Rig Veda on Wisdom

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

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

2 Whoso to thee, the Mighty, brings oblation, pure Soma unto thee, pure−drinking Vayu, 3 The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, whom heavenly Dhisana for our wealth 4 The spotless Dawns with fair bright days have broken; they found the spacious light when they were 5 These with their truthful spirit, shining brightly, move on provided with their natural insight. 6 May these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts of kine and horses, gold and treasures. 7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, O Indra−Vayu, with our fair laudations.

2 Thou, being born, art Child of Earth and Heaven, parted among the plants in beauty, Agni! 3 Here, being manifested, lofty Visnu, full wise, protects his own supremest station. 4 Thence bearing food the Mothers come to meet thee, with food for thee who givest food its increase. 5 Priest of the holy rite, with car that glitters, refulgent Banner of each act of worship, 6 So Agni stands on earth's most central station, invested in well−decorated garments. 7 Over the earth and over heaven, O Agni, thou, Son, hast ever spread above thy Parents.

2 Him have they praised, mid−point of sacrifices, great cistern of libations, seat of riches. 3 From thee, O Agni, springs the mighty singer, from thee come heroes who subdue the foeman. 4 To thee, Immortal! when to life thou springest, all the Gods sing for joy as to their infant. 5 Agni Vaisvanara, no one hath ever resisted these thy mighty ordinances, 6 The summits of the heaven are traversed through and through by the Immortal's light, Vaisvanara's 7 Vaisvanara, who measured out the realms of air, Sage very wise who made the lucid spheres of heaven,

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

2 By paths that are thine own come hither, Agni, joyous, delighting in the Gods' alliance, 3 The grass is strewn; the sacrifice advances adored as Priest, Agni is made propitious, 4 Forthwith the men, the best of these for wisdom, have made him leader in the solemn worship. 5 He hath come, chosen bearer, and is seated in man's home, Brahman, Agni, the Supporter, 6 These have passed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought with skill the hymn of adoration; 7 We, the Vasisthas, now implore thee, Agni, O Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and treasure.

2 The Man extends it and the Man unbinds it: even to this vault of heaven hath he outspun, it. 3 What were the rule, the order and the model? What were the wooden fender and the butter? 4 Closely was Gayatri conjoined with Agni, and closely Savitar combined with Usnih. 5 Viraj adhered to Varuna and Mitra: here Tristup day by day was Indra's portion. 6 So by this knowledge men were raised to Rsis, when ancient sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. 7 They who were versed in ritual and metre, in hymns and rules, were the Seven Godlike Rsis.

1 O BRAHMANAPSATI, make him who presses Soma glorious, 2 The rich, the healer of disease, who giveth wealth, increaseth store, 3 Let not the foeman's curse, let not a mortal's onslaught fall on us 4 Ne'er is the mortal hero harmed whom Indra, Brahmanaspati, 5 Do, thou, O Brahmanaspati, and Indra, Soma, Daksina, 6 To the Assembly's wondrous Lord, to Indra's lovely Friend who gives 7 He without whom no sacrifice, e'en of the wise man, prospers; he 8 He makes the oblation prosper, he promotes the course of sacrifice: 9 I have seen Narasamsa, him most resolute, most widely famed,

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

2 These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses. 3 Agni I deem my Kinsman and my Father, count him my Brother and my Friend for ever. 4 Effectual, Agni, are our prayers for profit. He whom, at home thou, Priest for ever, guardest 5 Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendours, 6 Worship, thyself, O God, the Gods in heaven: what, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee? 7 Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector bestow upon us life and vital vigour.

1 ALL sacred songs have magnified Indra expansive as the sea, 2 Strong in thy friendship, Indra, Lord of power and might, we have no fear. 3 The gifts of Indra from of' old, his saving succours, never fail, 4 Crusher of forts, the young, the wise, of strength unmeasured, was he born 5 Lord of the thunder, thou didst burst the cave of Vala rich in cows. 6 I, Hero, through thy bounties am come to the flood addressing thee. 7 The wily Susna, Indra! thou o'er−threwest with thy wondrous powers. 8 Our songs of praise have glorified Indra who ruleth by his might,

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

2 In war which wins the light, at the freegiver's call, at due oblation of the early−rising one, oblation of th 3 This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they made thee chooser of the place, for thou 4 So now must thy great deed be lauded as of old, when for the Angirases thou openedst the stall, openeds 5 When with wise plan the Hero leads the people forth, they conquer in the ordered battle, seeking fame, 6 Indra and Parvata, our champions in the fight, di ive ye away each man who fain would war with us, dri

2 Swift in their motion, hasting to their duty, reaching the central point of life immortal, 3 Steer, Sea, Red Bird with strong wings, he hath entered the dwelling−place of the Primeval Father. 4 Four bear him up and give him rest and quiet, and ten invigorate the Babe for travel. 5 Wondrous, O people, is the mystic knowledge that while the waters stand the streams are flowing: 6 For him they lenghten prayers and acts of worship: the Mothers weave garments for him their offspring. 7 Be this our praise, O Varuna and Mitra may this be health and force to us, O Agni.

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

2 Agni, burn down the word within their bodies through our newest speech, 3 Agni, I offer hymns to thee, like holy oil within thy moutlh. 4 Agni bestows all vital power even as each man supplicates. 5 Agni hath made himself renowned by wonderful victorious act. 6 Agni knows all that springs from Gods, he knows the mystery of men. 7 Agni inhabiteth with Gods and men who offer sacrifice. 8 Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the Sevenfold Race of men, 9 Agni the Wise inhabiteth three gathering−places, triply formed. 10 Our Agni, thou art first among the Gods, and first mid living men.

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

2 O'er all thou rulest with these Two which, Soma Pavamana, stand, 3 Wise Soma Pavamana, thou encompassest on every side 4 Flow onward, generating food, for precious boons of every kind, 5 Upon the lofty ridge of heaven thy bright rays with their essences, 6 O Soma, these Seven Rivers flow, as being thine, to give command: 7 Flow onward, Soma in a stream, effused to gladden Indra's heart, 8 Driving thee in Vivasvan's course, the Seven Sisters with their hymns 9 The virgins deck thee o'er fresh streams to drive thee to the sieve when thou, 10 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Sage, Mighty One, have pouredthem forth.

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

2 The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, in thy wisdom, Indra. 3 That spear of thine sat firm for us, O Indra: the Maruts set their whole dread power in motion. 4 Vouchsafe us now that opulence, O Indra, as guerdon won by mightiest donation. 5 With thee, O Indra, are most bounteous riches that further every one who lives uprightly. 6 Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, O Indra: exert thee in the great terrestrial region; 7 Heard is the roar of the advancing Maruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly moving, 8 Give to the Manas, Indra with Maruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle foremost.

2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction. 3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni. 4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest. 5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble; 6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies, 7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni. 8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.

2 Yea, now ye Gods of one accord speed on our car what time among the folk it seeks an act of might; 3 Or may our Indra here, the Friend of all mankind, coming from heaven, most.wise, girt by the Marut ho 4 Or may this Tvastar, God who rules the world with power, one−minded with the Goddesses speed forth 5 Or, seen alternate, those two blessed Goddesses, Morning and Night who stir all living things to act: 6 Your blessing as a boon for suppliants we desire: the Dragon of the Deep, and Aja−Ekapad, 7 These earnest prayers I pray to you, ye Holy: to pay you honour, living men have formed them,

2 Three times unto our solemn rite comes Agni like a charioteer, 3 Round the oblations hath he paced, Agni the Wise, the Lord of Strength, 4 He who is kindled eastward for Srnjaya, Devavata's son, 5 So mighty be the Agni whom the mortal hero shall command, 6 Day after day they dress him, as they clean a horse who wins the prize. 7 When Sahadeva's princely son with two bay horses thought of me, 8 And truly those two noble bays I straightway took when offered me, 9 Long, O ye Asvins, may he live, your care, ye Gods, the princely son. 10 Cause him the youthful prince, the son of Sahadeva, to enjoy

2 O Asuras, O Varuna and Mitra, this hymn to you, like food, anew I offer. 3 The movements of the gliding wind come hither: like cows, the springs are filled to overflowing. 4 May I bring hither with my song, O Indra, wise Aryaman who yokes thy dear Bay Horses, 5 In their own place of sacrifice adorers worship to gain long life and win his friendship. 6 Coming together, glorious, loudly roaring − Sarasvati, Mother of Floods, the seventh− 8 Bring ye the great Aramati before you, and Pusan as the Hero of the synod, 9 May this our song of praise reach you, O Maruts, and Visnu guardian of the future infant.

5 Mighty and strong he waxed for hero exploit: the Bull was furnished a Sage's wisdom. 6 As floods according to their stream flow onward, so to the sea, as borne on cars, the waters. 7 Eager to mingle with the sea, the rivers carry the well−pressed Soma juice to Indra. 8 Like lakes appear his flanks filled full with Soma: yea, he contains libations in abundance. 9 Then bring thou hither, and let none prevent it: we know thee well, the Lord of wealth and treasure. 10 O Indra, Maghavan, impetuous mover, grant us abundant wealth that brings all blessings. 11 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 One, moving not away, supports six burthens: the Cows proceed to him the true, the Highest. 3 The Bull who wears all shapes, the triple−breasted, three−uddered, with a brood in many places, 4 When nigh them, as their tracer he observed them: he called aloud the dear name of Adityas. 5 Streams! the wise Gods have thrice three habitations. Child of three Mothers, he is Lord in synods. 6 Do thou, O Savitar, from heaven thrice hither, three times a day, send down thy blessings daily. 7 Savitar thrice from heaven pours down abundance, and the fair−handed Kings Varuna, Mitra; 8 Three are the bright realms, best, beyond attainment, and three, the Asura's Heroes, rule as Sovrans,

2 Drive, Pusan, from our road the wolf, the wicked inauspicious wolf, 3 Who lurks about the path we take, the robber with a guileful heart: 4 Tread with thy foot and trample out the firebrand of the wicked one, 5 Wise Pusan, Wonder−Worker, we claim of thee now the aid wherewith 6 So, Lord of all prosperity, best wielder of the golden sword, 7 Past all pursuers lead us, make pleasant our path and fair to tread: 8 Lead us to meadows rich in grass: send on our way no early heat: 9 Be gracious to us, fill us full, give, feed us, and invigorate: 10 No blame have we for Pusan; him we magnify with songs of praise:

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

2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna and I may be united. 3 Fain to know this in in I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuna, and ask them. 4 What, Varuna, hath been my chief transgression, ihat thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises 5 Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended. 6 Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuna wine, dice, or anger. 7 Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. 8 O Lord, O Varuna, may this laudation come close to thed and lie within thy spirit.

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

2 At Ayu's ancient call he by his wisdom gave all this progeny of men their being, 3 Praise him, ye Aryan folk, as chief performer of sacrifice adored and ever toiling, 4 That Matarisvan rich in wealth and treasure, light−winner, finds a pathway for his offispring. 5 Night and Dawn, changing each the other's colour, meeting together suckle one same Infant: 6 Root of wealth, gathering−place of treasures, banner of sacrifice, who grants the suppliant's wishes: 7 Now and of old the home of wealth, the mansion of what is born and what was born aforetime, 8 May the Wealth−Giver grant us conquering riches; may the Wealth−Giver grant us wealth with heroes. 9 Fed with our fuel, purifying Agni, so blaze to us auspiciously for glory.

2 Armed with your daggers, full of wisdom, armed with spears, armed with your quivers, armed with arro 3 From hills and heaven ye shake wealth for the worshipper: in terror at your coming low the woods bow 4 Bright with the blasts of wind, wrapped in their robes of rain, like twins of noble aspect and of lovely fo 5 Rich in adornment, rich in drops, munificent, bright in their aspect, yielding bounties that endure, 6 Borne on both shoulders, O ye Maruts, are your spears: within your arms is laid your energy and 3trengt 7 Vouchsafe to us, O Maruts, splendid bounty in cattle and in steeds, in cars and heroes. 8 Ho! Maruts, Heroes, skilled in Law, immortal, be gracious unto us, ye rich in treasures,

2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! 3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou ar 4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us 5 Speed happily those, as Surya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; 6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide−wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. 7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. 8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship.

2 May your pure steeds, rain−drinkers, bring you hither, swift as the tempest, your celestial coursers, 3 Your car is like a torrent rushing downward: may it come nigh, broad−seated, for our welfare,− 4 Here sprung to life, they both have sung together, with bodies free from stain, with signs that mark them 5 May your car−seat, down−gliding, golden−coloured, according to your wish approach our dwellings. 6 Forth comes your strong Bull like a cloud of autumn, sending abundant food of liquid sweetness. 7 Your constant song hath been sent forth, Disposers! that flows threefold in mighty strength, O Asvins. 8 This song of bright contents for you is swelling in the men's hall where three−fold grass is.ready. 9 The prudent worshipper, like Pusan, Asvins! praises you as he praises Dawn and Agni,

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

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

2 With callings ever they invoke Agni, Agni, Lord of the House, 3 Bring the Gods hither, Agni, born for him who strews the sacred grass: 4 Wake up the willing Gods, since thou, Agni, performest embassage: 5 O Agni, radiant One, to whom the holy oil is poured, bum up 6 By Agni Agni is inflamed, Lord of the House, wise, young, who bears 7 Praise Agni in the sacrifice, the Sage whose ways are ever true, 8 God, Agni, be his strong defence who lord of sacrificial gifts, 9 Whoso with sacred gift would fain call Agni to the feast of Gods, 10 Such, Agni, Purifier, bright, bring hither to our sacrifice, 11 So lauded by our newest song of praise bring opulence to us, 12 O Agni, by effulgent flame, by all invokings of the Gods,

2 They who with might were manifest, and who willingly by their own knowledge told it forth, Evayamar 3 Who by the psalm they sing are heard, from lofty heaven, the strong, the brightly shining Ones, 4 He of the Mighty Stride forth strode, Evayamarut, out of the spacious dwelling−place, their home in 5 Like your tremendous roar, the rainer with light flashing, strong, speeding, hath made all tremble, 6 Unbounded is your greatness, ye of mighty power: may your bright vigour be our aid, Evayamarut; 7 So may the Rudras, mighty warriors, Evayamarut, with splendid brilliancy, like fires, be our protectors; 8 Come in a friendly spirit, come to us, O Maruts, and hear his call who praises you, Evayamarut. 9 Come to our sacrifice, ye Hnly Ones, to bless it, and, free from demons, hear our call, Evayamarut.

2 rn all thy forms, O Soma, rest thy powers that influence the heart. 3 Even if, O Soma, I neglect thy laws through my simplicity, 4 Our songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells. 5 O Soma, through thy might who art skilful and strong, these longing men, 6 Our herds thou guardest, Soma, and the moving world spread far and wide. 7 On all sides, Soma, be to us a Guardian ne'er to be deceived. 8 Be watchful, Soma, passing wise, to give us store of vital strength. 9 Chief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra's gracious Friend, 10 Victorious is this gladdening drink: to Indra dear it grows in strength. 11 This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from wealth in kine.

2 I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality by secret pathways, 3 1, looking to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a rule of Law and Order. 4 I tarried many a year within this altar: I leave the Father, for my choice is Indra. 5 These Asuras have lost their powers of magic. But thou, O Varuna, if thou dost love me, 6 Here is the light of heaven, here allis lovely; here there is radiance, here is air's wide region. 7 The Sage hath fixed his form by wisdom in the heavens: Varuna with no violence let the waters flow. 8 These wait upon his loftiest power and vigour: he dwells in these who triumph in their Godhead; 9 They call him Swan, the abhorrent floods' Companion, moving in friendship with celestial Waters.

2 Born from the heaven e'en in the days aforetime, wakening, sting aloud in holy synod, 3 The Mother of the Twins hath borne Twin Children: my tongue's tip raised itself and rested silent. 4 Not one is found among them, none of mortals, to blame our sires who fought to win the cattle. 5 Where as a Friend with friendly men, Navagvas, with heroes, on his knees he sought the cattle. 6 Indra found meath collected in the milch−cow, by foot and hoof, in the cow's place of pasture. 7 He took the light, discerning it from darkness: may we be far removed from all misfortune. 8 Let there be light through both the worlds for worship: may we be far from most overwhelming evil. 9 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Hither is come the Rbhus' gift of riches; here was the drinking of the well−pressed Soma, 3 Ye made fourfold the chalice that wag single: ye spake these words and said, O Friend, assist us; 4 Out of what substance was that chalice fashioned which ye made fourfold by your art and wisdom? 5 Ye with your cunning made your Parents youthful; the cup, for Gods to drink, ye formed with cunning; 6 Whoso pours out for you, when days are closing, the sharp libation for your joy, O Vajas, 7 Lord of Bay Steeds, at dawn thejuice thou drankest: thine, only thine, is the noonday libation. 8 Ye, whom your artist skill hath raised to Godhead have set you down above in heaven like falcons. 9 The third libation, that bestoweth treasure, which ye have won by skill, ye dexterous−handed,−

2 Sole among chiefs, companionless, impetuous, and peerless, he 3 Lord of swift bounty, he will win e'en with a steed of worthless sort. 4 Come to us.hither: let us pay devotions that enhance thy might, 5 For thou, O Indra, makest yet more bold the spirit of the bold 6 Worthy of song, he looketh down as a man looketh into wells. 7 In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto thee. 8 Praised, Indra, is this might of thine, best for the service of the Gods, 9 He makes the races of mankind like synods of the Beauteous One. 10 Thy might, O Indra, at its birth, thee also, and thy mental power, 11 O Vrtra−slayer, thou and I will both combine for winning spoil. 12 Let us extol this Indra as truthful and never as untrue.

2 The strong Steers, gathering, have duly stirred themselves,and over the stream's wave the friends sent fo 3 With sanctifying gear they sit around the song: their ancient Father guards their holy work from harm. 4 Sweet−tongued, exhaustless, they have sent their voices down togetlier, in heaven's vault that pours a 5 O'er Sire and Mother they have roared in unison bright with the verse of praise, burning up riteless men, 6 Those which, as guides of song and counsellors of speed, were manifested from their ancient dwelling 7 What time the filter with a thousand streams is stretched, the thoughtful sages purify their song therein. 8 Guardian of Law, most wise, he may not be deceived: three Purifiers hath he set within his heart. 9 The thread of sacrifice spun in the cleansing sieve, on Varuna's tongue−tip, by supernatural might,−

2 Thy well−winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the black Bull hath bellowed round about us. 3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conducting by directest paths of Order 4 O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength, 5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song: 6 O Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning breaks, 7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid, 8 Bring to us ever−conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice, 9 Give us, O Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all our life, 10 O Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with care 11 May the man fall, O Agni, who near or afar assaileth us: 12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand−eyed, chaseth the Raksasas afar:

2 When, seeking your enjoyment onward from afar, ye, certain of my kinsmen, wandered on your way, 3 Savitar therefore gave you immortality, because ye came proclaiming him whom naught can hide; 4 When they had served with zeal at sacrifice as priests, they, mortal as they were, gained immortality. 5 The Rbhus, with a rod measured, as 'twere a field, the single sacrificial chalice. wide of mouth, 6 As oil in ladles, we through knowledge will present unto the Heroes of the firmament our hymn,− 7 Rbhu to us is Indra freshest in his might, Rbhu with powers and wealth is giver of rich gifts. 8 Out of a skin, O Rbhus, once ye formed a cow, and brought the mother close unto her calf again. 9 Help us with strength where spoil is won, O Indra: joined with the gbhus give us varied bounty.

2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra's throat they pour the Soma juice, 3 He goes upon his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring sound which Sarya's Daughter loves. 4 Washed by the men, stone−pressed, dear on the holy grass, faithful to seasons, Lord of cattle from of ol 5 O Indra, urged by arms of men and poured in streams, Soma flows on for thee after.his Godlike kind. 6 Sages well−skilled in work, intelligent, drain out the stalk that roars, the Sage, the Everlasting One. 7 Earth's central point, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distilled into the streams, into the waters' wave, 8 Over the earthly region flow thou on thy way, helping the praiser and the pourer, thou Most Wise. 9 Hither, O Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand gifts of cattle and of gold,

2 The worlds expand to hirn who from aforetime found light to spread the law of life eternal. 3 When the sage bears his holy wisdom round him, like a car visiting all worlds, the Hero, 4 For glory born be hath come forth to glory: he giveth life and glory to the singers. 5 Stream to us food and vigour, kine and horses: give us broad lights and fill thGods with rapture. 2 As one who rows drives on his boat, he, Gold−hued, sends forth his voice, loosed on the path of Order. 3 Hastening onward like the waves of waters, our holy hymns are pressing nigh to Soma. 4 They drain the stalk, the Steer who dwells on mountains, even as a Bull who decks him on the upland. 5 Sending thy voice out as Director, loosen the Invoker's thought, O Indu, as they cleanse thee.

2 Our sires with lauds burst e'en the firmset fortress, yea, the Angirases, with roar, the mountain. 3 They stablished order, made his service fruitful; then parting them among the longing faithful, 4 Since Matarisvan, far−diffused, bath stirred him, and he in every house grown bright and noble, 5 When man poured juice to Heaven, the mighty Father, he knew and freed himself from close embracem 6 Whoso, bath flames for thee within his dwelling, or brings the worship which thou lovest daily, 7 All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the Seven mighty Rivers seek the ocean. 8 When light bath filled the Lord of men for increase, straight from the heaven descends the limpid moist 9 He who like thought goes swiftly on his journey, the Sun, alone is ever Lord of riches. 10 O Agni, break not our ancestral friendship, Sage as thou art, endowed with deepest knowledge.

2 He, Friend of man, most wise, victorious Hero, hears, with far−reaching aid, the singer call him. 3 The lofty axle of thy wheels, O Hero, is not surpassed by heaven and earth in greatness. 4 Strong Lord, thine energies, endowed with vigour, are like the paths of kine converging homeward. 5 One act to−day, another act tomorrow oft Indra makes what is not yet existeni. 6 By song and sacrifice men brought the waters from thee, as from a mountain's ridge, O Indra. 7 That Indra whom nor months nor autumn seasons wither with age, nor fleeting days enfeeble,− 8 Extolled, he bends not to the strong, the steadfast, nor to the bold incited by the Dasyu. 9 Impetuous Speeder through all depth and distance, give strengthening food, thou drinker of the juices. 10 Hasting to help, come hither and protect him, keep him from harm when he is here, O Indra.

2 Like a steed neighing eager for the pasture, when he hath stepped forth from the great enclosure: 3 From thee a Bull but newly born, O Agni, the kindled everlasting flames rise upward. 4 Thou whose fresh lustre o'er the earth advanceth when greedily with thy jaws thy food thou eatest. 5 The men have decked him both at eve and morning, Most Youthful Agni, as they tend a courser. 6 O fair of face, beautiful is thine aspect when, very near at hand, like gold thou gleamest, 7 That we may worship, with your Hail to Agni! with sacrificial cakes and fat oblations, 8 Thine are resistless songs for him who offers, and hero−giving hymns wherewith thou savest; 9 When forth he cometh, like an axe new−sharpened, pure in his form, resplendent in his body, 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

2 Strong, bellowing, he goes, like one who slays the folk; he lets this hue of Asuras flow off from him, 3 Onward he flows, from both the hands, pressed out with stones: excited by the prayer, the water makes 4 They pour out meath around the Master of the house, Celestial Strengthener of the mountain that gives 5 They, the ten sisters, on the lap of Aditi, have sent him forward like a car from both the arms. 6 Like as a falcon to his home, so speeds the God to his own golden wisely−tashioned place to rest. 7 From far away, from heaven, the redhued noted Sage, Steer of the triple height, hath sung unto the kine. 8 His covering assumes a radiant hue; where'er he comes into the fight he drives the foe afar. 9 Like a bull roaming round the herds he bellows: he hath assumed the brilliancy of Surya.

2 Wild in their course, in well−marked wise rejoicing were they, Brhaspati, who pressed around us. 3 Brhaspati, from thy remotest distance have they sat down who love the law eternal. 4 Brhaspati, when first he had his being from mighty splendour in supremest heaven, 5 With the loud−shouting band who sang his praises, with thunder, he destroyed obstructive Vala. 6 Serve we with sacrifices, gifts, and homage even thus the Steer of all the Gods, the Father. 7 Surely that King by power and might heroic hath made him lord of all his foes' posses−ions, 8 In his own house he dwells in peace and comfort: to him for ever holy food flows richly. 9 He, unopposed, is master of the riches.of his own subjects and of hostile people. 10 Indra, Brhaspati, rainers of treasure, rejoicing at this sacrifice drink the Soma. 11 Brhaspati and Indra, make us prosper may this be your benevolence to usward.

2 The priests beard far away, as they are ordered, serve the three Nirrtis, for well they know them. 3 The Youthful One, well−shaped, with four locks braided, brightened with oil, puts on the ordinances. 4 One of these Birds hath passed into the sea of air: thence he looks round and views this universal world. 5 Him with fair wings though only One in nature, wise singers shape, with songs, in many figures. 6 While they arrange the four and six−and−thirty, and duly order, up to twelve, the measures, 7 The Chariot's majesties are fourteen others: seven sages lead it onward with their Voices. 8 The fifteen lauds are in a thousand places that is as vast as heaven and earth in measure. 9 What sage hath learned the metres' application? Who hath gained Vak, the spirit's aim and object? 10 Yoked to his chariot−pole there stood the Coursers: they only travel round earth's farthest limits.

2 He was set down mid men as Priest unerring, Agni, wise, welcome in our holy synods. 3 The glowing ladle, filled with oil, is lifted; choosing Gods' service to the right he circles. 4 When sacred grass is strewn and Agni kindled, the Adhvaryu rises to, his task rej o cing. 5 Agni himself, the Priest, with measured motion, goes round, with sweet speech, cheerful, true to Order. 6 Beautiful and auspicious is thine aspect, O lovely Agni, terrible when spreading. 7 Naught hindered his production, Bounteous Giver: his Mother and his Sire were free to send him. 8 He, Agni, whom the twice−five sisters, dwelling together, in the homes of men engendered, 9 These thy Bay Coursers, Agni, dropping fatness, ruddy vigorous, speeding straightly forward, 10 These brightly−shining games of thine, O Agni, that move for ever restless, allsubduing, 11 To thee, O flaming God, hath prayer been offered. Let the priest laud thee: give to him who worships.

40 The wave of flowing meath hath wakened up desires: the Steer enrobed in milk plunges into the stream 41 Dear to all life, he sends triumphant praises forth, abundant, bringing offspring, each succeeding day. 42 When days begin, the strong juice, lovely, golden−hued, is recognized by wisdom more and more each 43 They balm him, balm him over balm him thoroughly, caress the mighty strength and balm it with the 44 Sing forth to Pavamana skilled in holy song: the juice is flowing onward like a mighty stream. 45 Dweller in floods, King, foremost, he displays his might, set among living things as measurer of days. 46 Loosed is the heavens! support, the uplifted cheering juice: the triply−mingled draught flows round int 47 Thy strearns that flow forth rapidly collected run over the fine fleece of the sheep as thou art cleansed. 48 Winner of' power, flow, Soma, worthy of our laud: run onward to the fleece as well−beloved meath.

2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving. 3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship. 4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, 5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom, 6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection. 7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,−these, reverent, I address at this our worship, 8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain, 9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour. 10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. 11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.

2 Agni hath waxen mighty by laudations, to be adored with hymns of those who praise him. 3 Amid men's homes hath Agni been established, fulfilling with the Law, Friend, germ of waters. 4 Agni is Mitra when enkindled duly, Mitra as Priest, Varuna, Jatavedas; 5 The Earth's, the Bird's dear lofty place he guardeth, he guardeth in his might the course of Surya, 6 The skilful God who knows all forms of knowledge made for himself a fair form, meet for worship. 7 Agni hath entered longingly the longing shrine rich with fatness, giving easy access. 8 Born suddenly, by plants he grew to greatness, when tender shoots with holy oil increased him, 9 Extolled, the Strong shone forth with kindled fuel to the earth's centre, to the height of heaven. 10 Best of all luminaries lofty Agni supported with his flame the height of heaven, 11 As holy food, Agni to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.

2 With sacrifice to these we men will honour the majesty of holy Narasamsa− 3 We will extol at sacrifice for ever, as men may do, Agni whom Manu kindled, 4 Bearing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it with reverence, on their knees, by Agni. 5 With holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Doors fain for chariots in the Gods' assembly. 6 And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Night, like a cow good at milking, 7 You, Bards and Singers at men's sacrifices, both filled with wisdom, I incline to worship. 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortals Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou, O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests, and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.