Rig Veda on Family

2 Readily have the purple beams of light shot up; the Red Cows have they harnessed, easy to be yoked. 3 They sing their song like women active in their tasks, along their common path hither from far away, 4 She, like a dancer, puts her broidered garments on: as a cow yields her udder so she bares her breast. 5 We have beheld the brightness of her shining; it spreads and drives away the darkiorne monster. 6 We have o'erpast the limit of this darkness; Dawn breaking forth again brings clear perception. 7 The Gotamas have praised Heaven's radiant Daughter, the leader of the charm of pleasant voices. 8 O thou who shinest forth in wondrous glory, urged onward by thy strength, auspicious Lady, 9 Bending her looks on all the world, the Goddess shines, widely spreading with her bright eye westward. 10 Ancient of days, again again born newly, decking her beauty with the self−same raiment. 11 She hath appeared discovering heaven's borders: to the far distance she drives off her Sister. 12 The bright, the blessed One shines forth extending her rays like kine, as a flood rolls his waters. 13 O Dawn enriched with ample wealth, bestow on us the wondrous gift 14 Thou radiant mover of sweet sounds, with wealth of horses and of kine 15 O Dawn enriched with holy rites, yoke to thy car thy purple steeds, 16 O Asvins wonderful in act, do ye unanimous direct 17 Ye who brought down the hymn from heaven, a light that giveth light to man, 18 Hither may they who wake at dawn bring, to drink Soma both the Gods

2 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. 3 Hero of Heroes, Agni! Thou art Indra, thou art Visnu of the Mighty Stride, adorable: 4 Agni, thou art King Varuna whose laws stand fast; as Mitra, Wonder−Worker, thou must be implored. 5 Thou givest strength, as Tvastar, to the worshipper: thou wielding Mitra's power hast kinship with the 6 Rudra art thou, the Asura of mighty heaven: thou art the Maruts' host, thou art the Lord of food, 7 Giver of wealth art thou to him who honours thee; thou art God Savitar, granter of precious things. 8 To thee, the people's Lord within the house, the folk press forward to their King most graciously incline 9 Agni, men seek thee as a Father with their prayers, win thee, bright−formed, to brotherhood with holy a 10 A Rbhu art thou, Agni, near to be adored thou art the Sovran Lord of foodful spoil and wealth. 11 Thou, God, art Aditi to him who offers gifts: thou, Hotri, Bharati, art strengthened by the song. 12 Thou, Agni, cherished well, art highest vital power; in thy delightful hue are glories visible. 13 Thee, Agni, have the Adityas taken as their mouth; the Bright Ones have made thee, O Sage, to be thei 14 By thee, O Agni, all the Immortal guileless Gods cat with thy mouth the oblation that is offered them. 15 With these thou art united, Agni; yea thou, God of noble birth, surpassest them in majesty, 16 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon graced with kine an

2 May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart−gladdening son, my song that lauds her. 3 In spirit him, the Sagest of the Sages; with sacrificial oil and meath bedew him 4 With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, prosperity, Lord of Bays! and pious patrons; 5 God Bhaga, Savitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they who conquer Vrtra's treasures, 6 Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor whom the Maruts follow. 7 Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brhaspati distributor of treasures, 8 Tended, Brhaspati, with thy protections, the princes are unharmed and girt by heroes. 9 Make their wealth flee who, through our hymns enjoying their riches, yield us not an ample guerdon. 10 With wheelless chariots drive down him, O Maruts, who at the feasts of Gods regards the demons. 11 Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord of every balm that bealeth. 12 May the House−friends, the cunning−handed Artists, may the Steer's Wives, the streams carved out by 13 My newest song, thought that now springs within me, I offer to the Great, the Sure Protector, 14 Now, even now, may thy fair praise, O Singer, attain Idaspati who roars and thunders, 15 May this my laud attain the troop of Maruts, those who are youths in act, the Sons of Rudra. 16 May this my laud reach earth and air's mid−region, and forest trees and plants to win me riches. 17 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 18 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

2 For unto thee, O Angiras, O Son of Strength, move ladles in the sacrifice. 3 Agni, thou art Disposer, Sage, Herald, bright God! and worshipful, 4 Most Youthful and Eternal, bring the longing Gods to me, the guileless, for the feast. 5 Famed art thou, Agni, far and wide, Preserver, righteous, and a Sage. 6 Shine, Most Resplendent! blaze, send bliss unto the folk, and to thy worshipper 7 O Agni, as thou burnest down to earth even high−grown underwood, 8 Give us not as a prey to mortal enemy, nor to the wicked friend of fiends. 9 Protect us, Agni, through the first, protect us through the second hymn, 10 Preserve us from each fiend who brings the Gods no gift, preserve thou us in deeds of strength: 11 O Holy Agni, give us wealth renowned with men and strengthening life. 12 Wherewith we may o'ercome our rivals in the war, o'erpowering the foe's designs. 13 Agni is even as a bull who whets and brandishes his horns. 14 Not to be stayed, O Bull, O Agni, are thy teeth when thou art spreading far and wide. 15 Thou liest in the wood: from both thy Mothers mortals kindle thee. 16 And so the seven priests, O Agni, worship thee, Free−giver, Everlasting One. 17 For you let us whose grass is trimmed call Agni, Agni, restless God. 18 Agni, with noble psalm that tells his wish he dwells, thinking on thee who guardest him. 19 Agni, Praise−singer! Lord of men, God burner−up of Raksasas, 20 Let no fiend come among us, O thou rich in light, no spell of those who deal in spells.

2 Drawn by thy team, O Vayu, come; to thee is offered this, the pure. 3 Indra and Vayu, drawn by teams, ye Heroes, come today and drink. 4 This Soma hath been shed for you, Lawstrengtheners, Mitra−Varuna! 5 Both Kings who never injure aught seat them in their supremest home, 6 Fed with oblation, Sovran Kings, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts. 7 With kine, Nasatyas, and with steeds, come, Asvins, Rudras, to the house 8 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar nor standing nigh to us may harm, 9 As such, O longed−far Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied sort, 10 Verily Indra, conquering all, driveth e'en mighty fear away, 11 Indra be gracious unto us: sin shall not reach us afterward, 12 From all the regions of the world let Indra send security, 13 O all ye Gods, come hitherward: hear this mine invocation, seat 14 Among ihe gunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught. 15 Ye Martus led by Indra, Gods with Pri§an for your bounteousest, 16 Best Mother, best of Rivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvati, We are, as 'twere, of no repute and dear Mot 17 In thee, Sarasvati, divine, all generations have their stay. 18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvati, these prayers of ours, 19 Ye who bless sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you both, 20 This our.effectual sacrifice, reaching the sky, shall Heaven and Earth 21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit them down 2 Let not the falcon kill thee, nor the eagle let not the arrow−bearing archer reach thee. 3 Bringing good tidings, Bird of happy omen, call thou out loudly southward of our dwellings,

2 Lord of Bay Steeds, fair−helmed, rejoice thee: this we crave. Here the disposers wait on thee. 3 Turning, as 'twere, to meet the Sun, enjoy from Indra all good things. 4 Praise him who sends us wealth, whose bounties injure none: good are the gifts which Indra. grants. 5 Thou in thy battles, Indra, art subduer of all hostile bands. 6 The Earth and Heaven clung close to thy victorious might as to their calf two mother−cows. 7 Bring to your aid the Eternal One, who shoots and none may shoot at him, 8 Arranger of things unarranged, e'en Satakratu, source of might, 2 The food of meath in foremost place I give thee, thy Soma shall be pressed, thy share appointed. 3 Striving for strength bring forth a laud to Indra, a truthful hymn if he in truth existeth. 4 Here am I, look upon me here, O singer. All that existeth 1 surpass in greatness. 5 When the Law's lovers mounted and ap. proached me as 1 sate lone upon the dear sky's summit. 6 All these thy deeds must be declared at Soma−feasts, wrought, Indra, Bounteous Lord, for him who she 7 Now run ye forth your several ways: he is not here who kept you back. 8 On−rushing with the speed of thought within the iron fort he pressed: 9 Deep in the ocean lies the bolt with waters compassed round about, 10 When, uttering words which no one comprehended, Vak, Queen of Gods, the Gladdener, was seated, 11 The Deities generated Vak the Goddess, and animals of every figure speak her. 12 Step forth with wider stride, my comrade Visnu; make room, Dyaus, for the leaping of the lightning.

2 For worthy of obeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of adoration and of sacrifice. 3 I will rejoice in these Adityas for my weal, for whom the Mother pours forth water rich in balm, 4 Looking on men, ne'er slumbering, they by their deserts attained as Gods to lofty immortality. 5 Great Kings who bless us, who have come to sacrifice, who, ne'er assailed, have set their mansion in the 6 Who offereth to you the laud that ye accept, O ye All−Gods of Manu, many as ye are? 7 Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered the first oblation with his heart and soul, 8 Wise Deities, who have dominion o'er the world, ye thinkers over all that moves not and that moves, 9 In battles we invoke Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy Host of Heaven who banish grief, 10 Mightily−saving Earth, incomparable Heaven the good guide Aditi who gives secure defence 11 Bless us, all Holy Ones, that we may have your help, guard and protect us from malignant injury. 12 Keep all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, keep off the wicked man's malicious enmity. 13 Untouched by any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following the Law, spreads in his progeny. 14 That which ye guard and grace in battle, O ye Gods, ye Maruts, where the prize is wealth, where heroe 15 Vouchsafe us blessing in our paths and desert tracts, blessing in waters and in battle, for the light; 16 The noblest Svasti with abundant riches, who comes to what is good by distant pathway,− 17 Thus hatb the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, O Aditi and all Adityas,

2 Having gone up on high, the God broadhanded spreads his arms widely forth that all may mark him. 3 Though borne by swift steeds he will yet unyoke them: e'en the fleet chariot hath he stayed from going. 4 What was spread out she weaves afresh, re−weaving: the skilful leaves his labour half−completed. 5 Tlirough various dwellings, through entire existence, spreads, manifest, the household light of Agni. 6 He comes again, unfolded, fain for conquest: at home was he, the love of all things moving. 7 The wild beasts spread through desert places seeking their watery share which thou hast set in waters. 8 With utmost speed, in restless haste at sunset Varuna seeks his watery habitation. 9 Him whose high law not Varuna nor Indra, not Mitra, Aryaman, nor Rudra breaketh, 10 May they who strengthen bliss, and thought and wisdom, and the Dames' Lord and Narasamsa aid us. 11 So come to us our hearts' desire, the bounty bestowed by thee, from heaven and earth and waters, 2 Moving at morning like two chr−borne heroes, like to a pair of goats ye come electing; 3 Like to a pair of horns come first to usward, like to a pair of hoofs with rapid motion; 4 Bear us across the rivers like two vessels, save us as ye were yokes, naves, spokes and fellies. 5 Like two winds ageing not, two confluent rivers, come with quick vision like two eyes before us. 6 Even as two lips that with the mouth speak honey, even as two breasts that nourish our existence, 7 Like two hands give ye us increasing vigour; like heaven and earth constrain the airy regions. 8 These prayers of ours exalting you, O Asvins, have the GrtSamadas, for a laud, made ready.

2 The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent. 3 Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni, 4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter, 5 Because thou, Agni, Jatavedas, stoodest at the world's head with thy refulgent splendour, 6 Head of the world is Agni in the night−time; then, as the Sun, at morn springs up and rises. 7 Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent. 8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation. 9 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures, 10 Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vig 11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Surya, Son of Aditi, in heaven, 12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaisvanara to be the days' bright Banner,− 13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaisvanara whom age ne'er touches. 14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaisvanara the ever−beaming, 15 I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals. 16 These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit 17 Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite−leaders? 18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters? 19 As great as is the fair−winged Morning's presence to him who dwells beside us, matarisvan!

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;

2 May Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, and Ayu, Indra Rbhuksan, and the Maruts, love us, 3 You will I call to feed the car−horse, Asvins, with the wind's flight swiftest of those who travel: 4 The heavenly Victor, he whose priest is Kanva, Trta with Dyaus accordant, Vata, Agni, 5 Bring ye your riches forward borne on horses: let thought be framed for help and gain of treasure. 6 Bring hither him who yokes the car, your Vayu, who praises with his songs, the God and Singer; 7 I speed to you with powers that should be honoured, with songs distinguishing Heaven's mighty Daught 8 You I extol, the nourishers of heroes bringing you gifts, Vastospati and Tvastar− 9 Ours be the Parvatas, even they, for offspring, free−moving, who are Heroes like the Vasus. 10 Trta praised him, germ of the earthly hero, with pure songs him the Offspring of the Waters. 11 How shall we speak to the great might of Rudra? How speak to Bhaga who takes thought for riches? 12 May the swift Wanderer, Lord of refreshments listen to our songs, who speeds throuih cloudy heaven: 13 We know your ways, ye Mighty Ones receiving choice meed, ye Wonderful, we will proclaim it. 14 Celestial and terrestrial generations, and Waters will I summon to the feasting. 15 Duly to each one hath my laud been offered. Strong be Varutri with her powers to succour. 16 How may we serve the Liberal Ones with worship, the Maruts swift of course in invocation, the Marut 17 Thus thinking, O ye Gods, the mortal wins you to give him increase of his herds of cattle: the mortal w 18 O Gods, may we obtain from you this favour, strengthening food through the Cow's praise, ye Vasus. 19 May Ila, Mother of the herds of cattle, and Urvasi with all the streams accept us;

4 The new−born Vrtra−slayer asked his Mother, as he seized his shaft, 5 Savasi answered, He who seeks thine enmity will battle like 6 And hear, O Maghavan; to him who craves of thee thou grantest all 7 What time the Warrior Indra goes to battle, borne by noble steeds, 8 Repel, O Thunder−armed, in all directions all attacks on us: 9 May Indra set our car in front, in foremost Place to win the spoil, 10 Thine enmity may we escape, and, gakra, for thy bounty, rich 11 Softly approaching, Thunder−armed wealthy by hundreds, rich in steeds, 12 For thine exalted excellence gives to thy worshippers each day 13 Indra, we know thee breaker−down even of trong forts, winner of spoil, 14 Though thou art highest, Sage and Bold let the drops cheer thee when we come 15 Bring unto us the treasure of the opulent man who, loth to give, 16 Indra, these friends of ours, supplied with Soma, wait and look to thee, 17 And thee who art not deaf, whose cars are quick to listen, for our aid, 18 When thou hast listened, make our call one which thou never wilt forget, 19 When even now, when we have been in trouble, we have thought of thee, 20 O Lord of Strength, we rest on thee, as old men rest upon a staff: 21 To Indra sing a song of praise, Hero of mighty valour, him 22 Hero, the Soma being shed, I pour the juice for thee to drink: 23 Let not the fools, or those who mock beguile thee when they seek thine aid 24 Here let them with rich milky draught cheer thee to great munificence: 25 Proclaim in our assemblies what deeds, new and ancient, far away, 26 In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank Kadru's Soma juice:

1 STRONG are the Somas; come thou nigh; these juices have been mixt with milk: 2 Both Deities who touch the heaven, Indra and Vayu we invoke 3 The singers' for their aid, invoke Indra and Vayu, swift as mind, 4 Mitra and Varupa, renowned as Gods of consecrated might, 5 Those who by Law uphold the Law, Lords of the shining light of Law, 6 Let Varuna be our chief defence, let Mitra guard us with all aids 7 Indra, by Maruts girt, we call to drink the Soma juice: may he 8 Gods, Marut hosts whom Indra leads, distributers of Pusan's gifts, 9 With conquering Indra for ally, strike Vrtra down, ye bounteous Gods 10 We call the Universal Gods, and Maruts to the Soma draught, 11 Fierce comes the Maruts' thundering voice, like that of conquerors, when ye go 12 Born of the laughing lightning. may the Maruts guard us everywhere 13 Like some lost animal, drive to us, bright Pusan, him who bears up heaven, 14 Pusan the Bright has found the King, concealed and bidden in a cave, 15 And may he. duly bring to me the six bound closely, through these drops, 16 Along their paths the Mothers go, Sisters of priestly ministrants, 17 May Waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, 18 I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; 19 Amrit is in the Waters in the Waters there is healing balm 20 Within the Waters−Soma thus hath told me−dwell all balms that heal, 21 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, 22 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought. 23 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: 24 Fill me with splendour, Agni; give offspring and length of days; the Gods

2 The Fair, the Bright is come with her white offspring; to her the Dark One hath resigned her dwelling. 3 Common, unending is the Sisters' pathway; taught by the Gods, alternately they travel. 4 Bright leader of glad sounds, our eyes behold her; splendid in hue she hath unclosed the portals. 5 Rich Dawn, she sets afoot the coiled−up sleeper, one for enjoyment, one for wealth or worship, 6 One to high sway, one to exalted glory, one to pursue his gain, and one his labour: 7 We see her there, the Child of Heaven apparent, the young Maid, flushing in her shining raiment. 8 She first of endless morns to come hereafter, follows the path of morns that have departed. 9 As thou, Dawn, hast caused Agni to be kindled, and with the Sun's eye hast revealed creation. 10 How long a time, and they shall be together,−Dawns that have shone and Dawns to shine hereafter? 11 Gone are the men who in the days before us looked on the rising of the earlier Morning. 12 Foe−chaser, born of Law, the Law's protectress, joy−giver waker of all pleasant voices, 13 From days eternal hath Dawn shone, the Goddess, and shows this light to−day, endowed with riches. 14 In the sky's borders hath she shone in splendour: the Goddess hath thrown off the veil of darkness. 15 Bringing all life−sustaining blessings with her, showing herself she sends forth brilliant lustre. 16 Arise! the breath, the life, again hath reached us: darkness hath passed away and light approacheth. 17 Singing the praises of refulgent Mornings with his hymn's web the priest, the poet rises. 18 Dawns giving sons all heroes, kine and horses, shining upon the man who brings oblations,− 19 Mother of Gods, Aditi's forui of glory, ensign of sacrifice, shine forth exalted. 20 Whatever splendid wealth the Dawns bring with them to bless the man who offers praise and worship,

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 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 East have we turned the rite; may the hymn aid it. With wood and worship shall they honour Agni. 3 The Prudent, he whose will is pure, brought welfare, allied by birth to Heaven and Earth in kinship. 4 Him, Blessed One, the Seven strong Floods augmented, him white at birth and red when waxen mighty. 5 Spreading with radiant limbs throughout the region, purging his power with wise purifications, 6 He sought heaven's Mighty Ones, the unconsuming, the unimpaired, not clothed and yet not naked. 7 His piles, assuming every form, are scattered where flow sweet waters, at the spring of fatness; 8 Carefully cherished, Son of Strength, thou shoncst assuming lasting and refulgent beauties. 9 From birth he knew even his Father's bosom, he set his voices and his streams in motion; 10 He nursed the Infant of the Sire and Maker: alone the Babe sucked many a teeming bosom. 11 The Mighty One increased in space unbounded; full many a glorious flood gave strength to Agni. 12 As keen supporter where great waters gather, light−shedder whom the brood rejoice to look on; 13 Him, varied in his form, the lovely Infant of floods and plants the blessed wood hath gendered. 14 Like brilliant lightnings, mighty luminaries accompany the light−diffusing Agni, 15 I sacrificing serve thee with oblations and crave with longing thy good−will and friendship. 16 May we, O Agni, thou who leadest wisely, thy followers and masters of all treasures, 17 Ensign of Gods hast thou become, O Agni, joy−giver, knower of all secret wisdom. 18 Within the house hath sate the King immortal of mortals, filling full their sacred synods. 19 Come unto us with thine auspicious friendship, come speeding, Mighty, with thy mighty succours. 20 To thee who art of old these songs, O Agni, have I declared, the ancient and the later. 21 Stablished in every birth is Jatavedas, kindled perpetual by the Visvamitras. 22 This sacrifice of ours do thou, O Mighty, O truly Wise, bear to the Gods rejoicing.

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 Stay still, O Maghavan, advance no farther. a draught of well−pressed Soma will I give thee. 3 Adhvaryu, sing we both; sing thou in answer: make we a laud acceptable to Indra. 4 A wife, O Maghavan is home and dwelling: so let thy Bay Steeds yoked convey thee hither. 5 Depart, O Maghavan;again come hither: both there and here thy goat is Indra, Brother, 6 Thou hast drunk Soma, Indra, turn thee homeward; thy joy is in thy home, thy racious Consort; 7 Bounteous are these, Angirases, Virupas: the Asura's Heroes and the Sons of Heaven. 8 Maghavan weareth every shape at pleasure, effecting magic changes in his body, 9 The mighty sage, God−born and God−incited, who looks on men, restrained the billowy river. 10 Like swans, prepare a song of praise with pressing−stones, glad in your hymns with juice poured forth 11 Come forward, Kusikas, and be attentive; let loose Sudas's horse to win him riches. 12 Praises to Indra have I sung, sustainer of this earth and heaven. This prayer of Visvamitra keeps secure 13 The Visvamitras have sung forth this prayer to Indra Thunder−aimed: 14 Among the Kikatas what do thy cattle? They pour no milky draught, they heat no caldron. 15 Sasarpari, the gift of Jamadagnis, hath lowed with mighty voice dispelling famine. 16 Sasarpari brought glory speedily to these, over the generations of the Fivefold Race; 17 Strong be the pair of oxen, firm the axles, let not the pole slip nor the yoke be broken. 18 O Indra, give our bodies strength, strength to the bulls who draw the wains, 19 Enclose thee in the heart of Khayar timber, in the car wrought of Sinsapa put firmness. 20 Let not this sovran of the wood leave us forlorn or injure us. 21 With various aids this day come to us, Indra, with best aids speed us, Maghavan, thou Hero. 22 He heats his very axe, and then cuts a mere Semal blossom off. 23 Men notice not the arrow, O ye people; they bring the red beast deeming it a bullock.

2 As rapid chariot−steeds, so turned in several ways have thine exhilarating juices darted forth, 3 Like a steed urged to battle, finder of the light; speed onward to the cloud−born reservoir of heaven, 4 Fleet as swift steeds, thy drops, divine, thought−swift, have been, O Pavamana, poured with milk into th 5 O thou who seest all things, Sovran as thou art and passing strong, thy rays encompass all abodes. 6 The beams of Pavamana, sent from earth and heaven, his ensigns who is ever steadfast, travel round. 7 Served with fair rites he flows, ensign of sacrifice: Soma advances to the special place of Gods. 8 The Sovran dips him in the seain and the streams, and set in rivers with the waters' wave moves on. 9 He on whose high decree the heavens and earth depend nath roared and thundered like the summit of th 10 He, light of sacrifice distils delicious meath, most wealthy, Father and begetter of the Gods. 11 The vigorous and far−seeing one, the Lord of heaven, flows, shouting to the beaker, with his thousand 12 In forefront of the rivers Pavamana speeds, in forefront of the hymn, foremost among the kine. 13 This heedful Pavamana, like a bird sent forth, hath with his wave flowed onward to the fleecy sieve. 14 He, clad in mail that reaches heaven, the Holy One, filling the firmament stationed amid the worlds, 15 He who was first of all to penetrate his form bestowed upon his race wide shelter and defence. 16 Indu hath started for Indra's special place and slights not as a Friend the promise of his Friend. 17 Your songs, exhilarating, tuneful, uttering praise, are come into the placns where the people meet. 18 O Soma, Indu, while they cleanse thee, pour on us accumulateds Plentiful, nutritious food, 19 Far−seeing Soma flows, the Steer, the Lord of hymns, the Furtherer of day, of morning, and of heaven. 20 On, with the prudent singers, flows the ancient Sage and guided by the men hath roared about the vats.

21 He, being purified, hath made the Mornings shine: this, even this is he who gave the rivers room. 22 Flow, onward, Soma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, Indu, poured within the beaker and the sieve. 23 Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, O Indu, entering the depths of Indra's throat. 24 In thee, O Soma, while thou purifitedst thee, high−thoughted sages, seeking favour, have rejoiced. 25 Seven Milch−kine glorify the Tawny−coloured One while with his wave in wool he purifies himself. 26 Indu, attaining purity, plunges through the foe, making Ilis ways all easy for the pious man. 27 The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams sing, as they hasten near, to him the 28 These are thy generations of celestial seed thou art the Sovran Lord of all the world of life. 29 Thou art the sea, O Sage who bringest alf to light: under thy Law are these five regions of the world. 30 Thou in the filter, Soma Pavamana, art purified to support the region for the Gods. 31 Onward the Singer travels o'er the fleecy sieve. the Tawny Steer hath bellowed in the wooden vats. 32 He hath assumed the rays of Surya for his robe, spinning, as he knows bow, the triply−twisted thread. 33 On flows the King of rivers and the Lord of heaven: he follows with a shout the paths of Holy Law. 34 Fain to be cleansed, thou, Pavamana, pourest out, like wondrous Surya, through the fleece, an ample se 35 Thou, Pavamana, sendest food and power in streams. thou sittest in the beakers as a hawk on trees, 36 The Sisters Seven, the Mothers, stand around the Babe, the noble, new−born Infant, skilled in holy son 37 As Sovran Lord thereof thou Passest through these worlds, O Indu, harnessing thy tawny well−winged 38 O Soma, thou beholdest men from every side: O Pavamana, Steer, thou wanderest through these. 39 Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as impregner, Indu, mid the worlds of life.

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

2 Then Will I, when I lead my friends to battle against the radiant persons of the godless, 3 I know not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slain the godless in the battle. 4 While yet my deeds of might were unrecorded, all passed for Maghavans though I existed. 5 None hinder me in mine heroic exploits, no, not the mountains when I will and purpose. 6 To see the Indraless oblation−drinkers, mean offerers, o'ertaken by destruction! 7 Thou wast, thou grewest to full vital vigour: an earlier saw, a later one shall see thee. 8 The freed kine eat the barley of the pious. 1 saw them as they wandered with the herdsman. 9 When we who cat the grass of men are gathered I am with barley−eaters in the corn−land. 10 There wilt thou hold as true my spoken purpose, to bring together quadrupeds. and bipeds. 11 When a man's daughter hath been ever eyeless, who, knowing, will be wroth with her for blindness? 12 How many a maid is pleasing to the suitor who fain would marry for her splendid riches? 13 His feet have grasped: he eats the man who meets him. Around his head he sets the head for shelter. 14 High, leafless, shadowless, and swift is Heaven: the Mother stands, the Youngling, loosed, is feeding. 15 Seven heroes from the nether part ascended, and from the upper part came eight together. 16 One of the ten, the tawny, shared in common, they send to execute their final purpose. 17 The Heroes dressed with fire the fatted wether: the dice were thrown by way of sport and gaming. 18 Crying aloud they ran in all directions: One half of them will cook, and not the other. 19 I saw a troop advancing from the distance moved, not by wheels but their own God−like nature. 20 These my two Bulls, even Pramara's, are harnessed: drive them not far; here let them often linger. 21 This is the thunderbolt which often whirleth down from the lofty misty realm of Surya.

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 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.

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

21 I praise with song the Friend of man, whom Gods sent down to be herald and messenger, 22 Thou unto sharp−toothed Agni, Young and Radiant God, proclaimest with thy song the feast− 23 While, served with sacrificial oil, now upward and now downward Agni moves his sword, 24 The God, the Friend of man, who bears our gifts to heaven, the God with his sweet−smelling mouth, 25 Son of Strength, Agni, if thou wert the mortal, bright as Mitra, I worshipped with our gifts! 26 I would not give thee up, Vasu, to calumny, or misery, O Bounteous One. 27 Like a son cherished in his father's houi§e, let our oblation rise unto the Gods. 28 With thine immediate aid may I, excellent Agni, ever gain my wish 29 O Agni, by thy wisdom, by thy bounties, by thy leading may I gather wealth. 30 Agni, he conquers by thine aid that brings him store of noble heroes and great strength, 31 Thy spark is black and crackling, kindled in due time, O Bounteous, it is taken up. 32 We Sobharis have come to him, for succour, who is good to help with thousand powers, 33 O Agni, thou on whom all other fires depend, as branches on the parent stem, 34 The mortal whom, Adityas, ye, Guilelew, lead to the farther bank 35 Whoe'er he be, Man−ruling Kings! the Regent of the race of men− 36 A gift of fifty female slaves hath Trasadasyu given me, Purukutsa's son, 37 And Syava too for me led forth a strong steed at Suvastu's ford: 2 Maruts, Rbhuksans, Rudras come ye with your cars strong−fellied and exceeding bright. 3 For well we know the vigorous might of Rudra's Sons, the Martits, who are passing strong, 4 Islands are bursting forth and misery is stayed: the heaven and earth are joined in one. 5 Even things immovable shake and reel, the mountains and the forest trees at your approach, 6 To lend free course, O Maruts, to your furious rush, heaven high and higher still gives way, 7 After their Godlike nature they, the bull.

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

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

2 I, Indra, am Atharvan's stay and firm support: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon's grasp. 3 For me hath Tvastar forged the iron thunderbolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power. 4 I won myself these herdi of cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt. 5 Indra am I none ever wins my wealth from me never at any time am I a thrall to death. 6 These, breathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused Indra to bring his bolt of thunder to the fray, 8 Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him mid the folk like Vrtra−conquering strength, 9 With food for mine enjoyment Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine. 10 One of the two hath Soma, seen within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other. 11 I, as a God, ne'er violate the statutes of Gods, of Vasus, Rudriyas, Adityas. 2 The People of the heavens, the waters, and the earth have stablished me among the Gods with Indra's na 3 With deadly blows I smote Atka for Kavi's sake; I guarded Kutsa well with these saving helps. 4 Smadibha, Tugra, and the Vetasus I gave as prey to Kutsa, father−like, to succour him. 5 I gave up Mrgaya to Srutarvan as his prey because he ever followed me and kept my laws. 6 1, I crushed Navavastva of the lofty car, the Dasa, as the Vrtra−slayer kills the fiends; 7 I travel round about borne onward in my might by the fleet−footed dappled Horses of the Sun. 8 Stronger am I than Nabus, I who slew the seven: I glorified with might Yadu and Turvaga. 9 Bull over all the streams that flow along the earth, I took the Seven Rivers as mine own domain. 10 I set within these cows the white milk which no God, not even Tvastar's self, had there deposited,− 11 Even thus hath Indra Maghavan, truly bounteous, sped Gods and men with mighty operation.

2 Borne on by rapid steeds of mighty pinion, or proudly trusting in the Gods' incitements. 3 Yea, Asvins, as a dead man leaves his riches, Tugra left Bhujyu in the cloud of waters. 4 Bhujyu ye bore with winged things, Nasatyas, which for three nights, three days full swiftly travelled, 5 Ye wrought that hero exploit in the ocean which giveth no support, or hold or station, 6 The white horse which of old ye gave Aghasva, Asvins, a gift to be his wealth for ever,− 7 O Heroes, ye gave wisdom to Kaksivan who sprang from Pajra's line, who sang your praises. 8 Ye warded off with cold the fire's fierce burning; food very rich in nouripliment ye furnished. 9 Ye lifted up the well, O ye Nasatyas, and set the base on high to open downward. 10 Ye from the old Cyavana, O Nasatyas, stripped, as 'twere mail, the skin upon 11 Worthy of praise and worth the winning, Heroes, is that your favouring succour O Nasatyas, 12 That mighty deed of yours, for gain, O Heroes, as thunder heraldeth the rain, I publish, 13 In the great rite the wise dame called, Nasatyas, you, Lords of many treasures, to assist her. 14 Ye from the wolf's jaws, as ye stood together, set free the quail, O Heroes, O Nasatyas. 15 When in the time of night, in Khela's battle, a leg was severed like a wild bird's pinion, 16 His father robbed Rjrasva of his eyesight who for the she−wolf slew a hundred wethers. 17 The Daughter of the Sun your car ascended, first reaching as it were the goal with coursers. 18 When to his house ye came, to Divodasa, hasting to Bharadvaja, O ye Asvins, 19 Ye, bringing wealth with rule, and life with offspring, life rich in noble heroes; O Nasatyas, 20 Ye bore away at night by easy pathways Jahusa compassed round on every quarter, 21 One morn ye strengthened Vaga for the battle, to gather spoils that might be told in thousands. 22 From the deep well ye raised on high the water, so that Rcatka's son, Sara, should drink it; 23 To Visvaka, Nasatyas!

1 WHY hath the Best, why hath the Youngest come to us? Upon what embassy comes he? What have we 2 The chalice that is single make ye into four: thus have the Gods commanded; therefore am I come. 3 What to the envoy Agni in reply ye spake, A courser must be made, a chariot fashioned here, 4 When thus, O Rbhus, ye had done ye questioned thus, Whither went he who came to us a messenger? 5 As Tvastar thus had spoken, Let us slay these men who have reviled the chalice, drinking−cup of Gods, 6 Indra hath yoked his Bays, the Asvins' car is horsed, Brhaspati hath brought the Cow of every hue. 7 Ye by your wisdom brought a cow from out a hide; unto that ancient Pair ye gave again their youth. 8 Drink ye this water, were the words ye spake to them; or drink ye this, the rinsing of the Munja−grass. 9 Most excellent are waters, thus said one of you; most excellent is Agni, thus another said. 10 One downward to the water drives the crippled cow, another trims the flesh brought on the carving−bo 11 On the high places ye have made the grass for man, and water in the valleys, by your skill, O Men. 12 As, compassing them round, ye glided through the worlds, where had the venerable Parents their abod 13 When ye had slept your fill, ye Rbhus, thus ye asked, O thou whom naught may hide, who now hath 14 The Maruts move in heaven, on earth this Agni; through the mid−firmament the Wind approaches. 2 What time they bear before the Courser, covered with trappings and with wealth, the grasped oblation, 3 Dear. to all Gods, this goat, the share of Pusan, is first led forward with the vigorous Courser, 4 When thrice the men lead round the Steed, in order, who goeth to the Gods as meet oblation, 5 Invoker, ministering priest, atoner, fire−kindler Soma−presser, sage, reciter, 6 The hewers of the post and those who carry it, and those who carve the knob to deck the Horse's stake; 7 Forth, for the regions of the Gods, the Charger with his smooth back is come my prayer attends him.

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.

2 To him sang forth the flowing streams of Holy Law, encompassed in the home and birth−place of the G 3 Seeking in course altern to reach the selfsame end the two copartners strive to win this beauteous form. 4 He whom the two copartners with observance tend, the pair who dwell together in the same abode, 5 Him the ten fingers, the devotions. animate: we mortals call on him a God to give us help. 6 For, Agni, like a herdsman, thou by thine own might rulest o'er all that is in heaven and on the earth; 7 Agni, accept with joy, be glad in this our prayer, joy−giver, self−sustained, strong, born of Holy Law!

2 With this hymn let us honour thee, seeker of horses, Son of Strength, 3 As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth−lover, giver of our wealth! 4 Be thou for us a liberal Prince, giver and Lord of precious things. 5 Such as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which no man may resist: 6 To him who lauds thee, craving help, most youthful envoy! through our song, 7 Between both races, Agni, Sage, well skilled thou passest to and fro, 8 Befriend us thou as knowing all. Sage, duly worship thou the Gods,

2 Envoy art thou, protector from the foeman, strong God, thou leadest us to higher blessings. 3 May we adore thee in thy loftiest birthplace, and, with our praises, in thy lower station. 4 Agni, best Priest, pay worship with oblation; quickly commend the gift to be presented; 5 The twofold opulence, O Wonder−Worker, of thee new−born each day never decreases.

2 May these rites please you in your heart and spirit; may the drops clothed in oil this day approach you. 3 Your threefold going near is God−appointed, so praise is given you, Vajas and Rbhuksans. 4 Strong, with fair chains of gold and jaws of iron, ye have a splendid car and well−fed horses. 5 Rbhuksans! him, for handy wealth, the mightiest comrade in the fight, 6 The mortal man whom, Rbhus, ye and Indra favour with your help, 7 O Vajas and Rbhuksans, free for us the paths to sacrifice, 8 O Vajas and Rbhuksans, ye Nasatyas, Indra, bless this wealth,

2 Most frequent guests, they scorn not what is ready: even now the lauded Asvins are beside us. 3 Yea, come at milking−time, at early morning, at noon of day and when the Sun is setting, 4 For this place, Asvins, was of old your dwelling, these were your houses, this your habitation. 5 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

2 Protector of the Home, be our promoter: increase our wealth in kine and steeds, O Indu. 3 Through thy dear fellowship that bringeth welfare, may we be victors, Guardian of the Dwelling!

2 I am the banner and the head, a mighty arbitress am I: 3 My Sons are slayers of the foe, my Daughter is a ruling Queen: 4 Oblation, that which Indra gave and thus grew glorious and most high,− 5 Destroyer of the rival wife, Sole Spouse, victorious, conqueror, 6 I have subdued as conqueror these rivals, these my fellow−wives,