# Rig Veda - Book  3

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> RIG VEDA - BOOK THE THIRD
> 
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> HYMN I. Agni.
> 
> 1. THOU, Agni, who wilt have the strong, hast made me the Soma's priest, to worship in assembly.
> Thou shinest to the Gods, I set the pressstones. I toil; be joyful in thyself, O Agni.
> 2 East have we turned the rite; may the hymn aid it. With wood and worship shall they honour Agni.
> From heaven the synods of the wise have learnt it: c'en for the quick and strong they seek advancement.
> 3 The Prudent, he whose will is pure, brought welfare, allied by birth to Heaven and Earth in kinship.
> The Gods discovered in the midst of waters beautiful Agni with the Sisters' labour.
> 4 Him, Blessed One, the Seven strong Floods augmented, him white at birth and red when waxen mighty.
> As mother mares run to their new-born you ling, so at his birth the Gods wondered at Agni.
> 5 Spreading with radiant limbs throughout the region, purging his power with wise purifications,
> Robing himself in light, the life of waters, lie spreads abroad his high and perfect glories.
> 6 He sought heaven's Mighty Ones, the unconsuming, the unimpaired, not clothed and yet not naked.
> Then they, ancient and young, who dwell together, Seven sounding Rivers, as one germ received him.
> 7 His piles, assuming every form, are scattered where flow sweet waters, at the spring of fatness;
> There stood the milch-kine with full-laden udders, and both paired Mighty Mothers of the Wondrous.
> 8 Carefully cherished, Son of Strength, thou shoncst assuming lasting and refulgent beauties.
> Full streams of fatness and sweet juice descended, there where the Mighty One grew strong by wisdom.
> 9 From birth he knew even his Father's bosom, he set his voices and his streams in motion;
> Knew him who moved with blessed Friends in secret, with the young Dames of heaven. He stayed not hidden.
> 10 He nursed the Infant of the Sire and Maker: alone the Babe sucked many a teeming bosom.
> Guard, for the Bright and Strong, the fellow-spouses friendly to men and bound to him in kinship.
> 11 The Mighty One increased in space unbounded; full many a glorious flood gave strength to Agni.
> Friend of the house, within the lap of Order lay Agni, in the Sister Rivers' service.
> 12 As keen supporter where great waters gather, light-shedder whom the brood rejoice to look on;
> He who begat, and will beget, the dawnlights, most manly, Child of Floods, is youthful Agni.
> 13 Him, varied in his form, the lovely Infant of floods and plants the blessed wood hath gendered.
> Gods even, moved in spirit, came around him, and served him at his birth, the Strong, the Wondrous.
> 14 Like brilliant lightnings, mighty luminaries accompany the light-diffusing Agni,
> Waxen, as 'twere in secret, in his dwelling, while in the boundless stall they milk out Amrta.
> 15 I sacrificing serve thee with oblations and crave with longing thy good-will and friendship.
> Grant, with the Gods, thy grace to him who lauds thee, protect us with thy rays that guard the homestead.
> 16 May we, O Agni, thou who leadest wisely, thy followers and masters of all treasures,
> Strong in the glory of our noble offspring, subdue the godless when they seek the battle.
> 17 Ensign of Gods hast thou become, O Agni, joy-giver, knower of all secret wisdom.
> Friend of the homestead, thou hast lightened mortals: carborne thou goest to the Gods, fulfilling.
> 18 Within the house hath sate the King immortal of mortals, filling full their sacred synods.
> Bedewed with holy oil he shineth widely, Agni, the knower of all secret wisdom.
> 19 Come unto us with thine auspicious friendship, come speeding, Mighty, with thy mighty succours.
> Grant us abundant wealth that saves from danger, that brings a good repute, a glorious portion.
> 20 To thee who art of old these songs, O Agni, have I declared, the ancient and the later.
> These great libations to the Strong are offiered: in every birth is Jatavedas stablished.
> 21 Stablished in every birth is Jatavedas, kindled perpetual by the Visvamitras.
> May we rest ever in the loving-kindness, in the auspicious grace of him the Holy.
> 22 This sacrifice of ours do thou, O Mighty, O truly Wise, bear to the Gods rejoicing.
> Grant us abundant food, thou priestly Herald, vouchsafe to give us ample wealth, O Agni.
> 23 As holy food, Agni, to thine'invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.
> To us he born a son, and spreading offspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will to us-ward.
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> 
> HYMN II. Agni.
> 
> 1. To him, Vaisvanara, who strengthens Holy Law, to Agni we present our praise like oil made pure.
> With thoughtful insight human priests bring him anear, our Herald from of old, as an axe forms a car.
> 2 He made the heaven and earth resplendent by his birth: Child of two Mothers he was meet to be implored,
> Agni, oblation-bearer, gracious, ever-young, infallible, rich in radiant light, the guest of men.
> 3 Within the range of their surpassinq power, by might, the Gods created Agni with inventive thought.
> I, eager to win strength, address him, like a steed, resplendent with his brilliance, with his ample light.
> 4 Eager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident, choiceworthy meet to be extolled:
> The Bhrgus' bounty, willing, strong with sages' lore, even Agni shining forth with light that comes from heaven.
> 5 For happiness, men, having trimmed the sacred grass, set Agni glorious for his strength before them here;
> Yea, with raised ladles, him bright, dear to all the Gods, perfecting aims of works, Rudra of solemn rites.
> 6 Around thy dwelling-place, O brightly-shining Priest, are men at sacrifice, whose sacred grass is trimmed.
> Wishing to do thee service, Agni, they are there, desirous of thy friendship grant them store of wealth.
> 7 He hath filled heaven and earth and the great realm of light, when at his birth the skilful held him in their hold.
> He like a horse is led forth to the sacrifice Sage, graciously inclined, that he may win us strength.
> 8 Honour the oblation-bearer, him who knows fair rites, serve ye the Household Friend who knows all things that be.
> He drives the chariot of the lofty ordinance: Agni most active, is the great High Priest of Gods.
> 9 They who are free from death, fain for him, purified three splendours of the mighty Agni, circling all.
> To man, for his enjoyment, one of these they gave: the other two have passed into the sister sphere.
> 10 Man's sacrificial food hath sharpened like an axe, for brightness, him the Sage of men, the people's Lord,
> Busied with sacred rites he mounts and he descends. He hath laid down his vital germ within these worlds.
> 11 He stirs with life in wombs dissimilar in kind, born as a Lion or a loudly-bellowing Bull:
> Vaisvanara immortal with wide-reaching might, bestowing goods and wealth on him who offiers gifts.
> 12 Vaisvanara, as of old, mounted the cope of heaven, heaven's ridge, well greeted, by those skilled in noble songs.
> He, as of old, producing riches for the folk, still watchful, traversesthe common way again.
> 13 For new prosperity we seek to Agni, him whose course is splendid, gold-haired, excellently bright,
> Whom Matarisvan stablished, dweller in the heaven, meet for high praise and holy, sage and true to Law.
> 14 As pure and swift of course, beholder of the light, who stands in heaven's bright sphere a sign, who wakes at dawn,
> Agni, the head of heaven, whom none may turn aside-to him the Powerful with mighty prayer we seek.
> 15 The cheerful Priest, the pure, in whom no guile is found, Friend of the House, praise-worthy, dear to all mankind,
> Fair to behold for beauty like a splendid car,- Agni the Friend of men we ever seek for wealth.
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> HYMN III. Agni.
> 
> 1. To him who shines afar, Vaisvanara, shall bards give precious things that he may go on certain paths:
> For Agni the Immortal serves the Deities, and therefore never breaks their everlasting laws.
> 2 He, wondrous envoy, goes between the earth and heaven, firm seated as the Herald, great High Priest of men.
> He compassethwith rays the lofty dwelling-place, Agni, sent forward by the Gods, enriched with piayer.
> 3 Sages shall glorify Agni with earnest thoughts, ensign of sacrifice, who fills the synod full:
> In whom the singers have stored up their holy acts to him the worshipper looks for joy and happiness.
> 4 The Sire of sacrifice, great God of holy bards, Agni, the measure and the symbol of the priests,
> Hath entered heaven and earth that show in varied form: the Sage whom many love rejoiceth in his might.
> 5 Bright Agni with the bright car, Lord of green domains, Vaisvanara dweller in the floods, who finds the light,
> Pervading, swift and wild, encompassed round with powers, him very glorious have the Gods established here.
> 6 Agni, together with the Gods and Manu's folk by thought extending sacrifice in varied form,
> Goes, car-borne, to and fro with those who crown each rite, the fleet, the Household Friend, who turns the curse aside.
> 7 Sing, Agni, for long life to us and noble sons: teem thou with plenty, shine upon us store of food.
> Increase the great man's strength, thou ever-vigilant: thou, longing for the Gods, knowest their hymns full well.
> 8 The Mighty One, Lord of the people and their guest, the leader of their thoughts, devoted Friend of priests,
> Our solemn rites' announcer, Jatavedas, men with worship ever praise, with urgings for their weal.
> 9 Agni the God resplendent, giver of great joy, hath on his lovely car compassed the lands with, might.
> Let us with pure laudations in his house approach the high laws of the nourisher of multitudes.
> 10 I celebrate thy glories, O Vaisvanara, wherewith thou, O farsighted God, has found the light.
> Thou filledst at thy birth both worlds, the earth and heaven: all this, O Agni, hast thou compassed of thyself.
> 11 By his great skill the Sage alone hath brought to pass a great deed, mightier than Vaisvanara's wondrous acts.
> Agni sprang into being, magnifying both his Parents, Heaven and Earth, rich in prolific seed.
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> HYMN IV Apris.
> 
> 1. BE friendly with each kindled log of fuel, with every flash bestow the boon of riches.
> Bring thou the Gods, O God, unto our worship: serve, well-inclined, as Friend thy friends, O Agni.
> 2 Agni whom daily Varuna and Mitra the Gods bring thrice a day to this our worship,
> Tanunapat, enrich with meath our service that dwells with holy oil, that offers honour.
> 3 The thought that bringeth every boon proceedeth to worship first the Priest of the libation,
> That we may greet the Strong One with our homage. Urged, may he bring the Gods, best Sacrificer.
> 4 On high your way to sacrifice was made ready; the radiant flames went upward to the regions.
> Full in the midst of heaven the Priest is seated: sirew we the sacred grass where Gods may rest them.
> 5 Claiming in mind the seven priests' burntoblations, inciting all, they came in settled order.
> To this our sacrifice approach the many who show in hero beauty at assemblies.
> 6 Night and Dawn, lauded, hither come together, both smiling, different are their forms in colour,
> That Varuna and Mitra may accept us, and Indra, girt by Maruts, with his glories.
> 7. I crave the grace of heaven's two chief Invokers: the seven swift steeds joy in their wonted manner.
> These speak of truth, praising the truth eternal, thinking on Order as the guards of Order.
> 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortalls Agni,
> Sarasvati with all her kindred Rivers, come to this grass, Three Goddesses, and seat them.
> 9 Well pleased with us do thou O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour,
> Whence springs the hero, powerful, skilled in action, lover of Gods, adjuster of the press-stones.
> 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests; and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it.
> He as the truer Priest shall offer worship, for the Gods' generations well he knoweth.
> 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.
> On this our grass sit Aditi, happy Mother, and let our Hail delight the Gods Immortal.
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> HYMN V. Agni.
> 
> 1. AGNI who shines against the Dawns is wakened. The holy Singer who precedes the sages.
> With far-spread lustre, kindled by the pious, the Priest hath thrown both gates of darkness open.
> 2 Agni hath waxen mighty by laudations, to be adored with hymns of those who praise him.
> Loving the varied shows of holy Order at the first flush of dawn he shines as envoy.
> 3 Amid men's homes hath Agni been established, fulfilling with the Law, Friend, germ of waters.
> Loved and adored, the height he hath ascended, the Singer, object of our invocations.
> 4 Agni is Mitra when enkindled duly, Mitra as Priest, Varuna, Jatavedas;
> Mitra as active minister, and House-Friend, Mitra of flowing rivers and of mountains.
> 5 The Earth's, the Bird's dear lofty place he guardeth, he guardeth in his might the course of Surya,
> Guardeth the Seven-headed in the centre, guardeth sublime the Deities enjoyment.
> 6 The skilful God who knows all forms of knowledge made for himself a fair form, meet for worship.
> This Agni guards with care that never ceases the Sonia's skin, the Bird's place rich in fatness.
> 7 Agni hath entered longingly the longing shrine rich with fatness, giving easy access.
> Resplendent, pure, sublime and purifying, again, again he renovates his Mothers.
> 8 Born suddenly, by plants he grew to greatness, when tender shoots with holy oil increased him,
> Like waters lovely when they hasten downward may Agni in his Parents' lap protect us.
> 9 Extolled, the Strong shone forth with kindled fuel to the earth's centre, to the height of heaven.
> May Agni, Friend, adorable Matarisvan, as envoy bring the Gods unto our worship.
> 10 Best of all luminaries lofty Agni supported with his flame the height of heaven,
> When, far from Bhrgus, Matarisvan kindled the oblation-bearer where he lay in secret.
> 11 As holy food, Agni to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.
> To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will to us-word.
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> HYMN VI. Agni.
> 
> 1. URGED on by deep devotion, O ye singers, bring, pious ones, the God-approaching ladle.
> Borne onward to the right it travels eastward, and, filled with oil, to Agni bears oblation.
> 2 Thou at thy birth didst fill both earth and heaven, yea, Most Adorable, thou didst exceed them.
> Even through the heaven's and through the earth's expanses let thy swift seventongued flames roll on, O Agni.
> 3 Both Heaven and Earth and Gods who should be worshipped establish thee as Priest for every dwelling,
> Whenever human families, God-devoted, bringing oblations; laud thy splendid lustre.
> 4 Firm in the Gods' home is the Mighty seated, between vast Heaven and Earth the well-beloved-
> Those Cows who yield, unharmed, their nectar, Spouses of the Far-Strider, everyoung, united.
> 5 Great are the deeds of thee, the Great, O Agni: thou by thy power hast spread out earth and heaven.
> As soon as thou wast born thou wast an envoy, thou, Mighty One, was Leader of the people.
> 6 Bind to the pole with cords of holy Order the long-maned ruddy steeds who sprinkle fatness.
> Bring hithier, O thou God, all Gods together: provide them noble worship, Jatavedas.
> 7 Even from the sky thy brilliant lights shone hither: still hast thou beamed through many a radiant morning,
> That the Gods praised their joyous Herald's labour eagerly burning, Agni, in the forests.
> 8 The Gods who take delight in air's wide region, or those the dwellers in heaven's realm of brightness,
> Or those, the Holy, prompt to hear, our helpers, who, carborne, turn their horses hither, Agni---
> 9 With these, borne on one ear, Agni, approach us, or borne on many, for thy steeds are able.
> Bring, witb their Dames, the Gods, the Three and-Thirty, after thy Godlike nature, and be joyful.
> 10 He is the Priest at whose repeated worship even wide Heaven and Earth sing out for increase.
> They fair and true and holy coming forward stand at his sacrifice who springs from Order.
> 11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.
> To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will to usward.
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> HYMN VII.
> 
> 1. THE seven tones risen from the whitebacked viand have made their way between the pair of Mothers.
> Both circumjacent Parents come together to yield us length of days they hasten forward.
> 2 The Male who dwells in heaven hath Mares and Milchkine: he came to Goddesses who bring sweet treasure.
> To thee safe resting in the seat of Order the Cow alone upon her way proceedeth.
> 3 Wise Master, wealthy finder-out of riches, he mounted those who may with case be guided.
> He, dark-backed, manifold with varied aspect, hath made them burst forth from their food the brush-wood.
> 4 Strength-giving streams bear hither him eternal, fain to support the mighty work. of Tvastar.
> He, flashing in his home with all his members, hath entered both the worlds as they were single.
> 5 They know the red Bull's blessing, and are joyful under the flaming-coloured Lord's dominion:
> They who give shine from heavenwith fair effulgence, whose lofty song like Ila must be honoured.
> 6 Yea, by tradition from the ancient sages they brought great strength from the two mighty Parents,
> To where the singer's Bull, the night's dispeller, after his proper law hath waxen stronger.
> 7 Seven holy singers guard with five Adhvaryus the Bird's beloved firmly-settled station.
> The willing Bulls, untouched by old, rejoice them: as Gods themselves the ways of Gods they follow.
> 8 I crave the grace of heaven's two chief Invokers: the seven swift steeds joy in their wonted manner.
> These speak of truth, praising the Truth Eternal, thinking on Order as the guards of Order.
> 9 The many seek the great Steed as a stallion: the reins obey the Lord of varied colour.
> O heavenly Priest, most pleasant, full of wisdom, bring the great Gods to us, and Earth and Heaven.
> 10 Rich Lord, the Mornings have gleamed forth in splendour, fair-rayed, fair-speaking, worshipped with all viands,
> Yea, with the glory of the earth, O Agni. Forgive us, for our weal, e'en sin cornmitted.
> 11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.
> To us be born a son, and spreading offspring Agni, be this thy gracious will to usward.
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> HYMN VIII Sacrificial Post.
> 
> 1. GOD-SERVING men, O Sovran of the Forest, with heavenly meath at sacrifice anoint thee.
> Grant wealth to us when thou art standing upright as when reposing on this Mother's bosom.
> 2 Set up to eastward of the fire enkindled, accepting prayer that wastes not, rich in hero.
> Driving far from us poverty and famine, lift thyself up to bring us great good fortune.
> 3 Lord of the Forest, raise. thyself up on the loftiest spot of earth.
> Give splendour, fixt and measured well, to him who brings the sacrifice.
> 4 Well-robed, enveloped he is come, the youthful: springing to life his glory waxeth greater.
> Contemplative in mind and God-adoring, sages of high intelligence upraise him.
> 5 Sprung up he rises in the days' fair weather, increasing in the men-frequented synod.
> With song the wise and skilful consecrate him: his voice the God-adoring singer utters.
> 6, Ye whom religious men have firmly planted; thou Forest Sovran whom the axe hath fashioned,-
> Let those the Stakes divine which here are standing be fain to grant us wealth with store of children.
> 7 O men who lift the ladles up, these hewn and planted in the ground,
> Bringing a blessing to the field, shall bear our precious gift to Gods.
> 8 Adityas, Rudras, Vasus, careful leaders, Earth, Heaven, and Prthivi and Air's mid-region,
> Accordant Deities shall bless our worship and make our sacrifice's ensign lofty.
> 9 Like swan's that flee in lengthened line, the Pillars have come to us arrayed in brilliant coIour.
> They, lifted up on high, by sages, eastward, go forth as Gods to the God's dwelling-places.
> 10 Those Stakes upon the earth with rings that deck them seem to the eye like horns of horned creatures;
> Or, as upraised by priests in invocation, let them assist us in the rush to battle.
> 11 Lord of the Wood, rise with a hundred branches. with thousand branches may we rise to greatness,
> Tlou whom this hatchct, with an edge well whetted for great felicity, hath brought before us.
> 
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> HYMN IX.
> 
> 1. WE as thy friends have chosen thee, mortals a God, to be our help,
> The Waters' Child, the blessed, the resplendent One, victorious and beyond compare.
> 2 Since thou delighting in the woods hast gone unto thy mother streams,
> Not to be scorned, Agni, is that return of thine when from afar thou now art here.
> 3 O'er pungent smoke host thou prevailed, and thus art thou benevolent.
> Some go before, and others round about thee sit, they in whose friendship thou hast place.
> 4 Him who had passed beyond his foes, beyond continual pursuits, Him the unerring Ones, observant, found in floods, couched like a lion in his lair.
> 5 Him wandering at his own free will, Agni here hidden from our view,
> Him Matarisvan brought to us from far away produced by friction, from the Gods.
> 6 O Bearer of Oblations, thus mortals received thee from the Gods,
> Whilst thou, the Friend of man, guardest each sacrifice with thine own power, Most Youthful One.
> 7 Amid thy wonders this is good, yea, to the simple is it clear,
> When gathered round about thee, Agni, lie the herds where thou art kindled in the morn.
> 8 Offer to him who knows fair rites, who burns with purifying glow,
> Swift envoy, active, ancient, and adorable: serve ye the God attentively.
> 9 Three times a hundred Gods and thrice a thousand, and three times ten and nine have worshipped Agni,
> For him spread sacred grass, with oil bedewed him, and stablished him as Priest and Sacrificer.
> 
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> HYMN X. Agni.
> 
> 1. THEE Agni, God, Imperial Lord of all mankind, do mortal men
> With understanding kindle at thesacrifice.
> 2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as Minister and Priest,
> Shine forth in thine own home as guardian of the Law.
> 3 He, verily, who honours thee with fuel, Knower of all life,
> He, Agni! wins heroic might, he prospers well.
> 4 Ensign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us,
> Decked by the seven priests, to him who bringeth gifts.
> 5 ToAgni, the Invoking Priest, offer your best, your lofty speech,
> To him Ordainer-like who brings the light of songs.
> 6 Let these our hymns make Agni grow, whence, meet for laud, he springs to life,
> To mighty strength and great possession, fair to see.
> 7 Best Sacrificer, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious man:
> A joyful Priest, thy splendour drive our foes afar
> 8 As such, O Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might:
> Be nearest Friend to those who laud thee, for their weal.
> 9 So, wakeful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers kindly thee.
> Oblation-bearer, deathless, cherisher of strength.
> 
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> HYMN Xl. Agni.
> 
> 1. AGNI is Priest, the great High Priest of sacrifice, most swift in act:
> He knows the rite in constant course.
> 2 Oblation-bearer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger,
> Agni comes nigh us with the thought.
> 3 Ensign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well knoweth with his thought
> To prosper this man's aim and hope.
> 4 Agni, illustrious from old time, the Son of Strength who knows all life,
> The Gods have made to their Priest.
> 5 Infallible is Agni, he who goes before the tribes of men,
> A chariot swift and ever new.
> 6 Strength of the Gods which none may harm, subduing all his enemies,
> Agni is mightiest in fame.
> 7 By offering sacred food to him the mortal worshipper obtains.
> A home from him whose light makes pure.
> 8 From Agni, by our hymns, may we gain all things that bring happiness,
> Singers of him who knows all life.
> 9 O Agni, in our deeds of might may we obtain all precious things:
> Tle Gods are centred all in thee.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XII. Indra-Agni.
> 
> 1. MOVED, Indra-Agni, by our hymn, come to the juice, the precious dew:
> Dr.ink ye thereof, impelled by song.
> 2 O Indra-Agni, with the man who lauds you comes the wakening rite:
> So drink ye both this juice assured.
> 3 Through force of sacrifice I choose Indra-Agni who love the wise:
> With Sorna let these sate them here.
> 4 Indra and Agni I invoke, joint-victors, bounteous, unsubdued,
> Foe-slayers, best to win the spoil.
> 5 Indra and Agni, singers skilled in melody hymn you, bringing lauds:
> I choose you for the sacred food.
> 6 Indra and Agni, ye cast down the ninety forts which DAsas held,
> Together, with one mighty deed.
> 7 To Indra-Agni eeverent thoughts go forward from the holy task
> Along the path of sacred Law.
> 8 O Indra-Agni, powers are yours, and dwellings and delightful food
> Good is your readiness to act.
> 9 Indra and Agni, in your deeds of might ye deck heaven's lucid realms:
> Famed is that hero strength of yours.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. To Agni, to this God of yours I sing aloud with utmost power.
> May he come to us with the Gods, and sit, best Offerer, on the grass.
> 2 The Holy, whose are earth and heaven, and succour waits upon his strength;
> Him men who bring oblations laud, and they who wish to gain, for grace.
> 3 He is the Sage who guides these men, Leader of sacred rites is he.
> Him your own Agni, serve ye well, who winneth and bestoweth wealth.
> 4 So may the gracious Agni grant most goodly shelter for our use;
> Whence in the heavens or in the floods he shall pour wealth upon our lands.
> 5 The singers kindle him, the Priest, Agni the Lord of tribes of men,
> Resplendent and without a peer through his own excellent designs.
> 6 Help us, thou Brahman, best of all invokers of the Gods in song.
> Beam, Friend of Maruts, bliss on us, O Agni, a most liberal God.
> 7 Yea, grant us treasure thousandfold with children and with nourishment,
> And, Agni, splendid hero strength, exalted, wasting not away.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XIV. Agni.
> 
> 1 THE pleasant Priest is come into the synod, true, skilled in sacrifice, most wise, Ordainer.
> Agni, the Son of Strength, whose car is lightning, whose hair is flame, hath shown on earth his lustre.
> 2 To thee I offer reverent speech: accept it: to thee who markest it, victorious, faithful!
> Bring, thou who knowest, those who know, and seat thee amid the sacred grass, for help, O Holy.
> 3 The Two who show their vigour, Night and Morning, by the wind's paths shall haste to thee O Agni.
> When men adorn the Ancient with oblations, these seek, as on two chariot-seats, the dwelling.
> 4 To thee, strong Agni! Varuna and Mitra and all the Maruts sang a song of triumph,
> What time unto the people's lands thou camest, spreading them as the Sun of men, with lustre.
> 5 Approaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this day fulfilled for thee thy longing.
> Worship the Gods with most devoted spirit, a Priest with no unfriendly thought, O Agni.
> 6 For, Son of Strength, from thee come many succours, and powers abundant that a God possesses.
> Agni, to us with speech that hath no falsehood grant riches, real, to be told in thousands.
> 7 Whatever, God, in sacrifice we mortals have wrought is all for thee, strong, wise of purpose!
> Be thou the Friend of each good chariot's master. All this enjoy thou here, immortal Agni.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XV. Agni.
> 
> 1. RESPLENDENT with thy wide-extending lustre, dispel the terrors of the fiends who hate us
> May lofty Agni be my guide and shelter, the easily-invoked, the good Protector.
> 2 Be thou To us, while now the morn is breaking, be thou a guardian when the Sun hath mounted..
> Accept, as men accept a true-born infant, my laud, O Agni nobly born in body.
> 3 Bull, who beholdest men, through many mornings, among the dark ones shine forth red, O Agni.
> Lead us, good Lord, and bear us over trouble: Help us who long, Most Youthful God, to riches.
> 4 Shine forth, a Bull invincible, O Agni, winning by conquest all the forts and treasures,
> Thou Jatavedas who art skilled in guiding, the chief high saving sacrifice's Leader.
> 5 Lighting Gods hither, Agni, wisest Singer, bring thou to us many and flawless shelters.
> Bring vigour, like a car that gathers booty: bring us, O Agni, beauteous.Rarth and Heaven.
> 6 Swell, O thou Bull and give those powers an impulse, e'en Earth and Heaven who yield their milk in plenty,
> Shining, O God, with Gods in clear effulgence. Let not a mortal's evil will obstruct us.
> 7 Agni, as holy food to thine invoker, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.
> To us be born a son and spreading ofrspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will to us-ward.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XVI. Agni.
> 
> 1. THIS Agni is the Lord of great felicity and hero Strength;
> Lord of wealth in herds of kine; Lord of the battles with the foe.
> 2 Wait, Maruts, Heroes, upon him the Prosperer in whom is bliss-increasing wealth;
> Who in fights ever conquer evil-hearted men, who overcome the enemy.
> 3 As such, O Agni, deal us wealth and hero might, O Bounteous One!
> Most lofty, very glorious, rich in progeny, free from disease and full of power.
> 4 He who made all that lives, who passes all in might, who orders service to the Gods,
> He works among the Gods, he works in hero strength, yea, also in the praise of men.
> 5 Give us not up to indigence, Agni, nor want of hero sons,
> Nor, Son of Strength, to lack of cattle, nor to blame. Drive. thou our enemies away.
> 6 Help us to strength, blest Agni! rich in progeny, abundant, in our sacrifice.
> Flood us with riches yet more plenteous, bringing weal, with high renown, most Glorious One!
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XVII. Agni.
> 
> 1. DULY enkindled after ancient customs, bringing all treasures, he is balmed with unguents,-
> Flame-haired, oil-clad, the purifying Agni, skilled in fair rites, to bring the Gods for worship.
> 2 As thou, O Agni, skilful Jatavedas, hast sacrificed as Priest of Earth, of Heaven,
> So with this offering bring the Gods, and prosper this sacrifice today as erst for Manu.
> 3 Three are thy times of life, O Jatavedas, and the three mornings are thy births, O Agni.
> With these, well-knowing, grant the Gods' kind favour, and help in stir aiid stress the man who worships.
> 4 Agni most bright and fair with song we honour, yea, the adorable, O Jatavedas.
> Thee, envoy, messenger, oblation-bearer, the Gods have made centre of life eternal.
> 5 That Priest before thee, yet more skilled in worship, stablished of old, healthgiver by his nature,-
> After his custom offer, thou who knowest, and lay our sacrifice where Gods may taste it.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XVIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. AGNI, be kind to us when we approach thee good as a friend to friend, as sire and mother.
> The races of mankind are great oppressors burn up malignity that strives against us.
> 2 Agni, burn up the unfriendly who are near us, burn thou the foeman's curse who pays no worship.
> Burn, Vasu, thou who markest well, the foolish: let thine eternal nimble beams surround thee.
> 3 With fuel, Agni, and with oil, desirous, mine offering I present for strength and conquest,
> With prayer, so far as I have power, adoring-this hymn divine to gain a hundred treasures.
> 4 Give with thy glow, thou Son of Strength, when lauded, great vital power to those who toil to serve thee.
> Give richly, Agni, to the Visvamitras in rest and stir. Oft have we decked thy body.
> 5 Give us, O liberal Lord, great gtore of riches, for, Agni, such art thou when duly kindled.
> Thou in the happy singer's home bestowest, amply with arms extended, things of beauty.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XIX. Agni.
> 
> 1. Aow, quick, sage, infallible, all-knowing, I choose to be our Priest at this oblation.
> In our Gods' service he, best skilled, shall worship: may he obtain us boons for strength and riches.
> 2 Agni, to thee I lift the oil-fed ladle, bright, with an offering, bearing our oblation.
> From the right hand, choosing the Gods' attendance, he with rich presents hath arranged the worship.
> 3 Of keenest spirit is the man thou aidest give us good offspring, thou who givest freely.
> In power of wealth most rich in men. O Agni, of thee, the Good, may we sing forth fair praises.
> 4 Men as they worship thee the God, O Agni, have set on thee full many a brilliant, aspect.
> So bring Most Youthful One, the Gods' asserrigly, the Heavenly Host which thou to-day shalt honour.
> 5 When Gods anoint thee Priest at their oblation, and seat thee for thy task as Sacrificer,
> O Agni, be thou here our kind defender, and to ourselves vouchsafe the gift of glory.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XX Agni.
> 
> 1. WITH lauds at break of morn the priest invoketh Agni, Dawn, Dadhikras, and both the Asvins.
> With one consent the Gods whose light is splendid, longing to taste our sacrifice, shall hear us.
> 2 Three are thy powers, O Agni, three thy stations, three are thy tongues, yea, many, Child of Order!
> Three bodies hast thou which the Gods delight in: with these protect our hymns with care unceasing.
> 3 O Agni, many are the names thou bearest, immortal, God, Divine, and Jatavedas.
> And many charms of charmers, All-Inspirer! have they laid in thee, Lord of true attendants!
> 4 Agni, like Bhaga, leads the godly people, he who is true to Law and guards the seasons.
> Ancient, all-knowing, he the Vrtra-slayer shall bear the singer safe through every trouble.
> 5 I call on Savitar the God, on Morning, Brhaspati, and Dadhikras, and Agni,
> On Varuna and Mitra, on the Asvins, Bhaga, the Vasus, Rudras and Adityas.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXI. Agni.
> 
> 1. SET this our sacrifice among the Immortals: be pleased with these our presents, Jatavedas.
> O Priest, O Agni, sit thee down before us, and first enjoy the drops of oil and fatness.
> 2 For thee, O Purifier, flow the drops of fatness rich in oil.
> After thy wont vouchsafe to us the choicest boon that Gods may feast.
> 3 Agni, Most Excellent! for thee the Sage are drops that drip with oil.
> Thou art enkindled as the best of Seers. Help thou the sacrifice.
> 4 To thee, O Agni, mighty and resistless, to thee stream forth the drops of oil and fatness.
> With great light art thou come, O praised by poets! Accept our offering, O thou Sage.
> 5 Fatness exceeding rich, extracted from the midst,-this as our gift we offer thee.
> Excellent God, the drops run down upon thy skin. Deal them to each among the Gods.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXII. Agni.
> 
> 1 THIS is that Agni whence the longing Indra took the pressed Soma deep within his body.
> Winner of spoils in thousands, like a courser, with praise art thou exalted, Jatavedas.
> 2 That light of thine in heaven and earth, O Agni, in plants, O Holy One, and in the waters,
> Wherewith thou hast spread wide the air's mid-region-bright is that splendour, wavy, man-beholding.
> 3 O Agni, to the sea of heaven thou goest: thou hast called hither Gods beheld in spirit.
> The waters, too, come hither, those up yonder in the Sun's realm of light, and those beneath it.
> 4 Let fires that dwell in mist, combined with those that have their home in floods,
> Guileless accept our sacrifice, great viands free from all disease.
> 5 Agni, as holy food to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.
> To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will to us-ward.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. RUBBED into life, well stablished in the dwelling, Leader of sacrifice, the Sage, the youthful,
> Here in the wasting fuel Jatavedas, eternal, hath assumed immortal being.
> 2 Both Bharatas, Devasravas, Devavata, have strongly rubbed to life effectual Agni.
> O Agni, look thou forth with ample riches: be, every day, bearer of food to feed us.
> 3 Him nobly born of old the fingers ten produced, him whom his Mothers counted dear.
> Praise Devavata's Agni, thou Devasravas, him who shall be the people's Lord.
> 4 He set thee in the earth's most lovely station, in Ila's place, in days of fair bright weather.
> On man, on Apaya, Agni! on the rivers Drsadvati, Sarasvati, shine richly.
> 5 Agni, as holy food to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels.
> To us be born a son and spreading offspring Agni, be this thy gracious will to us-ward
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIV. Agni.
> 
> 1. AGNI, subdue opposing bands, and drive our enemies away.
> Invincible, slay godless foes: give splendour to the worshipper.
> 2 Lit with libation, Agni, thou, deathless, who callest Gods to feast,
> Accept our sacrifice with joy.
> 3 With splendour, Agni, Son of Strength, thou who art worshipped, wakeful One.
> Seat thee on this my sacred grass.
> 4 With all thy fires, with all the Gods, Agni, exalt the songs we sing.
> And living men in holy rites.
> 5 Grant, Agni, to the worshipper wealth rich in heroes, plenteous store,
> Make thou us rich with many sons.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXV. Agni.
> 
> 1. THOU art the sapient Son of Dyaus, O Agni, yes and the Child of Earth, who knowest all things.
> Bring the Gods specially, thou Sage, for worship.
> 2. Agni the wise bestows the might of heroes grants strengthening food, preparing it for nectar.
> Thou who art rich in food bring the Gods hither.
> 3 Agni, infallible, lights Earth and Heaven, immortal Goddesses gracious to all men,-
> Lord through his strength, splendid through adorations.
> 4 Come to the sacrifice, Agni and Indra come to the offerer's house who hath the Soma.
> Come, friendly-minded, Gods, to drink the Soma.
> 5 In the floods' home art thou enkindled, Agni, O Jatavedas, Son of Strength, eternal,
> Exalting with thine help the gatheringplaces.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVI. Agni.
> 
> 1. REVERING in our heart Agni Vaisvanara, the finder of the light, whose promises are true,
> The liberal, gladsome, car-borne God we Kusikas invoke him with oblation, seeking wealth with songs.
> 2 That Agni, bright, Vaisvanara, we invoke for help, and Matarisvan worthy of the song of praise;
> Brhaspati for man's observance of the Gods, the Singer prompt to hear, the swiftly-moving guest.
> 3 Age after age Vaisvanara, neighing like a horse, is kindled with the women by the Kusikas.
> May Agni, he who wakes among Immortal Gods, grant us heroic strength and wealth in noble steeds.
> 4 Let them go forth, the strong, as flames of fire with might. Gathered for victory they have yoked their spotted deer.
> Pourers of floods, the Maruts, Masters of all wealth, they who can ne'er be conquered, make the mountains shake.
> 5 The Maruts, Friends of men, are glorious as the fire: their mighty and resplendent succour we implore.
> Those storming Sons of Rudra clothed in robes of rain, boon-givers of good gifts, roar as the lions roar.
> 6 We, band on band and troop following troop, entreat with fair lauds Agni's splendour and the Maruts' might,
> With spotted deer for steeds, with wealth that never fails, they, wise Ones, come to sacrifice at our gatherings.
> 7 Agni am I who know, by birth, all creatures. Mine eye is butter, in my mouth is nectar.
> I am light threefold, measurer of the region exhaustless heat am I, named burnt-oblation.
> 8 Bearing in mind a thought with light accordant, he purified the Sun with three refinings;
> By his own nature gained the highest treasure, and looked abroad over the earth and heaven.
> 9 The Spring that fails not with a hundred streamlets, Father inspired of' prayers that men should utter,
> The Sparkler, joyous in his Parents' bosorn, -him, the Truth-speaker, sate ye, Earth and Heaven.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVII. Agni.
> 
> 1. IN ladle dropping oil your food goes in oblation up to heaven,
> Goes to the Gods in search of bliss.
> 2 Agni I laud, the Sage inspired, crowner of sacrifice through song,
> Who listens and gives bounteous gifts.
> 3 O Agni, if we might obtain control of thee the potent God,
> Then should we overcome our foes.
> 4 Kindled at sacrifices he is Agni, hallower, meet for praise,
> With flame for hair: to him we seek.
> 5 Immortal Agni, shining far, enrobed with oil, well worshipped, bears
> The gifts of sacrifice away.
> 6 The priests with ladles lifted up, worshipping here with holy thought,
> Have brought this Agni for our aid.
> 7 Immortal, Sacrificer, God, with wondrous power he leads the way,
> Urging the great assembly on.
> 8 Strong, he is set on deeds ofstrength. In sacrifices led in front,
> As Singer he completes the rite.
> 9 Excellent, he was made by thought. The Germ of beings have I gained,
> Yea, and die Sire of active strength.
> 10 Thee have I stablished, Excellent, O strengthened by the sage's prayer,
> Thee, Agni, longing, nobly bright.
> 11 Agni, the swift and active One, singers, at time of sacrifice,
> Eagerly kindle with their food.
> 12 Agni the Son of Strength who shines up to the heaven in solemn rites,
> The wise of heart, I glorify.
> 13 Meet to be lauded and adored, showing in beauty through the dark,
> Agni, the Strong, is kindled well.
> 14 Agni is kindled as a bull, like a horsebearer of the Gods:
> Men with oblations worship him.
> 15 Thee will we kindle as a bull, we who are Bulls ourselves, O Bull.
> Thee, Agni, shining mightily.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. AGNI who knowest all, accept our offering and the cake of meal,
> At dawn's libation, rich in prayer!
> 2 Agni, the sacrificial cake hath been prepared and dressed for thee:
> Accept it, O Most Youthful God.
> 3 Agni, enjoy the cake of meal and our oblation three days old:
> Thou, Son of Strength, art stablished at our sacrifice.
> 4 Here at the midday sacrifice enjoy thou the sacrificial cake, wise, Jatavedas!
> Agni, the sages in assemblies never minish the portion due to thee the Mighty.
> 5 O Agni, at the third libation takewith joy the offered cake of sacrifice, thou, Son of Strength.
> Through skill in song bear to the Gods our sacrifice, watchful and fraught with riches, to Immortal God.
> 6 O waxing Agni, knower, thou, of all, accept our gifts, the cake,
> And that prepared ere yesterday.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIX. Agni.
> 
> 1. HERE is the gear for friction, here tinder made ready for the spark.
> Bring thou the Matron: we will rub Agni in ancient fashion forth.
> 2 1n the two fire-sticks Jatavedas lieth, even as the well-set germ in pregnant women,
> Agni who day by day must be exalted by men who watch and worship with oblations.
> 3 Lay this with care on that which lies extended: straight hath she borne the Steerwhen made prolific.
> With his red pillar-radiant is his splendour -in our skilled task is born the Son of Ila.
> 4 In Ila's place we set thee down, upon the central point of earth,
> That, Agni Jatavedas, thou mayst bear our offerings to the Gods.
> 5 Rub into life, ye men, the Sage, the guileless, Immortal, very wise and fair to look on.
> O men, bring forth the most propitious Agni, first ensign of the sacrifice to eastward.
> 6 When with their arms they rub him straight he shineth forth like a strong courser, red in colour, in the wood.
> Bright, checkless, as it were upon the Atvins' path, lie passeth by the stones and burneth up the grass.
> 7 Agni shines forth when born, observant, mighty, the bountiful, the Singar praised by sages;
> Whom, as adorable and knowing all things, Gods set at solemn rites as offeringbearer.
> 8 Set thee, O Priest, in, thine own place, observant: lay down the sacrifice in the home of worship.
> Thou, dear to Gods, shalt serve them with oblation: Agni, give long life to the sacrificer.
> 9 Raise ye a mighty smoke, my fellow-workers! Ye shall attain to wealth without obstruction.
> This Agni is the battle-winning Hero by whom the Gods have overcome the Dasyus.
> 10 This is thine ordered place of birth whence sprung to life thou shonest forth.
> Knowing this, Agni, sit thee down, and prosper thou the songs we sing.
> 11 As Germ Celestial he is called Tanunapat, and Narasamsa born diffused in varied shape.
> Formed in his Mother he is Matarisvan; he hath, in his course, become the rapid flight of wind.
> 12 With strong attrition rubbed to life, laid down with careful hand, a Sage,
> Agni, make sacrifices good, and for the pious bring the Gods.
> 13 Mortals have brought to life the God Immortal, the Conqueror with mighty jaws, unfailing.
> The sisters ten, unwedded and united, together grasp the Babe, the new-born Infant.
> 14 Served by the seven priests, he shone forth from ancient time, when in his Mother's bosom, in her lap, he glowed.
> Giving delight each day he closeth not his eye, since from the Asura's body hewas brought to life.
> 15 Even as the Maruts, onslaughts who attack the foe, those born the first of all knew the full power of prayer.
> The Kusikas have made the glorious hymn ascend, and, each one singly in his home, have kindled fire.
> 16 As we, O Priest observant, have elected thee this day, what time the solemn sacrifice began,
> So surely hast thou worshipped, surely hast thou toiled: come thou unto the Soma, wise and knowing all.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXX. Indra.
> 
> 1. THE friends who offer Soma long to find thee: they pour forth Soma and present their viands.
> They bear unmoved the cursing of the people, for all our wisdom comes from thee, O Indra.
> 2 Not far for thee are mid-air's loftiest regions: start hither, Lord of Bays, with thy Bay Horses.
> Made for the Firm and Strong are these libations. The pressing-stones are set and fire is kindled.
> 3 Fair cheeks hath Indra, Maghavan, the Victor, Lord of a great host, Stormer, strong in action.
> What once thou didst in might when mortals vexed thee,-where now, O Bull, are those thy hero exploits?
> 4 For, overthrowing what hath ne'er been shaken, thou goest forth alone destroying Vrtras.
> For him who followeth thy Law the mountains and heaven and earth stand as if firmly stablished.
> 5 Yea, Much-invoked! in safety through thy glories alone thou speakest truth as Vrtra's slayer.
> E'en these two boundless worlds to thee, O Indra, what time thou graspest them, are but a handful.
> 6 Forthwith thy Bay steeds down the steep, O Indra, forth, crushing foemen, go thy bolt of thunder!
> Slay those who meet thee, those who flee, who follow: make all thy promise true; be all completed.
> 7 The man to whom thou givest as Provider enjoys domestic plenty undivided.
> Blest, Indra, is thy favour dropping fatness: thy worship, Much-invoked! brings gifts in thousands.
> 8 Thou, Indra, Much-invoked! didst crush to pieces Kunaru handless fiend who dwelt with Danu.
> Thou with might, Indra, smotest dead the scorner, the footless Vrtra as he waxed in vigour.
> 9 Thou hast established in her seat, O Indra, the level earth, vast, vigorous, unbounded.
> The Bull hath propped the heaven and air's mid-region. By thee sent onward let the floods flow hither.
> 10 He who withheld the kine, in silence I yielded in fear before thy blow, O Indra.
> He made paths easy to drive forth the cattle. Loud-breathing praises helped the Much-invoked One.
> 11 Indra alone filled full the earth and heaven, the Pair who meet together, rich in treasures.
> Yea, bring thou near us from the air's mid-region strength, on thy car, and wholesome food, O Hero.
> 12 Surya transgresses not the ordered limits set daily by the Lord of Tawny Coursers.
> When to the goal he comes, his journey ended, his Steeds he looses: this is Indra's doing.
> 13 Men gladly in the course of night would look on the broad bright front of the refulgent Morning;
> And all acknowledge, when she comes in glory, the manifold and goodly works of Indra.
> 14 A mighty splendour rests upon her bosom: bearing ripe milk the Cow, unripe, advances.
> All sweetness is collected in the Heifer, sweetness which Indra made for our enjoyment.
> 15 Barring the way they come. Be firm, O Indra; aid friends to sacrifice and him who singeth.
> These must be slain by thee, malignant mortals, armed with ill arts, our quiverbearing foemen.
> 16 A cry is beard from enemies most near us: against them send thy fiercest-flaming weapon.
> Rend them from under, crush them and subdue them. Slay, Maghavan, and make the fiends our booty.
> 17 Root up the race of Raksasas, O Indra rend it in front and crush it in the middle.
> How long hast thou bebaved as one who wavers? Cast thy hot dart at him who hates devotion:
> 18 When borne by strong Steeds for our weal, O Leader, thou seatest thee at many noble viands.
> May we be winners of abundant riches. May Indra be our wealth with store of children.
> 19 Bestow on us resplendent wealth. O Indra let us enjoy thine overflow of bounty.
> Wide as a sea our longing hath expanded, fulfil it, O thou Treasure-Lord of treasures.
> 20 With kine and horses satisfy this longing with very splendid bounty skill extend it.
> Seeking the light, with hymns to thee, O Indra, Kusikas have brought their gift, the singers.
> 21 Lord of the kine, burst the kine's stable open: cows shall be ours, and strength that wins the booty.
> Hero, whose might is true, thy home is heaven: to us, O Maghavan, grant gifts of cattle.
> 22 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,
> The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXI. Indra.
> 
> 1. WISE, teaching, following the thought of Order, the sonless gained a grandson from his daughter.
> Fain, as a sire, to see his child prolific, he sped to meet her with an eager spirit.
> 2 The Son left not his portion to the brother, he made a home to hold him who should gain, it.
> What time his Parents gave the Priest his being, of the good pair one acted, one promoted.
> 3 Agni was born trembling with tongue that flickered, so that the Red's great children should be honoured.
> Great is their germ, that born of them is mighty, great the Bays' Lord's approach through sacrifices.
> 4 Conquering bands upon the Warrior waited: they recognized great light from out the darkness.
> The conscious Dawns went forth to meet his coming, and the sole Master of the kine was Indra.
> 5 The sages freed them from their firmbuilt prison: the seven priests drove them forward with their spirit.
> All holy Order's pathway they discovered he, full of knowledge, shared these deeds through worship.
> 6 When Sarama had found the mountain's fissure, that vast and ancient place she plundered thoroughly.
> In the floods' van she led them forth, light-footed: she who well knew came first unto their lowing.
> 7 Longing for friendship came the noblest singer: the hill poured forth its treasure for the pious.
> The Hero with young followers fought and conquered, and straightway Angiras was singing praises,
> 8 Peer of each noble thing, yea, all excelling, all creatures doth he know, he slayeth Susna.
> Our leader, fain for war, singing from heaven, as Friend he saved his lovers from dishonour.
> 9 They sate them down with spirit fain for booty, making with hymns a way to life eternal.
> And this is still their place of frequent session, whereby they sought to gain the months through Order.
> 10 Drawing the milk of ancient seed prolific, they joyed as they beheld their own possession.
> Their shout of triumph heated earth and heaven. When the kine showed, they bade the heroes rouse them.
> 11 Indra drove forth the kine, that Vrtra-slayer, while hymns of praise rose up and gifts were offered.
> For him the Cow, noble and far-extending, poured pleasant juices, bringing oil and sweetness.
> 12 They made a mansion for their Father, deftly provided him a great and glorious dwelling;
> With firm support parted and stayed the Parents, and, sitting, fixed him there erected, mighty.
> 13 What time the ample chalice had impelled him, swift waxing, vast, to pierce the earth and heaven,-
> Him in whom blameless songs are all united: all powers invincible belong to Indra.
> 14 I crave thy powers, I crave thy mighty friendship: full many a team goes to the Vrtra-slayer.
> Great is the laud, we seek the Princes' favour. Be thou, O Maghavan, our guard and keeper.
> 15 He, having found great, splendid, rich dominion, sent life and motion to his friends and lovers.
> Indra who shone together with the Heroes begot the song, the fire, and Sun and Morning.
> 16 Vast, the House-Friend, he set the waters flowing, all-lucid, widely spread, that move together.
> By the wise cleansings of the meath made holy, through days, and nights they speed the swift streams onward.
> 17 To thee proceed the dark, the treasure-holders, both of them sanctified by Surya's bounty.
> The while thy ovely storming Friends, O Indra, fail to attain the measure of thy greatness.
> 18 Be Lord of joyous songs, O Vrtra-slayer, Bull dear to all, who gives the power of living.
> Come unto us with thine auspicious friendship, hastening, Mighty One, with mighty succours.
> 19 Like Angiras I honour him with worship, and renovate old song for him the Ancient.
> Chase thou the many godless evil creatures, and give us, Maghavan, heaven's light to help m.
> 20 Far forth are spread the purifying waters convey thou us across them unto safety.
> Save us, our Charioteer, from harm, O Indra, soon, very soon, make us win spoil of cattle.
> 21 His kine their Lord hath shown, e'en Vrtra's slayer, through the black hosts he passed with red attendants.
> Teaching us pleasant things by holy Order, to, us hath he thrown open all his portals.
> 22 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered.
> The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXII. Indra
> 
> 1. DRINK thou this Soma, Indra, Lord of Soma; drink thou the draught of noonday which thou Iovest.
> Puffing thy cheeks, impetuous, liberal Giver, here loose thy two Bay Horses and rejoice thee.
> 2 Quaff it pure, meal-blent, mixt with milk, O Indra; we have poured forth the Soma for thy rapture.
> Knit with the prayer-fulfilling band of Maruts, yea, with the Rudras, drink till thou art sated;
> 3 Those who gave increase to thy strength and vigour; the Maruts singing forth thy might, O Indra.
> Drink thou, O fair of cheek, whose hand wields thunder, with Rudras banded, at our noon libation.
> 4 They, even the Maruts who were there, excited with song the meath-created strength of Indra.
> By them impelled to act he reached the vitals Of Vrtra, though he deemed that none might wound him.
> 5 Pleased, like a man, with our libation, Indra, drink, for enduring hero might, the Soma.
> Lord of Bays, moved by sacrifice come hither: thou with the Swift Ones stirrest floods and waters.
> 6 When thou didst loose the streams to run like racers in the swift contest, having smitten Vrtra
> With flying weapon where he lay, O Indra, and, godless, kept the Goddesses encompassed.
> 7 With reverence let us worship mighty Indra, great and sublime, eternal, everyouthful,
> Whose greatness the dear world-halves have not measured, no, nor conceived the might of him the Holy.
> 8 Many are Indra's nobly wrought achievements, and none of all the Gods transgress his statutes.
> He beareth up this earth and heaven, and, doer of marvels, he begot the Sun and Morning.
> 9 Herein, O Guileless One, is thy true greatness, that soon as born thou drankest up the Soma.
> Days may not check the power of thee the Mighty, nor the nights, Indra, nor the months, nor autumns.
> 10 As soon as thou wast born in highest heaven thou drankest Soma to delight thee, Indra;
> And when thou hadst pervaded earth and heaven thou wast the first supporter of the singer.
> 11 Thou, puissant God, more mighty, slewest. Ahi showing his strength when couched around the waters.
> The heaven itself attained not to thy greatness when with one hip of thine the earth was shadowed.
> 12 Sacrifice, Indra, made thee wax so mighty, the dear oblation with the flowing Soma.
> O Worshipful, with worship help our worship, for worship helped thy bolt when slaying Ahi.
> 13 With sacrifice and wish have I brought Indra; still for new blessings may I turn him hither,
> Him magnified by ancient songs and praises, by lauds of later time and days yet recent.
> 14 I have brought forth a song when longing seized me: ere the decisive day will I laud Indra;
> Then may lie safely bear us over trouble, as in a ship, when both sides invocate him.
> 15 Full is his chalice: Glory! Like a pourer I have filled up the vessel for his drinking.
> Presented on the right, dear Soma juices have brought us Indra, to rejoice him, hither.
> 16 Not the deep-flowing flood, O Much-invoked One! not hills that compass thee about restrain thee,
> Since here incited, for thy friends, O Indra, thou breakest e'en the firm built stall of cattle.
> 17 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,
> The Strong who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. FORTH from the bosom of the mountains, eager as two swift mares with loosened rein contending,
> Like two bright mother cows who lick their youngling, Vipas and Sutudri speed down their waters.
> 2 Impelled by Indra whom ye pray to urge you, ye move as 'twere on chariots to the ocean.
> Flowing together, swelling with your billows, O lucid Streams, each of you seeks the other.
> 3 I have attained the most maternal River, we have approached Vipas, the broad, the blessed.
> Licking as 'twere their calf the pair of Mothers flow onward to their common home together.
> 4 We two who rise and swell with billowy waters move forward to the home which Gods have made us.
> Our flood may not be stayed when urged to motion. What would the singer, calling to the Rivers?
> 5 Linger a little at my friendly bidding rest, Holy Ones, a moment in your journey.
> With hymn sublime soliciting your favour Kusika's son hath called unto the River.
> 6 Indra who wields the thunder dug our channels: he smote down Vrtra, him who stayed our currents.
> Savitar, God, the lovely-handed, led us, and at his sending forth we flow expanded.
> 7 That hero deed of Indra must be lauded for ever that he rent Ahi in pieces.
> He smote away the obstructors with his thunder, and eager for their course forth flowed the waters.
> 8 Never forget this word of thine, O singer, which future generations shall reecho.
> In hymns, O bard, show us thy loving kindness. Humble us not mid men. To thee be honour!
> 9 List quickly, Sisters, to the bard who cometh to you from far away with car and wagon.
> Bow lowly down; be easy to be traversed stay, Rivers, with your floods below our axles.
> 10 Yea, we will listen to thy words, O singer. With wain and car from far away thou comest.
> Low, like a nursing mother, will I bend me, and yield me as a maiden to her lover.
> 11 Soon as the Bharatas have fared across thee, the warrior band, urged on and sped by Indra,
> Then let your streams flow on in rapid motion. I crave your favour who deserve our worship.
> 12 The warrior host, the Bharatas, fared over the singer won the favour of the Rivers.
> Swell with your billows, hasting, pouring riches. Fill full your channels, and roll swiftly onward.
> 13 So let your wave bear up the pins, and ye, O Waters, spare the thongs;
> And never may the pair of Bulls, harmless and sinless, waste away.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
> 
> 1. FORT-RENDER, Lord of Wealth, dispelling foemen, Indra with lightnings hath o'ercome the Dasa.
> Impelled by prayer and waxen great in body, he hath filled earth and heaven, the Bounteous Giver.
> 2 I stimulate thy zeal, the Strong, the Hero decking my song of praise forth; Immortal.
> O Indra, thou art equally the Leader of heavenly hosts and human generations.
> 3 Leading, his band Indra encompassed Vrtra; weak grew the wily leader of enchanters.
> He who burns fierce in forests slaughtered Vyamsa, and made the Milch-kine of the nights apparent.
> 4 Indra, light-winner, days' Creator, conquered, victorious, hostile bands with those who loved him.
> For man the days' bright ensign he illumined, and found the light for his joy and gladness.
> 5 Forward to fiercely falling blows pressed Indra, herolike doing many hero exploits.
> These holy songs he taught the bard who gaised him, and widely spread these Dawns' resplendent colour.
> 6 They laud the mighty acts of him the Mighty, the many glorious deeds performed by Indra.
> He in his strength, with all-surpassing prowess, through wondrous arts crushed the malignant Dasyus.
> 7 Lord of the brave, Indra who rules the people gave freedom to the Gods by might and battle.
> Wise singers glorify with chanted praises these his achievements in Vivasvan's dwelling.
> 8 Excellent, Conqueror, the victory-giver, the winner of the light and Godlike Waters,
> He who hath won this broad earth and this heaven, -in Indra they rejoice who love devotions.
> 9 He gained possession of the Sun and Horses, Indra obtained the Cow who feedeth many.
> Treasure of gold he won; he smote the Dasyus, and gave protection to the Aryan colour.
> 10 He took the plants and days for his possession; he gained the forest trees and air's mid-region.
> Vala he cleft, and chased away opponents: thus was he tamer of the overweening.
> 11 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers treasures.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXV Indra.
> 
> 1. MOUNT the Bay Horses to thy chariot harnessed, and come to us like Vayu with his coursers.
> Thou, hastening to us, shalt drink the Soma. Hail, Indra. We have poured it for thy rapture.
> 2 For him, the God who is invoked by many, the two swift Bay Steeds to the pole I harness,
> That they in fleet course may bring Indra hither, e'en to this sacrifice arranged completely.
> 3 Bring the strong Steeds who drink the warm libation, and, Bull of Godlike nature, be thou gracious.
> Let thy Steeds eat; set free thy Tawny Horses, and roasted grain like this consume thou daily.
> 4 Those who are yoked by prayer I harness, fleet friendly Bays who take their joy together.
> Mounting thy firm and easy car, O Indra, wise and all-knowing come thou to the Soma.
> 5 No other worshippers must stay beside them thy Bays, thy vigorous and smooth-backed Coursers.
> Pass by them all and hasten onward hither: with Soma pressed we will prepare to feast thee.
> 6 Thine is this Sorna: hasten to approach it. Drink thou thereof, benevolent, and cease not.
> Sit on the sacred grass at this our worship, and take these drops into thy belly, Indra.
> 7 The grass is strewn for thee, pressed is the Soma; the grain is ready for thy Bays to feed on.
> To thee who lovest them, the very mighty, strong, girt by Maruts, are these gifts presented.
> 8 This the sweet draught, with cows, the men, the mountains, the waters, Indra, have for thee made ready.
> Come, drink thereof, Sublime One, friendly-minded, foreseeing, knowing well the ways thou goest.
> 9 The Maruts, they with whom thou sharedst Soma, Indra, who made thee strong and were thine army,-
> With these accordant, eagerly desirous drink thou this Soma with the tongue of Agni.
> 10 Drink, Indra, of the juice by thine own nature, or by the tongue of Agni, O thou Holy.
> Accept the sacrificial gift, O Sakra, from the Adhvaryu's hand or from the Hotar's.
> 11 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,
> The Strong, who listens, who.gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
> 
> 1. WITH constant succours, fain thyself to share it, make this oblation which we bring effective.
> Grown great through strengthening gifts at each libation, he hath become renowned by mighty exploits.
> 2 For Indra were the Somas erst- discovered, whereby he grew strong-jointed, vast, and skilful.
> Indra , take quickly these presented juices: drink of the strong, that which the strong have shaken.
> 3 Drink and wax great. Thine are the juices, Indra, both Somas of old time and these we bring thee.
> Even as thou drankest, Indra, earlier Somas, so drink to-day, a new guest, meet for praises.
> 4 Great and impetuous, mighty-voiced in battle, surpassing power is his, and strength resistless.
> Him the broad earth hath never comprehended when Somas cheered the Lord of Tawny Coursers.
> 5 Mighty and strong he waxed for hero exploit: the Bull was furnished a Sage's wisdom.
> Indra is our kind Lord; his steers have vigour; his cows are many with abundant offspring.
> 6 As floods according to their stream flow onward, so to the sea, as borne on cars, the waters.
> Vaster is Indra even than his dwelling, what time the stalk milked out, the Soma, fills him.
> 7 Eager to mingle with the sea, the rivers carry the well-pressed Soma juice to Indra.
> They drain the stalk out with their arms, quick-banded, and cleanse it with a stream of mead and filters.
> 8 Like lakes appear his flanks filled full with Soma: yea, he contains libations in abundance.
> When Indra had consumed the first sweet viands, he, after slaying Vrtra, claimed the Soma.
> 9 Then bring thou hither, and let none prevent it: we know thee well, the Lord of wealth and treasure.
> That splendid gift which is thine own, O Indra, vouchsafe to us, Lord of the Tawny Coursers.
> 10 O Indra, Maghavan, impetuous mover, grant us abundant wealth that brings all blessings.
> Give us a hundred autumns for our lifetime: give us, O fair-checked Indra, store of heroes.
> 11 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVII. Indra.
> 
> 1. O INDRA, for the strength that slays Vrtra and conquers in the fight,
> We turn thee hitherward to us.
> 2 O Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers, may those who praise thee hitherward.
> Direct thy spirit and thine eye.
> 3 O Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers, with all our songs we invocate
> Thy names for triumph over foes.
> 4 We strive for glory through the powers immense of him whom many praise,
> Of Indra who supports mankind.
> 5 For Vrtra's slaughter I address Indra whom many invocate,
> To win us booty in the wars.
> 6 In battles be victorious. We seek thee, Lord of Hundred Powers,
> Indra, that Vrtra may be slain.
> 7 In splendid combats of the hosts, in glories where the fight is won.
> Indra, be victor over foes.
> 8 Drink thou the Soma for our help, bright, vigilant, exceeding strong,
> O Indra, Lord of Hundred Powers.
> 9 O Satakratu, powers which thou mid the Five Races hast displayed-
> These, Indra, do I claim of thee.
> 10 Indra, great glory hast thou gained. Win splendid fame which none may mar
> We make thy might perpetual.
> 11 Come to us either from anear, Or, Sakra, come from far away.
> Indra, wherever be thy home, come to us thence, O Thunder-armed.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. HASTING like some strong courser good at drawing, a thought have I imagined like a workman.
> Pondering what is dearest and most noble, I long to see the sages full of wisdom.
> 2 Ask of the sages' mighty generations firm-minded and devout they framed the heaven.
> These are thy heart-sought strengthening directions, and they have come to be sky's upholders.
> 3 Assuming in this world mysterious natures, they decked the heaven and earth for high dominion,
> Measured with measures, fixed their broad expanses, set the great worlds apart held firm for safety.
> 4 Even as he mounted up they all adorned him: self-luminous he travels clothed in splendour.
> That is the Bull's, the Asura's mighty figure: he, omniform, hath reached the eternal waters.
> 5 First the more ancient Bull engendered offspring; these are his many draughts that lent him vigour.
> From days of old ye Kings, two Sons of Heaven, by hymns of sacrifice have won dominion.
> 6 Three seats ye Sovrans, in the Holy synod, many, yea, all, ye honour with your presence.
> There saw I, going thither in the spirit, Gandharvas in their course with wind-blown tresses.
> 7 That same companionship of her, the Milch-cow, here with the strong Bull's divers forms they stablished.
> Enduing still some new celestial figure, the skilful workers shaped a form around him.
> 8 Let no one here debar me from enjoying the golden light which Savitar diffuses.
> He covers both all-fostering worlds with praises even as a woman cherishes her children.
> 9 Fulfil, ye twain, his work, the Great, the Ancient: as heavenly blessing keep your guard around us.
> All the wise Gods behold his varied actions who stands erect, whose voice is like a herdsman's.
> 10 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIX. Indra.
> 
> 1. To Indra from the heart the hymn proceedeth, to him the Lord, recited, built with praises;
> The wakening song sung forth in holy synod: that which is born for thee, O Indra, notice.
> 2 Born from the heaven e'en in the days aforetime, wakening, sting aloud in holy synod,
> Auspicious, clad in white and shining raiment, this is the ancient hymn of our forefathers.
> 3 The Mother of the Twins hath borne Twin Children: my tongue's tip raised itself and rested silent.
> Killing the darkness at the light's foundation, the Couple newly born attain their beauty.
> 4 Not one is found among them, none of mortals, to blame our sires who fought to win the cattle.
> Their strengthener was Indra the Majestic he spread their stalls of kine the Wonder-Worker.
> 5 Where as a Friend with friendly men, Navagvas, with heroes, on his knees he sought the cattle.
> There, verily with ten Dasagvas Indra found the Sun lying hidden in the darkness.
> 6 Indra found meath collected in the milch-cow, by foot and hoof, in the cow's place of pasture.
> That which lay secret, hidden in the waters, he held in his right hand, the rich rewarder.
> 7 He took the light, discerning it from darkness: may we be far removed from all misfortune.
> These songs, O Soma-drinker, cheered by Soma, Indra, accept from thy most zealous poet.
> 8 Let there be light through both the worlds for worship: may we be far from most overwhelming evil.
> Great woe comes even from the hostile mortal, piled up; but good at rescue are the Vasus.
> 9 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XL. Indra.
> 
> 1. THEE, Indra, we invoke, the Bull, what time the Soma is expressed.
> So drink thou of the savoury juice.
> 2 Indra, whom many laud, accept the strength-conferring Soma juice:
> Quaff, pour down drink that satisfies.
> 3 Indra, with all the Gods promote our wealth-bestowing sacrifice,
> Thou highly-lauded Lord of men.
> 4 Lord of the brave, to thee proceed these drops of Soma juice expressed,
> The bright drops to thy dwelling-place.
> 5 Within thy belly, Indra, take juice, Soma the most excellent: Thine are the drops celestial.
> 6 Drink our libation, Lord of hymns: with streams of meath thou art bedewed
> Our glory, Indra, is thy gift.
> 7 To Indra go the treasures of the worshipper, which never fail:
> He drinks the Soma and is strong
> 8 From far away, from near at hand, O Vrtra-slayer, come to us:
> Accept the songs we sing to thee.
> 9 When from the space between the near and far thou art invoked by us,
> Thence, Indra. come thou hitherward.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLI. Indra.
> 
> 1. INVOKED to drink the Soma juice, come with thy Bay Steeds, Thunder-armed
> Come, Indra, hitherward to me.
> 2 Our priest is seated, true to time; the grass is regularly strewn;
> The pressing-stones were set at morn.
> 3 These prayers, O thou who hearest prayer are offered: seat thee on the grass.
> Hero, enjoy the offered cake.
> 4 O Vrtra-slayer, be thou pleased with these libations, with these hymns,
> Song-loving Indra, with our lauds.
> 5 Our hymns caress the Lord of Strength, vast, drinker of the Soma's juice,
> Indra, as mother-cows their calf.
> 6 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence:
> Yield not thy singer to reproach.
> 7 We, Indra, dearly loving thee, bearing oblation, sing thee hymns
> Thou, Vasu, dearly lovest us.
> 8 O thou to whom thy Bays are dear, loose not thy Horses far from us:
> Here glad thee, Indra, Lord divine.
> 9 May long-maned Coursers, dropping oil, bring thee on swift car hitherward,
> Indra, to seat thee on the grass.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLII. Indra.
> 
> 1. COME to the juice that we have pressed, to Sorna, Indra, bleat with milk:
> Come, favouring us, thy Bay-drawn car!
> 2 Come, Indra, to this gladdening drink, placed on the grass, pressed out with stones:
> Wilt thou not drink thy fill thereof?
> 3 To Indra have my songs of praise gone forth, thus rapidly sent hence,
> To turn him to the Soma-draught.
> 4 Hither with songs of praise we call Indra to drink the Soma juice:
> Will he not come to us by lauds?
> 5 Indra, these Somas are expressed. Take them within thy belly, Lord
> Of Hundred Powers, thou Prince of Wealth.
> 6 We know thee winner of the spoil, and resolute in battles, Sage!
> Therefore thy blessing we implore.
> 7 Borne hither by thy Stallions, drink, Indra, this juice which we have pressed,
> Mingled with barley and with milk.
> 8 Indra, for thee, in thine own place, I urge the Soma for thy draught:
> Deep in thy heart let it remain,
> 9 We call on thee, the Ancient One, Indra, to drink the Soma juice,
> We Kusikas who seek thine aid.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. MOUNTED upon thy chariot-seat approach us: thine is the Sorna-draught from days aforetime.
> Loose for the sacred grass thy dear companions. These men who bring oblation call thee hither.
> 2 Come our true Friend, passing by many people; come with thy two Bay Steeds to our devotions;
> For these our hymns are calling thee, O Indra, hymns formed for praise, soliciting thy friendship.
> 3 Pleased, with thy Bay Steeds, Indra, God, come quickly to this our sacrifice that heightens worship;
> For with my thoughts, presenting oil to feed thee, I call thee to the feast of sweet libations.
> 4 Yea, let thy two Bay Stallions bear thee hither, well limbed and good to draw, thy dear companions.
> Pleased with the corn-blent offering which we bring thee, may Indra, Friend, hear his friend's adoration.
> 5 Wilt thou not make me guardian of the people, make me, impetuous Maghavan, their ruler?
> Make me a Rsi having drunk of Soma? Wilt thou not give me wealth that lasts for ever?
> 6 Yoked to thy chariot, led thy tall Bays, Indra, companions of thy banquet, bear thee hither,
> Who from of old press to heaven's farthest limits, the Bull's impetuous and well-groomed Horses.
> 7 Drink of the strong pressed out by strong ones, Indra, that which the Falcon brought thee when thou longedst;
> In whose wild joy thou stirrest up the people, in whose wild joy thou didst unbar the cow-stalls.
> 8 Call we on Indra, Makhavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered;
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLIV. Indra.
> 
> 1. May this delightsome Soma be expressed for thee by tawny stones.
> Joying thereat, O Indra, with thy Bay Steeds come:. ascend thy golden-coloured car.
> 2 In love thou madest Usas glow, in love thou madest Surya shine.
> Thou, Indra, knowing, thinking, Lord of Tawny Steeds, above all glories waxest great.
> 3 The heaven with streams of golden hue, earth with her tints of green and gold-
> The golden Pair yield Indra plenteous nourishment: between them moves the golden One.
> 4 When born to life the golden Bull illumines all the realm of light.
> He takes his golden weapon, Lord of Tawny Steeds, the golden thunder in his arms.
> 5 The bright, the well-loved thunderbolt, girt with the bright, Indra disclosed,
> Disclosed the Soma juice pressed out by tawny stones, with tawny steeds drave forth the kine.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLV. Indra.
> 
> 1. COME hither, Indra, with Bay Steeds, joyous, with tails like peacocks' plumes.
> Let no men cheek thy course as fowlers stay the bird: pass o'er them as o'er desert lands.
> 2 He who slew Vrtra, burst the cloud, brake the strongholds and drave the floods,
> Indra who mounts his chariot at his Bay Steeds' cry, shatters e'en things that stand most firm.
> 3 Like pools of water deep and full, like kine thou cherishest thy might;
> Like the milch-cows that go well-guarded to the mead, like water-brooks that reach the lake.
> 4 Bring thou us wealth with power to strike, our share, 'gainst him who calls it his.
> Shake, Indra, as with hooks, the tree for ripened fruit, for wealth to satisfy our wish.
> 5 Indra, self-ruling Lord art thou, good Leader, of most glorious fame.
> So, waxen in thy strength, O thou whom many praise, be thou most swift to hear our call.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLVI. Indra.
> 
> 1. OF thee, the Bull, the Warrior, Sovran Ruler, joyous and fierce, ancient and ever youthful,
> The undecaying One who wields the thunder, renowned and great, great are the exploits, Indra.
> 2 Great art thou, Mighty Lord, through manly vigour, O fierce One, gathering spoil, subduing others,
> Thyself alone the universe's Sovran: so send forth men to combat and to rest them.
> 3 He hath surpassed all measure in his brightness, yea, and the Gods, for none may be his equal.
> Impetuous Indra in his might cxccedcth wide vast mid-air and heaven and earth together.
> 4 To Indra, even as rivers to the ocean, flow forth from days of old the Soma juices;
> To him wide deep and mighty from his birth-time, the well of holy thoughts, aIl-comprehending.
> 5 The Soma, Indra, which the earth and heaven bear for thee as a mother bears her infant,
> This they send forth to thee, this, vigorous Hero! Adhvaryus purify for thee to drink of.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLVII. Indra.
> 
> 1. DRINK, Indra, Marut-girt, as Bull, the Soma, for joy, for rapture even as thou listest.
> Pour down the flood of meath within thy belly: thou from of old art King of Soma juices.
> 2 Indra, accordant, with the banded Maruts, drink Soma, Hero, as wise Vrtra-slayer.
> Slay thou our foemen, drive away assailants and make us safe on every side from danger.
> 3 And, drinker at due seasons, drink in season, Indra, with friendly Gods, our pressed-out Soma.
> The Maruts following, whom thou madest sharers, gave thee the victory, and thou slewest Vrtra.
> 4 Drink Soma, Indra, banded with the Maruts who, Maghavan, strengthened thee at Ahi's slaughter,
> 'Gainst Sambara, Lord of Bays! in winning cattle, and now rejoice in thee, the holy Singers.
> 5 The Bull whose strength hath waxed, whom Maruts follow, free-giving Indra, the celestial Ruler,
> Mighty, all-conquering, the victory-giver, him let us call to grant us new protection.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLVIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. SOON as the young Bull sprang into existence he longed to taste the pressed-out Soma's liquor.
> Drink thou thy fill, according to thy longing, first, of the goodly mixture blent with Soma.
> 2 That day when thou wast born thou, fain to taste it, drankest the plant's milk which the mountains nourish.
> That milk thy Mother first, the Dame who bare thee, poured for thee in thy mighty Father's dwelling.
> 3 Desiring food he came unto his Mother, and on her breast beheld the pungent Soma.
> Wise, he moved on, keeping aloof the others, and wrought great exploits in his varied aspects.
> 4 Fierce, quickly conquering, of surpassing vigour, he framed his body even as he listed.
> E'en from his birth-time Indra conquered Tvastar, bore off the Soma and in beakers drank it.
> 5 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered;
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLIX. Indra.
> 
> 1. GREAT Indra will I laud, in whom all people who drink the Soma have attained their longing;
> Whom, passing wise, Gods, Heaven and Earth, engendered, formed by a Master's hand, to crush the Vrtras.
> 2 Whom, most heroic, borne by Tawny Coursers, verily none subdueth in the battle;
> Who, reaching far, most vigorous, hath shortened the Dasyu's life with Warriors bold of spirit.
> 3 Victor in fight, swift mover like a warhorse, pervading both worlds, rainer down of blessings,
> To he invoked in war like Bhaga, Father, as 'twere, of hymns, fair, prompt to hear, strength-giver.
> 4 Supporting heaven, the high back of the region, his car is Vayu with his team of Vasus.
> Illumining the nights, the Sun's creator, like Dhisana he deals forth strength and riches.
> 5 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered;
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers treasure.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN L. Indra.
> 
> 1. LET Indra drink, All-hail! for his is Soma,-the mighty Bull come, girt by Maruts, hither.
> Far-reaching, let him fill him with these viands, and let our offering sate his body's longing.
> 2 I yoke thy pair of trusty Steeds for swiftness, whose faithful service from of old thou lovest.
> Here, fair of cheek! let thy Bay Coursers place thee: drink of this lovely welleffused libation.
> 3 With milk they made Indra their good Preserver, lauding for help and rule the bounteous rainer.
> Impetuous God, when thou hast drunk the Soma, enraptured send us cattle in abundance.
> 4 With kine and horses satisfy this longing with very splendid bounty still extend it.
> Seeking the light, with hymns to thee, O Indra, the Kusikas have brought their gift, the singers.
> 5 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered;
> The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LI. Indra.
> 
> 1. HIGH hymns have sounded forth the praise of Maghavan, supporter of mankind, of Indra meet for lauds;
> Him who hath waxen great, invoked with beauteous songs, Immortal One, whose praise each day is sung aloud.
> 2 To Indra from all sides go forth my songs of praise, the Lord of Hundred Powers, strong, Hero, like the sea,
> Swift, winner of the booty, breaker-down of forts, faithful and ever-glorious, finder of the light.
> 3 Where battle's spoil is piled the singer winneth praise, for Indra taketh care of matchless worshippers.
> He in Vivasvan's dwelling findeth his delight: praise thou the ever-conquering slayer of the foe.
> 4 Thee, valorous, most heroic of the heroes, shall the priests glorify with songg and praises.
> Full of all wondrous power he goes to conquest: worship is his, sole Lord from days aforetime.
> 5 Abundant are the gifts he gives to mortals: for him the earth bears a rich store of treasures.
> The heavens, the growing plants, the living waters, the forest trees preserve their wealth for Indra.
> 6 To thee, O Indra, Lord of Bays, for ever are offered prayers and songs: accept them gladly.
> As Kinsman think thou of some fresh assistance; good Friend, give strength and life to those who praise thee.
> 7 Here, Indra, drink thou Soma with the Maruts, as thou didst drink the juice beside Saryata.
> Under thy guidance, in thy keeping, Hero, the singers serve, skilled in fair sacrifices.
> 8 So eagerly desirous drink the Soma, our juice, O Indra, with thy friends the Maruts,
> Since at thy birth all Deities adorned thee for the great fight, O thou invoked of many.
> 9 He was your comrade in your zeal, O Maruts: they, rich in noble gifts, rejoiced in Indra.
> With them together let the Vrtra-slayer drink in his home the worshipper's libation.
> 10 So, Lord of affluent gifts, this juice hath been pressed for thee with strength
> Drink of it, thou who lovest song.
> 11 Incline thy body to this juice which suits thy Godlike nature well:
> May it cheer thee who lovest it.
> 12 Brave Indra, let it work through both thy flanks, and through thy head by prayer,
> And through thine arms, to prosper us.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LII. Indra.
> 
> 1. INDRA, accept at break of day our Soma mixt with roasted corn,
> With groats with cake, with eulogies.
> 2 Accept, O Indra, and enjoy the well-dressed sacrificial cake: Oblations are poured forth to thee.
> 3 Consume our sacrificial cake, accept the songs of praise we sing,
> As he who woes accepts his bride.
> 4 Famed from of old, accept the cake at our libation poured at dawn,
> Forgreat, O Indra, is thy power.
> 5 Let roasted corn of our midday libation, and sacrificial cake here please thee, Indra,
> What time the lauding singer, keen of purpose and eager as a bull, with hymns implores thee.
> 6 At the third sacrifice, O thou whom many praise, give glory to the roasted corn and holy cake.
> With offered viands and with songs may we assist thee, Sage, whom Vaja and the Rbhus wait upon.
> 7 The groats have we prepared for thee with Pusan, corn for thee, Lord of Bay Steeds, with thy horses.
> Eat thou the meal-cake, banded with the Maruts, wise Hero, Vrtra-slayer, drink the Soma.
> 8 Bring forth the roasted corn to meet him quickly, cake for the bravest Hero mid the heroes.
> Indra, may hymns accordant with thee daily strengthen thee, Bold One, for the draught of Soma.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LIII. Indra, Parvata, Etc.
> 
> 1. ON a high car, O Parvata and Indra, bring pleasant viands, with brave heroes, hither.
> Enjoy the gifts, Gods, at our sacrifices wax strong by hymns, rejoice in our oblation.
> 2 Stay still, O Maghavan, advance no farther. a draught of well-pressed Soma will I give thee.
> With sweetest song I grasp, O Mighty Indra, thy garment's hem as a child grasps his father's.
> 3 Adhvaryu, sing we both; sing thou in answer: make we a laud acceptable to Indra.
> Upon this sacrificer's grass he seated: to Indra shall our eulogy be uttered.
> 4 A wife, O Maghavan is home and dwelling: so let thy Bay Steeds yoked convey thee hither.
> Whenever we press out for thee the Soma, let Agni as our Herald speed to call thee.
> 5 Depart, O Maghavan;again come hither: both there and here thy goat is Indra, Brother,
> Where thy tall chariot hath a place to rest in, and where thqu loosest thy loud-neighing Courser.
> 6 Thou hast drunk Soma, Indra, turn thee homeward; thy joy is in thy home, thy racious Consort;
> Where thy tall chariot hath a place to rest in, and thy strong Courser is set free with guerdon.
> 7 Bounteous are these, Angirases, Virupas: the Asura's Heroes and the Sons of Heaven.
> They, giving store of wealth to Visvamitra, prolong his life through countless Soma-pressings.
> 8 Maghavan weareth every shape at pleasure, effecting magic changes in his body,
> Holy One, drinker out of season, coming thrice, in a moment, through fit prayers, from heaven.
> 9 The mighty sage, God-born and God-incited, who looks on men, restrained the billowy river.
> When Visvamitra was Sudas's escort, then Indra through the Kusikas grew friendly.
> 10 Like swans, prepare a song of praise with pressing-stones, glad in your hymns with juice poured forth in sacrifice.
> Ye singers, with the Gods, sages who look on men, ye Kutikas drink up the Soma's savoury meath.
> 11 Come forward, Kusikas, and be attentive; let loose Sudas's horse to win him riches.
> East, west, and north, let the King slay the foeman, then at earth's choicest place perform his worship.
> 12 Praises to Indra have I sung, sustainer of this earth and heaven. This prayer of Visvamitra keeps secure the race of Bharatas.
> 13 The Visvamitras have sung forth this prayer to Indra Thunder-aimed:
> So let him make us prosperous.
> 14 Among the Kikatas what do thy cattle? They pour no milky draught, they heat no caldron.
> Bring thou to us the wealth of Pramaganda;give up to us, O Maghavan, the low-born.
> 15 Sasarpari, the gift of Jamadagnis, hath lowed with mighty voice dispelling famine.
> The Daughter of the Sun hath spread our glory among the Gods, imperishable, deathless.
> 16 Sasarpari brought glory speedily to these, over the generations of the Fivefold Race;
> Daughter of Paksa, she bestows new vital power, she whom the ancient Jamadagnis gave to me.
> 17 Strong be the pair of oxen, firm the axles, let not the pole slip nor the yoke be broken.
> May Indra, keep the yoke-pins from decaying: attend us, thou whose fellies are uninjured.
> 18 O Indra, give our bodies strength, strength to the bulls who draw the wains,
> Strength to our seed and progeny that they may live, for thou art he who giveth strength.
> 19 Enclose thee in the heart of Khayar timber, in the car wrought of Sinsapa put firmness.
> Show thyself strong, O Axle, fixed and strengthened: throw us not from the car whereon we travel.
> 20 Let not this sovran of the wood leave us forlorn or injure us.
> Safe may we be until we reach our homes and rest us and unyoke.
> 21 With various aids this day come to us, Indra, with best aids speed us, Maghavan, thou Hero.
> Let him who hatcth us fall headlong downward: him whom we hate let vital breath abandon.
> 22 He heats his very axe, and then cuts a mere Semal blossom off.
> O Indra, like a caldron cracked and seething, so he pours out foam.
> 23 Men notice not the arrow, O ye people; they bring the red beast deeming it a bullock.
> A sluggish steed men run not with the courser, nor ever lead an ass before a charger.
> 24 These men, the sons of Bharata, O Indra, regard not severance or close connexion.
> They urge their own steed as it were another's, and take him, swift as the bow's string, to battle.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LIV. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. To him adorable, mighty, meet for synods, this strengthening hymn, unceasing, have they offered.
> May Agni hear us with his homely splendours, hear us, Eternal One, with heavenly lustre.
> 2 To mighty Heaven and Earth I sing forth loudly: my wish goes out desirous and well knowing
> Both, at whose laud in synods, showing favour, the Gods rejoice them with the living mortal.
> 3 O Heaven and Earth, may your great law he faithful: he ye our leaders for our high advantage.
> To Heaven and Earth I offer this my homage, with food, O Agni, as I pray for riches.
> 4 Yea, holy Heaven and Earth, the ancient sages whose word was ever true had power to find you;
> And brave men in the fightwhere heroes conquer, O Earth, have known you well and paid you honour.
> 5 What pathway leadeth to the Gods? Who knoweth this of a truth, and who will now declare it?
> Seen are their lowest dwelling-places only, but they are in remote and secret regions.
> 6 The Sage who looketh on mankind hath viewed them bedewed, rejoicing in the seat of Order.
> They make a home as for a bird, though parted, with one same will finding themselves together.
> 7 Partners though parted, with far-distant limits, on one firm place both stand for ever watchful,
> And, being young for evermore, as sisters, speak to each other names that are united.
> 8 All living things they part and keep asunder; though bearing up the mighty Gods they reel not.
> One All is Lord of what is fixed and moving, that walks, that flies, this multiform creation.
> 9 Afar the Ancient from of old I ponder, our kinship with our mighty Sire and Father,-
> Singing the praise whereof the Gods by custom stand on the spacious far-extended pathway.
> 10 This laud, O Heaven and Earth, to you I utter: let the kind-hearted hear, whose tongue is Agni,
> Young, Sovran Rulers, Varuna and Mitra, the wise and very glorious Adityas.
> 11 The fair-tongued Savitar, the golden-handed, comes thrice from heaven as Lord in our assembly.
> Bear to the Gods this song of praise, and send us, then, Savitar, complete and perfect safety.
> 12 Deft worker, skiful-handed, helpful, holy, may Tvastar, God, give us these things to aid us,
> Take your delight, Ye Rbhus joined with Pusan: ye have prepared the rite with stones adjusted.
> 13 Borne on their flashing car, the spear-armed Maruts, the nimble Youths of Heaven, the Sons of Order,
> The Holy, and Sarasvati, shall hear us: ye Mighty, give us wealth with noble offspring.
> 14 To Visnu rich in marvels, songs And praises shall go as singers on the road of Bhaga,-
> The Chieftain of the Mighty Stride, whose Mothers, the many young Dames, never disregard him.
> 15 Indra, who rules through all his powers heroic, hath with his majesty filled earth and heaven.
> Lord of brave hosts, Fort-crusher, Vrtra-slayer, gather thou up and bring us store of cattle.
> 16 My Sires are the Nasatyas, kind tokinsmen: the Asvins' kinship is a glorious title.
> For ye are they who give us store of riches: ye guard your gift uncheated by the bounteous.
> 17 This is, ye Wise, your great and glorious title, that all ye Deities abide in Indra.
> Friend, Much-invoked! art thou with thy dear Rbhus: fashion ye this our hymn for our advantage.
> 18 Aryaman, Aditi deserve our worship: the laws of Varuna remain unbroken.
> The lot of childlessness remove ye from us, and let our course be rich in kine and offspring.
> 19 May the Gods' envoy, sent to many a quarter, proclaim us sinless for our perfect safety.
> May Earth and Heaven, the Sun, the waters, hear us, and the wide firmament and constellations.
> 20 Hear us the mouatains which distil the rain-drops, and, resting firm, rejoice in freshening moisture.
> May Aditi with the Adityas hear us, and Maruts grant us their auspicious shelter.
> 21 Soft be our path for ever, well-provisioned: with pleasant meath, O Gods, the herbs besprinkle.
> Safe be my bliss, O Agni, in thy friendship: may I attain the seat of foodful. riches,
> 22 Enjoy the offering: beam thou strength upon us; combine thou for our good all kinds of glory.
> Conquer in battle, Agni, all those foemen, and light us every day with loving kindness.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LV. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. AT the first shining of the earliest Mornings, in the Cow's home was born the Great Eternal.
> Now shall the statutes of the Gods be valid. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion -
> 2 Let not the Gods here injure us, O Agni, nor Fathers of old time who know the region,
> Nor the sign set between two ancient dwellings. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 3 My wishes fly abroad to many places: I glance back to the ancient sacrifices.
> Let us declare the truth when fire is kindled. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 4 King Universal, born to sundry quarters, extended through the wood be lies on couches.
> One Mother rests: another feeds the Infant. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 5 Lodged in old plants, he grows again in younger, swiftly within the newly-born and tender.
> Though they are unimpregned, he makes them fruitful. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 6 Now lying far away, Child of two Mothers, he wanders unrestrained, the single youngling.
> These are the laws of Varuna and Mitra. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 7 Child of two Mothers, Priest, sole Lord in synods, he still precedes while resting as foundation.
> They who speak sweetly bring him sweet addresses. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 8 As to a friendly warrior when he battles, each thing that comes anear is seen to meet him.
> The hymn commingles with the cow's oblation. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 9 Deep within these the hoary envoy pierceth; mighty, he goeth to the realm of splendour,
> And looketh on us, clad in wondrous beauty. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 10 Visnu, the guardian, keeps the loftiest station, upholding dear, immortal dwelling-places.
> Agni knows well all these created beings. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 11 Ye, variant Pair, have made yourselves twin beauties: one of the Twain is dark, bright shines the other;
> And yet these two, the dark, the red, are Sisters. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 12 Where the two Cows, the Mother and the Daughter, meet and give suck yielding their lordly nectar,
> I praise them at the seat of law eternal. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 13 Loud hath she lowed, licking the other's youngling. On what world hath the Milch-cow laid her udder?
> This Ila streameth with the milk of Order. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 14 Earth weareth beauties manifold: uplifted, licking her Calf of eighteen months, she standeth.
> Well-skilled I seek the seat of law eternal. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 15 Within a wondrous place the Twain are treasured: the one is manifest, the other hidden.
> One common pathway leads in two directions. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 16 Let the milch-kine that have no calves storm downward, yielding rich nectar, streaming, unexhausted,
> These who are ever new and fresh and youthful. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 17 What time the Bull bellows in other regions, another herd receives the genial moisture;
> For he is Bhaga, King, the earth's Protector. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 18 Let us declare the Hero's wealth in horses, O all ye folk: of this the Gods have knowledge.
> Sixfold they bear him, or by fives are harnessed. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 19 Tvastar the God, the omniform. Creator, begets and feeds mankind in various manner.
> His, verily, arc all these living creatures. Great is the Gods' supreme dominion.
> 20 The two great meeting Bowls hath he united: each of the Pair is laden with histreasure.
> The Hero is renowned for gathering riches. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 21 Yea, and on this our earth the All-Sustainer dwells like a King with noble friends about him.
> In his protection heroes rest in safety. Great is the Cods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 22 Rich in their gifts for thee are herbs and waters, and earth brings all her wealth for thee, O Indra.
> May we as friends of thine share goodly treasures. Great is the Gods' supreme and sole dominion.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LVI. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. NOT men of magic skill, not men of wisdom impair the Gods' first steadfast ordinances.
> Ne'er may the earth and heaven which know not malice, nor the fixed hills, be bowed by sage devices.
> 2 One, moving not away, supports six burthens: the Cows proceed to him the true, the Highest.
> Near stand three Mighty Ones who travel swiftly: two are concealed from sight, one is apparent.
> 3 The Bull who wears all shapes, the triple-breasted, three-uddered, with a brood in many places,
> Ruleth majestic with his triple aspect, the Bull, the Everlasting Ones' impregner.
> 4 When nigh them, as their tracer he observed them: he called aloud the dear name of Adityas.
> The Goddesses, the Waters, stayed to meet him: they who were wandering separate enclosed him.
> 5 Streams! the wise Gods have thrice three habitations. Child of three Mothers, he is Lord in synods.
> Three are the holy Ladies of the Waters, thrice here from heaven supreme in our assembly.
> 6 Do thou, O Savitar, from heaven thrice hither, three times a day, send down thy blessings daily.
> Send us, O Bhaga, triple wealth and treasure; cause the two worlds to prosper us, Preserver!
> 7 Savitar thrice from heaven pours down abundance, and the fair-handed Kings Varuna, Mitra;
> And spacious Heaven and Earth, yea, and the Waters, solicit wealth that Savitar may send us.
> 8 Three are the bright realms, best, beyond attainment, and three, the Asura's Heroes, rule as Sovrans,
> Holy and vigorous, never to be injured. Thrice may the Gods from heaven attend our synod.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LVII. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. MY thought with fine discernment hath discovered the Cow who wanders free without a herdsman,
> Her who hath straightway poured me food in plenty: Indra and Agni therefore are her praisers.
> 2 Indra and Pusan, deft of hand and mighty, well-pleased have drained the heaven's exhaustless udder.
> As in this praise the Gods have all delighted, may I win blessing here from you, O Vasus.
> 3 Fain to lend vigour to the Bull, the siste.. with reverence recognize the germ within him.
> The Cows come lowing hither to the Youngling, to him endued with great and wondrous beauties.
> 4 Fixing with thought, at sacrifice, the press-stones, I bid the well-formed Heaven and Earth come hither;
> For these thy flames, which give men boons in plenty, rise up on high, the beautiful, the holy.
> 5 Agni, thy meath-sweet tongue that tastes fair viands, which among Gods is called the far-extended,-
> Therewith make all the Holy Odes be seated here for our help, and feed them with sweet juices.
> 6 Let thy stream give us drink, O God, O Agni, wonderful and exhaustless like the rain-clouds.
> Thus care for us, O Vasu Jatavedas, show us thy loving-kindness, reaching all men.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LVIII. Asvins.
> 
> 1. THE Ancient's Milch-cow yields the things we long for: the Son of Daksina travels between them.
> She with the splendid chariot brings refulgence. The praise of Usas hath awoke the Asvins.
> 2 They bear you hither by well-orderd statute: our sacred offerings rise as if to parents.
> Destroy in us the counsel of the niggard come hitherward, for we have shown you favour.
> 3 With lightly-rolling car and well-yoked horses hear this, the press-stone's song, ye Wonder-Workers.
> Have not the sages of old time, ye Asvins, called you most prompt to come and stay misfortune?
> 4 Remember us, and come to us, for ever men, as their wont is, invocate the Asvins.
> Friends as it were have offered you these juices, sweet, blent with milk at the first break of morning.
> 5 Even through many regions, O ye Asvins high praise is yours among mankind, ye Mighty-
> Come, helpers, on the paths which Gods have travelled: here your libations of sweet meath are ready.
> 6 Ancient your home, auspicious is your friendship: Heroes, your wealth is with the house of Jahnu.
> Forming again with you auspicious friendship, let us rejoice with draughts of meath together.
> 7 O Asvins, Very Mighty ones, with Vayu and with his steeds, one-minded, ever-youthful,
> Nasatyas, joying in the third day's Soma, drink it, not hostile, Very Bounteous Givers.
> 8 Asvins, to you are brought abundant viands in rivalry with sacred songs, unceasing.
> Sprung from high Law your car, urged on by press-stones, goes round the earth and heaven in one brief moment.
> 9 Asvins, your Soma sheds delicious sweetness: drink ye thereof and come unto our dwelling.
> Your car, assuming many a shape, most often goes to the Soma-presser's place of meeting.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LIX. Mitra.
> 
> 1. MITRA, when speaking, stirreth men to labour: Mitra sustaineth both the earth and heaven.
> Mitra beholdeth men with eyes that close not. To Mitra bring, with holy oil, oblation.
> 2 Foremost be he who brings thee food, O Mitra, who strives to keep thy sacred Law, Aditya.
> He whom thou helpest ne'er is slain or conquered, on him, from near or far, falls no affliction.
> 3 joying in sacred food and free from sickness, with knees bent lowly on the earth's broad surface,
> Following closely the Aditya's statute, may we remain in Mitra's gracious favour.
> 4 Auspicious and adorable, this Mitra was born with fair dominion, King, Disposer.
> May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, rest in his propitious loving-kindness.
> 5 The great Aditya, to be served with wor. ship, who stirreth men, is gracious to the singer.
> To Mitra, him most highly to be lauded, offer in fire oblation that he loveth.
> 6 The gainful grace of Mitra,. God, supporter of the race of man,
> Gives splendour of most.glorious fame.
> 7 Mitra whose glory spreads afar, he who in might surpasses heaven,
> Surpasses earth in his renown.
> 8 All the Five Races have repaired to Mitra, ever strong to aid,
> For he sustaineth all the Gods.
> 9 Mitra to Gods, to living men, to him who strews the holy grass,
> Gives food fulfilling sacred Law.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LX. Rbhus.
> 
> 1. HERE is your ghostly kinship, here, O Men: they came desirous to these holy rites with store of wealth,
> With wondrous arts, whereby, with schemes to meet each need, Ye gained, Sudhanvan's Sons! your share in sacrifice.
> 2 The mighty powers wherewith. ye formed the chalices, the thought by which ye drew the cow from out the hide,
> The intellect wherewith ye wrought the two Bay Steeds,-through these, O Rbhus, ye attained divinity.
> 3 Friendship with Indra have the Rbhus, fully gained: grandsons of Manu, they skilfully urged the work.
> Sudhanvan's Children won them everlasting life, serving with holy rites, pious with noble acts.
> 4:In company with Indra come ye to the juice, then gloriously shall your wishes be fulfilled.
> Not to be paragoned, ye Priests, are your good deeds, nor your heroic acts, Rbhus, Sudhanvan's Sons.
> 5 O Indra, with the Rbhus, Mighty Ones, pour down the Soma juice effused, well-blent, from both thy hands.
> Maghalan, urged by song, in the drink-offerer's house rejoice thee with the Heroes, with Sudhanvan's Sons.
> 6 With Rbhu near, and Vaja, Indra, here exult, with Saci, praised of many, in the juice we pour.
> These homes wherein we dwell have turned themselves to thee, -devotions to the Gods, as laws of men ordain.
> 7 Come with the mighty Rbhus, Indra, come to us, strengthening with thy help the singer's holy praise;
> At hundred eager calls come to the living man, with thousand arts attend the act of sacrifice.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXI. Usas.
> 
> 1. O Usas, strong with strength, endowed witli knowledge, accept the singer's praise, O wealthy Lady.
> Thou, Goddess, ancient, young, and full of wisdom, movest, all-bounteous! as the Law ordaineth.
> 2 Shine forth, O Morning, thou auspicious Goddess, on thy bright car awaking pleasant voices.
> Let docile horses of far-reaching splendour convey thee hitherward, the goldencoloured.
> 3 Thou, Morning, turning thee to every creature, standest on high as ensign of the Immortal,
> To one same goal ever and ever wending now, like a wheel, O newly-born, roll hi ther.
> 4 Letting her reins drop downward, Morning cometh, the wealthy Dame, the Lady of the dwelling;
> Bringing forth light, the Wonderful, the Blessed hath spread her from the bounds of earth and heaven.
> 5 Hither invoke the radiant Goddess Morning, and bring with reverence your hymn to praise her.
> She, dropping sweets, hath set in heaven her brightness, and, fair to look on, hath beamed forth her splendour.
> 6 From heaven, with hymns, the Holy One was wakened: brightly to both worlds came the wealthy Lady.
> To Morning, Agni, when she comes refulgent, thou goest forth soliciting fair riches.
> 7 On Law's firm base the speeder of the Mornings, the Bull, hath entered mighty earth and heaven.
> Great is the power of Varuna and Mitra, which, bright, hath spread in every place its splendour.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXII. Indra and Others.
> 
> 1. YOUR well-known prompt activities aforetime needed no impulse from your faithful servant.
> Where, Indra-Varuna, is now that glory wherewith ye brought support to those who loved you?
> 2 This man, most diligent, seeking after riches, incessantly invokes you for your favour.
> Accordant, Indra-Varuna, with Maruts, with Heaven and Earth, hear ye mine invocation.
> 3 O Indra-Varuna, ours be this treasure ours be wealth, Maruts, with full store of heroes.
> .May the Varutris with their shelter aid us, and Bharati and Hotri with the Mornings.
> 4 Be pleased! with our oblations, thou loved of all Gods, Brhaspati:
> Give wealth to him who brings thee gifts.
> 5 At sacrifices, with your hymns worship the pure Brhaspati-
> I pray for power which none may bend-
> 6 The Bull of men, whom none deceive, the wearer of each shape at will,
> Brhaspati Most Excellent.
> 7 Divine, resplendent Pusan, this our newest hymn of eulogy,
> By us is chanted forth to thee.
> 8 Accept with favour this my song, be gracious to the earnest thought,
> Even as a bridegroom to his bride.
> 9 May he who sees all living things, see, them together at a glancc,-
> May lie, may Pusan be our help.
> 10 May we attain that excellent glory of Savitar the God:
> So May he stimulate our prayers.
> 11 With understanding, earnestly, of Savitar the God we crave
> Our portion of prosperity.
> 12 Men, singers worship Savitar the God with hymn and holy rites,
> Urged by the impulse of their thoughts.
> 13 Soma who gives success goes forth, goes to the gathering place of Gods,
> To seat him at the seat of Law.
> 14 To us and to our cattle may Soma give salutary food,
> To biped and to quadruped.
> 15 May Soma, strengthening our power of life, and conquering our foes,
> In our assembly take his seat.
> 16 May Mitra-Varuna, sapient Pair, bedew our pasturage with oil,
> With meatb the regions of the air.
> 17 Far-ruling, joyful when adored, ye reign through majesty of might,
> With pure laws everlastingly.
> 18 Lauded by Jamadagni's song, sit in the place of holy Law:
> Drink Soma, ye who strengthen Law.
>
> — *Rig Veda - Book  3*