Rig Veda on Faith

2 Bless thou the man who gives, O Faith; Faith, bless the man who fain would give. 3 Even as the Deities maintained Faith in the mighty Asuras, So make this uttered wish of mine tr

1 WHAT deed hath Indra done in the wild transport, in quaffing or in friendship with, the Soma? 2 In its wild joy Indra hath proved him faithful, faithful in quaffing, faithful in its friendship. 3 All thy vast power, O Maghavan, we know not, know not the riches of thy full abundance. 4 This one great power of thine our eyes have witnessed, wherewith thou slewest Varasikha's children, 5 In aid of Abhyavartin Cayamana, Indra destroyed the seed of Varasikha. 6 Three thousand, mailed, in quest of fame, together, on the Yavyavati, O much−sought Indra, 7 He, whose two red Steers, seeking goodly pasture, plying their tongues move on 'twixt earth and heaven

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 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this praise−song− 3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to deceive the wicked, 4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being, 5 May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e'en in danger. 6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and thornless. 7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all hatred. 8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their functions in the Gods' assembly. 9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three bright heavenly regions. 10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals. 11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the west, Adityas. 12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting blessings prosper, 13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the waters rich with pasture. 14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against you. 15 For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives most highly favoured. 16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas, 17 May1 not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.

2 Thou, Soma, art effused for Indra by the men, balmed in the wood as wave, Sage, Viewer of mankind. 3 Apsarases who dwell in waters of the sea, sitting within, have flowed to Soma wise of heart. 4 Soma flows on for u's as winner of the kine, winner of thousands, cars, water, and light, and gold; 5 Soma, as Pavamana thou, our faithful Friend, making for us these real treasures, flowest on.

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 Even him, eternal, like a bull who rushes down, men's Conqueror, bounteous like a cow; 3 Although these men in sundry ways invoke thee to obtain thine aid, 4 Those skilled in song, O Maghavan among these men o'ercome with might the foeman's songs. 5 O Caster of the Stone, I would not sell thee for a mighty price, 6 O Indra, thou art more to me than sire or niggard brother is. 7 Where art thou? Whither art thou gone? For many a place attracts thy mind. 8 Sing out the psalm to him who breaks down castles for his faithful friend, 9 The Horses which are thine in tens, in hundreds, yea, in thousands thine, 10 This day I call Sabardugiha who animates the holy song, 11 When Sura wounded Etasa, with Vata's rolling winged car. 12 He without ligature, before making incision in the neck, 13 May we be never cast aside, and strangers, as it were, to thee. 14 O Vrtra−slayer, we were thought slow and unready for the fray. 15 If he will listen to my laud, then may out Soma−drops that flow 16 Come now unto the common laud of thee and of thy faithful friend. 17 Press out the Soma with the stones, and in the waters wash it clean. 18 Whether thou come from earth or from the lustre of the lofty heaven, 19 For India press the Soma out, most gladdening and most excellent. 20 Let me not, still beseeching thee with earnest song at Soma rites, 21 The draught made swift with rapturous joy, effectual with its mighty strength, 22 Where bliss is not, may he, All−praised, God whom the pious glorify, 23 Come, Indra, and rejoice thyself, O God, in manifold affluence. 24 A thousand and a hundred Steeds are harnessed to thy golden car. 25 Yoked to thy chariot wrought of gold, may thy two Bays with peacock tails, 26 So drink, thou Lover of the Song, as the first drinker, of this juice. 27 He who alone by wondrous deed is Mighty, Strong by holy works, 28 Susna's quick moving castle thou hast crushed to pieces with thy bolts.

29 My praises when the Sun hath risen, my praises at the time of noon, 30 Praise yea, praise him. Of princes these are the most liberal of their gifts, 31 When to the car, by faith, I yoked the horses longing for the way− 32 May he who gave me two brown steeds together with their cloths of gold, 33 Playoga's son Asanga, by ten thousand, O Agni, hath surpassed the rest in giving. 34 What time her husband's perfect restoration to his lost strength and manhood was apparent,

2 Sage, Sing, Food, Light,−they bring him from the mountain, the blessed Sovran of the earth and heaven. 3 The foolish, faithless, rudely−speaking niggards, without belief or sacrifice or worship,− 4 Him who brought eastward, manliest with his prowess, the Maids rejoicing in the western darkness, 5 Him who brake down the walls with deadly weapons, and gave the Mornings to anoble Husband, 6 In whose protection all men rest by nature, desiring to enjoy his gracious favour− 7 Vaisvanara the God, at the sun's setting, hath taken to himself deep−hidden treasures:

2 Through piety they came to Indra for his aid, they whose libations give theejoy. 3 Agreeing in your spirit, all ye Deities, come nigh to us. 4 May Pusan, Visnu, and Sarasvati befriend, and the Seven Streams, this call of mine: 5 Indra, with thine own bounteous gift, most liberal of the Mighty Ones, 6 Leader of heroes, Lord of battle, lead thou us to combat, thou Most Sapient One. 7 Our hopes rest on the Faithful One: in Indra is the people's life. 8 Thee would we worship, Indra, with our songs of praise: O Satakratu, be thou ours.

1 THE pleasant Priest is come into the synod, true, skilled in sacrifice, most wise, Ordainer. 2 To thee I offer reverent speech: accept it: to thee who markest it, victorious, faithful! 3 The Two who show their vigour, Night and Morning, by the wind's paths shall haste to thee O Agni. 4 To thee, strong Agni! Varuna and Mitra and all the Maruts sang a song of triumph, 5 Approaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this day fulfilled for thee thy longing. 6 For, Son of Strength, from thee come many succours, and powers abundant that a God possesses. 7 Whatever, God, in sacrifice we mortals have wrought is all for thee, strong, wise of purpose!

2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! 3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou ar 4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us 5 Speed happily those, as Surya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; 6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide−wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. 7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. 8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship.

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

2 When shall thy glory as a God, Agni, be suddenly shown forth. 3 Seeing thee faithful to the Law, most sapient, like the starry heaven, 4 Vivasvan's envoy living men have taken as their ensign, swift, 5 Him the intelligent have they placed duly as Invoking Priest, 6 In his Eternal Mothers, in the wood, concealed and unapproached, 7 That as food spreads forth in this earthly udder, Gods may rejoice them in the home of Order, 8 Bird of each rite, skilled in an envoy's duties, knowing both worlds and that which lies between them, 9 Bright God, thy path is black: light is before thee: thy moving splendour is the chief of wonders. 10 Yet newly born, his vigour is apparent when the wind blows upon his fiery splendour, His sharpened t

2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra's throat they pour the Soma juice, 3 He goes upon his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring sound which Sarya's Daughter loves. 4 Washed by the men, stone−pressed, dear on the holy grass, faithful to seasons, Lord of cattle from of ol 5 O Indra, urged by arms of men and poured in streams, Soma flows on for thee after.his Godlike kind. 6 Sages well−skilled in work, intelligent, drain out the stalk that roars, the Sage, the Everlasting One. 7 Earth's central point, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distilled into the streams, into the waters' wave, 8 Over the earthly region flow thou on thy way, helping the praiser and the pourer, thou Most Wise. 9 Hither, O Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand gifts of cattle and of gold,

2 Our sires with lauds burst e'en the firmset fortress, yea, the Angirases, with roar, the mountain. 3 They stablished order, made his service fruitful; then parting them among the longing faithful, 4 Since Matarisvan, far−diffused, bath stirred him, and he in every house grown bright and noble, 5 When man poured juice to Heaven, the mighty Father, he knew and freed himself from close embracem 6 Whoso, bath flames for thee within his dwelling, or brings the worship which thou lovest daily, 7 All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the Seven mighty Rivers seek the ocean. 8 When light bath filled the Lord of men for increase, straight from the heaven descends the limpid moist 9 He who like thought goes swiftly on his journey, the Sun, alone is ever Lord of riches. 10 O Agni, break not our ancestral friendship, Sage as thou art, endowed with deepest knowledge.

2 He who like Savitar the God, true−minded protecteth with his power. all acts of vigour, 3 He who on earth dwells like a king surrounded by faithful friends, like a God all−sustaining, 4 Thee, such, in settlements secure, O Agni, our men serve ever kindled in each dwelling. 5 May thy rich worshippers win food, O Agni, and princes gain long life who bring oblation. 6 The cows of holy law, sent us by Heaven, have swelled with laden udders, loudly lowing; 7 Agni, with thee, soliciting thy favour, the holy Ones have gained glory in heaven. 8 May we and those who worship be the mortals whom thou, O Agni, leadest on to riches. 9 Aided by thee, O Agni, may we conquer steeds with steeds, men with men, heroes with heroes, 10 May these our hymns of praise, Agni, Ordainer, be pleasant to thee in thy heart and spirit.

2 Effused, this juice victorious flows for Indra, for his maintenance. 3 May Indra in his raptures gain from him the grasp that gathers spoil, 4 Flow vigilant for Indra, thou Soma, yea, Indu, run thou on: 5 Do thou, all−beautiful, purify for Indra's sake the mighty juice, 6 Best finder of prosperity for us, most rich in sweets for Gods, 7 O Indu, with thy streams, in might, flow for the banquet of the Gods: 8 Thy drops that swim in water have exalted Indra to delight: 9 Stream opulence to us, ye drops of Soma, pressed and purified, 10 Soma, while filtered, with his wave flows through the long wool of the sheep, 11 With songs they send the Mighty forth, sporting in wood, above the fleece: 12 Into the jars hath he been loosed, like an impetuous steed for war, 13 Gold−hued and lovely in his course, througb tangles of the wool he flows, 14 Flow thus, a faithful votary: the streams of meath have been effused.

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

2 And ye gave mighty Dadhikras, the giver of many gifts, who visiteth all people, 3 Whom, as 'twere down a precipice, swift rushing, each Puru praises and his heart rejoices,− 4 Who gaineth precious booty in the combats and moveth, winning spoil, among the cattle; 5 Loudly the folk cry after him in battles, as 'twere a thief who steals away a garment; 6 And, fain to come forth first amid these armies, this way and that with rows of cars he rushes, 7 And that strong Steed, victorious and faithful, obedient with his body in the combat, 8 And at his thunder, like the roar of heaven, those who attack tremble and are affrighted; 9 The people praise the overpowering swiftness of this fleet Steed who giveth men abundance. 10 Dadhikras hath o'erspread the Fivefold People with vigour, as the Sun lightens the waters. 2 I praise the mighty Steed who fills my spirit, the Stallion Dadhikravan rich in bounties, 3 Him who hath honoured, when the flame is kindled at break of dawn, the Courser Dadhikrivan, 4 When we remember mighty Dadhikravan our food and strength, then the blest name of Maruts, 5 Both sides invoke him as they call on Indra when they stir forth and turn to sacrificing. 6 So have I glorified with praise strong Dadhikravan, conquering Steed.

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.

10 Varuna, Mighty, with a thousand eyes, beholds the paths wherein these rivers run. 11 He, King of kings, the glory of the floods, o'er all that liveth hath resistless sway. 12 May he assist us among all the tribes, and make the envier's praise devoid of light. 13 May the foes' threatening arrow pass us by: may he put far from us our bodies' sin. 14 Agni, oblation−cater, through our prayers aid us: to him our dearest laud is brought. 15 Accordant with the Gods choose for our Friend the Waters' Child: may he be good to us. 16 With lauds I sing the Dragon born of floods: he sits beneath the streams in middle air. 17 Ne'er may the Dragon of the Deep harm us: ne'er fail this faithful servant's sacrifice. 18 To these our heroes may they grant renown: may pious men march boldly on to wealth. 19 Leading great hosts, with fierce attacks of these, they burn their foes as the Sun burns the earth. 20 What time our wives draw near to us, may he, left−handed Tvastar, give us hero sons. 21 May Tvastar find our hymn acceptable, and may Aramati, seeking wealth, be ours. 22 May they who lavish gifts bestow those treasures: may Rodasi and Varunani listen. 23 So may rich Mountains and the liberal Waters, so may all Herbs that grow on ground, and Heaven, 24 To this may both the wide Worlds lend approval, and Varuna in heaven, whose Friend is Indra. 25 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Agni, Waters, Herbs, Trees accept the praise we offer.

13 For, Satakratu, Thunder−armed, all that we craved, as men are wont, 14 Those, Son of Strength, are come to thee who cherish wishes in their hearts 15 So, Hero, guard us with thy care, with thy most liberal providence, 16 O Satakratu Indra, now rejoice with that carouse of thine 17 Even, Indra, that carouse which slays the Vrtras best, most widely famed, 18 For that which is thy gift we know, true Soma−drinker, Thunder−armed, 19 For Indra, Lover of Carouse, loud be our songs about the juice: 20 We summon Indra to the draught, irl whom all glories rest, in whom 21 At the Trikadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirs the mind: 22 Let the drops pass within thee as the rivers flow into the sea: 23 Thou, wakeful Hero, by thy might hast taken food of Soma juice, 24 O Indra, Vrtra−slayer, let Soma be ready for thy maw, 25 Now Srutakaksa sings his song that cattle and the steed may come, 26 Here, Indra, thou art ready by our Soma juices shed for thee, 27 Even from far away our songs reach thee, O Caster of the Stone: 28 For so thou art the hero's Friend, a Hero, too, art thou, and strong: 29 So hath the offering, wealthiest Lord, been paid by all the worshippers: 30 Be not thou like a slothfid priest, O Lord of spoil and wealth: rejoice 31 O Indra, let not ill designs surround us in the sunbeams' light: 32 With thee to help us, Indra, let us answer all our enemies: 33 Indra, the poets and thy friends, faithful to thee, shall loudly sing

2 Steer−strong thy might is as a steer's, steerstrong thywood, steer−like thy drink 3 Thou, Indu, as a vigorous horse, hast neighed together steeds and kine: 4 Out of desire of cows and steeds and horses. potent Soma−drops, 5 They purified in both the hands, made beautiful by holy men, 6 These Soma juices shall pour forth all treasures for the worshipper 7 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Finder of all, have been effused, 8 Making the light that shines from heaven thou flowest on to every form 9 Urged on thou sendest out thy voice, O Pavamana; thou hast moved, 10 Indu, Enlightener, Friend, hath been purified by the sages' hymns: 11 Thy God−delighting wave which hath flowed to purifying seive, 12 Flow to our sieve, a gladdening draught that hath most intercourse with Gods, 13 Flow onward with a stream for food, made beautiful by sapient men: 14 While thou art cleansed, Song−Lover, bring comfort and vigour to the folk, 15 Purified for the feast of Gods, go thou to Indra's special place, 16 Accelerated by the hymn, the rapid drops of Soma juice 17 Easily have the living drops, made beautiful, approached the lake, 18 Compass about, our faithful Friend, all our possessions with thy might: 19 Loud neighs the Courser Etasa, with singers, harnessed for the place, 20 What time the Swift One resteth in the golden place of sacrifice, 21 The friends have sung in unison, the prudent wish to sacrifice: 22 For Indra girt by Maruts, flow, thou Indu, very rich in sweets, 23 Controlling priests and sages skilled in holy song adorn thee well: 24 Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna drink Pavamana's juice, yea, thine: 25 O Soma, Indu, thou while thou art purified urgest onward speech. 26 Yea, Soma, Indu, while thou art purified do thou bring to us 27 O Indu, Much−invoked, while thou art purifying, as the Friend. 28 Bright are these Somas blent with milk, with light that flashes brilliantly.

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

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

2 Both Gods and men obey this Ruler's order, Gods who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. 3 May our fair praise, heart−born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e'en at his birth, is sweet as hone 4 Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice−worthy. 5 As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, O Agni, as the guardian Lord of riches, 1 EVEN to him, swift, strong and high. exalted, I bring my song of praise as dainty viands, 2 Praise, like oblation, I present, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to the Victor. 3 To him then with my lips mine adoration, winning heaven's light, most excellent, I offer, 4 Even for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man who needs it,− 5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as 'twere a horse, through love of glory, 6 Even for him hath Tvastar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle, 7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Visnu had drunk up the draught, he plundered. 8 To him, to Indra, when he slew the Dragon, the Dames, too, Consorts of the Goda, wove praises. 9 Yea, of a truth, his magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of earth, mid−air, and heaven. 10 Through his own strength Indra with bolt of thunder cut piece−meal Vrtra, drier up of waters. 11 The rivers played, through his impetuous splendour, since with his bolt he compassed them on all sides 12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast thy bolt of thunder. 13 Sing with new lauds his exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds of him, yea, him who moveth swiftly, 14 When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm. Set mountains and the whole heaven and earth, tremble for terr 15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what he who rules alone o'er much, electeth. 16 Thus to thee, Indra, yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have brought their prayers to please thee.

2 The Gods infallible all searching found not him, the dear Babe who still is round about us. 3 Because with holy oil the pure Ones, Agni, served thee the very pure three autumn seasons, 4 Making them known to spacious earth and heaven, the holy Ones revealed the powers of Rudra. 5 Nigh they approached, one−minded, with their spouses, kneeling to him adorable paid worship. 6 Soon as the holy beings had discovered the thrice−seven mystic things contained within thee, 7 Thou, Agni, knower of men's works, hast sent us good food in constant course for our subsistence: 8 Knowing the Law, the seven strong floods from heaven, full of good thought, discerned the doors of ric 9 They who approached all noble operations making a path that leads to life immortal, 10 When Gods immortal made both eyes of heaven, they gave to him the gift of beauteous glory. No

2 Thou at thy birth didst fill both earth and heaven, yea, Most Adorable, thou didst exceed them. 3 Both Heaven and Earth and Gods who should be worshipped establish thee as Priest for every dwelling, 4 Firm in the Gods' home is the Mighty seated, between vast Heaven and Earth the well−beloved− 5 Great are the deeds of thee, the Great, O Agni: thou by thy power hast spread out earth and heaven. 6 Bind to the pole with cords of holy Order the long−maned ruddy steeds who sprinkle fatness. 7 Even from the sky thy brilliant lights shone hither: still hast thou beamed through many a radiant morni 8 The Gods who take delight in air's wide region, or those the dwellers in heaven's realm of brightness, 9 With these, borne on one ear, Agni, approach us, or borne on many, for thy steeds are able. 10 He is the Priest at whose repeated worship even wide Heaven and Earth sing out for increase. 11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels. 2 The Male who dwells in heaven hath Mares and Milchkine: he came to Goddesses who bring sweet 3 Wise Master, wealthy finder−out of riches, he mounted those who may with case be guided. 4 Strength−giving streams bear hither him eternal, fain to support the mighty work. of Tvastar. 5 They know the red Bull's blessing, and are joyful under the flaming−coloured Lord's dominion: 6 Yea, by tradition from the ancient sages they brought great strength from the two mighty Parents, 7 Seven holy singers guard with five Adhvaryus the Bird's beloved firmly−settled station. 8 I crave the grace of heaven's two chief Invokers: the seven swift steeds joy in their wonted manner. 9 The many seek the great Steed as a stallion: the reins obey the Lord of varied colour. 10 Rich Lord, the Mornings have gleamed forth in splendour, fair−rayed, fair−speaking, worshipped with 11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.

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

2 For thou at first producest for the holy Gods the noblest of all portions, immor−tality: 3 If we, men as we are, have sinned against the Gods through want of thought, in weakness, or through 4 None may impede that power of Savitar the God whereby he will maintain the universal world. 5 To lofty hills thou sendest those whom Indra leads, and givest fixed abodes with houses unto these. H

2 For they have won unbroken sway in full perfection, power divine. 3 Therefore we praise you that your cars may travel far in front of ours− 4 And ye show wMom, Wondrous Gods with fulness of intellIgence. 5 This is the Law sublime, O Earth: to aid the Rsis' toil for fame 6 Mitra, ye Gods with wandering eyes, would that the worshippers and we

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

be thou born in the heavens or born in floods, 29 Yea, all the people, all the folk who have good dwellings, each apart, 30 O Agni, so may we, devout, gazed at by men, throughout our days, 31 We venerate with cheerful hearts the cheerful Agni, dear to all, 32 So thou, O Agni rich in light, beaming like Surya with thy rays 33 We pray to thee for this thy gift, Victor the gift that faileth not,

2 The truthful Deities, the Three−and−Thirty, saw you approach before the Ever−Truthful. 3 Asvins, that work of yours deserves our wonder,−the Bull of heaven and earth and air's mid region; 4 Here is your portion laid for you, ye Holy: come to these songs of ours, O ye Nasatyas.

2 The Morning knows all precious things, the Goddess knows her grace to man: 3 We have accepted thousands from Dhvasra's and Purusanti's hands: 4 From whom we have accepted thus thousands and three times ten beside:

2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Saryanavan, of the Hills and Mother 3 May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and 4 May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for 5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us th 6 Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze. 7 Send us to−day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth. 8 Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it! 9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing−stones, and perfecting the hymn. 10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests,− 11 Come hither, O Adityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive. 12 Adityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise−worthy, prosperous, our heroes' sure defen 13 This day may all the Maruts, all he near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled. 14 He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction,

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 Bring forth the God with song divine, being Jatavedas hitherward, 3 He here, a God−devoted Priest, led forward comes to sacrifice. 4 This Agni rescues from distress, as 'twere from the Immortal Race,