Rig Veda on Love

2 In love thou madest Usas glow, in love thou madest Surya shine. 3 The heaven with streams of golden hue, earth with her tints of green and gold− 4 When born to life the golden Bull illumines all the realm of light. 5 The bright, the well−loved thunderbolt, girt with the bright, Indra disclosed,

2 For thou art offering−bearer and loved messenger, the charioteer of sacrifice: 3 As messenger we choose to−day Agni the good whom many love, 4 Him noblest and most youthful, richly worshipped guest, dear to the men who offer gifts, 5 Thee, Agni, will I glorify, deathless nourisher of the world, 6 Tell good things to thy praiser, O most youthful God, as richly worshipped, honey−tongued, 7 For the men, Agni, kindle thee as all possessor and as Priest; 8 At dawn of day, at night, Usas and Savitar, the Asvins, Bhaga, Agni's self: 9 For, Agni, Lord of sacrifice and messenger of men art thou: 10 Thou shonest forth, O Agni, after former dawns, all visible, O rich in light. 11 Like Manu, we will stablish thee, Agni, performer of the rite, 12 When as the Gods' High Priest, by many loved, thou dost their mission as their nearest Friend, 13 Heat−, Agni, who hast ears to hear, with all thy train of escort Gods; 14 Let those who strengthen Law, who bountiUly give, the life−tongued Maruts, hear our praise. 2 Agni, the Gods who understand give ear unto the worshipper: 3 O Jatavedas, great in act, hearken thou to Praskanva's call, 4 The sons of Priyamedha skilled in lofty praise have called for help 5 Hear thou, invoked withholy oil, bountiful giver of rewards, 6 O Agni, loved by many, thou of fame most wondrous, in their homes 7 Thee, Agni, best to find out wealth, most widely famous, quick to hear, 8 Singers with Soma pressed have made thee, Agni, hasten to the feast, 9 Good, bounteous, Son of Strength, this day seat here on sacred grass the Gods 10 Bring with joint invocations thou, O Agni, the celestial host:

2 For this his mighty deed is Visnu lauded, like some wild beast, dread, prowling, mountain−roaming; 3 Let the hymn lift itself as strength to Visnu, the Bull far−striding, dwelling on the mountains, 4 Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperishable, joy as it may list them, 5 May I attain to that his well−loved mansion where men devoted to the Gods are happy. 6 Fain would we go unto your dwelling−places where there are many−horned and nimble oxen,

2 O Pavamana, urge us forward in the fight thou art the vigour of the Gods, the well−loved drink. 3 Unharmed, best Cheerer, thou, O Indu, flowest on: thou, even thou thyself, art Indra's noblest food. 4 Wondrous, with hundred streams, hymned in a thousand songs, Indu pours out for Indra his delightrul 5 Roaring within the beaker thou art balmed with milk: thou passest through the fleecy filter all at once. 6 Flow onward sweet of flavour for the Heavenly Race, for Indra sweet, whose name is easily invoked: 7 Ten rapid fingers deck the Courser in the jar: with hymns the holy singers send their voices forth. 8 While thou art purified pour on us hero strength, great, far−extended shelter, spacious pasturage. 9 The Steer who sees afar hath risen above the sky: the Sage hath caused the lights of heaven to give their 10 High in the vault of heaven, unceasing, honey−tongued, the Loving Ones drain out the mountain−haun 11 The Loving Ones besought with many voices the Eagle who had flown away to heaven. 12 High to heaven's vault hath the Gandharva risen, beholding all his varied forms and figures.

2 This might of theirs hath no one comprehended. True is the crushing word the sage hath uttered, 3 The Footless Maid precedeth footed creatures. Who marketh, Mitra−Varuna, this your doing? 4 We look on him the darling of the Maidens, always advancing, never falling downward, 5 Unbridled Courser, horn but not of horses, neighing he flieth on with back uplifted. 6 May the milch−kine who favour Mamateya prosper in this world him who loves devotion. 7 Gods, Mitra−Varuna, with love and worship, let me make you delight in this oblation.

2 Shining to him who leaves heaven's regions undisturbed, which to his sheen who is beneath show fair in 3 Truth waits upon oblation present and to come: naught checks him in his way, this vic tory− bringing 4 These come, well−yoked, to you for furtherance in the rite: down come the twinborn strengtheners of L 5 Thou, moving beauteously in visibly pregnant ones, snatching with trees the branching plant that grasps 6 Like as he is beheld such is he said to be. 7 Surya the Sage, as if unwedded, with a Spouse, in battle−loving spirit moveth o'er the foes. 8 Thy name, sung forth by Rsis in these hymns of ours, goes to the loftier One with this swift mover's ligh 9 The chief and best of these abideth in the sea, nor doth libation fail wherein it is prolonged. 10 For it is he: with though to of Ksatra, Manasa, of Yajata, and Sadhri, and Evavada, 11 The Hawk is their full source, girth−stretching rapturous drink of Visvavara, of Mayin, and Yajata. 12 Sadaprna the holy, Tarya, Srutavit, and Bahuvrkta, joined with you, have slain the foes. 13 The worshipper's defender is Sutambhara, producer and uplifter of all holy thoughts. 11 The sacred hymns love him who wakes and watches: to him who watches come the Sama verses. 15 Agni is watchful, and the gcas love him; Agni is watchful, Sama verses seek him.

2 Thou, Indra, heedless passest by the ill Vrsakapi hath wrought; 3 What hath he done to injure thee, this tawny beast Vrsakapi, 4 Soon may the hound who hunts the boar seize him and bite him in the car, 5 Kapi hath marred the beauteous things, all deftly wrought, that were my joy. 6 No Dame hath ampler charms than 1, or greater wealth of love's delights. 7 Mother whose love is quickly wibn, I say what verily will be. 8 Dame with the lovely hands and arms, with broad hair−plaits add ample hips, 9 This noxious creature looks on me as one bereft of hero's love, 10 From olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice. 11 So have I heard Indrani called most fortunate among these Dames, 12 Never, Indralni, have I joyed without my friend Vrsakapi, 13 Wealthy Vrsakapayi, blest with sons and consorts of thy sons, 14 Fifteen in number, then, for me a score of bullocks they prepare, 15 Like as a bull with pointed horn, loud bellowing amid the herds, 18 O Indra this Vrsakapi hath found a slain wild animal, 19 Distinguishing the Dasa and the Arya, viewing all, I go. 20 The desert plains and steep descents, how many leagues in length they spread! 21 Turn thee again Vrsakapi: we twain will bring thee happiness. 22 When, Indra and Vrsakapi, ye travelled upward to your home, 23 Daughter of Manu, Parsu bare a score of children at a birth.

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,

2 When Soma pours the strengthening food a hundred ever−active streams 3 Ten Dames have sung to welcome thee, even as a maiden greets her love: 4 Flow hitherward, O Indu, sweet to Indra and to Visnu: guard

2 Washed by the men, pressed out with stones, strained through the filter made of wool, 3 This juice have we made sweet for thee like barley, blending it with milk. 4 Beloved of all, Indra alone drinks up the flowing Soma juice 5 The Friend, whom not the brilliant−hued, the badly−mixt or bitter draught, 6 While other men than we with milk chase him as hunters chase a deer, 7 For him, for Indra, for the God, be pressed three draughts of Soma juice 8 Three reservoirs exude their drops, filled are three beakers to the brim, 9 Pure art thou, set in many a place, and blended in the midst with milk 10 Here, Indra, are thy Soma−draughts pressed out by us, the strong, the pure: 11 O Indra, pour in milk, prepare the cake, and mix the Soma−draught. 12 Quaffed juices fight within the breast. The drunken praise not by their wine, 13 Rich be the praiser of one rich, munificent and famed like thee: 14 Foe of the man who adds no milk, he heeds not any chanted hymn 15 Give us not, Indra, as a prey unto the scornful or the proud: 16 This, even this, O Indra, we implore. as thy devoted friends, 17 Naught else, O Thunderer, have I praised in the skilled singer's eulogy: 18 The Gods seek him who presses out the Soma; they desire not sleep 19 Come hither swift with gifts of wealth − be not thou angry with us−like 20 Let him not, wrathful with us, spend the evening far from us to−day, 21 For well we know this Hero's love, most liberal of the boons he gives, 22 Pour forth the gift which Kanvas bring, for none more glorious do we know 23 O presser, offer Soma first to Indra, Hero, Sakra, him 24 Who, in untroubled ways, is best provider, for his worshippers. 25 Pressers, for him blend Soma juice, each draught most excellent, for him 26 The Vrtra−slayer drinks the juice. May he who gives a hundred aids 27 May the strong Bay Steeds, yoked by prayer, bring hither unto us our Friend, 28 Sweet are the Soma juices, come! Blent are the Soma juices, come!

2 Let not the Sovran Indra disappoint us in what shall bring both Sisters to our dwelling. 3 Victorious with the men, Hero in battles, Indra, who hearsthe singer's supplication, 4 Yea,Indra, with the men, through love of gloryconsumes the sacred food which friends have offered.

29 And lauds which strengthen thee for great bounty and valour, and exalt 30 And songs to thee who lovest song, and all those hymns addressed to thee− 31 Thus he, sole doer of great deeds whose hand holds thunder, gives us strength, 32 Vrtra he slays with his right hand, even Indra, great with mighty power, 33 He upon whom all men depend, all regions, all achievements, he 34 All this hath he accomplished, yea, Indra, most gloriously renowned, 35 Who drives his chariot seeking spoil, from afar, to him he loves: 36 The Sage who, winning spoil with steeds, slays Vrtra, Hero with the men, 37 O Priyamedhas, worship with collected mind this Indra whom 38 Ye Kanvas, sing the Mighty One, Lord of the Brave, who loves renown, 39 Strong Friend, who, with no trace of feet, restores the cattle to the men, 40 Shaped as a Ram, Stone−hurler I once thou camest hither to the son 41 Vibhindu, thou hast helped this man, giving him thousands four times ten, 42 And these twain pouring streams of milk, creative, daughters of delight,

2 Soma and Rudra, chase to every quarter the sickness that hath visited our dwelling. 3 Provide, O Soma−Rudra, for our bodies all needful medicines to heal and cure us. 4 Armed with keen shafts and weapons, kind and loving, be gracious unto us, Soma and Rudra.

2 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worship, furthering us, best Offerer, meet for honour. 3 In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest with much wealth as with an army, 4 They who approached the God's abode with homage, eager for glory, won them perfect glory: 5 On earth the people magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial and terrestrial riches. 6 Dear priest among mankind, adorable Agni hath seated him, joy−giver, skilled in worship. 7 Longing for bliss, pure−minded, God−devoted, Agni, we seek thee, such, meet to be lauded. 8 Sage of mankind, all peoples' Lord and Master, the Bull of men, the sender down of blessings, 9 Agni, the mortal who hath toiled and worshipped, brought thee oblations with his kindled fuel, 10 Mightily let us worship thee the Mighty, with reverence, Agni! fuel and oblations, 11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with splendour and with thy glories, glorious and triumphant. 12 Vouchsafe us ever, as man needs, O Vasu, abundant wealth of kine for son and offspring. 13 May I obtain much wealth in many places by love of thee and through thy grace, King Agni;

2 Now, Agni, will we say to thee, O wisest and best Afigiras, 3 Who, Agni, is thy kin, of men? who is thy worthy worshipper? 4 The kinsman, Agni, of mankind, their well beloved Friend art thou, 5 Bring to us Mitra, Varuna, bring the Gods to mighty sacrifice.

2 Indra, thou art our own with thy protection, a guardian near to men who love thee truly, 3 May Indra, called with solemn invocations. the young, the Friend, be men's auspicious keeper, 4 With laud and song let me extol that Indra in whom of old men prospered and were mighty. 5 He, Indra whom the Angirases' praise delighted, strengthened their prayer and made their goings prospe 6 He verily, the God, the glorious Indra, hath raised him up for man, best Wonder−Worker. 7 Indra theVrtra−slayer, Fort−destroyer, scattered the Dasa hosts who dwelt in darkness. 8 To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the tumult of thebattle. 9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee. 3 Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over men, o'erthrower, warrior, he hath waxen as he would; 4 The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the deep, the vast, of wisdom unattainable; 5 By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance from him who speeds the flo 6 Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability and fortune;

2 At thine effusion upward rise three voices full of joy, when thou 3 On to the fleece they urge with stone the tawny well−beloved One, 4 Flow with thy current to the sieve, O Sage most powerful to cheer, 5 Flow, Most Exhilarating! flow anointed with the milk for balm,

2 He by the splendour of his arms is Priest of every able man. 3 All rests upon the laud and love of him the rich, high−flaming God, 4 So, Agni, be the Friend of these with liberal gift of hero strength. 5 O Agni, quickly come to us, and, glorified, bring precious wealth.

2 So, in thine ancient ways, may he, beloved, with a thousand streams 3 Him who is like a caldron shake: O Indu, shake thy gift to us 4 Indu, invoked with many a prayer, bring down the vigour of these men, 5 Indu, Wealth−giver, with thine help pour out for us a hundred, yea,

2 The kine have called aloud to him exhaustless with a thousand streams, 3 Him, nourisher of many, Sage, creative Pavamana, they 4 Him, dweller with Vivasvan, they with use of both arms have sent forth, 5 Him, green, beloved, many eyed, the Sisters with prosing stones 6 O Pavamana, Indu, priests hurry thee on to Indra, thee

2 Bring him with reverence hither, most propitious in sacrifices, true to Law, the herald; 3 For he is mental power, a man, and perfect; he is the bringer, friend−,like, of the wondrous. 4 May Agni, foe−destroyer, manliest Hero, accept with love our hymns and our devotion. 5 Thus Agni Jatavedas, true to Order, hath by the priestly Gotamas been lauded.

2 All songs of ours desiring grace adorn him in the ancient way, 3 Soma flows on when purified, beloved and adorned with songs, 4 O Soma Pavamana, find exceeding glorious wealth for us, 5 Like courser racing to the prize Indu, the lover of the Gods, 6 Flow on thy way to win us strength, to speed the sage who praises thee:

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

2 Then Trita's Maidens onward urge the Tawny−coloured with the stones, 3 Now like a swan he maketh all the company sing each his hymn: 4 O Soma, viewing heaven and earth, thou runncst like a darting deer 5 The cows have sung with joy to him, even as a woman to her love 6 Bestow illustrious fame on us, both on our liberal lords and me,

2 For with loud voice the tribes invoke thee, Indra, to aid them in the battlefield of heroes. 3 Both races, Indra, of opposing foemen, O Hero, both the Arya and the Dasa, 4 Indra, befriend us with no scanty succour, prosper and aid us, Loved of all that liveth, 5 Be ours, O Indra, now and for the future, be graciously inclined and near to help us.

2 Ye freed that Atri like a horse, and brought him newly−born to earth. 3 Heroes who showed most wondrous power to Atri, strive to win fair songs; 4 This claims your notice, Bounteous Gods! − oblation, Asvins! and our love, 5 Ye Twain to Bhujyu tossed about in ocean at the region's end, 6 Come with your joys, most liberal Gods, Lords of all treasures, bringing weal.

2 With kindled fire and strewn grass let him worship, and, Soma−presser, sing with stones adjusted: 3 This wife is coming near who loves her husband who carries to his home a vigorous consort. 4 No troubles vex that King in whose home Indra drinks the sharp Soma juice with milk commingled. 5 May he support in peace and win in battle: he masters both the hosts that meet together.

2 One by the Soma sits to drink juice which the mortar hath expressed: 3 Goats are the team that draws the one: the other hath Bay Steeds at hand; 4 When Indra, wondrous strong, brought down the streams, the mighty waterfloods, 5 To this, to Pusan's favouring love, and Indra's, may we closely cling, 6 As one who drives a car draws in his reins, may we draw Pusan near,

2 The fire well−kindIed sings aloud to greet her, and with their hymns the priests are chaming welcome. 3 Apparent eastward are those lights of Morning, sending out lustre, as they rise, around them. 4 Rich Daughter of the Sky, we all behold her, yea, all men look on Dawn as she is breaking. 5 Inspired with loving thoughts this day to greet thee, we and our wealthy nobles have awakened.

2 Thine is the juice effused, thine are the juices yet to be pressed: our resonant songs invite thee. 3 Whoso, devoted to the God, effuses Soma for him with yearning heart and spirit,− 4 He looks with Ioving favour on the mortal who, like a rich man, pours for him the Soma. 5 We call on thee to come to us, desirous of goods and spoil, of cattle, and of horses.

2 As Steer of men so Steer of earth and heaven by glory, he whose streams all life hath drunken, 3 He who hath lighted up the joyous castle, wise Courser like the Steed of cloudy heaven, 4 He, doubly born, hath spread in his effulgence through the three luminous realms, through all the region 5 Priest doubly born, he through his love of glory hath in his keeping all things worth the choosing,

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

2 Whom, well−dis sed, the Blirgus stablished as a rriend, whom men must glorify, high−flaming in the w 3 Be thou the foeless helper of the skilful man, subduer of the enemy near or far away. 4 Him, your refulgent guest, Agni who comes from heaven, the Herald of mankind, well−skilled in sacred 5 Who with his purifying, eye−attracting form hath shone upon the earth as with the light of Dawn; 6 Worship ye Agni, Agni, with your log of wood; praise your beloved, your beloved guest with songs. 7 Agni inflamed with fuel in my song I sing, pure, Cleanser, steadlast, set in tront at sacrifice. 8 Men, Agni, in each age have made thee, Deathiess One, their envoy, offering−bearer, guard adorable. 9 Thou, Agni, ordering the works and ways of both, as envoy of the Gods traversest both the worlds. 10 Him fair of face, rapid, and fair to look on, him very wise may we who know not follow. 11 Him, Agni, thou deliverest and savest who brings him prayer to thee the Wise, O Hero, 12 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us, O thou Victor, from dishonour. 13 Agni, the Priest, is King, Lord of the homestead, he, Jatayedas, knows all generations. 14 Whate'er to−day thou, bright−flamed Priest, enjoyest from the man's rite−for thou art sacrificer− 15 Look thou upon the viands duly laid for thee. Fain would he set thee here to worship Heaven and,Earth 16 Together with all Gods, O fair−faced Agni, be seated first upon the woollined altar, 17 Here the arranging priests, as did Atharvan, rub this Agni forth, 18 For the Gods' banquet be thou born, for full perfection and for weal. 19 O Agni, Lord and Master of men's homesteads, with kindled fuel we have made thee mighty.

2 Give us a portion of the sap, the most auspicious that ye have, 3 To you we gladly come for him to whose abode ye send us on; 4 The Waters. be to us for drink, Goddesses for our aid and bliss: 5 1 beg the Floods to give us balm, these Queens who rule o'er precious things, 6 Within the Waters−Soma thus hath told me−dwell all balms that heal, 7 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, 8 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought, 9 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: 2 Thy friend loves not the friendship which considers her who is near in kindred as stranger. 3 Yea, this the Immortals seek of thee with longing, progeny of the sole existing mortal. 4 Shall we do now what we ne'er did aforetime? we who spake righteously now talk impurely? 5 Even in the womb God Tvastar, Vivifier, shaping all forms, Creator, made us consorts. 6 Who knows that earliest day whereof thou speakest? Who hatb beheld it? Who can here declare it? 7 I, Yami, am possessed by love of Yama, that I may rest on the same couch beside him. 8 They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods who wander round us. 9 May Surya's eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light spread out before him. 10 Sure there will come succeeding times when brothers and sisters will do acts unmeet for kinsfolk. 11 Is he a brother when no lord is left her? Is she a sister when Destruction cometh? 12 I will not fold mine arms about thy body: they call it sin when one comes near his sister.

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 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 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 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.

2 Agni, do thou accept my laud, be magnified by this my song: 3 Agni, envoy, I place in front; the oblation−bearer I address: 4 Agni, the lofty flames of' thee enkindled have gone up on high, 5 Beloved! let my ladles full of sacred oil come near to thee: 6 I worship Agni−may he hear!−the cheerful, the Invoker, Priest, 7 Ancient Invoker, meet for praise, beloved Agni, wise and strong, 8 Agni, best Angiras, accept straightway these offerings, and guide 9 Excellent God, with brilliant flames, enkindled bring thou hitherward, 10 Him, Sage and Herald, void of guile, ensign of sacrifices, him 11 O Agni, be our Guardian thou, God, against those who injure us: 12 Making his body beautiful, Agni the Sage hath waxen by 13 I invocate the Child of Strength, Agni with purifying flame, 14 So Agni, rich in many friends, with fiery splendour, seat thyself 15 The mortal man who serves the God Agni within his own abode, 16 Agni is head and height of heaven, the Master of the earth is he: 17 Upward, O Agni, rise thy flames, pure and resplendent, blazing high, 18 For, Agni, thou as Lord of Light rulest o'er choicest gifts: may I, 19 O Agni, they who understand stir thee to action with their thoughts: 20 We ever claim the friendship of Agni, the singing messenger, 21 Agni who bears most holy sway, the holy Singer, holy Sage, 22 Yea, let my meditations, let my songs exalt thee evermore. 23 If I were thou and thou wert I, O Agni, every prayer of thine 24 For Excellent and Lord of wealth. art thou O Agni, rich in light: 25 Agni, to thee whose laws stand fast our resonant songs of praise speed forth, 26 Agni, the Youthful Lord of men, who stirreth much and eateth all, 27 To Agni let us haste with lauds, the Guide of sacrificial rites, 28 And let this man, good Agni, be with thee the singer of thy praise: 29 For thou art sharer of our feast, wise, ever watchful as a Sage: 30 O Agni, Sage, before our foes, before misfortunes fall on us,

2 The heavenly Waters come not nigh the priestly bowl: they but look down and see how far mid−air is 3 Praiseworthy blessing hast thou laid upon the pair who with uplifted ladle serve thee, man and wife. 4 First the Angirases won themselves vital power, whose fires were kindled through good deeds and sacri 5 Atharvan first by sacrifices laid the paths then, guardian of the Law, sprang up the loving Sun. 6 When sacred grass is trimmed to aid the auspicious work, or the hymn makes its voice of praise sound t

2 O Indra−Agni, with the man who lauds you comes the wakening rite: 3 Through force of sacrifice I choose Indra−Agni who love the wise: 4 Indra and Agni I invoke, joint−victors, bounteous, unsubdued, 5 Indra and Agni, singers skilled in melody hymn you, bringing lauds: 6 Indra and Agni, ye cast down the ninety forts which DAsas held, 7 To Indra−Agni eeverent thoughts go forward from the holy task 8 O Indra−Agni, powers are yours, and dwellings and delightful food 9 Indra and Agni, in your deeds of might ye deck heaven's lucid realms:

2 Savitar's own supremacy, most glorious and beloved of all, 3 For Savitar who is Bhaga shall send riches to his worshipper. 4 Send us this day, God Savitar, prosperity with progeny. 5 Savitar, God, send far away all sorrows and calamities, 6 Sinless in sight of Aditi through the God Savitar's influence, 7 We with our hymns this day elect the general God, Lord of the good, 8 He who for ever vigilant precedes these Twain, the Day and Night, 9 He who gives glory unto all these living creatures with the song,

2 As such we honour you, Mitra and Varuna, with hasty zeal, most blest, you who sustain the folk. 3 And when we seek to win your love and friendship, we.who have precious wealth in our possession, 4 That other, Asura! too was born of Heaven. thou art, O Varuna, the King of all men. 6 Your Mother Aditi, ye wise, was purified with water even as earth is purified from heaven. 7 Ye Twain have seated you as Lords of Wealth, as one who mounts a car to him who sits upon the pole,

2 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order, 3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. 4 Ye, Asvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice, 5 As parents aid a son, both Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. 6 Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. 7 May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness.

2 Thou unto whom resort the gathered people, as the kine seek the warm stall, O Most Youthful. 3 Making thee grow as 'twere some noble infant, thy Mother nurtures thee with sweet affection. 4 Foolish are we, O Wise and free from error: verily, Agni, thou dost know thy grandeur. 5 He rises ever fresh in ancient fuel: smoke−bannered, gray, he makes the wood his dwelling. 6 Like thieves who risk their lives and haunt the forest, the twain with their ten girdles have secured him. 7 Homage and prayer are thine, O Jatavedas, and this my song shall evermore exalt thee.

2 Sing forth, ye men who long for help, to Pavamana, to the Sage, 3 The Soma−drops with thousand powers are purified for victory, 4 Yea, as thou flowest bring great store of food that we may win the spoil 5 May they in flowing give us wealth in thousands, and heroic power,− 6 Like coursers by their drivers urged, they were poured forth, for victory, 7 Noisily flow the Soma−drops, like milch−kine lowing to their calves: 8 As Gladdener whom Indra loves, O Pavamana, with a roar 9 O Pavamamas, driving off the godless, looking on the light, Sit in the place of s

2 Our priest is seated, true to time; the grass is regularly strewn; 3 These prayers, O thou who hearest prayer are offered: seat thee on the grass. 4 O Vrtra−slayer, be thou pleased with these libations, with these hymns, 5 Our hymns caress the Lord of Strength, vast, drinker of the Soma's juice, 6 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence: 7 We, Indra, dearly loving thee, bearing oblation, sing thee hymns 8 O thou to whom thy Bays are dear, loose not thy Horses far from us: 9 May long−maned Coursers, dropping oil, bring thee on swift car hitherward,

2 All that is bare he covers o'er, all that is sick he medicines; 3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men, 4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth 5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace, 6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man, 7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts, 8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King: 9 When in my dwelling−place I see the wicked enemies of Gods,

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

26 O Indra, Caster of the Stone, thou helpest him who praises thee: 27 Here, yoking for the Soma−draught these Horses, sharers of thy feast, 28 Attendants on thy glory, let the Rudras roar assent to thee, 29 These his victorious followers bold in the heavens the place they love, 30 That we may long behold the light, what time the ordered rite proceeds, 31 O Indra, strong is this thy car, and strong are these Bay Steeds of thine: 32 Strong is the press−stone, strong thy joy, strong is the flowing Soma juice: 33 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunderer with thy thousand aids:

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

1 WHAT shall we sing to Rudra, strong, most bounteous, excellently wise, 2 That Aditi may grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine, 3 That Mitra and that Varuna, that Rudra may remember us, 4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines, 5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold is he, 6 May he grant health into our steeds, wellbeing to our rams and ewes, 7 O Soma, set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men, 8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us. 9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as serving thee,

1 NE'ER is he injured whom the Gods Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 2 He prospers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full hands, enrich, 3 The Kings drive far away from him his troubles and his enemies, 4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the Law: 5 What sacrifice, Adityas, ye Heroes guide by the path direct,− 6 That mortal, ever unsubdued, gains wealth and every precious thing, 7 How, my friends, shall we prepare Aryaman's and Mitra's laud, 8 I point not out to you a man who strikes the pious, or reviles: 9 Let him not love to speak ill words: but fear the One who holds all four

2 O Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing−wise who knowest every ordinance. 3 Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal Giver, to the pious worshipper, 4 The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of 5 First messenger art thou, meet for election: drink thou thy fill invited to the Anirta, 6 Milking the teeming Cow for all−sustaining food. O Wise One, for the worship−loving worshipper, 7 They who at flushing of this dawn appointed thee their messenger, these men have paid thee reverence. 8 Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang Vasisistha s sons have called thee down, the Potent One

2 As mighty food speed hitherward, Indu, as a most splendid Steer: 3 The well−loved meath was made to flow, the stream of the creative juice 4 The mighty waters, yea, the floods accompany thee Mighty One, 5 The lake is brightened in the floods. Soma, our Friend, heaven's prop and stay, 6 The tawny Bull hath bellowed, fair as mighty Mitra to behold: 7 Songs, Indu, active in their might are beautified for thee, wherewith 8 To thee who givest ample room we pray, to win the joyous draught: 9 Indu as, Indra's Friend, on us pour with a stream of sweetness, like 10 Winner of kine, Indu, art thou, winner of heroes, steeds, and strength

2 In the tree−tops the air he hath extended, put milk in kine and vigorous speed in horses, 3 Varuna lets the big cask, opening downward, flow through the heaven and earth and air's mid−region. 4 When Varuna is fain for milk he moistens the sky, the land, and earth to her foundation. 5 I will declare this mighty deed of magic, of glorious Varuna the Lord Immortal, 6 None, verily, hath ever let or hindered this the most wise God's mighty deed of magic, 7 If we have sinned against the man who loves us, have ever wronged a brother, friend, or comrade, 8 If we, as gamesters cheat at play, have cheated, done wrong unwittingly or sinned of purpose,

2 Sought in the heavens, on earth is Agni stablished, leader of rivers, Bull of standing waters. 3 For fear of thee forth fled the dark−hued races, scattered abroad, deserting their possessions, 4 Agni Vaisvanara, both Earth and Heaven submit them to thy threefold jurisdiction. 5 Agni, the tawny horses, loudly neighing our resonant hymns that drop with oil, attend thee; 6 In thee, O bright as Mitra, Vasus seated the might of Aduras, for they loved thy spirit. 7 Born in the loftiest heaven thou in a moment reachest, like wind, the place where Gods inhabit. 8 Send us that strength, Vaisvanara, send it, Agni, that strength, O Jatavedas, full of splendour, 9 Agni, bestow upon our chiefs and nobles that famous power, that wealth which feedeth many.

2 For, verily, men pray to thee with sacrifices and with songs. 3 Of one accord men kindle thee Heaven's signal of the sacrifice, 4 Let the man thrive who travails sore, in prayer, far thee the Bountiful. 5 The mortal who with fuel lights thy flame and offers unto thee, 6 Thy bright smoke lifts itself aloft, and far−extended shines in heaven. 7 For in men's houses thou must be glorified as a well−loved guest, 8 Thou, Agni, like an able steed, art urged by wisdom in the wood. 9 E'en things imperishable, thou, O Agni, like a gazing ox, 10 Agni, thou enterest as Priest the home of men who sacrifice. 11 O Agni, God with Mitra's might, call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven.

2 We pray for wealth to thee most skilled of charioteers, with braided hair, 3 Bright God whose steeds are goats, thou art a stream of wealth, a treasure−heap, 4 Pusan, who driveth goats for steeds, the strong and Mighty, who is called 5 His Mother's suitor I address. May he who loves his Sister hear, 6 May the sure−footed goats come nigh, conveying Pusan on his car, 2 And he is best of charioteers. Indra, the hero's Lord, allied 3 And there the best of charioteers hath guided through the speckled cloud 4 Whate'er we speak this day to thee, Wise, Wondrous God whom many praise, 5 Lead on this company of ours, that longs for kine, to win the spoil: 6 Prosperity we crave from thee, afar from sin and near to wealth,

1 They who stand round him as he moves harness the bright, the ruddy Steed 2 On both sides to the car they yoke the two bay coursers dear to him, 3 Thou, making light where no light was, and form, O men: where form was not, 4 Thereafter they, as is their wont, threw off the state of' babes unborn, 5 Thou, Indra, with the Tempest−Gods, the breakers down of what is firm ' 6 Worshipping even as they list, singers laud him who findeth wealth, 7 Mayest thou verily be seen coming by fearless Indra's side: 8 With Indra's well beloved hosts, the blameless, hastening to heaven, 9 Come from this place, O Wanderer, or downward from the light of heaven: 10 Indra we seek to give us help, from here, from heaven above the earth,