Rig Veda on War

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

2 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

11 They have been poured upon the fleece towards the meath−distilling vat: 12 Like milch−kine coming home, the drops of Soma juice have reached the lake, 13 O Indu, to our great delight the running waters flow to us, 14 In this thy friendship, and with thee to help us, fain to sacrifice, 15 Flow on, O Soma, for the great Viewer of men, for gain of Idne 16 Best art thou, Soma, of the great, Strongest of strong ones, Indu: thou 17 Mightier even than the strong, more valiant even than the brave, 18 Soma, as Sura, bring us food, win offspring of our bodies: we 19 Agni, thou pourest life; send down upon us food and vigorous strength; 20 Agni is Pavamana, Sage, Chief Priest of all the Races Five: 21 Skilled in thy task, O Agni, pour splendour with hero strength on us, 22 Beyond his enemies away to sweet praise Pavamana flows, 23 Adorned by living men, set forth for entertainment, rich in food, 24 He, Pavamana, hath produced the lofty Law, the brilliant light, 25 From tawny Pavamana, the Destroyer, radiant streams have sprung, 26 Best rider of the chariot, praised with fairest praise mid beauteous ones, 27 May Pavamana, best to win the booty, penetrate with rays, 28 Over the fleecy sieve hath flowed the drop effused: to Indra comes 29 This Soma, through the pressing−stones, is sporting on the oxhide, and 30 O Pavamana, bless us, so that we may live, with that bright milk

2 Surely men crave and gain their wish. Close to her husband clings the wife. 3 O never may that light, ye Gods, fall from its station in the sky. 4 I ask the last of sacrifice. As envoy he shall tell it forth. 5 Ye Gods who yonder have your home in the three lucid realms of heaven, 6 What is your firm support of Law? What Varuna's observant eye? 7 1 am the man who sang of old full many a laud when Soma flowed. 8 Like rival wives on every side enclosing ribs oppress me sore. 9 Where those seven rays are shining, thence my home and family extend. 10 May those five Bulls which stand on high full in the midst of mighty heaven, 11 High in the mid ascent of heaven those Birds of beauteous pinion sit. 12 Firm is this new−wrought hymn of praise, and meet to be told forth, O Gods. 13 Worthy of laud, O Agni, is that kinship which thou hast with Gods. 14 Here seated, man−like as a priest shall wisest Agni to the Gods 15 Varuna makes the holy prayer. To him who finds the path we pray. 16 That pathway of the Sun in heaven, made to be highly glorified, 17 Trta, when buried in the well, calls on the Gods to succour him. 18 A ruddy wolf beheld me once, as I was faring on my path. 19 Through this our song may we, allied with Indra, with all our heroes conquer in the battle.

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

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

2 Quaff it pure, meal−blent, mixt with milk, O Indra; we have poured forth the Soma for thy rapture. 3 Those who gave increase to thy strength and vigour; the Maruts singing forth thy might, O Indra. 4 They, even the Maruts who were there, excited with song the meath−created strength of Indra. 5 Pleased, like a man, with our libation, Indra, drink, for enduring hero might, the Soma. 6 When thou didst loose the streams to run like racers in the swift contest, having smitten Vrtra 7 With reverence let us worship mighty Indra, great and sublime, eternal, everyouthful, 8 Many are Indra's nobly wrought achievements, and none of all the Gods transgress his statutes. 9 Herein, O Guileless One, is thy true greatness, that soon as born thou drankest up the Soma. 10 As soon as thou wast born in highest heaven thou drankest Soma to delight thee, Indra; 11 Thou, puissant God, more mighty, slewest. Ahi showing his strength when couched around the waters. 12 Sacrifice, Indra, made thee wax so mighty, the dear oblation with the flowing Soma. 13 With sacrifice and wish have I brought Indra; still for new blessings may I turn him hither, 14 I have brought forth a song when longing seized me: ere the decisive day will I laud Indra; 15 Full is his chalice: Glory! Like a pourer I have filled up the vessel for his drinking. 16 Not the deep−flowing flood, O Much−invoked One! not hills that compass thee about restrain thee, 17 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Like chariot−wheels these people all together follow after thee: 3 Not even all the gathered Gods conquered thee, Indra, in the war, 4 When for the sake of those oppressed, and Kutsa as he battled, 5 When, fighting singly, Indra. thou o'ercamest all the furious Gods, thou slewest those who strove with t 6 When also for a mortal man, Indra, thou speddest forth the Sun, 7 What? Vrtra−slayer, art not thou, Maghavan, fiercest in thy wrath? 8 And this heroic deed of might thou, Indra, also hast achieved, 9 Thou, Indra, Mighty One, didst crush Usas, though Daughter of the Sky. 10 Then from her chariot Usas fled, affrighted, from her ruined car. 11 So there this car of Usas lay, broken to pieces, in Vipas, 12 Thou, Indra, didst. with magic power resist the overflowing stream 13 Valiantly didst thou seize and take the store which Susna had amassed, 14 Thou, Indra, also smotest down Kulitara's son Sambara, 15 Of Dasa Varcin's thou didst slay the hundred thousand and the five, 16 So Indra, Lord of Heroes, Powers, caused the unwedded damsel's son, 17 So sapient Indra, Lord of Might, brought Turvaga and Yadu, those 18 Arpa and Citraratha, both Aryas, thou, Indra, slewest swift, 19 Thou, Vrtra−slayer, didst conduct those two forlorn, the blind, the lame. 20 For Divodasa, him who brought oblationt, 1ndra overthrew 21 The thirty thousand Disas he with magic power and weapons sent 22 As such, O Vrtra−slayer, thou art general Lord of kine for all, 23 Indra, whatever deed of might thou hast this day to execute, 24 O Watchful One, may Aryaman the God give thee all goodly things.

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

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

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

1 To give first thought to them, I worship Heaven and Earth, and Agni, fair bright glow, to hasten their 2 Ample, unfailing, they have mounted as it were an eloquent car that ye may think of us and give. 3 Ye by the might which heavenly nectar giveth you are in supreme dominion Lords of all these folk. 4 The aids wherewith the Wanderer through his offipring's might, or the Two−Mothered Son shows swift 5 Wherewith ye raised from waters, prisoned and fast bound, Rebha, and Vandana to look upon the light; 6 Wherewith ye rescued Antaka when languishing deep in the pit, and Bhujyu with unfailing help. 7 Wherewith ye gave gucanti wealth and happy home, and made the fiery pit friendly for Atri's sake; 8 Mighty Ones, with what powers ye gave Paravrj aid what time ye made the blind and lame to see and w 9 Wherewith ye quickened the most sweet exhaustless flood, and comforted Vasistha, ye who ne'er decay; 10 Wherewith ye helped, in battle of a thousand spoils, Vispala seeking booty, powerless to move. 11 Whereby the cloud, ye Bounteous Givers, shed sweet rain for Dirghasravas, for the merchant Ausija, 12 Wherewith ye made Rasa swell full with water−floods, and urged to victory the car without a horse; 13 Wherewith ye, compass round the Sun when far away, strengthened Manddatar in his tasks as lord of 14 Wherewith, when Sambara was slain, ye guarded well great Atithigva, Divodisa, Kasoju, 15 Wherewith ye honoured the great drinker Vamra, and Upastuta and Kali when he gained his wife, 16 Wherewith, O Heroes, ye vouchsafed deliverance to Sayu, Atri, and to Manu long ago; 17 Wherewith Patharva, in his majesty of form, shone in his course like to a gathered kindled fire; 18 Wherewith, Angirases!

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

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

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

7 Sing forth your songs, as Vyasva sang, to Soma Pavamana, to, 8 Whose coloured sap they drive with stones, the yellow meath−distilling juice, 9 We seek to gain the friendly love of thee that Strong and Mighty One, 10 Flow onward with thy stream, a Steer, inspiriting the Maruts' Lord, 11 I send thee forth to battle from the press, O Pavamana, Strong, 12 Acknowledged by this song of mine, flow, tawny−coloured, with thy stream 13 O Indu, visible to all pour out for us abundant food: 14 The pitchers, Indu, with thy streams have sung aloud in vigorous might 15 O thou whose potent gladdening juice they milk out with the stones, flow on, 16 King Pavamana is implored with holy songs, on man's behalf, 17 Bring us, O Indu, hundredfold increase of kine, and noble steeds, 18 Pressed for the banquet of the Gods, O Soma, bring us might, and speed, 19 Soma, flow on exceeding bright with loud roar to the wooden vats, 20 Soma, the Water−winner flows to Indra, Vayu, Varuna, 21 Soma, bestowing food upon our progeny, from every sides, 22 The Soma juices which have been expressed afar or near at hand, 23 Those pressed among Arjikas, pressed among the active, in men's homes, 24 May these celestial drops, expressed, pour forth upon us, as they flow, 25 Urged forward o'er the ox−hide flows the Lovely One of tawny hue, 26 Like horses urged to speed, the drops, bright, stirring vital power, when blent 27 So they who toil with juices send thee forward for the Gods' repast: 28 We choose to−day that chariot−steed of thine, the Strong, that brings us bliss, 29 The Excellent, the Gladdener, the Sage with heart that understands, 30 Who for ourselves, O thou Most Wise, is wealth and fair intelligence,

2 The Son left not his portion to the brother, he made a home to hold him who should gain, it. 3 Agni was born trembling with tongue that flickered, so that the Red's great children should be honoured. 4 Conquering bands upon the Warrior waited: they recognized great light from out the darkness. 5 The sages freed them from their firmbuilt prison: the seven priests drove them forward with their spirit. 6 When Sarama had found the mountain's fissure, that vast and ancient place she plundered thoroughly. 7 Longing for friendship came the noblest singer: the hill poured forth its treasure for the pious. 8 Peer of each noble thing, yea, all excelling, all creatures doth he know, he slayeth Susna. 9 They sate them down with spirit fain for booty, making with hymns a way to life eternal. 10 Drawing the milk of ancient seed prolific, they joyed as they beheld their own possession. 11 Indra drove forth the kine, that Vrtra−slayer, while hymns of praise rose up and gifts were offered. 12 They made a mansion for their Father, deftly provided him a great and glorious dwelling; 13 What time the ample chalice had impelled him, swift waxing, vast, to pierce the earth and heaven,− 14 I crave thy powers, I crave thy mighty friendship: full many a team goes to the Vrtra−slayer. 15 He, having found great, splendid, rich dominion, sent life and motion to his friends and lovers. 16 Vast, the House−Friend, he set the waters flowing, all−lucid, widely spread, that move together. 17 To thee proceed the dark, the treasure−holders, both of them sanctified by Surya's bounty. 18 Be Lord of joyous songs, O Vrtra−slayer, Bull dear to all, who gives the power of living. 19 Like Angiras I honour him with worship, and renovate old song for him the Ancient. 20 Far forth are spread the purifying waters convey thou us across them unto safety.

6 To seat your Indra, I will spread abroad with power this song of praise. 7 A recent Friend, he found the skilful priest: he drank, and showed forth treasure from the Gods. 8 In course of Law the sapient juice was quaffed: the Deities to glory turned their mind. 9 Bestow on us the most illustrious strength ward off men's manifold malignities. 10 We turn to thee as Giver, liberal Indra. Lord of the Bay Steeds, be not thou ungracious. 11 Give us not up, Strong Hero! to the hungry: unharmed be we whom thou, so rich, befriendest. 12 As Indra thundering impels the rain−clouds, so doth he send us store of kine and horses. 13 Adbyaryu, hero, bring to mighty Indrafor he is King thereof−the pressed−out juices; 14 In the wild joy of this hath Indra, knowing full many a form, struck down resistless Vrtras. 15 May Indra drink this Soma poured to please him, and cheered therewith slay Vrtra with his thunder. 16 The cup whence Indra drinks the draught is present: the Amrta dear to Indra hath been drunken, 17 Therewith enraptured, Hero, slay our foemen, the unfriendly, Maghavan be they kin or strangers, 18 O Indra Maghavan, in these our battles win easy paths for us and ample freedom. 19 Let thy Bay Stallions, harnessed, bring thee hither, Steeds with strong chariot and strong reins to hold 20 Beside the vat, Strong God! stand thy strong Horses, shining with holy oil, like waves exulting. 21 Thou art the Bull of earth, the Bull of heaven, Bull of the rivers, Bull of standing waters. 22 This God, with might, when first he had his being, with Indra for ally, held fast the Pani. 23 The Dawns he wedded to a glorious Consort, and set within the Sun the light that lights him. 24 He stayed and held the heaven and earth asunder: the chariot with the sevenfold reins he harnessed.

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

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

2 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 Now whither? To what goal of yours go ye in heaven, and not on earth? 3 Where are your newest favours shown? Where, Maruts, your prosperity? 4 If, O ye Maruts, ye the Sons whom Prsni bore, were mortal, and 5 Then never were your praiser loathed like a wild beast in pasture−land, 6 Let not destructive plague on plague hard to be conquered, strike its down: 7 Truly, they the fierce and mighty Sons of Rudra send their windless 8 Like a cow the lightning lows and follows, motherlike, her youngling, 9 When they inundate the earth they spread forth darkness e'en in day time, 10 O Maruts, at your voice's sound this earthly habitation shakes, 11 O Maruts, with your strong−hoofed steeds, unhindered in their courses, haste 12 Firm be the fellies of your wheels, steady your horses and your cars, 13 Invite thou hither with this song, for praise, Agni the Lord of Prayer, 14 Form in thy mouth the hymn of praise expand thee like, a rainy cloud 15 Sing glory to the Marut host, praiseworthy, tuneful, vigorous: 1 WHEN thus, like flame, from far away, Maruts, ye cast your measure forth, 2 Strong let your weapons be to drive away your foes, firm for resistance let them be. 3 When what is strong ye overthrow, and whirl about each ponderous thing, 4 Consumers of your foes, no enemy of yours is found in heaven or on the earth: 5 They make the mountains rock and reel, they rend the forest−kings apart. 6 Ye to your chariot have yoked the spotted deer: a red deer, as a leader, draws. 7 O Rudras, quickly we desire your succour for this work of ours. 8 Should any monstrous foe, O Maruts, sent by you or sent by mortals threaten us, 9 For ye, the worshipful and wise, have guarded Kanva perfectly. 10 Whole strength have ye, O Bounteous Ones; perfect, earth−shakers, is your might.

2 The Vasus set that Agni in the dwelling, fair to behold, for help from every quarter: 3 Shine thou before us, Agni, well−enkindled, with flame, Most Youthful God, that never fadeth. 4 Among all fires these fires have shone most brightly, splendid with light, begirt by noble heroes, 5 Victorious Agni, grant us wealth with wisdom, wealth with brave sons, famous and independent, 6 To whom, the Strong, at morn and eve comes, maid−like, the ladle dropping oil, with its oblation. 7 Burn up all malice with those flames, O Agni, wherewith of old thou burntest up Jarutha, 8 With him who lighteth up thy splendour, Agni, excellent, pure, refulgent, Purifier, 9 Agni, the patriarchal men, the mortals who have in many places spread thy lustre,− 10 Let these men, heroes in the fight with foemen, prevail against all godless arts of 4magic,− 11 Let us not sit in want of men, O Agni, without descendants, heroleu, about thee: 12 By sacrifice which the Steeds' Lord ever visits, there make our dwelling rich in seed and offspring, 13 Guard us, O Agni, from the hated demon, guard us from malice of the churlish sinner: 14 May this same fire of mine surpass all others, this fire where offspring, vigorous and firm−handed, 15 This is that Agni, saviour from the foeman, who guards the kindler of the flame from sorrow: 16 This is that Agni, served in many places, whom the rich lord who brings oblation kindles, 17 Agni, may we with riches in possession bring thee continual ofierings in abundance, 18 Agni, bear thou, Eternal, these most welcome oblations to the Deities' assembly: 19 Give us not up, Agni, to want of heroes, to wretched clothes, to need, to destitution. 20 Give strength and power to these my prayers, O Agni; O God, pour blessings on our chiefs and nobles. 21 Thou Agni, swift to hear, art fair of aspect: beam forth, O Son of Strength, in full effulgence.

2 Robed in fair raiment meet to wear in battle, a mighty Sage pronouncing invocations. 3 Dear, he is brightened on the fleecy summit, a Prince among us, nobler than the noble. 4 Let us sing praises to the Gods: sing loudly, send ye the Soma forth for mighty riches. 5 Winning the friendship of the Deities, Indu flows in a thousand streams to make them joyful. 6 Flow, Gold−hued, cleansing thee, to enrich the singer: let thy juice go to Indra to support him. 7 The God declares the Deities' generations, like Usana, proclaiming lofty wisdom. 8 The Swans, the Vrsaganas from anear us have brought their restless spirit to our dwelling. 9 He follows the Wide−strider's rapid movement: cows low, as 'twere, to him who sports at pleasure. 10 Strong Indu, bathed in milk, flows on for Indra, Soma exciting strength, to make him joyful. 11 Then in a stream he flows, milked out with press−stones, mingled with sweetness, through the fleecy 12 As he is purified he pours out treasures, a God bedewing Gods with his own juices. 13 The Red Bull bellowing to the kine advances, causing the heavens and earth to roar and tbunder. 14 Swelling with milk, abounding in sweet flavours, urging the meath−rich plant thou goest onward. 15 So flow thou on inspiriting, for rapture, aiming deatb−shafts at him who stays the waters, 16 Pleased with us, Indu, send us as thou flowest good easy paths in ample space and comforts. 17 Pour on us rain celestial, quickly streaming, refreshing, fraught with health and ready bounty. 18 Part, like a knotted tangle, while they cleanse thee, O Soma, righteous and unrighteous conduct. 19 For the God's service, for delight, O Indu, run o'er the height, run o'ver the fleecy summit. 20 Without a car, without a rein to guide them, unyoked, like coursers started in the contest, 21 So for our banquet of the Gods, O Indu, pour down the rain of heaven into the vessels.

2 O Jatavedas with the teeth of iron, enkindled with thy flame attack the demons. 3 Apply thy teeth, the upper and the lower, thou who hast both, enkindled and destroying. 4 Bending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their points with song as if with whetstones, 5 Pierce through the Yatudhana's skin, O Agni; let the destroying dart with fire consume him. 6 Where now thou seest Agni Jatavedas, one of these demons standing still or roaming, 7 Tear from the evil spirit, Jatavedas, what he hath seized and with his spears hath captured. 8 Here tell this forth, O Agni: whosoever is, he himself, or acteth as, a demon, 9 With keen glance guard the sacrifice, O Agni: thou Sage, conduct it onward to the Vasus. 10 Look on the fiend mid men, as Man−beholder: rend thou his three extremities in pieces. 11 Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his falsehood injures Holy Order. 12 Lead thou the worshipper that eye, O Agni, wherewith thou lookest on the hoof−armed demon. 13 Agni, what curse the pair this day have uttered, what heated word the worshippers have spoken, 14 With fervent heat exterminate the demons; destroy the fiends with burning flame, O Agni. 15 May Gods destroy this day the evil−doer may each hot curse of his return and blast him. 16 The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle, with flesh of horses and of human bodies, 17 The cow gives milk each year, O Man−regarder: let not the Yatudhana ever taste it. 18 Let the fiends drink the poison of the cattle; may Aditi cast off the evildoers. 19 Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall Raksasas in fight o'ercome thee. 20 Guard us, O Agni, from above and under, protect us fl−om behind us and before us; 21 From rear, from front, from under, from above us, O King, protect us as a Sage with wisdom.

2 They who like kindled flames of fire are glowing,. the Maruts, twice and thrice have waxen mighty. 3 They who are Sons of the rain−pouring Rudra, whom the long−lasting One had power to foster: 4 They shrink not from the birth; in this same manner still resting there they purge away reproaches. 5 Even those who bear the brave bold name of Maruts, whom not the active quickly wins for milking. 6 When, strong in strength and armed with potent weapons, they had united wellformed earth and heaven, 7 No team of goats shall draw your car, O Maruts, no horse no charioteer be he who drives it. 8 None may obstruct, none overtake, O Maruts, him whom ye succour in the strife of battle 9 Bring a bright hymn to praise the band of Maruts, the Singers, rapid, strong in native vigour, 10 Bright like the flashing flames of sacrifices, like tongues of fire impetuous in their onset, 11 That swelling band I call with invocation, the brood of Rudra, armed with glittering lances. 2 To you Two Gods is this my thought extended, turned to the sacred grass with loving homage. 3 Come hither, Mitra−Varuna, invited with eulogies and loving adoration, 4 Whom, of pure origin, like two strong horses, Aditi bore as babes in proper season, 5 As all the Gods in their great joy and gladness gave you with one accord your high dominion, 6 So, through the days maintaining princely power. ye prop the height as 'twere from loftiest heaven. 7 Take the strong drink, to quaff till ye are sated, when he and his attendants fill the chamber. 8 So with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful and very wise, attends our worship. 9 When, Mitra−Varuna, they strive against you and break tlie friendly laws ye have established, 10 When singers in their song uplift their voices, some chant the Nivid texts with steady purpose. 11 O Mitra−Varuna, may your large bounty come to us hither, near to this our dwelling,

2 For, Hurler of the Bolt, we know thee true, the giver of our food, 3 O thou whose majesty the bards celebrate with their songs, thou Lord, 4 Fair guidance hath the mortal man whom Aryaman, the Marut host, 5 Kine, steeds, and hero strength he gains, and prospers, by the Adityas sped, 6 We pray to Indra for his gift, to him the Fearless and the Strong, 7 For verily combined in him are all the fearless powers of aid. 8 Yea, that most excellent carouse, Indra, which slays most enemies, 9 Which merits fame, all−bountiful! and, unsubdued, hath victory in deeds of might. 10 Responding to our wish for cows, for steeds, and chariots, as of old, 11 For, Hero, nowhere can I find the bounds of thy munificence. 12 High, glorifier of his friend, he knows all generations, he whom many praise. 13 Be he our Champion and Protector in great deeds, rich in all wealth, the Vrtra−slayer, Maghavan. 14 In the wild raptures of the juice sing to your Hero with high laud, to him the Wise, 15 Thou givest wealth to me myself, thou givest treasure, Excellent! and the strong steed, 16 Him, Sovran Ruler of all precious things, who even hath power o'er this fair form of his, 17 We praise, so that the Mighty One may speed to you, Pourer of boun ies, Traveller, prepared to go. 18 We in the sacrifice perform their will whose voice is lifted high, 19 O Indra, Mightiest, bring us that which crushes men of evil minds, 20 O Winner, noble winner, strong, wondrous, most splendid, excellent, 21 Now let the godless man approach who hath received reward so great 22 Steeds sixty thousand and ten thousand kine, and twenty hundred camels I obtained; 23 Ten browns that make my wealth increase, fleet steeds whose tails are long and fair, 24 The gifts which Prthusravas gave, Kanita's son munificent. 25 Come thou to this great rite of ours, Vayu! to give us vigorous light.

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

2 Both Gods and men obey this Ruler's order, Gods who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. 3 May our fair praise, heart−born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e'en at his birth, is sweet as hone 4 Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice−worthy. 5 As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, O Agni, as the guardian Lord of riches, 1 EVEN to him, swift, strong and high. exalted, I bring my song of praise as dainty viands, 2 Praise, like oblation, I present, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to the Victor. 3 To him then with my lips mine adoration, winning heaven's light, most excellent, I offer, 4 Even for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man who needs it,− 5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as 'twere a horse, through love of glory, 6 Even for him hath Tvastar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle, 7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Visnu had drunk up the draught, he plundered. 8 To him, to Indra, when he slew the Dragon, the Dames, too, Consorts of the Goda, wove praises. 9 Yea, of a truth, his magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of earth, mid−air, and heaven. 10 Through his own strength Indra with bolt of thunder cut piece−meal Vrtra, drier up of waters. 11 The rivers played, through his impetuous splendour, since with his bolt he compassed them on all sides 12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast thy bolt of thunder. 13 Sing with new lauds his exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds of him, yea, him who moveth swiftly, 14 When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm. Set mountains and the whole heaven and earth, tremble for terr 15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what he who rules alone o'er much, electeth. 16 Thus to thee, Indra, yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have brought their prayers to please thee.

2 This sweet juice here had mightiest power to gladden: it boldened Indra when he siaughtered Vrtra, 3 This stirreth up my voice when I have drunk it: this hath aroused from sleep my yearning spirit. 4 This, even this, is he who hath created the breadth of earth, the lofty height of heaven. 5 He found the wavy sea of brilliant colours in forefront of the Dawns who dwell in brightness. 6 Drink Soma boldly from the beaker, Indra, in war for treasures, Hero, Vrtra−slayer! 7 Look out for us, O Indra, as our Leader, and guide us on to gain yet goodlier treasure. 8 Lead us to ample room, O thou who knowest, to happiness, security, and sunlight. 9 Set us on widest chariot−seat, O Indra, with two steeds best to draw, O Lord of Hundreds! 10 Be gracious, Indra, let my days be lengthened: sharpen my thought as 'twere a blade of iron 11 Indra the Rescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each invocation, 12 May helpful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us with succour, 13 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell in his auspicious favour. 14 Like rivers rushing down a slope, O Indra, to thee haste songs and prayers and linked verses. 15 Who lauds him, satisfies him, pays him worship? E'en the rich noble still hath found him mighty. 16 Famed is the Hero as each strong man's tamer, ever advancing one and then another. 17 He loves no more the men he loved aforetime: he turns and moves away allied with others. 18 In every figure he hath been the mode: this is his only form for us to look on. 19 Here Tvastar, yoking to the car the Bay Steeds, hath extended sway. 20 Gods, we have reached a country void of pasture the land, though spacious, was too small to hold us. 21 Day after day far from their seat he drove them, alike, from place to place, those darksome creatures. 22 Out of thy bounty, Indra, hath Prastoka bestowed ten coffers and ten mettled horses.

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

2 Indra and Soma, let sin round the wicked boil like as a caldron set amid the flames of fire. 3 Indra and Soma, plunge the wicked in the depth, yea, cast them into darkness that hath no support, 4 Indra and Soma, hurl your deadly crushing bolt down on the wicked fiend from heaven and from the ear 5 Indra and Soma, cast ye downward out of heaven your deadly darts of stone burning with fiery flame, 6 Indra and Soma, let this hymn control you both, even as the girth encompasses two vigorous steeds− 7 In your impetuous manner think ye both thereon: destroy these evil beings, slay the treacherous fiends. 8 Whoso accuses me with words of falsehood when I pursue my way with guileless spirit, 9 Those who destroy, as is their wont, the simple, and with their evil natures barm the righteous, 10 The fiend, O Agni, who designs to injure the essence of our food, kine, steeds, or bodies, 11 May he be swept away, himself and children: may all the three earths press him down beneath them. 12 The prudent finds it easy to distinguish the true and false: their words oppose each other. 13 Never doth Soma aid and guide the wicked or him who falsely claims the Warrior's title. 14 As if I worshipped deities of falsehood, or thought vain thoughts about the Gods, O Agni. 15 So may I die this day if I have harassed any man's life or if I be a demon. 16 May Indra slay him with a mi weapon, and let the vilest ofghty 17 She too who wanders like an owl at night−time, hiding her body in her guile and malice, 18 Spread out, ye Maruts, search among the people: seize ye and grind the Raksasas to pieces, 19 Hurl down from heaven thy bolt of stone, O Indra: sharpen it, Maghavan, made keen by Soma. 20 They fly, the demon dogs, and, bent on mischief, fain would they harm indomitable Indra. 21 Indra hath ever been the fiends' destroyer who spoil oblations of the Gods' invokers: 22 Destroy the fiend shaped like an owl or owlet, destroy him in the form of dog or cuckoo.

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

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

2 O thou who castest forth the stones crushing the sorceresses' heads, 3 Do thou, O Maghavan, beat off these sorceresses' daring strength. 4 Of whom thou hast ere now destroyed thrice−fifty with thy fierce attacks. 5 O Indra, crush and bray to bits the fearful fiery−weaponed fiend: 6 Tear down the mighty ones. O Indra, hear thou us. For heaven hath glowed like earth in fear, O 7 The pourer of libations gains the home of wealth, pouring his gift conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostiliti

2 The fountain−depths obstructed in their seasons, thou, Thunderer! madest flow, the mountain's udder. 3 Indra with violence smote down the weapon, 4 Him, whom the heavenly food of these delighted, child of the mist, strong waxing, couched in darkness, 5 Though he might ne'er be wounded still his vitals felt that, the God's bolt, which his powers supported, 6 Him as he lay there huge in length extended, still waxing in the gloom which no sun lightened, 7 When 'gainst the mighty Danava his weapon Indra uplifted, power which none could combat, 8 The fierce God seized that huge and restless coiler, insatiate, drinker of the sweets, recumbent, 9 Who may arrest his strength or cheek his vigour? Alone, resistless, he bears off all riches. 10 E'en the Celestial Axe bows down before him, and the Earth, lover−like, gives way to Indra. 11 I hear that thou wast born sole Lord of heroes of the Five Races, famed among the people. 12 So, too, I hear of thee as in due season urging to action and enriching singers.

2 O'er all the region with their uniform advance these have spread out the lore that giveth heroes strength. 3 With pressing−stones and with the bright beams of the day he hurls his broadest bolt against the Guilefu 4 I, to enjoy the beauty of his form, behold that rapid rush of his as 'twere an axe's edge, 5 Four−faced and nobly clad, Varuna, urging on the pious to his task, stirs himself with the tongue.

2 The Darter penetrated, though in trouble, thrice−seven close−pressed ridges of the mountains. 3 The mightiest force is Indra's bolt of iron when firmly grasped in both the arms of Indra. 4 1 count thee as the Holiest of the Holy, the caster−down of what hath ne'er been shaken. 5 What time, O Indra, in thine arms thou tookest thy wildly rushing bolt to Slay the Dragon, 6 Let us praise him who made these worlds and creatures, all things that after him sprang into being. 7 Flying in terror from the snort of Vrtra, all Deities who were thy friends forsook thee. 8 Thrice−sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles of beaming light, worthy of worship. 9 A sharpened weapon is the host of Maruts. Who, Indra, dares withstand thy bolt of thunder? 10 To him the Strong and Mighty, most auspicious, send up the beAuteous hymn for sake of cattle. 11 To him, the Mighty, who accepts laudation, send forth thy thought as by a boat o'er rivers, 12 Serve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes: praise with fair praise, invite him with thine hom 13 The Black Drop sank in Amsumati's bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it. 14 1 saw the Drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank of Amsumati's river, 15 And then the Drop in Amsumati's bosom, splendid with light, assumed its proper body; 16 Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival. 17 So, Thunder−armed! thou with thy bolt of thunder didst boldly smite that power which none might equ 18 Then wast thou, Chieftain of all living mortals, the very mighty slayer of the Vrtras. 19 Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resistless in his anger. 20 Indra is Vrtra's slayer, man's sustainer: he must be called; with fair praise let us call him. 21 This Indra, Vrtra−slayer, this Rbhuksan, even at his birth, was meet for invocation.

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.