling blows pressed Indra, herolike doing many hero exploits. 6 They laud the mighty acts of him the Mighty, the many glorious deeds performed by Indra. 7 Lord of the brave, Indra who rules the people gave freedom to the Gods by might and battle. 8 Excellent, Conqueror, the victory−giver, the winner of the light and Godlike Waters, 9 He gained possession of the Sun and Horses, Indra obtained the Cow who feedeth many. 10 He took the plants and days for his possession; he gained the forest trees and air's mid−region. 11 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered, 2 For him, the God who is invoked by many, the two swift Bay Steeds to the pole I harness, 3 Bring the strong Steeds who drink the warm libation, and, Bull of Godlike nature, be thou gracious. 4 Those who are yoked by prayer I harness, fleet friendly Bays who take their joy together. 5 No other worshippers must stay beside them thy Bays, thy vigorous and smooth−backed Coursers. 6 Thine is this Sorna: hasten to approach it. Drink thou thereof, benevolent, and cease not. 7 The grass is strewn for thee, pressed is the Soma; the grain is ready for thy Bays to feed on. 8 This the sweet draught, with cows, the men, the mountains, the waters, Indra, have for thee made ready. 9 The Maruts, they with whom thou sharedst Soma, Indra, who made thee strong and were thine army,− 10 Drink, Indra, of the juice by thine own nature, or by the tongue of Agni, O thou Holy. 11 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 The Vasus set that Agni in the dwelling, fair to behold, for help from every quarter: 3 Shine thou before us, Agni, well−enkindled, with flame, Most Youthful God, that never fadeth. 4 Among all fires these fires have shone most brightly, splendid with light, begirt by noble heroes, 5 Victorious Agni, grant us wealth with wisdom, wealth with brave sons, famous and independent, 6 To whom, the Strong, at morn and eve comes, maid−like, the ladle dropping oil, with its oblation. 7 Burn up all malice with those flames, O Agni, wherewith of old thou burntest up Jarutha, 8 With him who lighteth up thy splendour, Agni, excellent, pure, refulgent, Purifier, 9 Agni, the patriarchal men, the mortals who have in many places spread thy lustre,− 10 Let these men, heroes in the fight with foemen, prevail against all godless arts of 4magic,− 11 Let us not sit in want of men, O Agni, without descendants, heroleu, about thee: 12 By sacrifice which the Steeds' Lord ever visits, there make our dwelling rich in seed and offspring, 13 Guard us, O Agni, from the hated demon, guard us from malice of the churlish sinner: 14 May this same fire of mine surpass all others, this fire where offspring, vigorous and firm−handed, 15 This is that Agni, saviour from the foeman, who guards the kindler of the flame from sorrow: 16 This is that Agni, served in many places, whom the rich lord who brings oblation kindles, 17 Agni, may we with riches in possession bring thee continual ofierings in abundance, 18 Agni, bear thou, Eternal, these most welcome oblations to the Deities' assembly: 19 Give us not up, Agni, to want of heroes, to wretched clothes, to need, to destitution. 20 Give strength and power to these my prayers, O Agni; O God, pour blessings on our chiefs and nobles. 21 Thou Agni, swift to hear, art fair of aspect: beam forth, O Son of Strength, in full effulgence.

2 That car of yours, swifter than thought, O Asvins, which drawn by brave steeds cometh to the people, 3 Ye freed sage Atri, whom the Five Tribes honoured, from the strait pit, ye Heroes with his people, 4 Rebha the sage, ye mighty Heroes, Asvins! whom, like a horse, vile men had sunk in water,− 5 Ye brought forth Vandana, ye Wonder−Workers, for triumph, like fair gold that hath been buried, 6 Kaksivan, Pajra's son, must laud that exploit of yours, Nasatyas, Heroes, ye who wander! 7 To Krsna's son, to Visvaka who praised you, O Heroes, ye restored his son Visnapu. 8 Rusati, of the mighty people, Asvins, ye gave to Syava of the line of Kanva. 9 O Asvins, wearing many forms at pleasure, on Pedu ye bestowed a fleet−foot courser, 10 These glorious things are yours, ye Bounteous Givers; prayer, praise in both worlds are your habitation 11 Hymned with the reverence of a son, O Asvins ye Swift Ones giving booty to the singer, 12 Ye Sons of Heaven, ye Mighty, whither went ye, sought ye, for his fair praise the home of Kdvya. 13 Ye with the aid of your great powers, O Asvins, restored to youth the ancient man Cyavana. 14 Ye, ever−youthful Ones, again remembered Tugra, according to your ancient manner: 15 The son of Tugra had invoked you, Asvins; borne on he went uninjured through the ocean. 16 The quail had invocated you, O Asvins, when from the wolf's devouring jaws ye freed her. 17 He whom for furnishing a hundred wethers to the she−wolf, his wicked father blinded, 18 To bring the blind man joy thus cried the she−wolf: O Asvins, O ye Mighty Ones, O Heroes, 19 Great and weal−giving is your aid, O Asvins, ye, objects of all thought, made whole the cripple. 20 Ye, Wonder−Workers, filled with milk for Sayu the milkless cow, emaciated, barren; 21 Ploughing and sowing barley, O ye Asvins, milking out food for men, ye Wonder−Workers, 22 Ye brought the horse's head, Asvins, and gave it unto Dadhyac the offspring of Atharvan.

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

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

2 Dispelling manifold mishap, giving the courser's progeny, 3 Bringing prosperity to kine, they make perpetual Ila flow 4 Strong, mountain−born, the stalk hath been 5 Fair is the God−loved juice; the plant is washed in waters, pressed by men 6 As drivers deck a courser, so have they adorned the meath's juice for 7 Thou, Indu, with thy streams that drop sweet juices, which were poured for 8 So flow thou onward through the fleece, for Indra flow, to be his drink, 9 As giving room and freedom, as most sweet, pour butter forth and milk, 10 Most active and benevolent, this Pavamana, sent to us 11 Queller of curses, mighty, with strong sway, this Pavamana shall 12 Pour thou upon us thousandfold possessions, both of kine and steeds, 13 Wandering far, with wise designs, the juice here present is effused, 14 For Indra flows the gladdening drink, the measurer of the region, Sage, 15 Born on the inountain, lauded here, Indu for Indra is set down, 16 Pressed by the men, as 'twere to war hath Soma Pavamana sped, 17 That he may move, they yoke him to the three−backed triple−seated car 18 Drive ye that Tawny Courser, O ye pressers, on his way to war, 19 Pouring all glories hither, he, effused and entering the jar, 20 Indu, the living men milk out the juice to make the rapturous draught: 21 Pour for the Gods into the sieve our Soma very rich in sweets, 22 Into his stream who gladdens best these Soma juices have been poured, 23 Thou flowest to enjoy the milk, and bringest valour, being cleansed: 24 And, hymned by Jamadagnis, let all nourishment that kine supply, 25 Soma, as leader of the song flow onward with thy wondrous aids, 26 Do thou as leader of the song, stirring the waters of the sea, 27 O Soma, O thou Sage, these worlds stand ready to attest thy might: 28 Like showers of rain that fall from heaven thy streams perpetually flow 29 For potent Indra purify Indu effectual and strong, 30 Soma, true, Pavamana, Sage, is seated in the cleansing sieve,

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

2 Honoured with sacrifice or with the worship of the sages' hymns, 3 Yea, the strong man to whom ye have vouchsafed to give a sage, shall move 4 Upon this hero's sacred grass Soma is poured in daily rites: 5 Let the strong Maruts hear him, him surpassing all men: strength be his 6 For, through the swift Gods' loving help, in many an autumn, Maruts, we 7 Fortunate shall that mortal be, O Maruts most adorable, 8 O Heroes truly strong, ye know the toil of him who sings your praise, 9 O ye of true strength, make this thing manifest by your greatness − strike 10 Conceal the horrid darkness, drive far from us each devouring fiend. 2 When, Maruts, on the steeps ye pile the moving cloud, ye are like birds on whatsoever path it be. 3 Earth at their racings trembles as if weak and worn, when on their ways they yoke their cars for victory. 4 Self−moving is that youthful band, with spotted steeds; thus it hath lordly sway, endued with power and 5 We speak by our descent from our primeval Sire; our tongue, when we behold the Soma, stirs itself. 6 Splendours they gained for glory, they who wear bright rings; rays they obtained, and men to celebrate t

2 In all libations men with hero spirit urge the Universal One, each seeking several light, each fain to win 3 Couples desirous of thine aid are storming thee, pouring their presents forth to win a stall of kine, pouri 4 This thine heroic power men of old time have known, wherewith thou breakest down, Indra, autumnal f 5 And they have bruited far this hero−might when thou, O Strong One, in thy joy helpest thy suppliants, 7 O Indra, waxen strong and well−inclined to us, thou very mighty, slay the man that is our foe, slay the

2 In war which wins the light, at the freegiver's call, at due oblation of the early−rising one, oblation of th 3 This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they made thee chooser of the place, for thou 4 So now must thy great deed be lauded as of old, when for the Angirases thou openedst the stall, openeds 5 When with wise plan the Hero leads the people forth, they conquer in the ordered battle, seeking fame, 6 Indra and Parvata, our champions in the fight, di ive ye away each man who fain would war with us, dri

2 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread his wealth by kine wise by himself is be. 3 He, mighty like a raving river's billowy flood, as a bull conquers oxen, overcomes with strength. 4 For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first with the heroes he goes forth to war for kine 5 All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many a flawless shelter hath been granted him.

2 Lord of Bay Horses, Hero, may the Soma rise to thy cheeks and jaws like mountain−ridges. 3 Invoked of many, Caster of the Stone my heart quakes like a rolling wheel for fear of penury. 4 Like the press−stone is this thy praiser, Indra. Loudly he lifts his voice with strong endeavour. 5 May the strong Heaven make thee the Strong wax stronger: Strong, thou art borne by thy two strong Ba 6 Maruts, let all the people in obeisance bow down before this youthful Srutaratha,

2 When wilt thou gatber men with men, O Indra, heroes with heroes, and prevail in combat? 3 Yea, when wilt thou, O Indra, thou Most Mighty, make the prayer all−sustaining for the singer? 4 Grant to the Singer food with store of cattle, splendid with horses and the fame of riches. 5 Lead otherwise this present foeman, Sakra! Hence art thou praised as Hero, foe destroyer

23 Full many a deed ye did for our forefathers worthy of lauds which, even of old, they sang you. 24 Ours, O ye Maruts, be the vigorous Hero, the Lord Divine of men, the strong Sustainer, Wi

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 Celestial, bounteous Giver, girt about with might, rich, mountain−like, in precious things, 3 Indra, the strong and lofty hills are powerless to bar thy way. 4 A Warrior thou by strength, wisdom, and wondrous deed, in might excellest all that is. 5 For in thy might thou stretchest out beyond the boundaries of heaven. 6 When, Maghavan, thou honourest the worshipper, no one is there to stay thy wealth.

2 Thou who subduedst Ayu, Kutsa, Atithigva, waxing daily in thy might, 3 The pressing−stones shall pour for us the essence of the meath of all, 4 Repel all enmities and keep thern far away: let all win treasure for their own. 5 Come, Indra, very near to us with aids of firmly−based resolve; 6 Bless thou with progeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, victor in the fray. 7 May we be such in battle as are surest to obtain thy grace: 8 Thine, Lord of Bays, am I. Prayer longeth for the spoil. Still with thy help I seek the fight.