Rig Veda on Nature

2 For him, strong, independent Ruler, Heaven and Earth have fashioned forth for power and might. 3 Fill thyself full, O Lord of wealth, O Indra, with the juice we shed. 4 Changeless in truth, O Maghavan Indra, let it be as thou in wisdom willest it. 5 Indra, with all thy saving helps give us assistance, Lord of power. 6 Increaser of our steeds and multiplying kine, a golden well, O God, art thou, 7 For thou,−come to the worshipper!−wilt find great wealth to make us rich. 8 Thou as thy gift bestowest many hundred herds, yea, many thousands dost thou give. 9 Whether the simple or the sage, Indra, have offered praise to thee, 10 If he the Strong of arm, the breaker−down of forts, the great Destroyer, hear my call, 11 We count not then as sinners, nor as niggardly or foolish men, 12 Him have we yoked in fight, the powerful Conqueror, debt−claimer, not to be deceived. 13 Indra, give us security from that whereof we are afraid. 14 For thou, O liberal Lord of bounty, strengthenest his ample home who worships thee. 15 Indra is Vrtra−slayer, guard, our best defender from the foe. 16 Defend us from behind, below, above, in front, on all sides, Indra, shield us well. 17 Protect us, Indra, each to−day, each morrow, and each following day. 18 A crushing Warrior, passing rich is Maghavan, endowed with all heroic might.

2 Great in tby power and wisdom, Strong, with thought that comprehendeth all 3 Thou very Mighty One, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness grasp, 4 Your Lord of might that ne'er hath bent, that ruleth over all mankind, 5 Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in both the hosts 6 Indra, the Strong, the measureless, worthy of praise, Most Bountiful, 7 Him, for his ample bounty, him, this Indra do I urge to drink, 8 Thou Mighty One, whose friendship none of mortals ever hath obtained 9 Aided by thee, with thee allied, in frays for water and for sun, 10 So seek we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the Song, 11 O Thunderer, thou whose friendship and whose onward guidance both are sweet, 12 To us, ourselves, give ample room, give for our dwelling ample room 13 We count the banquet of the Gods a spacious pathway for the men, 14 Six men, yea, two and two, made glad with Soma juice, come near to me 15 Two brown−hued steeds, Indrota's gift, two bays from Rksa's son were mine, 16 From Atithigva good car−steeds; from Arksa rein−obeying steeds, 17 Indrota, Atithigva's son, gave me six horses matched with mares 18 Marked above all, amid the brown, is the red mare Vrsanvati, 19 O bound to me by deeds of might, not even the man who loves to blame.

2 Thou, of whom having drunk the Steer acts like a steer. drinking of this that finds the light, 3 For, verily, Pavamana, thou bast, splendidest, called all the generations of 4 By whom Dadhyac Navagva opens fastened doors, by whom the sages gained their wish, 5 Effused, he floweth in a stream, best rapture−giver, in the long wool of the sheep, 6 He who from out the rocky cavern took with might the redmrefulgent watery Cows, 7 Press ye and pour him, like a steed, laudworthy, speeding through the region and the flood, 8 Increaser of the water, Steer with thousand streams, dear to the race of Deities; 9 Make splendid glory shine on us, thou Lord of strengthening food, God, as the Friend of Gods: 10 Roll onward to the bowls, O Mighty One, effused, as Prince supporter of the tribes. 11 They have drained him the Steer of heaven, him with a thousand streams, distilling rapturous joy, 12 The Mighty One was born Immortal, giving life, lightening darkness with his shine. 13 Effused is he who brings good things, who brings us bounteous gifts and sweet refreshing food, 14 He whom our Indra and the Marut host shall drink, Bhaga shall drink with Aryarnan, 15 Soma, for Indra's drink do thou, led by the men, well−wcaponcd and most gladdening, 16 Enter the Soma−holder, even Indra's heart, as rivers pass into the sea,

2 His pair of Tawny Coursers bring Indra of unresisted might 3 Slayer of Vrtra, mount thy car; thy Bay Steeds have been yoked by prayer. 4 This poured libation, Indra, drink, immortal, gladdening, excellent. 5 Sing glory now to Indra, say to him your solemn eulogies. 6 When, Indra, thou dost yoke thy Steeds, there is no better charioteer: 7 He who alone bestoweth on mortal man who offereth gifts, 8 When will he trample, like a weed, the man who hath no gift for him? 9 He who with Soma juice prepared amid the many honours thee,− 10 The juice of Soma thus diffused, sweet to the taste, the bright cows drink, 11 Craving his touch the dappled kine mingle the Soma with their milk. 12 With veneration, passing wise, honouring his victorious might, 13 With bones of Dadhyac for his arms, Indra, resistless in attack, 14 He, searching for the horse's head, removed among the mountains, found 15 Then verily they recognized the essential form of Tvastar's Bull, 16 Who yokes to−day unto the pole of Order the strong and passionate steers of checkless spirit, 17 Who fleeth forth? who suffereth? who feareth? Who knoweth Indra present, Indra near us? 18 Who with poured oil and offering honours Agni, with ladle worships at appointed seasons? 19 Thou as a God, O Mightiest, verily blessest mortal man. 20 Let not thy bounteous gifts, let not thy saving help fail us, good Lord, at any time;

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

2 1n the two fire−sticks Jatavedas lieth, even as the well−set germ in pregnant women, 3 Lay this with care on that which lies extended: straight hath she borne the Steerwhen made prolific. 4 In Ila's place we set thee down, upon the central point of earth, 5 Rub into life, ye men, the Sage, the guileless, Immortal, very wise and fair to look on. 6 When with their arms they rub him straight he shineth forth like a strong courser, red in colour, in the 7 Agni shines forth when born, observant, mighty, the bountiful, the Singar praised by sages; 8 Set thee, O Priest, in, thine own place, observant: lay down the sacrifice in the home of worship. 9 Raise ye a mighty smoke, my fellow−workers! Ye shall attain to wealth without obstruction. 10 This is thine ordered place of birth whence sprung to life thou shonest forth. 11 As Germ Celestial he is called Tanunapat, and Narasamsa born diffused in varied shape. 12 With strong attrition rubbed to life, laid down with careful hand, a Sage, 13 Mortals have brought to life the God Immortal, the Conqueror with mighty jaws, unfailing. 14 Served by the seven priests, he shone forth from ancient time, when in his Mother's bosom, in her lap, 15 Even as the Maruts, onslaughts who attack the foe, those born the first of all knew the full power of 16 As we, O Priest observant, have elected thee this day, what time the solemn sacrifice began,

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

2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Samb 3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gav 4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his 5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselve 6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave, 7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the loft 8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires. 9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati. 10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati. 11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great, 12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. 13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns. 14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed. 15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well−guided, full of vital strength. 16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.

2 For not an enemy molests the paths which these Adityas tread: 3 Now soon may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman 4 With Gods come thou whose fostering care none checks, O Goddesss Aditi: 5 For well these Sons of Aditi know to keep enmities aloof, 6 Aditi guard our herd by day, Aditi, free from guile, by night, 7 And in the day our hymn is this: May Aditi come nigh to help, 8 And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us health: 9 May Agni bless us with his fires, and Surya warm us pleasantly: 10 Drive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity: 11 Remove from us the arrow, keep famine, Adityas! far away: 12 Now, O Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free, 13 Whatever mortal with the powe r of demons fain would injure us, 14 May sin o'ertake our human foe, the man who speaketh evil thing, 15 Gods, ye are with the simple ones, ye know each mortal in your hearts; 16 Fain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of water−floods: 17 So with auspicious sheltering aid do ye, O Vasus, carry us 18 Adityas, ye Most Mighty Ones, grant to our children and their seed 19 Sacrifice, O Adityas, is your inward monitor: be kind, 20 The Maruts' high protecting aid, the Asvins, and the God who saves, 21 Grant us a home with triple guard, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna! 22 And as we human beings, O Adityas, are akin to death,

2 Car ever young, much longed−for, easily invoked, soon guided, first in deeds of might, 3 These Asvins with our homage, these Two Omnipresent Deities 4 One of your chariot wheels is moving swiftly round, one speeds for you its onward course. 5 That chariot of yours which hath a triple seat and reins of gold, 6 Ye with your plough, when favouring Manu with your help, ploughed the first harvest in the sky. 7 Come to us, Lords of ample wealth, by paths of everlasting Law, 8 This Soma pressed with stones is yours, ye Heroes, Lords of plenteous wealth. 9 O Asvins, mount the chariot, mount the golden seat, ye who are Lords of plenteous wealth, 10 The aids wherewith ye helped Paktha and Adhrigt;, and Babhru severed from his friends,− 11 When we continually invoke the Asvins, the resistless, at this time of day, 12 Through these, ye Mighty Ones, come hither to my call which brings all blessings, wears all forms,− 13 I speak to both of these as such, these Asvins whom I reverence at this time of day: 14 Ye who are Lords of splendour, ye whose paths are red, at eve, at mom, at sacrifice, 15 For bliss I call. the blissful car, at morn the inseparable Asvins with their car 16 Rapid as thought, and strong, and speeding to thejoy, bringing.your swiftly−coming help, 17 Come, Wonder−Workers, to our home, our home, O Asvins, rich in cattle, steeds, and gold, 18 Choice−worthy strength, heroic, firm and excellent, uninjured by the Raksas foe,

2 Then Agni was his name, most active to bestow, gathering up the trees with his consuming tooth; 3 Praise him, yourGod who, bird−like, rests upon a tree, scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his flo 4 Thou Everlasting, whom, far−striding fain to burn, the winds, uninterrupted, never overcome, 5 This Agni is the best of Kanvas, Kanvas' Friend, Conqueror of the foe whether afar or near. 6 Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of Jatavedas, mightiest of all, 7 Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded, excellent for conquering strength with chiefs, 8 O Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta's most potent voice reveres thee. 9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrstihavya, the Rsis, the Upastutas invoked thee. 2 Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what thou choosest of the flowing Soma. 3 Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, O Indra, let that effused among mankind delight thee. 4 Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers. 5 Dash down, outffaming their sharp flaming weapons, the strong−holds of the men urged on by demons. 6 Extend afar the votary's fame and glory, as the firm archer's strength drives off the foeman. 7 To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran Ruler, free from anger. 8 Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased with food made ready and with Soma. 9 I send sweet speech to Indra and to Agni: with hymns I speed it like a boat through waters.

2 On to the rite they move, the grass they scatter, these Soma−drinkers eloquent in synod. 3 Indra, thou settest free the many waters that were encompassed, Hero, by the Dragon. 4 Skilled in all manly deeds the God terrific hath with his weapons mastered these opponents. 5 No evil spirits have impelled us, Indra, nor fiends, O Mightiest God, with their devices. 6 Thou in thy strength surpassest Earth and Heaven: the regions comprehend not all thy greatness. 7 Even the earlier Deities submitted their powers to thy supreme divine dominion. 8 The humble hath invoked thee for protection, thee, Lord of great felicity, O Indra. 9 May we, O Indra, be thy friends for ever, eagerly, Conqueror, yielding greater homage. 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us. 2 So let the draught of joy, thy dear companion, by which, O Lord of Bays, thou slayest foemen, 3 Mark closely, Maghavan, the words I utter, this eulogy recited by Vasistha: 4 Hear thou the call of the juice−drinking press−stone: hear thou the Brahman's hymn who sings and laud 5 I know and ne'er forget the hymns and praises of thee, the Conqueror, and thy strength immortal. 6 Among mankind many are thy libations, and many a time the pious sageinvokes thee. 7 All these libations are for thee, O Hero: to thee I offer these my prayers. that strengthen. 8 Never do men attain, O Wonder−Worker, thy greatness, Mighty One, who must be lauded, 9 Among all Rsis, Indra, old and recent, who have engendered hymns as sacred singers,

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.

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

2 So with our song that prays and serves, attentive, Lord of spreading light, 3 For, Ever−Youthful One, with thee, best Furtherer, as our ally, 4 As Aurva Bhrgu used, as Apnavana used, I call the pure 5 1 call the Sage who sounds like wind, the Might that like Parjanya roars, 6 As Savitar's productive Power, as him who sends down bliss, I call 7 Hither, for powerful kirship, I call Agni, him Who prospers you, 8 That through this famed One's power, he may stand by us even as Tvastar comes 9 This Agni is the Lord supreme above all glories mid the Gods: 10 Here praise ye him the most renowned of all the ministering Priests, 11 Piercing, with purifying flame, enkindled in our homes, most high, 12 Sage, laud the Mighty One who wins the spoil of victory like a steed, 13 Still turning to their aim in thee, the oblation−bearer's sister hymns 14 The waters find their place in him, for whom the threefold sacred grass 15 The station of the Bounteous God hath, through his aid which none impair, 16 Blazing with splendour, Agni, God, through pious gifts of sacred oil, 17 The Gods as mothers brought thee forth, the Immortal Sage, O Afigiras, 18 Wise Agni, Gods established thee, the Seer, noblest messenger, 19 No cow have I to call mine own, no axe at hand wherewith to work, 20 O Agni, whatsoever be the fuel that we lay for thee, 21 That which the white−ant cats away, that over which the emmet crawls− 22 When he enkindles Agni, man should with his heart attend the song:

42 Make Vayu glad,, for furtherance and bounty: cheer Varuna and Mitra, as they cleanse thee. 43 Flow onward righteous slayer of the wicked, driving away our enemies and sickness, 44 Pour us a fount of meath, a spring of treasure; send us a hero son and happy fortune. 45 Strong Soma, pressed, like an impetuous courser, hath flowed in stream as a flood speeding downward 46 Strong, wise, for thee who longest for his coming this Soma here flows to the bowls, O Indra. 47 He, purified with ancient vital vigour, pervading all his Daughter's forms and figures, 48 Now, chariot−borne, flow unto us, God Soma, as thou art purified flow to the saucers, 49 To feast him, flow mid song and hymn, to Vayu, flow purified to Varuna and Mitra. 50 Pour on us garments that shall clothe us meetly, send, purified, miIch−kine, abundant yielders. 51 Send to us in a stream celestial riches, send us, when thou art cleansed, what earth containeth, 52 Pour forth this wealth with this purification: flow onward to the yellow lake, O Indu. 53 Flow on for us with this purification to the famed ford of thee whose due is glory. 54 Eagerly do we pray for those two exploits, at the blue lake and Prsana, wrought in battle. 55 Thou comest unto three extended filters, and hasteriest through each one as they cleanse thee. 56 This Soma here, the Wise, the All−obtainer, flows on his way as King of all existence. 57 The Great Inviolate are kissing Indu, and singing in his place like eager sages. 58 Soma, may we, with thee as Pavamana, pile up together all our spoil in battle.

2 He who with purifying stream, effused, comes flowing hitherward, 3 The men with all−pervading song send unassailable Soma forth, 4 The Somas, very rich in sweets, for which the sieve is destined, flow, 5 Indu flows on for Indra's sake: thus have the Deities declared. 6 Inciter of the voice of song, with thousand streams the ocean flows, 7 As Pusan, Fortune, Bhaga, comes this Soma while they make him pure. 8 The dear cows lowed in joyful mood together to the gladdening drink. 9 O Pavamana, bring the juice, the mightiest, worthy to be famed, 10 For us the Soma juices flow, the drops best furtherers of our weal, 11 Effused by means of pressing−stones, upon the ox−hide visible, 12 Tlese Soma juices, skilled in song, purified, blent with milk and curd, 13 Let not the power of men restrain the voice of the outpouring juice: 14 The Friend hath wrapped him in his robe, as in his parents arms, a son. 15 That Hero who produces strength, he who hath propped both worlds apart, 16 Soma upon the ox's skin through the sheep's wool flows purified. 2 The place, near the two pressing−stones of Trita, hath he occupied, 3 Urge to three courses, on the heights of Trita, riches in a stream. 4 Even at his birth the Mothers Seven taught him, for glory, like a sage, 5 Under his sway, of one accord, are all the guileless Deities: 6 The Babe whom they who strengthen Law have generated fair to see, 7 To him, united, of themselves, come the young Parents of the rite, 8 With wisdom and with radiant eyes unbar to us the stall of heaven,

1 WE seeking strength with Soma−drops fill full your Indra like a well, 2 Who lets a hundred of the pure, a thousand of the milk−blent draughts 3 When for the strong, the rapturous joy he in this manner hath made room 4 This is thine own. Thou drawest near, as turns a pigeon to his mate: 5 O Hero, Lord of Bounties, praised in hymns, may power and joyfulness 6 Lord of a Hundred Powers, stand up to lend us succour in this fight 7 In every need, in every fray we call as friends to succour us 8 If he will hear us let him come with succour of a thousand kinds, 9 I call him mighty to resist, the Hero of our ancient home, 10 We pray to thee, O much−invoked, rich in all prccious gifts, O Friend, 11 O Soma−drinker, Thunder−armed, Friend of our lovely−featured dames 12 Thus, Soma−drinker, may it be; thus, Friend, who wieldest thunder, act 13 With Indra splendid feasts be ours, rich in all strengthening things wherewith, 14 Like thee, thyself, the singers' Friend, thou movest, as it were, besought, 15 That, Satakratu, thou to grace and please thy praisers, as it were, 16 With champing, neighing loudly−snorting horses Indra hath ever won himself great treasures 17 Come, Asvins, with enduring strength wealthy in horses and in kine, 18 Your chariot yoked for both alike, immortal, ye of mighty acts, 19 High on the forehead of the Bull one chariot wheel ye ever keep, 20 What mortal, O immortal Dawn, enjoyeth thee? Where lovest thou? 21 For we have had thee in our thoughts whether anear or far away, 22 Hither, O Daughter of the Sky, come thou with these thy strengthenings,

1 WITH words sent forth in holy hymns, Agni we supplicate, the Lord Of 2 Men have won Agni, him who makes their strength abound: we, with oblations, worship thee. 3 Thee for our messenger we choose, thee, the Omniscient, for our Priest. 4 The Gods enkindle thee their ancient messenger, − Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman. 5 Thou, Agni, art a cheering Priest, Lord of the House, men's messenger: 6 In thee, the auspicious One, O Agni, youthfullest, each sacred gift is offered up: 7 To him in his own splendour bright draw near in worship the devout. 8 Vrtra they smote and slew, and made the earth and heaven and firmament a wide abode. 9 Seat thee, for thou art mighty; shine, best entertainer of the Gods. 10 Bearer of offerings, whom, best sacrificing Priest, the Gods for Manu's sake ordained; 11 Him, Agni, whom Medhyatithi, whom Kanva kindled for his rite, 12 Make our wealth perfect thou, O Agni, Lord divine: for thou hast kinship with the Gods. 13 Stand up erect to lend us aid, stand up like Savitar the God: 14 Erect, preserve us from sore trouble; with thy flame burn thou each ravening demon dead. 15 Preserve us, Agni, from the fiend, preserve us from malicious wrong. 16 Smite down as with a club, thou who hast fire for teeth, smite thou the wicked, right and left. 17 Agni hath given heroic might to Kainva, and felicity: 18 We call on Ugradeva, Yadu, Turvasa, by means of Agni, from afar; 19 Manu hath stablished thee a light, Agni, for all the race of men: 20 The flames of Agni full of splendour and of might are fearful, not to be approached.

2 With Bow let us win kine, with Bow the battle, with Bow be victors in our hot encounters. 3 Close to his car, as fain to speak, She presses, holding her well−loved Friend in her embraces. 4 These, meeting like a woman and her lover, bear, mother−like, their child upon their bosom. 5 With many a son, father of many daughters, He clangs and clashes as he goes to battle. 6 Upstanding in the Car the skilful Charioteer guides his strong Horses on whithersoe'er he will. 7 Horses whose hoofs rain dust are neighing loudly, yoked to the Chariots, showing forth their vigour, 8 Car−bearer is the name of his oblation, whercon are laid his Weapons and his Armour. 9 In sweet association lived the fathers who gave us life, profound and strong in trouble, 10 The Brahmans, and the Fathers meet for Soma−draughts, and, graciously inclined, unequalled Heaven 11 Her tooth a deer, dressed in an eagle's feathers, bound with cow−hide, launched forth, She flieth onwar 12 Avoid us thou whose flight is straight, and let our bodies be as stone. 13 He lays his blows upon their backs, he deals his blows upon their thighs. 14 It compasses the arm with serpent windings, fending away the friction of the bowstring: 15 Now to the Shaft with venom smeared, tipped with deer−horn, with iron mouth, 16 Loosed from the Bowstring fly away, thou Arrow, sharpened by our prayer. 17 There where the flights of Arrows fall like boys whose locks are yet unshorn. 18 Thy vital parts I cover with thine Armour: with immortality King Soma clothe thee. 19 Whoso would kill us, whether he be a strange foe or one of us,

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 Whose way is unattainable like Surya's: he in each fight is the strong Vrtra−slayer, 3 Whose paths go forth in their great might resistless, forthmilking, as it were, heaven's genial moisture. 4 Among Angirases he was the chiefest, a Friend with friends, mighty amid the mighty. 5 Strong with the Rudras as with his own children, in manly battle conquering his foemen ' 6 Humbler of pride, exciter of the conflict, the Lord of heroes, God invoked of many, 7 His help hath made him cheerer in the battle, the folk have made him guardian of their comfort. 8 To him the Hero, on high days of prowess, heroes for help and booty shall betake them. 9 He with his left hand checketh even the mighty, and with his righthand gathereth up the booty. 10 With hosts on foot and cars he winneth treasures: well is he known this day by all the people. 11 When in his ways with kinsmen or with strangers he speedeth to the fight, invoked of many, 12 Awful and fierce, fiend−slayer, thunder−wielder, with boundless knowledge, hymned by hundreds, 13 Winning the light, hitherward roars his thunder like the terrific mighty voice of Heaven. 14 Whose home eternal through his strength surrounds him on every side, his laud, the earth and heaven, 15 The limit of whose power not Gods by Godhead, nor mortal men have reached, nor yet the Waters. 16 The red and tawny mare, blaze−marked, high standing, celestial who, to bring Rjrasva riches, 17 The Varsagiras unto thee, O Indra, the Mighty One, sing forth this laud to please thee, 18 He, much invoked, hath slain Dasyus and Simyus, after his wont, and laid them low with arrows. 19 May Indra evermore be our protector, and unimperilled may we win the booty.

like Heroes, dazzling and impetuous, wear 8 The pivot of the Sobharis' chariot within the golden box is balmed with milk. 9 Bring, ye who sprinkle balmy drops. oblations to your vigorous Marut company, 10 Come hither, O ye Mares, on your stronghorsed car, solid in look, with solid naves. 11 Their decoration is the same: their omaments of gold are bright upon their arms; 12 They toil not to defend their bodies from attack, strong Heroes with their mighty arms. 13 Whose name extendeth like a sea, alone, resplendent, so that all have joy in it, 14 Pay honour to these Maruts and sing praise to them, for of the wheel−spokes of the car 15 Blest by your favouring help was he, O Maruts, at the earlier flushings of the morn, 16 The strong man to whose sacrifice, O Heroes, ye approach that ye may taste thereof, 17 Even as Rudra's Sons, the brood of the Creator Dyaus, the Asura, desire, 18 And these the bounteous, worthy of the Maruts who move onward pouring down the rain− 19 O Sobhari, with newest song sing out unto the youthful purifying Bulls, 20 Who, like a celebrated boxer, overcome the challengers in every fight: 21 Allied by common ancestry, ye Maruts, even the Cows, alike in energy, 22 Even mortal man, ye Dancers breast adorned with gold, attains to brotherhood with you. 23 O Maruts, rich in noble gifts, bring us a portion of the Maruts' medicine, 24 Haters of those who serve you not, bliss−bringers, bring us bliss with those auspicious aids 25 Maruts, who rest on fair trimmed grass, what balm soever Sindhu or Asikni hath, 26 Ye carry on your bodies, ye who see it all: so bless us graciously therewith.

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,

1 AGNI, well−kindled, bring the Gods for him who offers holy gifts. 2 Son of Thyself, present, O Sage, our sacrifice to the Gods today. 3 Dear Narasamsa, sweet of tongue, the giver of oblations, I 4 Agni, on thy most easy car, glorified, hither bring the Gods: 5 Strew, O ye wise, the sacred grass that drips with oil, in order due, 6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite, 7 I call the lovely Night and Dawn to seat them on the holy grass 8 The two Invokers I invite, the wise, divine and sweet of tongue, 9 Ila, Sarasvati, Mahi, three Goddesses who bring delight, 10 Tvastar I call, the earliest born, the wearer of all forms at will: 11 God, Sovran of the Wood, present this our oblation to the Gods, 12 With Svaha. pay the sacrifice to Indra in the offerer's house: 1 To drink the Soma, Agni, come, to our service and our songs. 2 The Kanvas have invoked thee; they, O Singer, sing thee songs of praise 3 Indra, Vayu, Brhaspati, Mitra, Agni, Pusan, Bhaga, 4 For you these juices are poured forth that gladden and exhilarate, 5 The sons of Kanva fain for help adore thee, having strewn the grass, 6 Let the swift steeds who carry thee, thought−yoked and dropping holy oil, 7 Adored, the strengtheners of Law, unite them, Agni, with their Dames: 8 Let them, O Agni, who deserve worship and praise drink with thy tongue 9 Away, from the Sun's realm of light, the wise invoking Priest shall bring 10 With all the Gods, with Indra, with Vayu, and Mitra's splendours, drink, 11 Ordained by Manu as our Priest, thou sittest, Agni, at each rite: 12 Harness the Red Mares to thy car, the Bays, O God, the flaming ones:

2 May Narasamsa lighting up the chambers, bright in his majesty through threefold heaven, 3 Adored in heart, as is thy right, O Agni, serve the Gods first to−day before the mortal. 4 O Grass divine, increasing, rich in heroes, strewn for wealth' sake, well laid upon this altar,− 5 Wide be the Doors, the Goddesses, thrown open, easy to pass, invoked, through adorations, 6 Good work for us, the glorious Night and Morning, like female weavers, waxen from aforetime, 7 Let the two heavenly Heralds, first, most wise, most fair, present oblation duly with the sacred verse, 8 Sarasvati who perfects our devotion, Ila divine, Bharati all surpassing,− 9 Born is the pious hero swift of hearing, like gold in hue, well formed, and full of vigour. 10 Vanaspati shall stand anear and start us, and Agni with his arts prepare oblation. 11 Oil has been mixt: oil is his habitation. In oil he rests: oil is his proper province. 2 Bhrgus who served him in the home of waters set him of old in houses of the living. 3 Among the tribes of men the Gods placed Agni as a dear Friend when they would dwell among them. 4 Sweet is his growth as of one's own possessions; his look when rushing fain to burn is lovely. 5 Since they who honour me have praised my greatness,−he gave, as 'twere, his hue to those who love hi 6 Like one athirst, he lighteth up the forests; like water down the chariot ways he roareth. 7 Around, consuming the broad earth, he wanders, free roaming like an ox without a herdsman,− 8 I, in remembrance of thine ancient favour have sung my hymn in this our third assembly. 9 May the Grtsamadas, serving in secret, through thee, O Agni, overcome their neighbours,

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;

2 For like a King among his wives thou dwellest: with glories, as a Sage, surround and help us. 3 Here these our holy hymns with joy and gladness in pious emulation have approached thee. 4 Vasistha hath poured forth his prayers, desiring to milk thee like a cow in goodly pasture. 5 What though the floods spread widely, Indra made them shallow and easy for Sudas to traverse. 6 Eager for spoil was Turvasa Purodas, fain to win wealth, like fishes urged by hunger. 7 Together came the Pakthas, the Bhalanas, the Alinas, the Sivas, the Visanins. 8 Fools, in their folly fain to waste her waters, they parted inexhaustible Parusni. 9 As to their goal they sped to their destruetion: they sought Parusni; e'en the swift returned not. 10 They went like kine unherded from the pasture, each clinging to a friend as chance directed. 11 The King who scattered one−and−twenty people of both Vaikarna tribes through lust of glory− 12 Thou, thunder−armed, o'erwhelmedst in the waters famed ancient Kavasa and then the Druhyu. 13 Indra at once with conquering might demolished all their strong places and their seven castles. 14 The Anavas and Druhyus, seeking booty, have slept, the sixty hundred, yea, six thousand, 15 These Trtsus under Indra's careful guidance came speeding like loosed waters rushing downward. 16 The hero's side who drank the dressed oblation, Indra's denier, far o'er earth he scattered. 17 E'en with the weak he wrought this matchless exploit: e'en with a goat he did to death a lion. 18 To thee have all thine enemies submitted: e'en the fierce Bheda hast thou made thy subject. 19 Yamuna and the Trtsus aided Indra. There he stripped Bheda bare of all his treasures. 20 Not to be scorned, but like Dawns past and recent, O Indra, are thy favours and thy riches.

2 Seven to the one−wheeled chariot yoke the Courser; bearing seven names the single Courser draws it. 3 The seven who on the seven−wheeled car are mounted have horses, seven in tale, who draw them onwa 4 Who hath beheld him as he sprang to being, seen how the boneless One supports the bony? 5 Unripe in mind, in spirit undiscerning, I ask of these the Gods' established places; For up above the year 6 I ask, unknowing, those who know, the sages, as one all ignorant for sake of knowledge, 7 Let him who knoweth presently declare it, this lovely Bird's securely founded station. 8 The Mother gave the Sire his share of Order: with thought, at first, she wedded him in spirit. 9 Yoked was the Mother to the boon Cow's car−pole: in the dank rows of cloud the Infant rested. 10 Bearing three Mothers and three Fathers, single he stood erect: they never make him weary. 11 Formed with twelve spokes, by length of time, unweakened, rolls round the heaven this wheel of durin 12 They call him in the farther half of heaven the Sire five−footed, of twelve forms, wealthy in watery sto 13 Upon this five−spoked wheel revolving ever all living creatures rest and are dependent. 14 The wheel revolves, unwasting, with its felly: ten draw it, yoked to the far−stretching car−pole. 15 Of the co−born they call the seventh single−born; the six twin pairs are called Rsis, Children of Gods. 16 They told me these were males, though truly females: he who hath eyes sees this, the blind discerns no 17 Beneath the upper realm, above this lower, bearing her calf at foot the Cow hath risen. 18 Who, that the father of this Calf discerneth beneath the upper realm, above the lower, 19 Those that come hitherward they call departing, those that depart they call directed hither.

2 Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a share in holy rites. 3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice; 4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o'ertakes not him who offers gifts to thee. 5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double−tongued have overcome the man,− 6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise. 7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant, rapacious man,− 8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who loveth us. 9 Through thee, kind −prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of Men which all desire: 10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest power of life. 11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle−cry, consumer of the foe, victorious in the strife, 12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might mid lords, would 13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and reverently adored, 14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned thee in thy manifested mi 15 Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk effectual, splendid, 16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of him who sits at ease, 17 For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o'er all the things that be 18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst the stall of kine. 19 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our children.

2 Or, Indra, when with Ruma, Rusama, Syavaka, and Krpa thou rejoicest thee, 3 Even as the wild−bull, when he thirsts, goes to the desert's watery pool, 4 May the drops gladden thee, rich Indra, and obtain bounty for him who pours the juice. 5 With mightier strength he conquered strength, with energy he crushed their wrath. 6 He who wins promise of thine aid goes girt as with a thousand mighty men of war. 7 With thee, the Mighty, for our Friend, we will riot fear or feel fatigue. 8 On his left hip the Hero hath reclined himself: the proffered feast offends him not. 9 Indra, thy friend is fair of form and rich in horses, cars, and kine. 10 Come like a thirsty antelope to the drinking−place: drink Soma to thy heart's desire. 11 Priest, let the Soma juice flow forth, for Indra longs to drink thereof. 12 The man with whom thou fillcst thee with Soma deems himself a pious worshipper. 13 Press out the Soma juice, ye priests, for Indra borne upon his car. 14 To the brown juice may his dear vigorous Bay Steeds bring Indra, to our holy task. 15 Pusan, the Lord of ample wealth, for firm alliance we elect. 16 Sharpen us like a razor in the barber's hands: send riches thou who settest free. 17 Pusan, I long to win thy love, I long to praise thee, Radiant God. 18 My kine, O Radiant God, seek pasture where they will, my during wealth, Immortal One. 19 Rich was the gift Kurunga gave, a hundred steeds at morning rites. 20 What by his morning songs Kanva, the powerful, hath, with the Priyamedhas, gained− 71 The herds of sixty thousand pure and spotless kine, have I, the Rsi, driven away. 21 The very trees were joyful at my coming: kine they obtained in plenty, steeds in plenty.

2 Like Heroes on your will−yoked car farshining, Wonder−Workers! ye 3 By you, O Lords of ample wealth our songs of praise have been observed: 4 Kanvas must praise the Asvins dear to many, making many glad, 5 Most liberal, best at winning strength, inciters, Lords of splendour who 6 So for devout Sudeva dew with fatness his unfailing mead, 7 Hitherward running speedily with horses, as with rapid hawks, 8 Wherewith the three wide distances, and all the lights that are in heaven. 9 O Finders of the Day, that we may win us food of kine and wealth, 10 O Asvins, bring us wealth in kine, in noble heroes, and in cars: 11 Ye Lords of splendour, glorified, ye Wonder−Workers borne on paths 12 To us, ye Lords of ample wealth, and to our wealth chiefs extend 13 Come quickly downward to the prayer of people whom ye favour most: 14 Ye Asvins whom our minds perceive, drink of this lovely gladdening draught, 15 Bring riches hither unto us in hundreds and in thousands, source 16 Verily sages call on you, ye Heroes, in full many a place. 17 Men who have trimmed the sacred grass, bringing oblations and prepared, 18 May this our hymn of praise to−day, most powerful to bring you, be, 19 The skin filled full of savoury meath, laid in the pathway of your car− 20 For this, ye Lords of ample wealth, bring blessing for our herd, our kine, 21 Ye too unclose to us like doors the strengthening waters of the sky, 22 When did the son of' Tugra serve you, Men? Abandoned in the sea, 23 Ye, O Nasatyas, ministered to Kanva with repeated aid, 24 Come near with those most recent aids of yours which merit eulogy, 25 As ye protected Kanva erst, Priyamedha and Upastuta, 26 And Amsu in decisive fight, Agastya in the fray for kine.

2 In heaven's first region, in the seat of Gods, is he who brings success, 3 Him, to win strength, have I invoked, even Indra mighty for the fray. 4 Indra, Song −lover, here for thee the worshipper's libation flows. 5 Even now, O Indra, give us that which, pressing juice, we crave of thee. 6 What time the zealous worshipper hath boldly sung his songs to thee, 7 Generate songs even as of old, give car unto the singer's call. 8 Sweet strains that glorify him play like waters speeding down a slope, 9 Yea, who alone is called the Lord, the single Ruler of the folk, 10 Praise him, the Glorious, skilled in song, Lord of the two victorious Bays: 11 Put forth thy strength: with dappled Steeds come, thou of mighty intellect, 12 Grant wealth to those who praise thee, Lord of Heroes, Mightiest Indra: give 13 I call thee when the Sun is risen, I call thee at the noon of day: 14 Speed forward hither, come to us, rejoice thee in the milky draught: 15 If, Sakra, Vrtra−slayer, thou be far away or near to us. 16 Let songs we sing and Soma−drops expressed by us make Indra strong: 17 Him sages longing for his aid, with offerings brought in eager haste, 18 At the Trkadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirred the mind: 19 When, true to duty, at due times the worshipper offers lauds to thee, 20 That mind of Rudra, fresh and strong, moves conscious in the ancient ways, 21 If thou elect to be my Friend drink of this sacrificial juice, 22 O Indra, Lover of the song, when shall thy praiser be most blest? 23 And thy two highIy−lauded Bays, strong stallions, draw thy car who art 24 With ancient offerings we implore the Young and Strong whom many praise. 25 Wax miglity, thou whom many laud for aids which Rsis have extolled.

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 To him let us address the song well−fashioned, forth from the heart. Shall he not understand it' 3 Some floods unite themselves and others join them: die sounding rivers fill one common storehouse. 4 The never−sullen waters, youthful Maidens, carefully decking, wait on him the youthful. 5 To him three Dames are oftering food to feed him, Goddesses to the God whom none may injure. 6 Here was the horse's birth; his was the sunlight. Save thou our princes from the oppressor's onslaught. 7 He, in whose mansion is the teeming Milch−cow, swells the Gods' nectar and cats noble viands. 8 He who in waters with his own pure Godhead shines widely, law−abiding, everlasting− 9 The Waters' Son hath risen, and clothed in lightning ascended up unto the curled cloud's bosom; 10 Golden in form is he, like gold to look on, his colour is like gold, the Son of Waters. 11 This the fair name and this the lovely aspect of him the Waters' Son increase in secret. 12 Him, nearest Friend of many, will we worship with sacrifice. and reverence and oblation. 13 The Bull hath laid his own life−germ Within them. He sucks them as an infant, and they kiss him. 14 While here he dwelleth in sublimest station, resplendent with the rays that never perish, 15 Agni, I gave good shelter to the people, and to the princes goodly preparation. 2 Busied with sacrifice, with spotted deer and spears, gleaming upon your way with ornaments, yea, our 3 Come unto us, ye swift to listen: as at home upon the sacred grass sit and enjoy yourselves. 4 Bring the Gods hither, Sage, and offer sacrifice: at the three altars seat thee willingly, O Priest. 5 This is the strengthener of thy body's manly might: strength, victory for all time are placed within thine 6 Accept the sacrifice; mark both of you, my call: the Priest hath seated him after the ancient texts.

2 He, wondrous envoy, goes between the earth and heaven, firm seated as the Herald, great High Priest of 3 Sages shall glorify Agni with earnest thoughts, ensign of sacrifice, who fills the synod full: 4 The Sire of sacrifice, great God of holy bards, Agni, the measure and the symbol of the priests, 5 Bright Agni with the bright car, Lord of green domains, Vaisvanara dweller in the floods, who finds the 6 Agni, together with the Gods and Manu's folk by thought extending sacrifice in varied form, 7 Sing, Agni, for long life to us and noble sons: teem thou with plenty, shine upon us store of food. 8 The Mighty One, Lord of the people and their guest, the leader of their thoughts, devoted Friend of pries 9 Agni the God resplendent, giver of great joy, hath on his lovely car compassed the lands with, might. 10 I celebrate thy glories, O Vaisvanara, wherewith thou, O farsighted God, has found the light. 11 By his great skill the Sage alone hath brought to pass a great deed, mightier than Vaisvanara's wondrou 2 Agni whom daily Varuna and Mitra the Gods bring thrice a day to this our worship, 3 The thought that bringeth every boon proceedeth to worship first the Priest of the libation, 4 On high your way to sacrifice was made ready; the radiant flames went upward to the regions. 5 Claiming in mind the seven priests' burntoblations, inciting all, they came in settled order. 6 Night and Dawn, lauded, hither come together, both smiling, different are their forms in colour, 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortalls Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests; and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.

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 Wonderful, rich in nourishment, he dwells in food; next, in the seven auspicious Mothers is his home. 3 What time from out the deep, from the Steer's wondrous form, the Chiefs who had the power produced 4 When from the Highest Father he is brought to us, amid the plants he rises hungry, wondrously. 5 Then also entered he the Mothers, and in them pure and uninjured he increased in magnitude. 6 Therefore they choose him Herald at the morning rites, pressing to him as unto Bhaga, pouring gifts, 7 What time the Holy One, wind−urged, hath risen up, serpent−like winding through the dry grass 8 Like a swift chariot made by men who know their art, he with his red limbs lifts himself aloft to heaven. 9 By thee, O Agni, Varuna who guards the Law, Mitra and Aryaman, the Bounteous, are made strong; 10 Agni, to him who toils and pours libations, thou, Most Youthful! sendest wealth and all the host of Go 11 Vouchsafe us riches turned to worthy ends, good luck abiding in the house, and strong capacity, 12 May he, the Priest resplendent, joyful, hear us, he with the radiant car and rapid horses. 13 With hymns of might hath Agni now been lauded, advanced to height of universal kingship. 2 Thou dealest forth, Tanunapat, sweet sacrifice enriched with oil, 3 He wondrous, sanctifying, bright, sprinkles the sacrifice with mead, 4 Agni, besought, bring hitherward Indra the Friend, the Wonderful, 5 The ladle−holders strew trimmed grass at this well−ordered sacrifice; 6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite, 7 May Night and Morning, hymned with lauds, united, fair to look upon, 8 May the two Priests Divine, the sage, the sweet−voiced lovers of the hymn, 9 Let Hotri pure, set amang Gods, amid the Maruts Bhirati, Ila, Sarasvati, Mahi, rest on the grass, adorabl 10 May Tvastar send us genial dew abundant, wondrous, rich in gifts, 11 Vanaspati, give forth, thyself, and call the Gods to sacrifice.

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 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.

nanilbld are Ins eulogies: 4 Friends, sing your psalm and offer praise to him to whom the prayer is brought: 5 Thou, Slaughterer of Vrtra, art Guardian and Friend of one and two, 6 Beyond men's hate thou leadest us, and givest cause to sing thy praise: 7 I call with hymns, as 'twere a cow to milk, the Friend who merits praise, 8 Him in whose hands they say are stored all treasures from the days of old, 9 Lord of Strength, Caster of the Stone, destroy the firm forts built by men, 10 Thee, thee as such, O Lord of Power, O Indra, Soma−drinker, true, 11 Such as thou wast of old, and art now to be called on when the prize 12 With hymns and coursers we will gain, Indra, through thee, both steeds and spoil 13 Thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, whom men must stir to help, hast been 14 Slayer of foes, whatever aid of thine imparts the swiftest course, 15 As skilfullest of those who drive the chariot, with our art and aim, 16 Praise him who, Matchless and Alone, was born the Lord of living men, 17 Thou who hast been the singers' Friend, a Friend auspicious with thine aid, 18 Grasp in thine arms the thunderbolt, O Thunder−armed, to slay the fiends: 19 I call the ancient Friend, allied with wealth, who speeds the lowly man, 20 For he alone is Lord of all the treasures of the earth: he speeds 21 So with thy yoked teams satisfy our wish with power and wealth in steeds 22 Sing this, what time the ' juice is pressed, to him your Hero, Much−invoked, 23 He, Excellent, withholdeth not his gift of power and wealth in kine, 24 May he with might unclose for us the cow's stall, whosesoe'er it be, 25 O Indra Satakratu, these our songs have called aloud to thee, 26 Hard is thy love to win: thou art a Steer to him who longs for steers: 27 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence:

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 Thou, all men's friend, Visvamanas, exaltest Agni with thy song, 3 Whose resolute assault, to win vigour and food, deserves our praise,− 4 Up springs the imperishable flame, the flame of the Refulgent One 5 Skilled in fair sacrifice, extolled, arise in Godlike loveliness, 6 Called straight to our oblations, come, O Agni, through our eulogies, 7 I call your Agni, from of old Invoking Priest of living men: 8 Whom, wondrous wise, they animate with solemn rites and his fair form, 9 Him, true to Law, who perfecteth the sacrifice,. Law−loving ones! 10 May all our sacrifices go to him the truest Angiras, 11 Imperishable Agni, thine are all these high enkindled lights, 12 So give us, Lord of Power and Might, riches combined with hero strength, 13 Soon as the eager Lord of men is friendly unto Manti's race, 14 O Hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine, 15 No mortal foe can e'er prevail by arts of magic over him 16 Vyasva the sage, who sought the Bull, hath won thee, finder of good things: 17 Usana Kavya stablished thee, O Agni, as Invoking Priest: 18 All Deities of one accord appointed thee their messenger: 19 Him may the mortal hero make his own immortal messenger. 20 With lifted ladles let us call him splendid with his brilliant flame, 21 The man who pays the worship due to him with sacrificial gifts 22 To Jatavedas Agni, chief in sacrifices, first of all 23 Even as Vyatya did, may we with these most high and liberal hymns 24 Now sing, as Sthurayupa sang, with lands to him who spreadeth far, 25 As welcome guest of human kind, as offspring of the forest kings, 26 For men's oblations brought to him who is the mighty Lord of all, 27 Grant us abundant. treasures, grant the opulence which many crave, 28 Agni, Most Youthful of the Gods, send evermore the gift of wealth 29 A mighty Conqueror art thou, O Agni, so disclose to us 30 Thou, Agni, art a glorious God: bring hither Mitra, Varuna,

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

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

2 Now, being purified, flow hither through the fleece inviolate and most odorous. 3 Pressed out for all to see, delighting Gods, Indu, Far−sighted One, is mental power. 4 Cleansing thee, Soma, in thy stream, thou flowest in a watery robe: 5 Milking the heavenly udder for dear meath, he hath sat in the ancient gatheringplace. 6 O Soma, while they cleanse thee, dear and watchful in the sheep's long wool, 7 Bountiful, best of furtherers, Soma floweth on, Rsi and Singer, keen of sight. 8 Pressed out by pressers, Soma goes over the fleecy backs of sheep, 9 Down to the water−Soma, rich in kine hath flowed with cows, with cows that have been milked. 10 Effused by stones, O Soma, and urged through the long wool of the sheep, 11 He beautifies himself through the sheep's long fine wool, like an impetuous steed in war, 12 O Soma,−for the feast of Gods, river−like he hath swelled with surge, 13 Like a dear son who must be decked, the Lovely One hath clad him in a shining robe. 14 The living drops of Soma juice pour, as they flow, the gladdening drink, 15 May Pavamana, King and God, speed with his wave over the sea the lofty rite: 16 Far−seeing, lovely, guided by the men, the God whose home is in the sea− 17 Soma, the gladdening juice, flows pressed for Indra with his Marut host: 18 Purified in the bowl and gendering the hymn, wise Soma joys among the Gods. 19 O Soma, Indu, every day thy friendship hath been my delight. 20 Close to thy bosom am I, Soma, day and night. O Tawny−hued, for friendship sake. 21 Deft−handcd! thou when purified liftest thy voice amid the sea. 22 Making thee pure and bright in the sheep's long wool, tbou hast bellowed, steerlike, in the wood. 23 Flow on to win us strength, flow on to lofty lore of every kind. 24 Flow to the realm of earth, flow to the realm of heaven, O Soma, in thy righteous ways. 25 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Pavamanas in a stream, 26 Urged onward by the pressers, clad in watery robes, Indu is speeding to the vat.

41 Forming the water−floods, the buffalo hath lowed, one−footed or two−footed or four− 42 From her descend in streams the seas of water; thereby the world's four regions have their being, 43 I saw from far away the smoke of fuel with spires that rose on high o'er that beneath it. 44 Three with long tresses show in ordered season. One of them sheareth when the year is ended. 45 Speech hath been measured out in four divisions, the Brahmans who have understanding know them. 46 They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and he is heavenly nobly−winged Garutman. 47 Dark the descent: the birds are golden−coloured; up to the heaven they fly robed in the waters. 48 Twelve are the fellies, and the wheel is single; three are the naves. What man hath understood it? 49 That breast of thine exhaustless, spring of pleasure, wherewith thou feedest all things that are choicest, 50 By means of sacrifice the Gods accomplished their sacrifice: these were the earliest ordinances. 51 Uniform, with the passing days, this water mounts and fails again. 52 The Bird Celestial, vast with noble pinion, the lovely germ of plants, the germ of waters,

2 Thou art our guileless, most delightful Herald, the God, among mankind, of holy synods. 3 For even the blessed longing that is in thee would bring the Gods down to the singer's worship, 4 Bright hath he beamed, the wise, the far−refulgent. Worship the two widespreading Worlds, O Agni, 5 When I with reverence clip the grass for Agni, when the trimmed ladle, fullof oil, is lifted, 6 Enrich us, O thou Priest of many aspects, with the Gods, Agni, with thy fires, enkindled.

2 We see that thou art good: far shines thy lustre; thy beams, thy splendours have flown up to heaven. 3 Red are the kine and luminous that bear her the Blessed One who spreadeth through the distance. 4 Thy ways are easy on the hills: thou passest Invincible! Se1f−luminous! through waters. 5 Dawn, bring me wealth: untroubled, with thine oxen thou bearest riches at thy will and pleasure; 6 As the birds fly forth from their restingplaces, so men with store of food rise at thy dawning.