Rig Veda on Strength

2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. 3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven's light, full fain to gain it; 4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither, 5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, 6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six−eyed and triple−headed. 7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. 8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. 9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. 10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuna who works with magic, 11 Through lauds of him hath Ausija Rjisvan burst, with the Mighty's aid, the stall of Pipru. 12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra.

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

2 Radiant, as high Truth, cherished, best at winning strength, Truth based upon the statute that supports th 3 This light, the best of lights, supreme, all−conquering, winner of riches, is exalted with high laud. 4 Beaming forth splendour with thy light, thou hast attained heaven's lustrous realm.

2 Assemble, speak together: let your minds be all of one accord, 3 The place is common, common the assembly, common the mind, so be their thought united. 4 One and the same bt your resolve, and be your minds of one accord. 1 'Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night and morn, through age−inducing dawnings. 2 For even the men aforetime, law−fulfillers, who with the Gods declared eternal statutes,−− 3 Non inutilis est labor cui Dii favent: nos omnes aemulos et aemulas vincamus. 4 Cupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc utrum illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit. 5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath been imbibed within the spirit, 6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, progeny and. power, 5 Membrum suum virile, quod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retraxit. Rursus illud quod in juvenem filiam 6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo disceden 7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum ed congressus suum semen supra wrrarn effudit. Tum Dii benigni 8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est.

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

2 Indra aids him who offers sacrifice and gifts: he takes not what is his, and gives him more thereto. 3 These are ne'er lost, no robber ever injures them: no evil−minded foe attempts to harass them. 4 The charger with his dusty brow o'ertakes them not, and never to the shambles do they take their way. 5 To me the Cows seem Bhaga, they seem Indra, they seem a portion of the first−poured Soma. 6 O Cows, ye fatten e'en the worn and wasted, and make the unlovely beautiful tolook on. 7 Crop goodly pasturage and be prolific drink pure sweet water at good drinking places. 8 Now let this close admixture be close intermigled with these Cows, 2 Him to whose hand, men closely cling, and drivers stand on his golden chariot firmly stationed. 3 Thy devotees embrace thy feet for glory. Bold, thunder−armed, rich, through thy strength, in guerdon, 4 That Soma when effused hath best consistence, for which the food is dressed and grain is mingled; 5 No limit of thy might hath been appointed, which by its greatness sundered earth and heaven. 6 So be the lofty Indra prompt to listen, Helper unaided, golden−visored Hero.

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

2 Lit with libation, Agni, thou, deathless, who callest Gods to feast, 3 With splendour, Agni, Son of Strength, thou who art worshipped, wakeful One. 4 With all thy fires, with all the Gods, Agni, exalt the songs we sing. 5 Grant, Agni, to the worshipper wealth rich in heroes, plenteous store,

2 This man, most diligent, seeking after riches, incessantly invokes you for your favour. 3 O Indra−Varuna, ours be this treasure ours be wealth, Maruts, with full store of heroes. 4 Be pleased! with our oblations, thou loved of all Gods, Brhaspati: 5 At sacrifices, with your hymns worship the pure Brhaspati− 6 The Bull of men, whom none deceive, the wearer of each shape at will, 7 Divine, resplendent Pusan, this our newest hymn of eulogy, 8 Accept with favour this my song, be gracious to the earnest thought, 9 May he who sees all living things, see, them together at a glancc,− 10 May we attain that excellent glory of Savitar the God: 11 With understanding, earnestly, of Savitar the God we crave 12 Men, singers worship Savitar the God with hymn and holy rites, 13 Soma who gives success goes forth, goes to the gathering place of Gods, 14 To us and to our cattle may Soma give salutary food, 15 May Soma, strengthening our power of life, and conquering our foes, 16 May Mitra−Varuna, sapient Pair, bedew our pasturage with oil, 17 Far−ruling, joyful when adored, ye reign through majesty of might, 18 Lauded by Jamadagni's song, sit in the place of holy Law:

2 Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariots that are urged to speed, 3 The Somas deck themselves with milk, as Kings are graced with eulogies, 4 Pressed for the gladdening draught, the drops flow forth abundantly with song, 5 Winning Vivasvan's glory and producing Morning's light, the Suns 6 The singing−men of ancient time open the doors of sacred songs,− 7 Combined in close society sit the seven priests, the brother−hood, 8 He gives us kinship with the Gods, and with the Sun unites our eye: 9 The Sun with his dear eye beholds that quarter of the heavens which priests 2 Together with thy pleasant juice the Atharvans have commingled milk, 3 Bring, by thy flowing, weal to kine, weal to the people, weal to steeds. 4 Sing a praise−song to Soma brown of hue, of independent might. 5 Purify Soma when effused with stones which bands move rapidly, 6 With humble homage draw ye nigh; blend the libation with the curds: 7 Soma, foe−que chief o'er men, doing the will of pour forth 8 Heart−knower, Sovran of the heart, thou art effused, O Soma, that Indra may drink thee and rejoice. 9 O Soma Pavamana, give us riches and heroic strength,−

2 Lord of the clan, who brings us bliss, Strong, Warrior, Slayer of the fiend, 3 Drive Raksasas and foes away, break thou in pieces Vrtra'sjaws: 4 O Indra, beat our foes away, humble the men who challenge us: 5 Baffle the foeman's plan, ward off his weapon who would conquer us.

2 For Dvita who receives through wealth of native strength maimed offerings, 3 Nobles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with lengthened life, 4 They who have varied ways of thought, who guard, the lauds within their lips, 5 Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite,

2 Goat−borne, the guard of cattle, he whose home is strength, inspirer of the hymn, set over all the world; 3 O Pusan, with thy golden ships that travel across the ocean, in the air's mid−region, 4 Near kinsman of the heaven and earth is Pusan, liberal, Lord of food, of wondrous iustre,

2 When in the fulness of their strength the Purus dwell, Beauteous One, on thy two grassy banks, 3 So may Sarasvati auspicious send good luck; she, rich in spoil, is never niggardly in thought, 4 We call upon Sarasvan, as unmarried men who long for wives, 5 Be thou our kind protector, O Sarasvan, with those waves of thine 6 May we enjoy Sarasvan's breast, all−beautiful, that swells with streams, 2 We crave the heavenly grace of Gods to guard us−so may Brhaspati, O friends, exalt us− 3 That Brahmanaspati, most High and Gracious, I glorify with offerings and with homage. 4 May that Brhaspati who brings all blessings, most dearly loved, be seated by our altar. 5 To us these Deathless Ones, erst born, have granted this laud of ours which gives the Immortal pleasure. 6 Him, this Brhaspati, his red−hued horses, drawing together, full of strength, bring hither. 7 For he is pure, with hundred wings, refulgent, with sword of gold, impetuous, winning sunlight. 8 Both Heaven and Earth, divine, the Deity's Parents, have made Brhaspati increase in grandeur. 9 This, Brahmanaspati, is your laudation prayer hath been made to thunderwielding Indra. 10 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O Brhaspati, and thou, O Indra.

2 Flow onward with that stream of thine, whereby the cows have come to us, 3 Chief Friend of Gods in sacred rites, pour on us fatness with thy stream, 4 To give us vigour, with thy stream run through the fleecy straining−cloth 5 Onward hath Pavamana flowed and beaten off the Raksasas,

2 A happy boon do men elect, a mighty blessing they obtain. 3 If by address, by blame, by imprecation we have committed sin, awake or sleeping, 4 When, Indra, Brahmanaspati, our deeds are wrongful and unjust, 5 We have prevailed this day and won: we are made free from sin and guilt.

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

2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, 3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man; 4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain: lifegiving, he hath climbed the wood, 5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and seeks 6 And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his, 7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work, 8 Entreated by Vivasvan's ten, Indra cast down the water−jar 9 Three times the newIy−kindled flame proceeds around the sacrifice: 10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above, 11 The pressing−stones are set at work: the meath is poured into the tank, 12 Ye cows, protect the fount: the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice. 13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth 14 These know their own abiding−place: like calves beside the mother cows 15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven, 16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in portions seven, 17 I took some Soma when the Sun rose up, O Mitra, Varuna. 18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well−beloved's home,

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

2 Sakra protects from woe the man who gives him sacrificial cake. 3 His chariot shall be glorious, sped by Gods, and mighty shall he be, 4 Each day that passes, in his house flows his libation, rich in milk, 5 O Gods, with constant draught of milk, husband and wife with one accord 6 They gain sufficient food: they come united to the sacred grass, 7 Never do they deny or seek to hide the favour of the Gods: 8 With sons and daughters by their side they reach their full extent of life, 9 Serving the Immortal One with gifts of sacrificial meal and wealth, 10 We claim protection from the Hills, we claim protection of the Floods, 11 May Pusan come, and Bhaga, Lord of wealth, All−bounteous, for our weal 12 Aramati, and, free from foes, Visva with spirit of a God, 13 Seeing that Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna are guarding us, 14 I glorify with song, for wealth, Agni the God, the first of you. 15 As in all frays the hero, so swift moves his car whom Gods attend. 16 Ne'er are ye injured, worshipper, presser of juice, or pious man. 17 None in his action equals him, none holds him far or keeps him off. 18 Such strength of heroes shall be his, such mastery of fleet−foot steeds.

2 Him altogether praise I with the song and hymns our fathers sang, and with Nabhaka's eulogies,− 3 The nights he hath encompassed, and stablished the morns with magic art visible over all is he. 4 He, visible o'er all the earth, stablished the quarters of the sky: 5 He who supports the worlds of life, he who well knows the hidden names mysterious of the morning 6 In whom all wisdom centres, as the nave is set within the wheel. 7 He wraps these regions as a robe; he contemplates the tribes of Gods and all the works of mortal men. 8 He is an Ocean far−removed, yet through the heaven to him ascends the worship which these realms 9 Ruler, whose bright far−seeing rays, pervading all three earths, have filled the three superior realms of 10 Who, after his decree, o'erspread the Dark Ones with a robe of light; 2 So humbly worship Varuna the Mighty revere the wise Guard of World Immortal. 3 Sharpen this song of him who strives his utmost, sharpen, God Varuna, his strength and insight; 4 Asvins, with songs the singer stones have made you hasten hitherward, 5 As the sage Atri with his hymns, O Asvins, called you eagerly, 6 So have I called you to our aid, even as the wise have called of old,

2 Thou wishest for thy kine a bull, for those who long for his approach, 3 The dappled kine who stream with milk prepare his draught of Soma juice: 4 Praise, even as he is known, with song Indra the guardian of the kine, 5 Hither his Bay Steeds have been sent, red Steeds are on the sacred grass,, 6 For Indra Thunder−armed the kine have yielded mingled milk and meath, 7 When I and Indra mount on high up to the Bright One's place and home, 8 Sing, sing ye forth your songs of praise, ye Briyamedhas, sing your songs: 9 Now loudly let the viol sound, the lute send out its voice with might, 10 When bither speed the dappled cows, unflinching, easy to be milked, 11 Indra hath drunk, Agni hath drunk. all Deities have drunk their fill. 12 Thou, Varuna, to whom belong Seven Rivers, art a glorious God. 13 He who hath made the fleet steeds spring, well−harnessed, to the worshipper, 14 Indra, the very Mighty, holds his enemies in utter scorn. 15 He, yet a boy exceeding small, mounted his newly−fashioned car. 16 Lord of the home, fair−helmeted, ascend thy chariot wrought of gold. 17 With reverence they come hitherward to him as to. a Sovran lord, 18 The Priyamedhas have observed the offering of the men of old,

2 As ye have come effacing Mrtyu's footstep, to further times prolonging your existence, 3 Divided from the dead are these, the living: now be our calling on the Gods successful. 4 Here I erect this rampart for the living; let none of these, none other, reach this limit. 5 As the days follow days in close succession, as with the seasons duly come the seasons, 6 Live your full lives ap! find old age delightful, all of you striving one behind the other. 7 Let these unwidowed dames with noble husbands adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent. 8 Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. 9 From his dead hand I take the bow be carried, that it may be our power and might and glory. 10 Betake thee to the Iap of Earth the Mother, of Earth far−spreading, very kind and gracious. 11 Heave thyself, Earth, nor press thee downward heavily: afford him easy access, gently tending him. 12 Now let the heaving earth be free from motion: yea,− let a thousand clods remain above him. 13 I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I place this piece of earth. May I be free from injury. 14 Even as an arrow's feathers, they have set me on a fitting day.

2 I have beheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have sought the Founder's habitation. 3 We will tell, Indra, when we pour libation, what mighty deeds thou hast performed to please us. 4 Indra, when born, thou madest firm thy spirit: alone thou seekest war to fight with many. 5 When thou wast born supremest at a distance, bearing a name renowned in far−off regions, 6 These blissful Maruts sing their psalm to praise thee, and pour to thee libation of the Soma. 7 Thou, Maghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, speeding, while joying in the milk, the Giver. 8 Pounding the head of Namuci the Dasa, me, too thou madest thine associate, Indra! 9 Women for weapons hath the Dasa taken, What injury can his feeble armies To me? 10 Divided from their calves the Cows went lowing around, on every side, hither and thither. 11 What time the Somas mixed by Babhru cheered him, loud the Steer bellowed in his habitations. 12 This good deed have the Rusamas done, Agni! that they have granted me four thousand cattle. 13 The Rusamas, O Agni, sent me homeward with fair adornment and with kine in thousands. 14 Night, well−nigh ended, at Rnancaya's coming, King of the Rusamas, was changed to morning. 15 We have received four thousand head of cattle presented by the Rusamas, O Agni.

3 Bright God, whose look is free from stain like Surya's, thou, swift, what time thou earnestly desirest, 4 Fierce is his gait and vast his wondrous body: he champeth like a horse with bit and bridle, 5 Archer−like, fain toshoot, he sets his arrow, and whets his splendour like the edge of iron: 6 In beams of morn he clothes him like the singer, and bright as Mitra with his splendour crackles. 7 Like Heaven's when scattering beams his voice was uttered: among the plants the radiant Hero shouted, 8 Who, with supporting streams and rays that suit him, hath flashed like lightning with his native vigour. 2 May Agni, radiant Herald of the morning, meet to be known, accept our praise with favour. 3 Whose might the very heavens regard with wonder: bright as the Sun he clothes himself with lustre. 4 Thou art a Singer, Son! our feast−companion: Agni at birth prepared his food and pathway. 5 Even he who cats his firm hard food with swiftness,and overtakes the nights as Vayu kingdoms. 6 Like Surya with his fulgent rays, O Agni, thou overspreadest both the worlds with splendour. 7 We have elected thee as most delightful for thy beams' glow: hear our great laud, O Agni. 8 Now, Agni, on the tranquil paths of riches come to us for our weal: save us from sorrow.

1 DAWN on us with prosperity, O Usas, Daughter of the Sky, 2 They, bringing steeds and kine, boon−givers of all wealth, have oft sped forth to lighten us. 3 Usas hath dawned, and now shall dawn, the Goddess, driver forth of cars 4 Here Kanva, chief of Kanva's race, sings forth aloud the glories of the heroes' names,− 5 Like a good matron Usas comes carefully tending everything: 6 She sends the busy forth, each man to his pursuit: delay she knows not as she springs. 7 This Dawn hath yoked her steeds afar, beyond the rising of the Sun: 8 To meet her glance all living creatures bend them down: Excellent One, she makes the light. 9 Shine on us with thy radiant light, O Usas, Daughter of the Sky, 10 For in thee is each living creature's breath and life, when, Excellent! thou dawnest forth. 11 O Usas, win thyself the strength which among men is wonderful. 12 Bring from the firmament, O Usas, all the Gods, that they may drink our Soma juice, 13 May Usas whose auspicious rays are seen resplendent round about, 14 Mighty One, whom the Rsis of old time invoked for their protection and their help, 15 Usas, as thou with light to day hast opened the twin doors of heaven, 16 Bring us to wealth abundant, sent in every shape, to plentiful refreshing food,

1 WHO now is he, what God among Immortals, of whose auspicious name we may bethink us? 2 Agni the God the first among the Immortals, − of his auspicious name let us bethink us. 3 To thee, O Savitar, the Lord of precious things, who helpest us 4 Wealth, highly lauded ere reproach hath fallen on it, which is laid, 5 Through thy protection may we come to even the height of affluence 6 Ne'er have those birds that fly through air attained to thy high dominion or thy might or spirit; 7 Varuna, King, of hallowed might, sustaineth erect the Tree's stem in the baseless region. 8 King Varuna hath made a spacious pathway, a pathway for the Sun wherein to travel. 9 A hundred balms are thine, O King, a thousand; deep and wide−reaching also be thy favours. 10 Whither by day depart the constellations that shine at night, set high in heaven above us? 11 I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. 12 Nightly and daily this one thing they tell me, this too the thought of mine own heart repeateth. 13 Bound to three pillars captured Sunahsepa thus to the Aditya made his supplication. 14 With bending down, oblations, sacrifices, O Varuna, we deprecate thine anger: 15 Loosen the bonds, O Varuna, that hold me, loosen the bonds above, between, and under.

2 At night and morning, Agni, have they called to thee, like milch−kine in their stalls lowing to meet their 3 Him have the Gods established at the region's base, doer of wondrous deeds, Herald of heaven and earth 4 Him have they set in his own dwelling, in the vault, like the Moon waxing, fulgent, in the realm of air. 5 May he as Priest encompass all the sacrifice. men throng to him with offerings and with hymns of prais 6 Such as thou art, brilliantly kindled for our weal, a liberal giver, send us riches in thy shine, 7 Agni, give us great wealth, give riches thousandfold. unclose to us, like doors, strength that shall bring 8 Enkindled night by night at every morning's dawn, may he shine forth with red flame like the realm of 9 Song chanted by us men, O Agni, Ancient One, has swelled unto the deathless Gods in lofty heaven− 10 Agni, may we show forth our valour with the steed or with the power of prayer beyond all other men; 11 Such, Conqueror! be to us, be worthy of our praise, thou for whom princes nobly born exert themselve 12 Knower of all that lives, O Agni may we both, singers of praise and chiefs, be in thy keeping still. 13 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon, graced with kine a

2 For thee, O Purifier, flow the drops of fatness rich in oil. 3 Agni, Most Excellent! for thee the Sage are drops that drip with oil. 4 To thee, O Agni, mighty and resistless, to thee stream forth the drops of oil and fatness. 5 Fatness exceeding rich, extracted from the midst,−this as our gift we offer thee.

2 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when he had drunk of Soma juices, 3 And, O ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of this my carefully pressed Sorna; 4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and supported: wrapped even in these he struck the Beast with terror 5 Thus all the Gods, O Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free will the draught of Soma; 6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished his nine−and−ninety castles all together, 7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred buffaloes, even as he willed it. 8 When thou three hundred buffaloes' flesh hadst eaten, and drunk, as Maghavan, three lakes of Soma, 9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, O Usana and Indra, to the dwelling, 10 One car−wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou settest free to move for Kutsa. 11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to Vidathin's son, as prey, thou gavest Pipru. 12 Navagvas and Dasgvas with libations of Soma juice sing hymns of praise to Indra. 13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well what hero deeds thou hast accomplished? 14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all these many acts, O Indra. 15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the new prayers, Mightiest! which we utter.

2 Him, to be praised at each tribe's sacrifices, the Two young Matrons' sober−minded Herald, 3 Unlike in form are the Red God's two Daughters: one is the Sun's, and stars bedeck the other. 4 I with a lofty song call hither Vayu, all−bounteous, filler of his car, most wealthy. 5 That chariot of the Asvins, fair to look on, pleaseth me well, yoked with a thought, refulgent, 6 Bulls of the Earth, O Vata and Parjanya, stir up for us the regions of the water. 7 So may Sarasvati, the Hero's Consort, brisk with rare life, the lightning's Child, inspire us, 8 I praise with eloquence him who guards all pathways. He, when his love impelled him, went to Arka. 9 May Herald Agni, fulgent, bring for worship Tvastar adored, in homes and swift to listen, 10 Rudra by day, Rudra at night we honour with these our songs, the Universe's Father. 11 Ye who are youthful, wise, and meet for worship, come, Martits, to the longing of the singer. 12 Even as the herdsman driveth home his cattle, I urge my songs to him the strong swift Hero 13 He who for man's behoof in his afiliction thrice measured out the earthly regions, Visnu− 14 Sweet be this song of mine to Ahibudhnya, Parvata, Savitar, with Floods and Lightnings; 15 Give riches borne on cars, with many heroes, contenting men, the guard of mighty Order.

2 Indra and Agni, Hero−lords when Vrtra fell, dwelling together, speeding emulously on, 3 Skilled in the Law I lift the hymn of praise to these, Law−strengtheners, unassailed, and great in majest 4 They with their might have stayed Heaven, Earth, and Prthivi, the Lord of Light, the firmament, −the 5 Bring gifts to Mitra and to Varuna who, Lords of all, in spirit never fail the worshipper, 6 The cow who yielding milk goes her appointed way hither to us as leader of holy rites, 7 The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aiders of Law, reflecting, in the seat of Law. 8 Born in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are sharers of one mansion in the home of Law. 9 Parjanya, Vata, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Vayu, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: 10 Tvastar and Vayu, those who count as Rbhus, both celestial Hotar−priests, and Dawn for happiness, 11 They generated prayer, the cow, the horse, the plants, the forest trees, the earth, the waters, and the hill 12 O Asvins, ye delivered Bhujyu from distress, ye animated Syava, Vadhrmati's son. 13 Thunder, the lightning's daughter, Aja−Ekapad, heaven's bearer, Sindhu, and the waters of the sea: 14 With Holy Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, knowing the Law immortal, Manu's Holy Ones, 15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasistha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings.

2 Let Aryarnan vouchsafe us wealth, and Bhaga, and Brhaspati. 3 We call King Soma to our aid, and Agni with our songs and hymns, 4 Indra, Vayu, Brhaspati, Gods swift to listen, we invoke, 5 Urge Aryaman to send us gifts, and Indra, and Brhaspati, 6 Do thou, O Agni, with thy fires strengthen our prayer and sacrifice:

2 I saw thee pondering in thine heart, and praying that in due time thy body might be fruitful. 3 In plants and herbs, in all existent beings I have deposited the germ of increase. 2 O Sinivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, Sarasvati: 3 That which the Asvins Twain rub forth with the attrition−sticks of gold,−

2 Now all this world, for worship, shall come after thee−the offerer's libations like floods to the depth, 3 To him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this r 4 Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee. 5 Great is thy power, O Indra, we are thine. Fulfil, O Maghavan, the wish of this thy worshipper. 6 Thou, who hast thunder for thy weapon, with thy bolt hast shattered into pieces this broad massive clou 2 Never decaying, seizing his appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry wood he spreads. 3 Set high in place o'er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, Lord of riches, seated as High Priest; 4 Urged by the wind be spreads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his tongues for sickles, with a 5 With teeth of flame, wind−driven, through the wood he speeds, triumphant like a bull among the herd of 6 The Bhrgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; 7 Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sacrificer, him whom the priests elect at solemn worship, 8 Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day to us thy praisers. 9 Be thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to those who worship.

2 He who fixed fast and firm the earth that staggered, and set at rest the agitated mountains, 3 Who slew the Dragon, freed the Seven Rivers, and drove the kine forth from the cave of Vala, 4 By whom this universe was made to tremble, who chased away the humbled brood of demons, 5 Of whom, the Terrible, they ask, Where is He? or verily they say of him, He is not. 6 Stirrer to action of the poor and lowly, of priest, of suppliant who sings his praises; 7 He under whose supreme control are horses, all chariots, and the villages, and cattle; 8 To whom two armies cry in close encounter, both enemies, the stronger and the weaker; 9 Without whose help our people never conquer; whom, battling, they invoke to give them succour; 10 He who hath smitten, ere they knew their danger, with his hurled weapon many grievous sinners; 11 He who discovered in the fortieth autumn Sambara as he dwelt among the mountains; 12 Who with seven guiding reins, the Bull, the Mighty, set free the Seven great Floods to flow at pleasure 13 Even the Heaven and Earth bow down before him, before his very breath the mountains tremble. 14 Who aids with favour him who pours the Soma and him who brews it, sacrificer, singer. 15 Thou verily art fierce and true who sendest strength to the man who brews and pours libation.

2 Pervade, O Pavamana, all our treasures with repeated light, 3 Pour on us, Pavamana, rain, as service and rain praise for Gods: 4 Thou art a Steer by lustre: we, O Pavamana, faithfully 5 Do thou, rejoicing, nobly−armed! pour upon us heroic strength: 6 When thou art cleansed with both the hands and dipped in waters, with the wood.

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

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

2 These Brahmanaspati produced with blast and smelting, like a Smith, 3 Existence, in the earliest age of Gods, from Non−existence sprang. 4 Earth sprang from the Productive Power the regions from the earth were born. 5 For Aditi, O Daksa, she who is thy Daughter, was brought forth. 6 When ye, O Gods, in yonder deep closeclasping one another stood,

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

2 Be his days ended, be he now departed, be he brought very near to death already, 3 With hundred−eyed oblation, hundred−autumned, bringing a hundred lives, have I restored him, 4 Live, waxing in thy strength, a hundred autumns, live through a hundred springs, a hundred winters. 5 So have I found and rescued thee thou hast returned with youth renewed.

2 Indu, by pressers urged to speed, bellowing out while beautified. 3 Pour on us, Soma, with thy stream manconquering might which many crave, 4 Hither hath Pavamana flowed, Soma flowed hither in a stream, 5 To waters with the stones they drive thee tawny−hued, most rich in sweets, 6 For Indra, for the Thunderer press the Soma very rich in sweets,

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

2 Our sacrifice, our bodies, and our offspr. let Indra form together with Adityas. 3 With the Adityas, with the band of Maruts, may Indra be Protector of our bodies. 4 As when the Gods came, after they had slaughtered the Asuras, keeping safe their Godlike nature, 5 Brought the Sun hitherward with mighty powers, and looked about them on their vigorous Godhead.

2 Here let the ignorant ask the means of you who know−for none beside you knoweth aught − 3 Such as ye: are, all−wise, we call you. Ye wise, declare to us this day accepted prayer. 4 Simply, ye Mighty Ones, I ask the Gods of that wondrous oblation hallowed by the mystic word. 5 Forth go the hymn that shone in Ghosa Bhrgu's like, the song wherewith the son of Pajra worships you, 6 Hear ye the song of him who hastens speedily. O Asvins, I am he who sang your praise. 7 For ye were ever nigh to deal forth ample wealth, to give the wealth that ye had gathered up. 8 Give us not up to any man who hateth us, nor let our milch−cows stray, whose udders give us food, 9 May they who love you gain you for their Friends. Prepare ye us for opulence with strengthening food, 10 1 have obtained the horseless car of Asvins rich in sacrifice, 11 May it convey me evermore: may the light chariot pass from men 12 It holdeth slumber in contempt. and the rich who enjoyeth not: 2 He stablished heaven; he poured forth, skilful worker, the wealth of kine, for strength, that nurtures hero 3 Lord of red dawns, he came victorious, daily to the Angirases' former invocation. 4 In joy of this thou didst restore, for worship, the lowing company of hidden cattle. 5 Thine is that milk which thy swift−moving Parents brought down, a strengthening genial gift for conque 6 There is he born.

2 Eager for wealth, we meditate Agni's effectual praise to−day, 3 May Agni, Priest among mankind, take pleasure in our songs of praise, 4 Thou, Agni, art spread widely forth, Priest dear and excellent; through thee 5 Singers exalt thee, Agni, well lauded, best giver of our strength: 6 Thou Agni, as the felly rings the spokes, encompassest the Gods. 1 yearn for bounty manifold.

2 Blended with milk and curds he flows on through the long wool of the sheep. 3 On through the long wool of the sheep to the meath−dropping vat he flows: 4 Shared by all Gods, Infallible, the Leader of our holy hymns, 5 After thy Godlike qualities, associate with Indra, go, 6 Like a car−horse who shows his strength, a God effused for Deities.

2 Unite him bringing household wealth, even as a calf, with mother kine, 3 Purify him who gives us power, that he, most Blessed One, may be 4 Voices have sung aloud to thee as finderout of wealth for us: 5 Thou, Indu, art the food of Gods, O Sovran of all gladdening drinks: 6 Drive utterly away from us each demon, each voracious fiend,

2 For sacrifice make for us active vital power for skill and wisdom food with noble progeny. 3 Do ye, O Rbhus, make prosperity for us, prosperity for car, ye Heroes, and for steed. 4 Indra, the Rbhus' Lord, I invocate for aid, the Rbhus, Vajas, Maruts to the Soma draught. 5 May Rbhu send prosperity for battle, may Vaja conquering in the fight protect us.

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

2 He, praised of many, bold, invoked of many, alone is glorified at sacrifices. 3 They make their way to Indra and exalt him, bim whom no prayers and no laudations trouble; 4 As brightness mingles with the Moon in heaven, the offered Soma yearns to mix with Indra. 5 To him this mighty eulogy, to Indra hath this our laud been uttered by the poets,

2 He, like the Sun, hath shone while Morn is breaking, and priests who weave the sacrifice sing praises, 3 Our songs and holy hymns go forth to Agni, seeking the God and asking him for riches, 4 joined with the Vasus, Agni, bring thou Indra bring hither mighty Rudra with the Rudras, 5 Men eagerly implore at sacrifices Agni, Most Youthful God, the joyous Herald.

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

2 Surya is he: throughout the wide expanses shall Indra turn him, swift as car−wheels, hithe 4 I will send forth my songs in flow unceasing, like water from the ocean's depth, to Indra. 5 Rousing with draughts, the Shaker, rushing onward, impetuous, very strong, armed as with arrows 6 Soma hath flowed to him whom naught can equal, the earth, the heavens, the firmament, the mountains, 7 As an axe fells the tree so be slew Vrtra, brake down the strongholds and dug out the rivers. 8 Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, O Indra. The sword lops limbs, thou smitest down the sinner, 9 Men who lead evil lives, who break agreements, and injure Varuna, Aryaman and Mitra,− 10 Indra is Sovran Lord of Earth and Heaven, Indra is Lord of waters and of mountains. 11 Vaster than days and nights, Giver of increase, vaster than firmament and flood of ocean, 12 Forward, as herald of refulgent Morning, let thine insatiate arrow fly, O Indra. 13 Him, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees followed and the plants and herbage. 14 Where was the vengeful dart when thou, O Indra, clavest the demon ever beat on outrage? 15 Those who are set in enmity against us, the Oganas, O Indra, waxen mighty,− 16 May plentiful libations of the people, and singing Rsis' holy prayers rejoice thee. 17 O Indra, thus may we be made partakers of thy new favours that shall bring us profit. 18 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 That day when thou wast born thou, fain to taste it, drankest the plant's milk which the mountains nouris 3 Desiring food he came unto his Mother, and on her breast beheld the pungent Soma. 4 Fierce, quickly conquering, of surpassing vigour, he framed his body even as he listed. 5 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered;

2 When wilt thou gatber men with men, O Indra, heroes with heroes, and prevail in combat? 3 Yea, when wilt thou, O Indra, thou Most Mighty, make the prayer all−sustaining for the singer? 4 Grant to the Singer food with store of cattle, splendid with horses and the fame of riches. 5 Lead otherwise this present foeman, Sakra! Hence art thou praised as Hero, foe destroyer

2 With stream of sacrifice the brown bright drops have flowed with strength in store 3 To Indra, Vayu, Varuna, to Visnu, and the Maruts, flow 4 Three several words are uttered: kine are ]owing, cows who give their milk: 5 The young and sacred mothers of the holy rite have uttered praise: 6 From every side, O Soma, for our profit, pour thou forth four seas

2 Sublime from birth, mayst thou O Indra, Hero, with Surya overcome the Dasa races. 3 Answer the votary's hymns, for these thou knowest, craving the Rsis' prayer, thyself a Singer 4 These holy prayers, O Indra, have I sung thee: grant to the men the strength of men, thou Hero. 5 Listen to Prthi's call, heroic Indra, and be thou lauded by the hymns of Venya,

2 give us not as a prey to death, to be destroyed by thee in wrath, 3 To gain thy mercy, Varuna, with hymns we bind thy heart, as binds 4 They flee from me dispirited, bent only on obtaining wealths 5 When shall we bring, to be appeased, the Hero, Lord of warrior might, 6 This, this with joy they both accept in common: never do they fail 7 He knows the path of birds that fly through heaven, and, Sovran of the sea, 8 True to his holy law, he knows the twelve moons with their progeny: 9 He knows the pathway of the wind, the spreading, high, and mighty wind 10 Varuna, true to holy law, sits down among his people; he, 11 From thence percerving he beholds all wondrous things, both what hath been, 12 May that Aditya, very −wise, make fair paths for us all our days: 13 Varuna, wearing golden mail, hath clad him in a shining robe. 14 The God whom enemies threaten not, nor those who tyrannize o'er men, 15 He who gives glory to mankind, not glory that is incomplete, 16 Yearning for the wide−seeing One, my thoughts move onward unto him, 17 Once more together let us speak, because my meath is brought: priest−like 18 Now saw I him whom all may see, I saw his car above the earth: 19 Varuna, hear this call of mine: be gracious unto us this day 20 Thou, O wise God, art Lord of all, thou art the King of earth and heaven 21 Release us from the upper bond, untie the bond between, and loose