Rig Veda on Strength

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

2 All this with red−rayed steeds have they divided: the Dawns on bright cars shine in wondrous fashion. 3 Dawns, bringing hither, to the man who worships, glory and power and might and food and vigour, 4 Now is there treasure for the man who serves you, now for the hero, Dawns! who brings oblation; 5 O Dawn who standest on the mountain ridges, Angirases now praise thy stalls of cattle. 6 Shine on us as of old, thou Child of Heaven,on him, rich Maid! who serves like Bharadvaja.

1 O SOMA DRINKER, ever true, utterly hopeless though we be, 2 O Lord of Strength, whose jaws are strong, great deeds are thine, the powerful: 3 Lull thou asleep, to wake no more, the pair who on each other look 4 Hero, let hostile spirits sleep, and every gentler genius wake: 5 Destroy this ass, O Indra, who in tones discordant brays to thee: 6 Far distant on the forest fall the tempest in a circling course! 7 Slay each reviler, and destroy him who in secret injures us:

2 Men, Vasu! by the Soma, with lauds call thee to the foremost place: 3 Boldly, Bold Hero, bring us spoil in thousands for the Kanvas' sake. 4 Medhyatithi, to Indra sing, drink of the juice to make thee glad. 5 He Who is praised as strong of hand both right and left, most wise and hold: 6 The bold of heart whom none provokes, who stands in bearded confidence; 7 Who knows what vital ower he wins, drinking beside the flowing juice? 8 As a wild elephant rushes on this way and that way, mad with heat,' 9 When he, the Mighty, ne'er o'erthrown, steadfast, made ready for the fight, 10 Yea, verily, thou art a Bull, with a bull's rush. whom none may stay: 11 Thy reins are very bulls in strength, bulls' strength is in thy golden whip. 12 Let the strong presser press for thee. Bring hither, thou straight−rushing Bull. 13 Come, thou most potent Indra, come to drink the savoury Soma juice. 14 When thou hast mounted on thy car let thy yoked Bay Steeds carry thee, 15 O thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine heart. 16 Neither in thy decree nor mine, but in another's he delights,− 17 Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not discipline, 18 His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw his car: 19 Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let none

2 Awake all pleasant strains and let the hymns flow forth: raise up abundant fulness: this is our desire. 3 Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers of the slow although he linger last. 4 Ye made Cyavana, weak and worn with length of days, young again, like a car, that he had power to mo 5 We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic; yea, ye were Physicians bringing health. 6 Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me−your aid as sire and mother aid their son. 7 Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Vimada the comely maid of Purumitra as a bride. 8 Ye gave a ain the vigour of his youthful life to tge sage Kali when old age was coming nigh. 9 Ye Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought forth Reblia when hidden in the cave and 10 On Pedu ye bestowed, Asvins, a courser white, mighty with nine−and−ninety varied gifts of strength, 11 From no side, ye Two Kings whom none may check or stay, doth grief, distress, or danger come u on t 12 Come on that Chariot which the Rbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Asvins, that is speedier than thou 13 Come, Conquerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Asvins who made the cow stream milk for 14 We have prepared this laud for you, O Asvins, and, like the Bhrgus, as a car have framed it,

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 The mighty powers wherewith. ye formed the chalices, the thought by which ye drew the cow from out 3 Friendship with Indra have the Rbhus, fully gained: grandsons of Manu, they skilfully urged the work. 5 O Indra, with the Rbhus, Mighty Ones, pour down the Soma juice effused, well−blent, from both thy ha 6 With Rbhu near, and Vaja, Indra, here exult, with Saci, praised of many, in the juice we pour. 7 Come with the mighty Rbhus, Indra, come to us, strengthening with thy help the singer's holy praise;

2 Longing for lovely Amrta, by his wisdom he divided, each apart from other, earth and heaven. 3 May those his brilliant rays he ever free from death, inviolate, for both classes of created things,− 4 He, while he is adorned by the ten skilful ones, that he too in the Midmost Mothers may create, 5 He, while he is adorned to stream forth mighty strength, rejoices in his place between the earth and heav 6 Beholding, as it were, Two Mother Cows, the Steer goes roaring on his way even as the Maruts roar. 7 The fearful Bull is bellowing with violent might, far−sighted, sharpening his yellowcoloured horns. 8 Bright, making pure his body free from spot and stain, on the sheep's back the Golden−coloured hath 9 Flow on for the God's banquet, Soma, as a Steer, and enter Indra's heart, the Soma's reservoir. 10 Urged like a car−steed flow to strength, O Soma: Indu, flow onward to the throat of Indra.

2 Come to us with your chariot triple seated, three−wheeled, of triple form, that rolleth lightly. 3 With your well−rolling car, descending swiftly, hear this the press−stone's song, ye Wonder−Workers. 4 O Asvins, let your falcons bear you hither, yoked to your chariot, swift, with flying pinions, 5 The youthful Daughter of the Sun, delighting in you, ascended there your chariot, Heroes. 6 Ye raised up Vandana, strong WonderWorkers! with great might, and with power ye rescued Rebha. 7 To Atri, cast down to the fire that scorched him, ye gave, O Asvins, strengthening tbod and favour. 8 For ancient Sayti in his sore affliction ye caused his cow to swell with milk, O Asvins. 9 A white horse, Asvins, ye bestowed on Pedu, a serpent−slaying steed sent down by Indra, 10 Such as ye are, O nobly horn, O Heroes, we in our trouble call on you for succour. 11 Come unto us combined in love, Nasatyas come with the fresh swift vigour of the fal

2 Manyu was Indra, yea, the God, was Manyu, Manyu was Hotar, Varuna, Jatavedas. 3 Come hither, Manyu, mightier tham the mighty; chase, with thy fervour for ally, our foemen. 4 For thou art, Manyu, of surpassing vigour, fierce, queller of the foe, and self−existent, 5 I have departed, still without a portion, wise God! according to thy will, the Mighty. 6 Come hither. I am all thine own; advancing turn thou to me, Victorious, All−supporter! 7 Approach, and on my right hand hold thy station: so shall we slay a multitude of foemen.

2 He made the heaven and earth resplendent by his birth: Child of two Mothers he was meet to be implore 3 Within the range of their surpassinq power, by might, the Gods created Agni with inventive thought. 4 Eager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident, choiceworthy meet to be extolled 5 For happiness, men, having trimmed the sacred grass, set Agni glorious for his strength before them her 6 Around thy dwelling−place, O brightly−shining Priest, are men at sacrifice, whose sacred grass is trimm 7 He hath filled heaven and earth and the great realm of light, when at his birth the skilful held him in thei 8 Honour the oblation−bearer, him who knows fair rites, serve ye the Household Friend who knows all thi 9 They who are free from death, fain for him, purified three splendours of the mighty Agni, circling all. 10 Man's sacrificial food hath sharpened like an axe, for brightness, him the Sage of men, the people's Lor 11 He stirs with life in wombs dissimilar in kind, born as a Lion or a loudly−bellowing Bull: 12 Vaisvanara, as of old, mounted the cope of heaven, heaven's ridge, well greeted, by those skilled in no 13 For new prosperity we seek to Agni, him whose course is splendid, gold−haired, excellently bright, 14 As pure and swift of course, beholder of the light, who stands in heaven's bright sphere a sign, who wa 15 The cheerful Priest, the pure, in whom no guile is found, Friend of the House, praise−worthy, dear to a

2 For here, like flies on honey, these who pray to thee sit by the juice that they have poured. 3 Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the strong right hand, 4 These Soma juices, mixed with curd, have been expressed for Indra here. 5 May he whose ear is open hear us. He is asked for wealth: will he despise our prayer? 6 The hero never checked by men hath gained his strength through Indra, he 7 When thou dost drive the fighting men together be, thou Mighty One, the mighty's shield. 8 For Indra, Soma−drinker, armed with thunder, press the Soma juice. 9 Grudge not, ye Soma pourers; stir you, pay the rites, for wealth, to the great Conqueror. 10 No one hath overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives. 11 Indra, that man when fighting shall obtain the spoil, whose strong defender thou wilt be. 12 His portion is exceeding great like a victorious soldier's spoil. 13 Make for the Holy Gods a hymn that is not mean, but well−arranged and fair of form. 14 Indra, what mortal will attack the man who hath his wealth in thee? 15 In battles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the treasures dear to thee, 16 Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou cherishest the mid−most wealth, 17 Thou art renowned as giving wealth to every one in all the battles that are fought. 18 If I, O Indra, were the Lord of riches ample as thine own, 19 Each day would I enrich the man who sang my praise, in whatsoever place he were. 20 With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the spoil. 21 A moral wins no riches by unworthy praise: wealth comes not to the niggard churl. 22 Like kine unmilked we call aloud, Hero, to thee, and sing thy praise, 23 None other like to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been or ever will be born. 24 Bring, Indra, the Victorious Ones; bring, elder thou, the younger host. 25 Drive thou away our enemies, O Maghavan: make riches easy to be won. 26 O Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons.

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 Bearing thy body, Vajin, may thy body afford us blessing and thyself protection. 3 Strong Steed art thou: go to the yearning Maidens with vigour, happily go to heaven and praises: 4 Part of their grandeur have the Fathers also gained: the Gods have seated mental power in them as Gods 5 They strode through all the region with victorious might, establishing the old immeasurable laws. 6 In two ways have the sons established in his place the Asura who finds the light, by the third act, 7 As in a ship through billows, so through regions of air, with blessings, through toils and troubles 2 May we obtain, completely wrought, the thread spun out to reach the Gods, 3 We call the spirit hither with the Soma of our parted sires, 4 Thy spirit come to thee again for wisdom, energy, and lire, 5 O Fathers, may the Heavenly Folk give us our spirit once again, 6 O Soma with the spirit still within us, blest with progeny,

2 There with fiend's ways e'en Prsni was seated: with much laudation they exalted Indra. 3 High are thy feet when on thy way thou goest: the strength thou foundest here hath lent thee vigour. 4 Speeding at once to sacrifice thou comest for friendship thou art bringing both Nasatyas. 5 Glad, for the race that rests on holy Order, with friends who hasten to their goal, hath Indra 6 Two of like name for him didst thou demolish, as Indra striking down the car of Usas. 7 War−loving Namuci thou smotest, robbing the Dasa of his magic for the Rsi. 8 These names of thine thou hast fulfilled completely: as Lord, thou boldest in thine arm, O Indra. 9 May the sweet Soma juices make him happy to cast his quoit that lies in depth of waters. 10 When others call him offspring of the Courser, my meaning is that Mighty Power produced him. 11 Like birds of beauteous wing the Priyamedhas, Rsis, imploring, have come nigh to Indra:

2 Wherewith thou bolpest Adhrigu, the great Dasagva, and the God 3 Wherewith thou dravest forth like cars Sindhu and all the mighty floods 4 Accept this laud for aid, made pure like oil, thou Caster of the Stone, 5 Be pleased, Song−lover, with this song it flows abundant like the sea. 6 The God who from afar hath sent gifts to maintain our friendship's bond, 7 The beams that mark him have grown strong, the thunder rests between his arms, 8 When, Mighty Lord of Heroes, thou didst cat a thousand buffaloes, 9 Indra consumeth with the rays of Surya the malicious man: 10 This newest thought of ours that suits the time approaches unto thee: 11 The pious germ of sacrifice directly purifies the soul. 12 Indra who wins the friend hath spread himself to drink the Soma−draught: 13 He whom the sages, living men, have gladdened, offering up their hymns, 14 Aditi also hath brought forth a hymn for Indra, Sovran Lord: 15 The ministering priests have sung their songs for aid and eulogy: 16 If, Indra, thou drink Soma by Visnu's or Trta Aptya's side, 17 Or, Sakra, if thou gladden thee afar or in the sea of air, 18 Or, Lord of Heroes if thou aid the worshipper who shed; the, juice, 19 To magnify the God, the God, Indra, yea, Indra for your help, 20 With worship, him whom men adore, with Soma, him who drinks it most, 21 His leadings are with power and might and his instructions manifold: 22 For slaying Vrtra have the Gods set Indra in the foremost place.

2 Drink thou of this whereof at birth, O Indra, thou drankest, Mighty One for power and rapture. 3 The fire is kindled, Soma pressed, O Indra: let thy Bays, best to draw, convey thee hither. 4 Indra, come hither: evermore thou camest through our great strong desire to drink the Soma. 5 Mayst thou, O Indra, on the day of trial, present or absent, wheresoe'er thou dwellest, 2 With that well−formed most wide−extending palate, wherewith thou ever drinkest streams of sweetness, 3 This drop, steer−strong and omniform, the Soma, hath been made ready for the Bull, for India. 4 Soma when pressed excels the unpressed Soma, better, for one who knows, to give him pleasure. 5 We call on thee, O Indra: come thou hither: sufficient be the Soma for thy body. 2 With Soma go ye nigh to him chief drinker of the Soma's juice: 3 What time, with Soma, with the juice effused, ye come before the God, 4 To him, Adhvaryu! yea, to him give offerings of the juice expressed.

3 Sakra, who like a curry−comb for horses or a golden goad, 4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even though buried, piled in heaps: 5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from men. 6 To Soma, Much−invoked, Bolt−armed! for thy carouse, Celestial, Soma−drinker come. 7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder−wielder drink his fill. 8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees. 9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not done? 10 'How great his power resistless! how invincible the Vrtra−slayer's matchless might! 11 O Indra, Vrtra−slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers, 12 O thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an eager hope. 13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. 14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us. 15 Now let your Soma juice be poured; be not afraid, O Kali's sons.

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:

2 Firm−seated is thy car, thy Steeds are docile; thy hand, O King, holds, firmly grasped, the thunder. 3 Let strong and mighty Steeds who bear this Mighty Indra, the Lord of men, whose arm wields thunder, 4 So like a Bull thou rushest to the Lord who loves the trough, the Sage, the prop of vigour, in the vat, 5 May precious treasures come to us−so will I pray. Come to the votary's gift offered with beauteous laud. 6 Far went our earlist invocation of the Gods, and won us glories that can never be surpassed. 7 So be the others, evil−hearted, far away, whose horses, difficult to harness, have been yoked. 8 He firmly fixed the plains and mountains as they shook. Dyaus thundered forth and made the air's 9 I bear this deftly−fashioned goad of thine, wherewith thou, Maghavan, shalt break the strikers with the 10 O Much−invoked, may we subdue all famine and evil want with store of grain and cattle. 11 Brhaspati protect us from the rearward, and from above, and from below, from sinners.

2 Drink of the juice which men have washed in waters, and fill thee full, O Lord of Tawny Horses. 3 To make thee start, a strong true draught I offer to thee, the Bull, O thou whom Bay Steeds carry. 4 O Mighty Indra, through thine aid, thy prowess, obtaining life, zealous, and skilled in Order, 5 Through thy directions, Lord of Tawny Coursers, thine who art firm, splendid, and blest, the people 6 Lord of the Bays, come with thy two Bay Horses, come to our prayers, to drink the juice of Soma. 7 Him of a thousand powers, subduing foemen, Maghavan praised with hymns and pleased with Soma,− 8 The way to bliss for Gods and man thou foundest, Indra, seven lovely floods, divine, untroubled, 9 Thou from the curse didst free the mighty Waters, and as their only God didst watch and guard them. 10 Heroic power and noble praise is Indra yea, the song worships him invoked of many. 11 Call we on Maghayan, auspicious Indra. best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

27 The tribes who bring oblations call to thee, to thee to give them help, 28 There where the mountains downward slope, there by the meeting of the streams 29 Thence, marking, from his lofty place downward he looks upon the sea, 30 Then, verify, they see the light refulgent of primeval seed, 31 Indra, the Kanvas all exalt thy wisdom and thy manly power, 32 Accept this eulogy of mine, Indra, and guard me carefully: 33 For thee, O Mighty, Thunder−armed, we singers through devotionhave 34 To Indra have the Kanvas sung, like waters speeding down a slope: 35 As rivers swell the ocean, so our hymns of praise make Indra strong, 36 Come with thy lovely Bay Steeds, come to us from regions far away 37 Best slayer of Vrtras, men whose sacred grass is ready trimmed 38 The heavens and earth come after thee as the wheel follows Etasa: 39 Rejoice, O Indra, in the light, rejoice in Saryandyan, be Glad in the sacrificer's hymn. 40 Grown strong in heaven, the Thunder−armed hath bellowed, Vrtra−slayer, Bull, 41 Thou art a Rsi born of old, sole Ruler over all by might: 42 May thy Bay Steeds with beauteous backs, a hundred, bring thee to the feast, 43 The Kanvas with their hymns of praise have magnified this ancient thought 44 Mid mightiest Gods let mortal man choose Indra at the sacrifice, 45 Thy steeds, by Priyamedhas praised, shall bring thee, God whom all invoke, 46 A hundred thousand have I gained from Parsu, from Tirindira, 47 Ten thousand head of kine, and steeds three times a hundred they bestowed 48 Kakuha hath reached up to heaven, bestowing buffaloes yoked in fours,

2 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty wealth, 3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men 4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self−ruling King: 5 Let prelude sound and following chant so let him hear the Saman sung, 6 O Indra, with thy right hand bring, and with thy left remember us. 7 Come nigh, O Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of the churl 8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive, 9 Indra, thy swiftly−coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all,

2 Thou, Hero, art a warrior, thou art giver of abundant spoil. 3 When war and battles are on foot, booty is laid before the bold. 4 Mighty through wisdom, as he lists, terrible, he hath waxed in strength. 5 He filled the earthly atmosphere and pressed against the lights in heaven. 6 May he who to the offerer gives the foeman's man−sustaining food, 7 He, righteous−hearted, at each time of rapture gives us herds of kine. 8 Refresh thee, Hero, with the juice outpoured for bounty and for strength. 9 These people, Indra, keep for thee all that is worthy of thy choice.

2 As there ye, Mitra, Varuna, above the true have taken to yourselves the untrue with your mind, with 3 Asvins, the pious call you with their hymns of praise, sounding their loud song forth to you, these living 4 Well is it known, O Mighty Ones: ye open heaven; for you the chariotsteeds are yoked for morning rites 5 O Rich in Strength, through your great power vouchsafe us blessings day and night. 6 These Soma−drops, strong Indra! drink for heroes, poured, pressed out by pressing−stones, are welling 7 Quickly, O Agni, hear us: magnified by us thou shalt speck for us to the Gods adorable yea, to the King 8 Ne'er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never may your bright glories fall into decay, ne 9 Dadhyac of old, Anigiras, Priyamedha these, and Kanva, Atri, Manu knew my birth, yea, tbose of ancie 10 Let the Invoker bless: let offerers bring choice gifts; Brhaspati the Friend doth sacrifice with Steers, St 11 O ye Eleven Gods whose home is heaven, O ye Eleven who make earth your dwelling,

2 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman! for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of old, 3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens evermore: 4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war, him at whose birth the Mighty Ones, 5 O Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine− 6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with strength, O Strongest One. 7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, O thou whose life is long! 8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to be praised, 9 O Vasu, O thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence. 10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and tramplest down thy slanderers. 11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel, 12 O Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of corn, 13 O my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara's praise, 14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually praised, 15 The noble, Suradeva's son, hath brought a calf, led by the car to three of us.

2 In thee, effused, O Soma, we rejoice ourselves for great supremacy in fight. 3 O Pavamana, thou didst generate the Sun, and spread the moisture out with power, 4 Thou didst produce him, Deathless God mid mortal men for maintenance of Law and lovely Amrta: 5 All round about hast thou with glory pierced for us as 'twere a never−failing well for men to drink, 6 Then, beautifully radiant, certain Heavenly Ones, have sung to him their kinship as they looked thereon, 7 Soma, the men of old whose grass was trimmed addressed the hymn to thee for mighty strength and for 8 They have drained forth from out the great depth of the sky the old primeval milk of heaven that claims 9 As long as thou, O Pavamana, art above this earth and heaven and all existence in thy might, 10 In the sheep's wool hath Soma Pavamana flowed, while they cleanse him, like a playful infant, 11 Holy and sweet, while purified, this Indu flows on, a wave of pleasant taste, to Indra,− 12 So flow thou on, subduing our assailants, chasing the demons hard to beencountered,

2 Yea, mighty I esteem his Godlike nature: none hindereth what he hath once determined. 3 E'en now endures thine exploit of the Rivers, when, Indra, for their floods thou clavest passage. 4 This is the truth, none else is like thee, Indra, no God superior to thee, no mortal. Thou sle 2 Through fear of thee, O Indra, all the regions of earth, though naught may move them, shake and trembl 3 With Kutsa, Indra! thou didst conquer Susna, voracious, bane of crops, in fight for cattle. 4 Thou smotest to the ground the hundred castles, impregnable, of Sambara the Dasyu, 5 As such, true Hero, for great joy of battle mount thy terrific car, O Brave and Manly. 2 Amid the sages, with the Sun he brightened the Parents: glorified, he burst the mountain; 3 Famed for great deeds, with priests who kneel and laud him, he still hath conquered in the frays for cattl 4 Come with thy girthed mares, with abundant vigour and plenteous strength to him who sings thy praises 5 Indra with rush and might, sped by his Coursers, hath swiftly won the waters from the southward.

2 I praise that Indra, known to all men, honoured with songs, extolled with hymns at sacrifices, 3 He hath made pathways, with the Sun to aid him, throughout the darkness that extended pathless. 4 And he who did these things, where is that Indra? among what tribes? what people doth he visit? 5 Yea, here were they who, born of old, have served thee, thy friends of ancient time, thou active Worker. 6 Inquiring after him, thy later servants, Indra, have gained thy former old traditions. 7 The demon's strength is gathered fast against thee: great as that strength hath grown, go forth to meet it. 8 Hear, too, the prayer of this thy present beadsman, O Indra, Hero, cherishing the singer. 9 Bring to our help this day, for our protection, Varuna, Mitra, Indra, and the Maruts, 10 The singers here exalt with hymns and praises thee who art very Mighty and Most Holy. 11 Now to my words come quickly thou who knowest, O Son of Strength, with all who claim our worship 12 On good and evil ways be thou our Leader, thou who art known to all as Path−preparer.

2 Whom as a far−foreseeing Sage the Gods have, from the olden time, 3 Do thou, Most Youthful God, protect the men who offer, hear their songs, 4 What is the praise wherewith, O God, Afigiras, Agni, Son of Strength, 5 May serve thee, O thou Child of Power, and with what sacrifice's plan? 6 Our God, make all of us to dwell in happy habitations, and 7 Lord of the house, what plenty fills the songs which thou inspirest now, 8 Hirn Wise and Strong they glorify, the foremost Champion in the fray, 9 Agni, he dwells in rest and peace who smites and no one smites again:

2 For over thee, O Friend from birih, the wrath of man hath no control: 3 As such, with all the Gods, O Son of Strength, auspicious in thy flame. 4 Malignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, thou 5 Sage Agni, be whom thou dost urge, in worship of the Gods, to wealth, 6 Riches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts: 7 Save us, O Jatavedas, nor abandon us to him who sins, 8 O Agni, let no godless man avert thy bounty as a God: 9 So, Son of Strength, tbou aidest us to what is great and excellent. 10 Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with piercing flame 11 To Agni Jatavedas, to the Son of Strength, that he may give us precious gifts, 12 Agni, made yours by sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance; 13 May Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friendship sake. 14 Solicit with your chants, for help, Agni the God with piercing flame, 15 Agni we laud that he may keep our foes afar, Agni to give us health and strength.

2 He with his friend is active, lauded, good to man, Indra who must be glorified by one like me. 3 Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive to win thy bliss allied with riches? 4 Thou, Indra, through the holy prayer art mighty, worthy of sacrifice at all libations. 5 Help now, as Highest, those who toil at sacrifice: well do the people know thy great protecting might. 6 All these libations thou makest effectual, of which thou art thyself supporter, Son of Power. 7 They who with flowing Soma pray to thee, O Sage, to pour on them thy gifts of opulence and wealth,

2 Be even here; fall not away be like a mountain unremoved. 3 This man hath Indra stablished, made secure by strong oblation's power. 4 Firm is the sky and firm the earth, and stedfast also are these hills. 5 Stedfast, may Varuna the King, stedfast, the God Brhaspati,

2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as Minister and Priest, 3 He, verily, who honours thee with fuel, Knower of all life, 4 Ensign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us, 5 ToAgni, the Invoking Priest, offer your best, your lofty speech, 6 Let these our hymns make Agni grow, whence, meet for laud, he springs to life, 7 Best Sacrificer, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious man: 8 As such, O Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might: 9 So, wakeful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers kindly thee. 2 Oblation−bearer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger, 3 Ensign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well knoweth with his thought 4 Agni, illustrious from old time, the Son of Strength who knows all life, 5 Infallible is Agni, he who goes before the tribes of men, 6 Strength of the Gods which none may harm, subduing all his enemies, 7 By offering sacred food to him the mortal worshipper obtains. 8 From Agni, by our hymns, may we gain all things that bring happiness, 9 O Agni, in our deeds of might may we obtain all precious things:

2 Who, from of old, in carnage, when the people gathered, hath preserved 3 And let men say, Agni is born, e'en he who slayeth Vrtra, he 4 Him in whose house an envoy thou lovest to taste his offered gifts, 5 Him, Angiras, thou Son of Strength, all men call happy in his God, 6 Hitherward shalt thou bring these Gods to our laudation and to taste. 7 When, Agni, on thine embassage thou goest not a sound is heard of steed or straining of thy car. 8 Aided by thee uninjured, strong, one after other, goes he forth: 9 And splendid strength, heroic, high, Agni, thou grantest from the Gods,

2 Full springs of fatness, Sovran Kings, Mitra. and Varuna, the Twain, 3 So help ye us to riches, great terrestrial and celestial wealth: 4 Carefully tending Law with Law they have attained their vigorous might. 5 With rainy skies and streaming floods, Lords of the strength that bringeth gifts,

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 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 On him wait songs according to the season even as a stream of pious men set moving. 3 The praise, the verse that offers adoration, may he bring forth, as the Sun sends his arms out, 4 His song of praise pervades the earth and heaven − let the wise worshipper draw it, like a courser. 5 Those, God, who count thee as a worthless bullock, and, wealthy sinners, live on thee the Bounteous,− 6 Like a fair path is he, where grass is pleasant, though hard to win, a Friend beloved most early. 7 He to whom songs of praise go forth like torrents, as rivers eddying under banks flow sea−ward− 8 So hath Brhaspati, great, strong and mighty, the God exceeding powerful, been brought hither. 2 Coming, it kills the unobserved; it kills them as it goes away, 3 Sara grass, Darbha, Kusara, and Sairya, Munja, Virana, 4 The cows had settled in their stalls, the beasts of prey had sought their lairs, 5 Or these, thesereptiles, are observed, like lurking thieves at evening time. 6 Heaven is your Sire, your Mother Earth, Soma your Brother, Aditi 7 Biters of shoulder or of limb, with needle−stings, most venomous, 8 Slayer of things unseen, the Sun, beheld of all, mounts, eastward, up, 9 There hath the Sun−God mounted up, who scorches much and everything. 10 I hang the poison in the Sun, a wine−skin in a vintner's house, 11 This little bird, so very small, hath swallowed all thy poison up. 12 The three−times−seven bright sparks of fire have swallowed up the poison's strength. 13 Of ninety rivers and of nine with power to stay the venom's course,− 14 So have the peahens three−times−seven, so have the maiden Sisters Seven 15 The poison−insect is so small; I crush the creature with a stone. 16 Forth issuing from the mountain's side the poison−insect spake and said:

1 SING forth, O Kanvas, to your band of Maruts unassailable, 2 They who, self−luminous, were born together, with the spotted deer, 3 One hears, as though 'twere close at hand, the cracking of the whips they hold 4 Now sing ye forth the God−given hymn to your exultant Marut host, 5 Praise ye the Bull among the cows; for 'tis the Maruts' sportive band: 6 Who is your mightiest, Heroes, when, O shakers of the earth and heaven, 7 At your approach man holds him down before the fury of your wrath: 8 They at whose racings forth the earth, like an age−weakened lord of men, 9 Strong is their birth: vigour have they to issue from their Mother; strength, 10 And these, the Sons, the Singers, in their racings have enlarged the bounds, 11 Before them, on the ways they go, they drop this offspring of the cloud, 12 O Maruts, as your strength is great, so have ye cast men down on earth, 13 The while the Maruts pass along, they talk together on the way: 14 Come quick with swift steeds, for ye have worshippers among Kanva's sons 15 All is prepared for your delight. We are their servants evermore,

2 Golden, sublime, and easy in their motion, his arms extend unto the bounds of heaven. 3 May this God Savitar, the Strong and Mighty, the Lord of precious wealth, vouchsafe us treasures. 4 These songs praise Savitar whose tongue is pleasant, praise him whose arms are full, whose hands are

2 May we as Rbhu with your Rbhus conquer strength with our strength, as Vibhus with the Vibhus. 3 For they rule many tribes with high dominion, and conquer all their foes in close encounter. 4 Now, Deities, give us ample room and freedom: be all of you, one−minded, our protection.

2 Waters which come from heaven, or those that wander dug from the earth, or flowing free by nature, 3 Those amid whom goes Varuna the Sovran, he who discriminates men's truth and falsehood− 4 They from whom Varuna the King, and Soma, and all the Deities drink strength and vigour,

27 True undeniabIc strength he found in Yadu and in Turvasa, 28 Him have I magnified, our Lord in, common, Guardian of your folk, 29 Rbhuksan, not to be restrained, who strengthened Tugra's son in lauds, 30 Who for Trisoka clave the hill that formed a wide receptacle, 31 Whate'er thy plan or purpose be, whate'er, in transport, thou wouldst do, 32 But little hath been heard of done upon the earth by one like thee i 33 Thine then shall be this high renown, thine shall these lofty praises be, 34 Not for one trespass, not for two, O Hero, slay us, nor for three, 35 I fear one powerful like thee, the crusherdown of enemies, 36 O wealthy God, ne'er may I live to see my friend or son in need*: 37 What friend, O people, unprovoked, hath ever said unto a friend, 38 Hero, insatiate enjoy this Soma juice so near to thee, 39 Hither I draw those Bays of thine yoked 40 Drive all our enemies away, smite down the foes who press around, 41 O Tndra, that which is concealed in strong firm place precipitous: 42 Great riches which the world of men shall recognize as sent by thbe:

2 Thou hast a car more swift than thought, O Indra; thercon come hither, come to drink the Soma. 3 Deck out thy body with the fairest colours, with golden splendour of the Sun adorn it. 4 O thou whose grandeur in thy festive transports not even these two great worlds have comprehended. 5 Pressed for thy joyous banquet is the Soma, Soma whereof thou, Indra, ever drinking, 6 Found from of old is this thy cup, O Indra: Satakratu, drink therefrom the Soma. 7 From many a side with proffered entertainment the folk are calling thee, O Mighty Indra. 8 I will declare thy deeds of old, O Indra, the mighty acts which thou hast first accomplished. 9 Lord of the hosts, amid our bands be seated: they call thee greatest Sage among the sages. 10 Aim of our eyes be thou, for we implore thee, O Maghavan, Friend of friends and Lord of treasures. 2 This majesty of his Visnu extols and lauds, making the stalCthat gives the meath flow forth with inight. 3 When, bearing warlike weapons, fain to win thee praise, thou mettest Vrtra, yea, the Dragon, for the fig 4 Soon as he sprang to life he forced asun. der hosts: forward the Hero looked to manly deed and war. 5 Indra hath evermore possessed surpassing power: he forced, far from each other, heaven and earth apart. 6 Then to the mighty powers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce Stormer, loud of voice, they came with 7 Even in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove together came with might to execute, 8 Then all the Gods extolled, with eloquence inspired by draughts of Soma juice, thy deeds of manly mig 9 Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent 10 Give riches manifold with noble horses, to be remembered while my songs address thee.

2 Your praise is like a mighty power, an impulse: to you, Twain Gods, a well−formed hymn is offered, 3 O Mitra−Varuna, Aditi the Milch−cow streams for the rite, for folk who bring oblation, W 4 So may the kine and heavenly Waters pour you sweet drink in families that make you joyf

4 Self−yoked they have descended lightly from the sky. With your own lash, Immortals, urge yourselve's 5 Who among you, O Maruts armed with lightning−spears, moveth you by himself, as with the tongue his 6 Say where, then, is this mighty region's farthest bound, where, Maruts, is the lowest depth that ye have 7 Your winning is with strength, dazzling, with heavenly light, with fruit mature, O Maruts, fall of 8 The rivers roar before your chariot fellies when they are uttering the voice of rain−clouds. 9 Prani brought forth, to fight the mighty battle, the glittering army of the restless Maruts. 10 May this your laud, may this your song O Maruts, sung by the poet Mana's son,

1 Now Morning with her earliest light shines forth, dear Daughter of the Sky: 2 Sons of the Sea, mighty to save discoverers of riches, ye 3 Your giant coursers hasten on over the region all in flames, − 4 He, liberal, lover of the flood, Lord of the House, the vigilant, 5 Ye have regard unto our hymns, Nasatyas, thinking of our words: 6 Vouchsafe to us, O Asvin Pair, such strength as, with attendant light, 7 Come in the ship of these our hymns to bear you to the hither shore 8 The heaven's wide vessel is your own on the flood's shore your chariot waits 9 Kanvas, the drops are in the heaven; the wealth is at the waters' place: 10 Light came to lighten up the branch, the Sun appeared as it were gold: 11 The path of sacrifice was made to travel to the farther goal: 12 The singer of their praise awaits whatever grace the Asvins give, 13 Ye dwellers with Vivasvan come, auspicious, as to Manu erst; 14 O circumambient Asvins, Dawn follows the brightness of your way: 15 Drink ye of our libations, grant protection, O ye Asvins Twain, 1 ASVINS, for you who strengthen Law this sweetest Soma hath been shed. 2 Come, O ye Asvins, mounted on your triple car three−seated, beautiful of form 3 O Asvins, ye who strengthen Law, drink ye this sweetest Soma juice. 4 Omniscient Asvins, on the thrice−heaped grass bedew with the sweet juice the sacrifice. 5 O Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye guarded Kanva carefully, 6 O Mighty Ones, ye gave Sudas abundant food, brought on your treasure−laden car; 7 Nasatyas, whether ye be far away or close to Turvasa, 8 So let your coursers, ornaments of sacrifice, bring you to our libations here. 9 Come, O Nasatyas, on your car decked with a sunbright canopy, 10 With lauds and songs of praise we call them down to us, that they, most rich, may succour us;

2 He spread the wide earth out and firmly fixed it, smote with his thunderbolt and loosed the waters. 3 Armed with his bolt and trusting in his prowess he wandered shattering the forts of Dasas. 4 For him who thus hath taught these human races, Maghavan, bearing a fame−worthy title, 5 See this abundant wealth that he possesses, and put your trust in Indra's hero vigour. 6 To him the truly strong, whose deeds are many, to him the strong Bull let us pour the Soma. 7 Well didst thou do that hero deed, O Indra, in waking with thy bolt the slumbering Ahi. 8 As thou hast smitten Susna, Pipru, Vrtra and Kuyava, and Sambara's forts O Indra.

2 O Mighty Agni, thou must be glorified at our festivals, 3 O Jatavedas Agni, fight and drive our foes afar from us, 4 Thou, Jatavedas, seekest not the worship of a hostile man, 5 We sages, mortals as we are, adore the mighty name oof thee, 6 Sages, we call the Sage to help, mortals, we call the God to aid: 7 May Vatsa draw− thy mind away even from thy loftiest dwelling−place, 8 Thou art the same in many a place: mid all the people thou art Lord. 9 When we are seeking strength we call Agni to help us in the strife, 10 Ancient, adorablie at sacrifices, Priest from of old, meet for our praise, thou sittest.

2 Near him thou seemest mightier still in native glory, set to hold 3 Yea, this is by the light of him whom powerful siong hath bound to act, 4 Wealth loads the Wonder−Worker's car through his, the very wise One's power. 5 Now, too, the princes shall obtain excellent riches by our lips.

4 Two arms−the Soma's dexterous immo. lators−and the ten fingers set and fix the press−stone. 5 The Soma hath been pressed for thee, its lover, to give thee power and might and high enjoyment. 6 Bring by God−traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati, Celestial Lady, 7 As on his father's lap the son, the darling, so on the fire is set the sacred caldron, 8 Hither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty song, most sweet and pleasant! 9 I have declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and victorious Vayu, 10 Invoked by us bring hither, jatavedas the Maruts all under their names and figures. 11 From high heaven may Sarasvati the Holy visit our sacrifice, and from the mountain. 12 Set in his seat the God whose back is dusky, Brhaspati the lofty, the Disposer. 13 May the Sustainer, high in heaven, come hither, the Bounteous One, invoked, with all his favours, 14 The tuneful eloquent priests of him who liveth have sought the Mother's bright and loftiest station. 15 Agni, great vital power is thine, the mighty: pairs waxing old in their devotion seek thee. 16 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 17 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

2 Within the filter hath he flowed, this Soma for the Gods effused, 3 He shines in beauty there, this God Immortal in his dwelling−place, 4 Directed by the Sisters ten, bellowing on his way this Steer 5 This Pavamana, swiftand strong, Omniscient, gave spleudour to 6 This Soma being purified, flows mighty and infallible,

3 Parjanya is the Father of the Mighty Bird: on mountains, in earth's centre hath he made his home. 4 Thou givest pleasure as a wife delights her lord. Listen, O Child of Pajri, for to thee I speak. 5 As to the men of old thou camest, Indu unharmed, to strengthen, winning hundreds, thousands,

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:

1 As a good cow to him who milks, we call the doer of fair deeds, 2 Come thou to our libations, drink of Soma; Soma−drinker thou! 3 So may we be acquainted with thine innermost benevolence: 4 Go to the wise unconquered One, ask thou of Indra, skilled in song, 5 Whether the men who mock us say, Depart unto another place, 6 Or whether, God of wondrous deeds, all our true people call us blest, 7 Unto the swift One bring the swift, man−cheering, grace of sacrifice, 8 Thou, Satakratu, drankest this and wast the Vrtras' slayer; thou 9 We strengthen, Satakratu, thee, yea, thee the powerful in fight, 10 To him the mighty stream of wealth, prompt friend ot'him who pours the juice,

2 They come trooping together bearing milk to him, and bring him sustenance who gives support to all. 3 One priest announces what the institutor gives: one, altering the forms, zealously plies his task, 4 Dealing out food unto their people there they sit, like wealth to him who comes, more than the back can 5 Thou hast created earth to look upon the sky: thou, slaying Ahi, settest free the river's paths. 6 Thou givest increase, thou dealest to us our food: thou milkest from the moist the dry, the rich in sweets 7 Thou who hast spread abroad the streams by stablished law, and in the field the plants that blossom and 8 Who broughtest Narmara with all his wealth, for sake of food, to slay him that the fiends might be 9 Thou boundest up the Dasa's hundred friends and ten, when, at one's hearing, thou belpest thy worshipp 10 All banks of rivers yielded to his manly might; to him they gave, to him, the Strong, gave up their weal 11 Meet for high praise, O Hero, is thy power, that with thy single wisdom thou obtainest wealth, 12 Thou for Turviti heldest still the flowing floods, the river−stream for Vayya easily to pass 13 Prepare thyself to grant us that great bounty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure.

2 This Indra with his Marut Friends clave into pieces Vrtra's bead 3 Indra, with Marut Friends grown strong, hath rent asunder Vrtra, and 4 This is that Indra who, begirt by Maruts, won the light of heaven 5 Mighty, impetuous, begirt by Maruts, him who loudly roars, 6 Indra begirt by Maruts we invoke after the ancient plan, 7 O liberal Indra, Marut−girt, much−lauded Satakratu, drink 8 To thee, O Indra, Marut−girt, these Soma juices, Thunderer! 9 Drink, Indra, with thy Marut Friends, pressed Soma at the morning rites, 10 Arising in thy might, thy jaws thou shookest, Indra, having quaffed 11 Indra, both worlds complained to thee when uttering thy fearful roar, 12 From Indra have I measured out a song eight−footed with nine parts,

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