# Rig Veda - Book  6

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> RIG VEDA - BOOK THE SIXTH
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> HYMN I. Agni.
> 
> 1. THOU, first inventor of this prayer, O Agni, Worker of Marvels, hast become our Herald.
> Thou, Bull, hast made us strength which none may conquer, strength that shall overcome all other prowess.
> 2 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worship, furthering us, best Offerer, meet for honour.
> So first to thee have pious men resorted, turning thy mind to thoughts of ample riches.
> 3 In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest with much wealth as with an army,
> The radiant Agni, lofty, fair to look on, worshipped with marrow, evermore resplendent.
> 4 They who approached the God's abode with homage, eager for glory, won them perfect glory:
> Yea, they gained even sacrificial titles, and found delight in thine auspicious aspect.
> 5 On earth the people magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial and terrestrial riches.
> Thou, Helper, must be known as our Preserver, Father and Mother of mankind for ever.
> 6 Dear priest among mankind, adorable Agni hath seated him, joy-giver, skilled in worship.
> Let us approach thee shining in thy dwelling, kneeling upon our knees, with adoration.
> 7 Longing for bliss, pure-minded, God-devoted, Agni, we seek thee, such, meet to be lauded.
> Thou, Agni, leddest forth our men to battle, refulgent with the heaven's exalted splendour.
> 8 Sage of mankind, all peoples' Lord and Master, the Bull of men, the sender down of blessings,
> Still pressing on, promoting, purifying, Agni the Holy One, the Lord of riches.
> 9 Agni, the mortal who hath toiled and worshipped, brought thee oblations with his kindled fuel,
> And well knows sacrifice with adoration, gains every joy with thee to guard and help him.
> 10 Mightily let us worship thee the Mighty, with reverence, Agni! fuel and oblations,
> With songs, O Son of Strength, with hymns, with altar: so may we strive for thine auspicious favour.
> 11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with splendour and with thy glories, glorious and triumphant.
> Continue thou to shine on us, O Agni, with strength abundant, rich, and long enduring.
> 12 Vouchsafe us ever, as man needs, O Vasu, abundant wealth of kine for son and offspring.
> Food noble, plenteous, far from sin and evil, he with us, and fair fame to make us happy.
> 13 May I obtain much wealth in many places by love of thee and through thy grace, King Agni;
> For in thee Bounteous One, in thee the Sovran, Agni, are many boons for him who serves thee.
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> HYMN II. Agni.
> 
> 1. THOU, Agni, even as Mitra, hast a princely glory of thine own.
> Thou, active Vasu, makest fame increase like full prosperity.
> 2 For, verily, men pray to thee with sacrifices and with songs.
> To thee the Friendly Courser, seen of all, comes speeding through the air.
> 3 Of one accord men kindle thee Heaven's signal of the sacrifice,
> When, craving bliss, this race of man invites thee to the solemn rite.
> 4 Let the man thrive who travails sore, in prayer, far thee the Bountiful.
> He with the help of lofty Dyaus comes safe through straits of enmity.
> 5 The mortal who with fuel lights thy flame and offers unto thee,
> Supports a house with many a branch, Agni, to live a hundred years.
> 6 Thy bright smoke lifts itself aloft, and far-extended shines in heaven.
> For, Purifier! like the Sun thou beamest with thy radiant glow.
> 7 For in men's houses thou must be glorified as a well-loved guest,
> Gay like an elder in a fort, claiming protection like a son.
> 8 Thou, Agni, like an able steed, art urged by wisdom in the wood.
> Thou art like wind; food, home art thou, like a young horse that runs astray.
> 9 E'en things imperishable, thou, O Agni, like a gazing ox,
> Eatest, when hosts, Eternal One! of thee the Mighty rend the woods.
> 10 Agni, thou enterest as Priest the home of men who sacrifice.
> Lord of the people, prosper them. Accept the ofrering, Angiras!
> 11 O Agni, God with Mitra's might, call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven.
> Bring weal from heaven, that men may dwell securely. May we o'ercome the foe's malign oppressions, may we o'ercome them, through thy help o'ercome them.
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> HYMN III. Agni.
> 
> 1. TRUE, guardian of the Law, thy faithful servant wins ample light and dwells in peace, O Agni,
> Whom thou, as Varuna in accord with Mitra, guardest, O God, by banishing his trouble.
> 2 He hath paid sacrifices, toiled in worship, and offered gifts to wealth-increasing Agni.
> Him the displeasure of the famous moves not, outrage and scorn affect not such a mortal.
> 3 Bright God, whose look is free from stain like Surya's, thou, swift, what time thou earnestly desirest,
> Hast gear to give us. Come with joy at evening, where, Child of Wood, thou mayest also tarry.
> 4 Fierce is his gait and vast his wondrous body: he champeth like a horse with bit and bridle,
> And, darting forth his tongue, as 'twere a hatchet, burning the woods, smelteth them like a smelter.
> 5 Archer-like, fain toshoot, he sets his arrow, and whets his splendour like the edge of iron:
> The messenger of night with brilliant pathway, like a tree-roosting bird of rapid pinion.
> 6 In beams of morn he clothes him like the singer, and bright as Mitra with his splendour crackles.
> Red in the night, by day the men's possession: red, he belongs to men by day, Immortal.
> 7 Like Heaven's when scattering beams his voice was uttered: among the plants the radiant Hero shouted,
> Who with his glow in rapid course came hither to fill both worlds, well-wedded Dames, with treasure.
> 8 Who, with supporting streams and rays that suit him, hath flashed like lightning with his native vigour.
> Like the deft Maker of the band of Maruts, the bright impetuous One hath shone refulgent.
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> HYMN IV Agni.
> 
> 1. As at man's service of the Gods, Invoker, thou, Son of Strength, dost sacrifice and worship,
> So bring for us to-day all Gods together, bring willingly the willing Gods, O Agni.
> 2 May Agni, radiant Herald of the morning, meet to be known, accept our praise with favour.
> Dear to all life, mid mortal men Immortal, our guest, awake at dawn, is Jatavedas.
> 3 Whose might the very heavens regard with wonder: bright as the Sun he clothes himself with lustre.
> He who sends forth,, Eternal Purifier, hath shattered e'en the ancient works of Asna.
> 4 Thou art a Singer, Son! our feast-companion: Agni at birth prepared his food and pathway.
> Therefore vouchsafe us strength, O Strength-bestower. Win like a King: foes trouble not thy dwelling.
> 5 Even he who cats his firm hard food with swiftness,and overtakes the nights as Vayu kingdoms.
> May we o'ercome those who resist thine orders, like a steed casting down the flying foemen.
> 6 Like Surya with his fulgent rays, O Agni, thou overspreadest both the worlds with splendour.
> Decked with bright colour he dispels the darkness, like Ausija, with clear flame swifily flying.
> 7 We have elected thee as most delightful for thy beams' glow: hear our great laud, O Agni.
> The best men praise thee as the peer of Indra in strength, mid Gods, like Viyu in thy bounty.
> 8 Now, Agni, on the tranquil paths of riches come to us for our weal: save us from sorrow.
> Grant chiefs and bard this boon. May we live happy, with hero children, through a hundred winters.
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> HYMN V. Agni.
> 
> 1. I INVOCATE your Son of Strength, the Youthful, with hymns, the Youngest God, whose speech is guileless;
> Sage who sends wealth comprising every treasure, bringer of many boons, devoid of malice.
> 2 At eve and morn thy pious servants bring thee their precious gifts, O Priest of many aspects,
> On whom, the Purifier, all things living as on firm. ground their happiness have stablished.
> 3 Thou from of old hast dwelt among these people, by mental power the charioteer of blessings.
> Hence sendest thou, O sapient Jatavedas, to him who serves thee treasures in succession.
> 4 Agni, whoever secretly attacks us, the neighbour, thou with Mitra's might! who harms us,
> Burn him with thine own Steers for ever youthful, burning with burning heat, thou fiercest burner.
> 5 He who serves thee with sacrifice and fuel, with hymn, O Son of Strength, and chanted praises,
> Shines out, Immortal! in the midst of mortals, a sage, with wealth, with splendour and with glory.
> 6 Do this, O Agni, when we urge thee, quickly, triumphant in thy might subdue our foemen.
> When thou art praised with words and decked with brightness, accept this chanted hymn, the singer's worship.
> 7 Help us, that we may gain this wish, O Agni, gain riches, Wealthy One! with store of heroes.
> Desiring strength from thee may we be strengthened, and win, Eternal! thine eternal glory.
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> HYMN VI. Agni.
> 
> 1. HE who seeks furtherance and grace to help him goes to the Son of Strength with newest worship,
> Calling the heavenly Priest to share the banquet, who rends the wood, bright, with his blackened pathway.
> 2 White-hued and thundering he dwells in splendour, Most Youthful, with the loudvoiced and eternal-
> Agni, most variform, the Purifier, who follows crunching many ample forests.
> 3 Incited by the wind thy flames, O Agni, move onward, Pure One! pure, in all directions.
> Thy most destructive heavenly Navagvas break the woods down and devastate them boldly.
> 4 Thy pure white horses from their bonds are loosened: O Radiant One, they shear the ground beneath them,
> And far and wide shines out thy flame, and flickers rapidly moving over earth's high ridges.
> 5 Forth darts the Bull's tongue like the sharp stone weapon discharged by him who fights to win the cattle.
> Agni's fierce flame is like a hero's onset: dread and resistless he destroys the forests.
> 6 Thou with the sunlight of the great Impeller hast boldly over-spread the earth's expanses.
> So drive away with conquering might all perils. fighting out foemen burn up those who harm us.
> 7 Wondrous! of wondrous power! give to the singer wealth wondrous, marked, most wonderful, life-giving.
> Wealth bright, O Bright One, vast, with many heroes, give with thy bright flames to the man who lauds thee.
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> HYMN VII. Agni.
> 
> 1. Him, messenger of earth and head of heaven, Agni Vaisvanara, born in holy Order,
> The Sage, the King, the guest of men, a vessel fit for their mouths, the Gods have generated.
> 2 Him have they praised, mid-point of sacrifices, great cistern of libations, seat of riches.
> Vaisvanara, conveyer of oblations, ensign of worship, have the Gods engendered.
> 3 From thee, O Agni, springs the mighty singer, from thee come heroes who subdue the foeman.
> O King, Vaisvanara, bestow thou on us excellent treasures worthy to belonged fo r.
> 4 To thee, Immortal! when to life thou springest, all the Gods sing for joy as to their infant.
> They by thy mental powers were made immortal, Vaisvanara, when thou shonest from thy Parents.
> 5 Agni Vaisvanara, no one hath ever resisted these thy mighty ordinances,
> When thou, arising from thy Parents' bosom, foundest the light for days' appointed courses.
> 6 The summits of the heaven are traversed through and through by the Immortal's light, Vaisvanara's brilliancy.
> All creatures in existence rest upon his head. The Seven swift-flowing Streams have grown like branches forth,
> 7 Vaisvanara, who measured out the realms of air, Sage very wise who made the lucid spheres of heaven,
> The Undeceivable who spread out all the worlds, keeper is he and guard of immortality.
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> HYMN VIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. AT Jatavedas' holy gathering I will tell aloud the conquering might of the swift red-hued Steer.
> A pure and fresher hymn flows to Vaisvanara, even as for Agni lovely Soma is made pure.
> 2 That Agni, when in loftiest heaven he sprang to life, Guardian of Holy Laws, kept and observed them well.
> Exceeding wise, he measured out the firmament. Vaisvanara attained to heaven by mightiness.
> 3 Wonderful Mitra propped the heaven and earth apart, and covered and concealed
> the darkness with his light.
> He made the two bowls part asunder like two skins. Vaisvanara put forth all his creative power.
> 4 The Migbty seized him in the bosom of the floods: the people waited on the King who should be praised.
> As envoy of Vivasvan MatariSvan brought Agni Vaisvanara hither from far away.
> 5 In every age bestow upon the singers wealth, worthy of holy synods, glorious, ever new.
> King, undecaying, as it were with sharpened bolt, smite down the sinner like a tree with lightning-flash.
> 6 Do thou bestow, O Agni, on our wealthy chiefs, rule, with good heroes, undecaying, bending not.
> So may we win for us strength. O Vaisvanara, hundredfold, thousandfold, O Agni, by thy help.
> 7 O thou who dwellest in three places, Helper, keep with effective guards our princely patrons.
> Keep our band, Agni, who have brought thee presents. Lengthen their lives, Vaisvanara, when lauded.
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> HYMN IX. Agni.
> 
> 1. ONE half of day is dark, and bright the other: both atmospheres move on by sage devices.
> Agni Vaisvanara, when born as Sovran, hath with his lustre overcome the darkness.
> 2 I know not either warp or woof, I know not the web they weave when moving to the contest.
> Whose son shall here speak words that must be spoken without assistance from the Father near him?
> 3 For both the warp and woof he understandeth, and in due time shall speak what should be spoken,
> Who knoweth as the immortal world's Protector, descending, seeing with no aid from other.
> 4 He is the Priest, the first of all: behold him. Mid mortal men he is the light immortal.
> Here was he born, firm-seated in his station Immortal, ever waxing in his body.
> 5 A firm light hath been set for men to look on: among all things that fly the mind is swiftest.
> All Gods of one accord, with one intention, move unobstructed to a single purpose.
> 6 Mine ears unclose to hear, mine eye to see him; the light that harbours in my spirit broadens.
> Far roams my mind whose thoughts are in the distance. What shall I speak, what shall I now imagine?
> 7 All the Gods bowed them down in fear before thee, Agni, when thou wast dwelling in the darkness.
> Vaisvanara be gracious to assist us, may the Immortal favour us and help us.
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> HYMN X. Agni.
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> 1. INSTALL at sacrifice, while the rite advances, your pleasant, heavenly Agni, meet for praises.
> With hymns-for he illumines us-install him. He, Jatavedas, makes our rites successful.
> 2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled,
> Laud which bards send forth pure as sacred butter, strength to this man, as 'twere for self-advantage.
> 3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni,
> And the God, wondrous bright, with wondrous succours helps him to win a stable filled with cattle.
> 4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far-apparent splendour:
> And he himself hath been. through night's thick darkness, made manifest by light, the Purifier.
> 5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes,
> Who stand preeminent, surpassing others in liberal gifts, in fame, and hero virtues.
> 6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth.
> Fair hymns hadst thou among the Bharadvajas, and holpest them to gain abundant vigour.
> 7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.
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> HYMN XI. Agni.
> 
> 1. EAGERLY Sacrifice thou, most skilful, Agni! Priest, pressing on as if the Maruts sent thee.
> To our oblation bring the two Nasatyas, Mitra and Varuna and Earth and Heaven.
> 2 Thou art our guileless, most delightful Herald, the God, among mankind, of holy synods.
> A Priest with purifying tongue, O Agni, sacrifice with thy mouth to thine own body.
> 3 For even the blessed longing that is in thee would bring the Gods down to the singer's worship,
> When the Angirases' sagest Sage, the Poet, sings the sweet measure at the solemn service.
> 4 Bright hath he beamed, the wise, the far-refulgent. Worship the two widespreading Worlds, O Agni,
> Whom as the Living One rich in oblations the Five Tribes, bringing gifts, adorn with homage.
> 5 When I with reverence clip the grass for Agni, when the trimmed ladle, fullof oil, is lifted,
> Firm on the seat of earth is based the altar: eye-like, the sacrifice is directed Sun-ward.
> 6 Enrich us, O thou Priest of many aspects, with the Gods, Agni, with thy fires, enkindled.
> O Son of Strength, clad in the robe of riches, may we escape from woe as from
> a prison.
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> HYMN XII. Agni.
> 
> 1. KING of trimmed grass, Herald within the dwelling, may Agni worship the Impeller's World-halves.
> He, Son of Strength, the Holy, from a distance hath spread himself abroad with light like Surya.
> 2 In thee, most wise, shall Dyaus, for full perfection, King! Holy One! pronounce the call to worship.
> Found in three places, like the Speeder's footstep, come to present men's riches as oblations!
> 3 Whose blaze most splendid, sovran in the forest, shines waxing on his way like the - Impeller.
> He knows himself, like as a guileless smelter, not to be stayed among the plants, Immortal.
> 4 Our friends extol him like a steed for vigour even Agni in the dwelling, jatave~as.
> Trce-fed, he fights with power as doth a champion, like Dawn's Sire to be praised with sacrifices.
> 5 Men wonder at his shining glows when, paring the woods with case, o'er the broad earth he goeth,
> And, like a rushing flood, loosed quickly, burneth, swift as a guilty thief, o'er desert places.
> 6 So mighty thou protectest us from slander, O Champion, Agni! with all fires enkindled.
> Bring opulence and drive away affliction. May brave sons gladden us through a hundred winters.
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> HYMN XIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. FROM thee, as branches from a tree, O Agni, from thee, Auspicious God! spring all our blessings-
> Wealth swiftly, strength in battle with our foemen, the rain besought of heaven, the flow of waters.
> 2 Thou art our Bhaga to send wealth thou dwellest, like circumambient air, with wondrous splendour.
> Friend art thou of the lofty Law, like Mitra, Controller, Agni! God! of many a blessing.
> 3 Agni! the hero slays with might his foeman; the singer bears away the Pani's booty-
> Even he whom thou, Sage, born in Law, incitest by wealth, accordant with the Child of Waters.
> 4 The man who, Son of Strength 1 with sacrifices, hymns, lauds, attracts thy fervour to the altar,
> Enjoys each precious thing, O God, O Agni, gains wealth of corn and is the lord of treasures.
> 5 Grant, Son of Strength, to men for their subsistence such things as bring high fame and hero children.
> For thou with might givest much food in cattle even to the wicked wolf when he is hungry.
> 6 Eloquent, Son of Strength, Most Mighty, Agni, vouchsafe us seed and offspring, full of vigour.
> May I by all my songs obtain abundance. May brave sons gladden us through a hundred winters.
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> HYMN XIV. Agni.
> 
> 1. WHOSO to Agni hath endeared his thought and service by his hymns,
> That mortal cats before the rest, and finds sufficiency of food.
> 2 Agni, in truth, is passing wise, most skilled in ordering, a Seer.
> At sacrifices Manus' sons glorify Agni as their Priest.
> 3 The foeman's wealth in many a place, Agni, is emulous to help.
> Men fight the fiend, and seek by rites to overcome the riteless foe.
> 4 Agni bestows the hero chief, winner of waters, firm in fray.
> Soon as they look upon his might his enemies tremble in alarm.
> 5 For with his wisdom Agni, God, protects the mortal from reproach,
> Whose conquering wealth is never checked, is never checked in deeds of might.
> 6 O Agni, God with Mitra's might call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven.
> Bring weal from heaven that men may dwell securely. May we o'ercome the foe's malign oppressions, may we o'ercome them, through thy help o'ercome them.
> 
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> HYMN XV. Agni.
> 
> 1. WITH this my song I strive to reach this guest of yours, who wakes at early morn, the Lord of all the tribes.
> Each time he comes from heaven, the Pure One from of old: from ancient days the Child cats everlasting food.
> 2 Whom, well-dis sed, the Blirgus stablished as a rriend, whom men must glorify, high-flaming in the wood.
> As such, most friendly, thou art every day extolled in lauds by Vitahavya, O thou wondrous God.
> 3 Be thou the foeless helper of the skilful man, subduer of the enemy near or far away.
> Bestow a wealthy home on men, O Son of Strength. Give Vitahavya riches spreading far and wide, give Bharadvaja wide-spread wealth.
> 4 Him, your refulgent guest, Agni who comes from heaven, the Herald of mankind, well-skilled in sacred rites,
> Who, like a holy singer, utters heavenly words, oblation-bearer, envoy, God, I seek with hymns.
> 5 Who with his purifying, eye-attracting form hath shone upon the earth as with the light of Dawn;
> Who speeding on, as in the fight of Etaia, cometh, untouched by age, as one athirst in heat.
> 6 Worship ye Agni, Agni, with your log of wood; praise your beloved, your beloved guest with songs.
> Invite ye the Immortal hither with your hymns. A God among the Gods, he loveth what is choice, loveth our service, God mid Gods.
> 7 Agni inflamed with fuel in my song I sing, pure, Cleanser, steadlast, set in tront at sacrifice.
> Wise Jatavedas we implore with prayers for bliss the Priest, the holy Singer, bounteous, void of guile.
> 8 Men, Agni, in each age have made thee, Deathiess One, their envoy, offering-bearer, guard adorable.
> With reverence Gods and mortals have established thee, the ever-watchful, omnipresent Household Lord.
> 9 Thou, Agni, ordering the works and ways of both, as envoy of the Gods traversest both the worlds.
> When we lay claim to thy regard and gracious fare, be thou to us a thriceprotecting friendly guard.
> 10 Him fair of face, rapid, and fair to look on, him very wise may we who know not follow.
> Let him who knows all rules invite for worship, Agru announce our offering to the Immortals.
> 11 Him, Agni, thou deliverest and savest who brings him prayer to thee the Wise, O Hero,
> The end of sacrifice or its inception; yea, thou endowest him with power and riches.
> 12 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us, O thou Victor, from dishonour.
> Here let the place of darkening come upon thee: may wealth be ours, desirable in thousands.
> 13 Agni, the Priest, is King, Lord of the homestead, he, Jatayedas, knows all generations.
> Most skilful worshipper mid Gods and mortals, may he begin the sacrifice, the Holy.
> 14 Whate'er to-day thou, bright-flamed Priest, enjoyest from the man's rite-for thou art sacrificer-
> Worship, for duly dost thou spread in greatness: bear off thine ofrerings of to-day, Most Youthful.
> 15 Look thou upon the viands duly laid for thee. Fain would he set thee here to worship Heaven and,Earth.
> Help us, O liberal Agni, in the strife for spoil, so that we may o'ercome all things that trouble us, o'ercome, o'ercome them with thy help.
> 16 Together with all Gods, O fair-faced Agni, be seated first upon the woollined altar,
> Nest-like, bedewed with oil. Bear this our worship to Savitar who sacrifices rightly.
> 17 Here the arranging priests, as did Atharvan, rub this Agni forth,
> Whom, not bewildered, as he moved in winding ways, they brought from gloom.
> 18 For the Gods' banquet be thou born, for full perfection and for weal.
> Bring the Immortal Gods who strengthen holy Law: so let our sacrifice reach the Gods.
> 19 O Agni, Lord and Master of men's homesteads, with kindled fuel we have made thee mighty.
> Let not our household gear be found defective. Sharpen us with thy penetrating splendour.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XVI. Agni.
> 
> 1. PRIEST of all sacrifices hast thou been appointed by the Gods,
> Agni, amid the race of man.
> 2 So with thy joyous tongues for us sacrifice nobly in this rite.
> Bring thou the Gods and worship them.
> 3 For well, O God, Disposer, thou knowest, straight on, the paths and ways,
> Agni, most wise in sacrifice.
> 4 Thee, too, hath Bharata of old, with mighty men, implored for bliss.
> And worshipped thee the worshipful.
> 5 Thou givest these abundant boons to Divodasa pouring forth,
> To Bharadvaja offering gifts.
> 6 Do thou, Immortal Messenger, bring hither the Celestial Folk;
> Hearing the singer's eulogy.
> 7 Mortals with pious thought implore thee, Agni, God, at holy rites,
> To come unto the feast of Gods.
> 8 I glorify thine aspect and the might of thee the Bountilul.
> All those who love shall joy in thee,
> 9 Invoker placed by Manus, thou, Agni, art near, the wisest Priest:
> Pay worship to the Tribes of Heaven.
> 10 Come, Agni, lauded, to the feast; come to the offering of the gifts.
> As Priest be seated on the grass.
> 11 So, Angiras, we make thee strong with fuel and with holy oil.
> Blaze high, thou youngest of the Gods.
> 12 For us thou winnest, Agni, God, heroic strength exceeding great,
> Far-spreading and of high renown.
> 13 Agni, Atharvan brought thee forth, by rubbing, from the lotus-flower,
> The head of Visva, of the Priest.
> 14 Thee. Vrtra's slayer, breaker down of castles, hath Atharvan's son,
> Dadhyac the Rsi, lighted up.
> 15 The hero Pathya kindled thee the Dasyus'. most destructive foe,
> Winner of spoil in every fight.
> 16 Come, here, O Agni, will I sing verily other songs to thee,
> And with these drops shalt thou grow strong.
> 17 Where'er tby mind applies itself, vigour preeminent bast thou:
> There wilt thou gain a dwelling-place.
> 18 Not for a moment only lasts thy bounty, good to many a one!
> Our service therefore shalt thou gain.
> 19 Agni, the Bharata, hath been sought, the Vrtra-slayer, marked of all,
> Yea, Divodasa's Hero Lord.
> 20 For he gave riches that surpass in greatness all the things of earth,
> Fighting untroubled, unsubdued.
> 21 Thou, Agni, as in days of old, with recent glory, gathered light,
> Hast overspread the lofty heaven.
> 22 Bring to your Agni, O my friends, boldly your laud and sacrifice:
> Give the Disposer praise and song.
> 23 For as sagacious Herald he hath sat through every age of man,
> Oblation-bearing messenger.
> 24 Bring those Two Kings whose ways are pure, Adityas, and the Marut host,
> Excellent God! and Heaven and Earth.
> 25 For strong and active mortal man, excellent, Agni, is the look Of thee Immortal, Son of Strength
> 26 Rich through his wisdom, noblest be the giver serving thee to-day:
> The man hath brought his hymn of praise.
> 27 These, Agni, these are helped by thee, who strong and active all their lives,
> O'ercome the malice of the foe, fight down the malice ofthe foe.
> 28 May Agni with his pointed blaze cast down each fierce devouring fiend
> May Agni win us wealth by war.
> 29 O active Jatavedas, bring riches with store of hero sons:
> Slay thou the demons, O Most Wise.
> 30 Keep us, O Jatavedas, from the troubling of the man of sin:
> Guard us thou Sage who knowest prayer.
> 31 Whatever sinner, Agni, brings oblations to procure our death,
> Save us from woe that he would work.
> 32 Drive from us with thy tongue, O God, the man who doeth evil deeds,
> The mortal who would strike us dead.
> 33 Give shelter reaching far and wide to Bharadvaja, conquering Lord!
> Agni, send wealth most excellent.
> 34 May Agni slay the Vrtras,-fain for riches, through the lord of song,
> Served with oblation, kindled, bright.
> 35 His Father's Father, shining in his Mother's everlasting side,
> Set on the seat of holy Law.
> 36 O active Jatavedas, bring devotion that wins progeny, Agni, that it may shine to heaven.
> 37 O Child of Strength, to thee whose look is lovely we with dainty food,
> O Agni, have poured forth our songs.
> 38 To thee for shelter are we come, as to the shade from fervent heat
> Agni, who glitterest like gold.
> 39 Mighty as one who slays with shafts, or like a bull with sharpened horn,
> Agni, thou breakest down the forts.
> 40 Whom, like an infant newly born, devourer, in their arms they bear,
> Men's Agni, skilled in holy rites.
> 41 Bear to the banquet of the Gods the God best finder-out of wealth,
> Let him he seated in his place.
> 42 In Jatavedas kindle ye the dear guest who hath now appeared
> In a soft place, the homestead's Lord.
> 43 Harness, O Agni, O thou God, thy steeds which are most excellent:
> They bear thee as thy spirit wills.
> 44 Come hither, bring the Gods to us to taste the sacrificial feast,
> To drink the draught of Soma juice.
> 45 O Agni of the Bharatas, blaze high with everlasting might,
> Shine forth and gleam, Eternal One.
> 46 The mortal man who serves the God with banquet, and, bringing gifts at sacrifice, lauds Agni,
> May well attract, with prayer and hands uplifted, the Priest of Heaven and Earth, true Sacrificer.
> 47 Agni, we bring thee, with our hymn, oblation fashioned in the heart.
> Let these be oxen unto thee, let these be bulls and kine to thee.
> 48 The Gods enkindle Agni, best slayer of Vrtra, first in rank,
> The Mighty, One who brings us wealth and crushes down the Raksasas.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XVII. Indra.
> 
> 1. DRINK Soma, Mighty One, for which, when lauded, thou breakest through the cattle-stall, O Indra;
> Thou who, O Bold One, armed with thunder smotest Vrtra with might, and every hostile being.
> 2 Drink it thou God who art impetuous victor, Lord of our hymns, with beauteousjaws, the Hero,
> Render of kine-stalls, car-borne, thunder-wielding, so pierce thy way to wondrous strength, O Indra.
> 3 Drink as of old, and let the draught delight thee. hear thou our prayer and let our songs exalt thee.
> Make the Sun visible, make food abundant, slaughter the foes, pierce through and free the cattle.
> 4 These gladdening drops, O Indra, Self-sustainer, quaffed shall augment thee in thy mighty splendour.
> Yea, let the cheering drops delight thee greatly, great, perfect, strong, powerful, all-subduing.
> 5 Gladdened whereby, bursting the firm enclosures, thou gavest splendour to the Sun and Morning.
> The mighty rock that compassed in the cattle, ne'er moved, thou shookest from its seat, O Indra.
> 6 Thou with thy wisdom, power, and works of wonder, hast stored the ripe milk in the raw cows' udders
> Unbarred the firm doors for the kine of Morning, and, with the Angirases, set free the cattle.
> 7 Thou hast spread out wide earth, a mighty marvel, and, high thyself, propped lofty heaven, O Indra.
> Both worlds, whose Sons are Gods, thou hast supported, young, Mothers from old time ofholy Order.
> 8 Yea, Indra, all the Deities installed thee their one strong Champion in the van for battle.
> What time the godless was the Gods' assailant, Indra they chose to win the light of heaven.
> 9 Yea, e'en that heaven itself of old bent backward before thy bolt, in terror of its anger,
> When Indra, life of every living creature, smote down within his lair the assailing Dragon.
> 10 Yea, Strong One! Tvastar turned for thee, the Mighty, the bolt with thousand spikes and hundred edges,
> Eager and prompt at will, wherewith thou crushedst the boasting Dragon, O impetuous Hero.
> 11 He dressed a hundred buffaloes, O Indra, for thee whom all accordant Maruts strengthen.
> He, Pusan Visnu, poured forth three great vessels to him, the juice that cheers, that slaughters Vrtra.
> 12 Thou settest free the rushing wave of waters, the floods' great swell encompassed and obstructed.
> Along steep slopes their course thou tumedst, Indra, directed downward, speeding to the ocean.
> 13 So may our new prayer bring thee to protect us, thee well-armed Hero with thy bolt of thunder,
> Indra, who made these worlds, the Strong, the ty, who never groweth old, the victory-giver.
> 14 So, Indra, form us brilliant holy singers for strength, for glory, and for food and riches.
> Give Bharadvaja hero patrons, Indra Indra, be ours upon the day of trial.
> 15 With this may we obtain strength God-appointed, and brave sons gladden us through a hundred winters.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XVIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. GLORIFY him whose might is all-surpassing, Indra the much-invoked who fights uninjured.
> Magnify with these songs the never-vanquished, the Strong, the Bull of men, the Mighty Victor.
> 2 He, Champion, Hero, Warrior, Lord of battles, impetuous, loudly roaring, great destroyer,
> Who whirls the dust on high, alone, oerthrower, hath made all races of mankind his subjects.
> 3 Thou, thou alone, hast tamed the Dasyus; singly thou hast subdued the people for the Arya.
> In this, or is it not, thine hero exploit, Indra? Declare it at the proper season.
> 4 For true, I deem, thy strength is, thine the Mighty, thine, O Most Potent, thine the Conquering Victor;
> Strong, of the strong, Most Mighty, of the mighty, thine, driver of the churl to acts of bounty.
> 5 Be this our ancient bond of friendship with you and with Angirases here who speak of Vala.
> Thou, Wondrous, Shaker of things firm, didst smite him in his fresh strength, and force his doors and castles.
> 6 With holy thoughts must he be called, the Mighty, showing his power in the great fight with Vrtra.
> He must be called to give us seed and offspring, the Thunderer must he moved and sped to battle.
> 7 He in his might, with name that lives for ever, hath far surpassed all human generations.
> He, most heroic, hath his home with splendour, with glory and with riches and with valour.
> 8 Stranger to guile, who ne'er was false or faithless, bearing a name that may be well remembered,
> Indra crushed Cumuri, Dhuni, Sambara, Pipru, and Susna, that their castles fell in ruin.
> 9 With saving might that must be praised and lauded, Indra, ascend thy car to smite down Vrtra.
> In thy right hand hold fast thy bolt of thunder, and weaken, Bounteous Lord, his art and magic.
> 10 As Agni, as the dart burns the dry forest, like the dread shaft burn down the fiends, O Indra;
> Thou who with high deep-reaching spear hast broken, hast covered over mischief and destroyed it.
> 11 With wealth, by thousand paths come hither, Agni, paths that bring ample strength, O thou Most Splendid.
> Come, Son of Strength, o'er whom, Invoked of many! the godless hath no power to keep thee distant.
> 12 From heaven, from earth is bruited forth the greatness of him the firm, the fiery, the resplendent.
> No foe hath he, no counterpart, no refuge is there from him the Conqueror full of wisdom
> 13 This day the deed that thou hast done is famous, when thou, for him, with many thousand others
> Laidest low Kutsa, Ayu, Atithigva, and boldly didst deliver Turvayana.
> 14 In thee, O God, the wisest of the Sages, all Gods were joyful when thou slewest Ahi.
> When lauded for thyself, thou gavest freedom to sore-afflicted Heaven and to the people.
> 15 This power of thine both heaven and earth acknowledge, the deathless Gods acknowledge it, O Indra.
> Do what thou ne'er hast done, O Mighty Worker: beget a new hymn at thy sacrifices.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XIX. Indra.
> 
> 1. GREAT, hero-like controlling men is Indra, unwasting in his powers, doubled in vastness.
> He, turned to us, hath grown to hero vigour: broad, wide, he hath been decked by those who serve him.
> 2 The bowl made Indra swift to gather booty, the High, the Lofty, Youthful, Undecaying,
> Him who hath waxed by strength which none may conquer, and even at once grown to complete perfection.
> 3 Stretch out those hands of thine, extend to us-ward thy wide capacious arms, and grant us glory.
> Like as the household herdsman guards the cattle, so move thou round about us in the combat.
> 4 Now, fain for strength, let us invite your Indra hither, who lieth hidden with his Heroes,-
> Free from all blame, without reproach, uninjured, e'en as were those who sang, of old, his praises.
> 5 With steadfast laws, wealth-giver, strong through Soma, he hath much fair and precious food to feed us.
> In him unite all paths that lead to riches, like rivers that commingle with the ocean.
> 6 Bring unto us the mightiest might, O Hero, strong and most potent force, thou great Subduer!
> All splendid vigorous powers of men vouchsafe us, Lord of Bay Steeds, that they may make us joyful.
> 7 Bring us, grown mighty in its strength, O Indra, thy friendly rapturous joy that wins the battle,
> Wherewith by thee assisted and triumphant, we may laud thee in gaining seed and offspring.
> 8 Indra, bestow on us the power heroic skilled and exceeding strong, that wins the booty,
> Wherewith, by thine assistance, we may conquer our foes in battle, be they kin or stranger.
> 9 Let thine heroic strength come from behind us, before us, from above us or below us.
> From every side may it approach us, Indra. Give us the glory of the realm of splendour.
> 10 With most heroic aid from thee, like heroes Indra, may we win wealth by deeds glory.
> Thou, King, art Lord of earthly, heavenly treasure: vouchsafe us riches vast, sublime, and lasting.
> 11 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.
> 12 Give up the people who are high and haughty to these men and to me, O Thunder-wielder!
> Therefore upon the earth do we invoke thee, where heroes win, for sons and kine and waters.
> 13 Through these thy friendships, God invoked of many! may we be victors over every foeman.
> Slaying both kinds of foe, may we, O Hero, be happy, helped by thee, with ample riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XX. Indra.
> 
> 1. GIVE us wealth, Indra, that with might, as heaven o'ertops the earth, o'ercomes our foes in battle
> Wealth that brings thousands and that wins the corn-lands, wealth, Son of Strength! that vanquishes the foeman.
> 2 Even as the power of Dyaus, to thee, O Indra, all Asura sway was by the Gods entrusted,
> When thou, Impetuous! leagued with Visnu, slewest Vrtra the Dragon who enclosed the waters.
> 3 Indra, Strong, Victor, Mightier than the mighty, addressed with prayer and perfect in his splendour,
> Lord of the bolt that breaketh forts in pieces, became the King of the sweet juice of Soma..
> 4 There, Indra, while the light was won, the Panis f1ed, 'neath a hundred blows, for wise Dasoni,
> And greedy Susna's magical devices nor left he any of their food remaining.
> 5 What time the thunder fell and Susna perished, all life's support from the great Druh was taken.
> Indra made room for his car-drivcr Kutsa who sate beside him, when he gained the sunlight.
> 6 As the Hawk rent for him the stalk that gladdens, he wrenched the head from Namuci the Dasa.
> He guarded Nam, Sayya's son, in slumber, and sated him with food, success, and riches.
> 7 Thou, thunder-armed, with thy great might hast shattered Pipru's strong forts who knew the wiles of serpents.
> Thou gavest to thy worshipper Rjisvan imperishable Wealth, O Bounteous Giver.
> 8 The crafty Vetasu, the swift Dasni, and Tugra speedily with all his servants,
> Hath Indra, gladdening with strong assistance, forced near as 'twere to glorify the Mother.
> 9 Resistless, with the hosts he battles, bearing in both his arms the Vrtra-slaying thunder.
> He mounts his Bays, as the car-seat an archer: yoked at a word they bear the lofty Indra.
> 10 May we, O Indra, gain by thy new favour: so Parus laud thee, with their sacrifices,
> That thou hast wrecked seven autumn forts, their shelter, slain Dasa tribes and aided Purukutsa.
> 11 Favouring Usana the son of Kavi, thou wast his ancient strengthener, O Indra.
> Thou gavest Navavastva. as a present, to the great father gavest back his grandson.
> 12 Thou, roaring Indra, drovest on the waters that made a roaring sound like rushing rivers,
> What time, O Hero, o'er the sea thou broughtest, in safety broughtest Turvasa and Yadu.
> 13 This Indra, was thy work in war: thou sentest Dhuni and Cumuri to sleep and slumber.
> Dabhiti lit the flame for thee, and worshipped with fuel, hymns, poured Soma, dressed oblations.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXI. Indra. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. THESE the most constant singer's invocations call thee who art to be invoked, O Hero;
> Hymns call anew the chariot-borne, Eternal: by eloquence men gain abundant riches.
> 2 I praise that Indra, known to all men, honoured with songs, extolled with hymns at sacrifices,
> Whose majesty, rich in wondrous arts, surpasseth the magnitude of earth, and heaven in greatness.
> 3 He hath made pathways, with the Sun to aid him, throughout the darkness that extended pathless.
> Mortals who yearn to worship ne'er dishonour, O Mighty God, thy Law who art Immortal.
> 4 And he who did these things, where is that Indra? among what tribes? what people doth he visit?
> What sacrifice contents thy mind , and wishes? What priest among them all? what hymn, O Indra?
> 5 Yea, here were they who, born of old, have served thee, thy friends of ancient time, thou active Worker.
> Bethink thee now of these, Invoked of many! the midmost and the recent, and the youngest.
> 6 Inquiring after him, thy later servants, Indra, have gained thy former old traditions.
> Hero, to whom the prayer is brought, we praise thee as great for that wherein we know thee mighty.
> 7 The demon's strength is gathered fast against thee: great as that strength hath grown, go forth to meet it.
> With thine own ancient friend and companion, the thunderbolt, brave Champion! drive it backward.
> 8 Hear, too, the prayer of this thy present beadsman, O Indra, Hero, cherishing the singer.
> For thou wast aye our fathers' Friend aforetime, still swift to listen to their supplication.
> 9 Bring to our help this day, for our protection, Varuna, Mitra , Indra, and the Maruts,
> Pusan and Visnu, Agni and Purandhi, Savitar also, and the Plants and Mountains.
> 10 The singers here exalt with hymns and praises thee who art very Mighty and Most Holy.
> Hear, when invoked, the invoker's invocation. Beside thee there is nonelike thee, Immortal!
> 11 Now to my words come quickly thou who knowest, O Son of Strength, with all who claim our worship,
> Who visit sacred rites, whose tongue is Agni, Gods who made Manu stronger than the Dasyu.
> 12 On good and evil ways be thou our Leader, thou who art known to all as Path-preparer.
> Bring power to us, O Indra, with thy Horses, Steeds that are best to draw, broad-backed, unwearied.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXII. Indra.
> 
> 1. WITH these my hymns I glorify that Indra who is alone to be invoked by mortals,
> The Lord, the Mighty One, of manly vigour, victorious, Hero, true, and full of wisdom.
> 2 Our sires of old,. Navagvas, sages seven, while urging him to show his might, extolled him,
> Dwelling on heights, swift, smiting down opponents, guileless in word, and in his thoughts most mighty.
> 3 We seek that Indra to obtain his riches that bring much food, and men, and store of heroes.
> Bring us, Lord of Bay Steeds, to make us joyful, celestial wealth, abundant, undecaying.
> 4 Tell thou us this, if at thy hand aforetime the earlier singers have obtained good fortune,
> What is thy share and portion, Strong Subduer, Asura-slayer, rich, invoked of many?
> 5 He who for car-borne Indra, armed with thunder, hath a hymn, craving, deeply-piercing, fluent,
> Who sends a song effectual, firmly-grasping, and strength-bestowing, he comes near the mighty.
> 6 Strong of thyself, thou by this art hast shattered, with thought-swift Parvata, him who waxed against thee,
> And, Mightiest! roaring! boldly rent in pieces things that were firmly fixed and never shaken.
> 7 Him will we fit for you with new devotion, the strongest Ancient One, in ancient manner.
> So may that Indra, boundless, faithful Leader, conduct us o'er all places hard to traverse.
> 8 Thou for the people who oppress hast kindled the earthly firmament and that of heaven.
> With heat, O Bull, on every side consume them: heat earth and flood for him who hates devotion.
> 9 Of all the Heavenly Folk, of earthly creatures thou art the King, O God of splendid aspect.
> In thy right hand, O Indra, grasp die thunder: Eternal! thou destroyest all enchantments.
> 10 Give us confirmed prosperity, O Indra, vast and exhaustless for the foe's subduing.
> Strengthen therewith the Arya's hate and Dasa's, and let the arms of Nahusas be mighty.
> 11 Come with thy team which brings all blessings hither, Disposer, much-invoked, exceeding holy.
> Thou whom no fiend, no God can stay or hinder, come swittly with these Steeds in my direction.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. THOU art attached to pressed-out Soma, Indra, at laud, at prayer, and when the hymn is chanted;
> Or when with yoked Bays, Maghavan, thou comest, O Indra, bearing in thine arms the thunder.
> 2 Or when on that decisive day thou holpest the presser of the juice at Vrtra's slaughter;
> Or when thou, while the strong one feared, undaunted, gavest to death, Indra, the daring Dasyus.
> 3 Let Indra drink the pressed-out Soma, Helper and mighty Guide of him who sings his praises.
> He gives the hero room who pours oblations, and treasure even to the lowly singer.
> 4 E'en humble rites with his Bay steeds he visits: he wields the bolt, drinks Soma, gives us cattle.
> He makes the valiant rich in store of heroes, accepts our praise and hears the singer's calling.
> 5 What he hath longed for we have brought to Indra, who from the days of old hath done us service.
> While Soma flows we will sing hymn, and laud him, so that our prayer may streng. then Indra's vigour.
> 6 Thou hast made prayer the means of thine exalting, therefore we wait on thee with hymns, O Indra.
> May we, by the pressed Soma, Somadrinker! bring thee, with sacrifice, blissful sweet refreshment.
> 7 Mark well our sacrificial cake, delighted Indra, drink Soma and the milk commingled.
> Here on the sacrificer's grass be seated: give ample room to thy devoted servant.
> 8 O Mighty One, be joyful as thou willest. Let these our sacrifices reach and find thee;
> And may this hymn and these our invocations turn thee, whom many men invoke, to help us.
> 9 Friends, when thejuices flow, replenish duly your own, your bounteous Indra with the Soma.
> Will it not aid him to support us? Indra. spares him who sheds the juice to win his favour.
> 10 While Soma flowed, thus Indra hath been lauded, Ruler of nobles, mid the Bharadvajas,
> That Indra may become the singer's patron and give him wealth in every kind of treasure.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIV. Indra.
> 
> 1. STRONG rapturous joy, praise, glory are with Indra: impetuous God, he quaffs the juice of Soma:
> That Maghavan whom men must laud with singing, Heaven-dweller, King of songs, whose help is lasting.
> 2 He, Friend of man, most wise, victorious Hero, hears, with far-reaching aid, the singer call him.
> Excellent, Praise of Men, the bard's Supporter, Strong, he gives strength, extolled in holy synod.
> 3 The lofty axle of thy wheels, O Hero, is not surpassed by heaven and earth in greatness.
> Like branches of a tree, Invoked of many manifold aids spring forth from thee, O Indra.
> 4 Strong Lord, thine energies, endowed with vigour, are like the paths of kine converging homeward.
> Like bonds of cord, Indra, that bind the younglings, no bonds are they, O thou of boundless bounty.
> 5 One act to-day, another act tomorrow oft Indra makes what is not yet existeni.
> Here have we Mitra, Varuna, and Pusan to overcome the foeman's domination.
> 6 By song and sacrifice men brought the waters from thee, as from a mountain's ridge, O Indra.
> Urging thy might, with these fair lauds they seek thee, O theme of song, as horses rush tobattle.
> 7 That Indra whom nor months nor autumn seasons wither with age, nor fleeting days enfeeble,-
> Still may his body Wax, e'en now so mighty, glorified by the lauds and hymns that praise him.
> 8 Extolled, he bends not to the strong, the steadfast, nor to the bold incited by the Dasyu.
> High mountains are as level plains to Indra: even in the deep he finds firm ground to rest on.
> 9 Impetuous Speeder through all depth and distance, give strengthening food, thou drinker of the juices.
> Stand up erect to help us, unreluctant, what time the gloom of night brightens to morning.
> 10 Hasting to help, come hither and protect him, keep him from harm when he is here, O Indra.
> At home, abroad, from injury preserve him. May brave sons gladden us through a hundred winters.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXV. Indra.
> 
> 1. WITH thine assistance, O thou Mighty Indra, be it the least, the midmost, or the highest,-
> Great with those aids and by these powers support us, Strong God! in battle that subdues our foemen.
> 2 With these discomfit hosts that fight against us, and check the opponent's wrath, thyself uninjured.
> With these chase all our foes to every quarter: subdue the tribes of Dasas to the Arya.
> 3 Those who array themselves as foes to smite us, O Indra, be they kin or be they strangers,-
> Strike thou their manly strength that it be feeble, and drive in headlong flight our foemen backward.
> 4 With strength of limb the hero slays the hero, when bright in arms they range them for the combat.
> When two opposing hosts contend in battle for seed and offspring, waters, kine, or corn-lands.
> 5 Yet no strong man hath conquered thee, no hero, no brave, no warrior trusting in his valour.
> Not one of these is match for thee, O Indra. Thou far surpassest all these living creatures.
> 6 He is the Lord of both these armies' valour when the commanders call them to the conflict:
> When with their ranks expanded they are fighting with a great foe or for a home with heroes.
> 7 And when the people stir themselves for battle, be thou their saviour, Indra, and protector,
> And theirs, thy manliest of our friends, the pious, the chiefs who have installed us priests, O Indra.
> 8 To thee for high dominion hath been for evermore, for slaughtering the Vrtras,
> All lordly power and might, O Holy Indra, given by Gods for victory in battle.
> 9 So urge our hosts together in the combats: yield up the godless bands that fight against us.
> Singing, at morn may we find thee with favour, yea, Indra, and e'en now, we Bharadvajas.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVI. Indra.
> 
> 1. O INDRA, hear us. Raining down the Soma, we call on thee to win us mighty valour.
> Give us strong succour on the day of trial, when the tribes gather on the field of battle.
> 2 The warrior, son of warrior sire, invokes thee, to gain great strength that may be won as booty:
> To thee, the brave man's Lord, the fiends' subduer, he looks when fighting hand to hand for cattle.
> 3 Thou didst impel the sage to win the daylight, didst ruin Susna for the pious Kutsa.
> The invulnerable demon's head thou clavest when thou wouldst win the praise of Atithigva.
> 4 The lofty battle-car thou broughtest forward; thou holpest Dasadyu the strong when fighting.
> Along with Vetasu thou slewest Tugra, and madest Tuji strong, who praised thee, Indra.
> 5 Thou madest good the laud, what time thou rentest a hundred thousand fighting foes, O Hero,
> Slewest the Dasa Sambara of the mountain, and with strange aids didst succour Divodasa.
> 6 Made glad with Soma-draughts and faith, thou sentest Cumuri to his sleep, to please Dabhiti.
> Thou, kindly giving Raji to Pithinas, slewest with might, at once, the sixty thousand.
> 7 May I too, with the liberal chiefs, O Indra, acquire thy blin supreme and domination,
> When, Mightiest! Hero-girt! Nahusa heroes boast them in thee, the triply-strong Defender.
> 8 So may we he thy friends, thy best beloved, O Indra, at this holy invocation.
> Best be Pratardani, illustrious ruler, in slaying foemen and in gaining riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVII. Indra.
> 
> 1 WHAT deed hath Indra done in the wild transport, in quaffing or in friendship with, the Soma?
> What joys have men of ancient times or recent obtained within the chamber of libation?
> 2 In its wild joy Indra hath proved him faithful, faithful in quaffing, faithful in its friendship.
> His truth is the delight that in this chamber the men of old and recent times have tasted.
> 3 All thy vast power, O Maghavan, we know not, know not the riches of thy full abundance.
> No one hath seen that might of thine, productive of bounty every day renewed, O Indra.
> 4 This one great power of thine our eyes have witnessed, wherewith thou slewest Varasikha's children,
> When by the force of thy descending thunder, at the mere solund, their boldest was demolished.
> 5 In aid of Abhyavartin Cayamana, Indra destroyed the seed of Varasikha.
> At Hariyupiya he smote the vanguard of the Vrcivans, and the rear fled frighted.
> 6 Three thousand, mailed, in quest of fame, together, on the Yavyavati, O much-sought Indra,
> Vrcivan's sons, falling before the arrow, like bursting vessels went to their destruction.
> 7 He, whose two red Steers, seeking goodly pasture, plying their tongues move on 'twixt earth and heaven,
> Gave Turvasa to Srnjaya, and, to aid him, gave the Vrcivans up to Daivavata.
> 8 Two wagon-teams, with damsels, twenty oxen, O Agni, Abhydvartin Cayamdna,
> The liberal Sovran, giveth me. This guerdon of Prthu's seed is hard to win from others.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVIII. Cows.
> 
> I. THE Kine have come and brought good fortune: let them rest in the cow-pen and be happy near us.
> Here let them stay prolific, many-coloured, and yield through many morns their milk for Indra.
> 2 Indra aids him who offers sacrifice and gifts: he takes not what is his, and gives him more thereto.
> Increasing ever more and ever more his wealth, he makes the pious dwell within unbroken bounds.
> 3 These are ne'er lost, no robber ever injures them: no evil-minded foe attempts to harass them.
> The master of the Kine lives many a year with these, the Cows whereby he pours his gifts and serves the Gods.
> 4 The charger with his dusty brow o'ertakes them not, and never to the shambles do they take their way.
> These Cows, the cattle of the pious worshipper, roam over widespread pasture where no danger is.
> 5 To me the Cows seem Bhaga, they seem Indra, they seem a portion of the first-poured Soma.
> These present Cows, they, O ye Indra. I long for Indra with my heart and spirit.
> 6 O Cows, ye fatten e'en the worn and wasted, and make the unlovely beautiful tolook on.
> Prosper my house, ye with auspicious voices. Your power is glorified in our assemblies.
> 7 Crop goodly pasturage and be prolific drink pure sweet water at good drinking places.
> Never be thief or sinful man your matter, and may the dart of Rudra still avoid you.
> 8 Now let this close admixture be close intermigled with these Cows,
> Mixt with the Steer's prolific flow, and, Indra, with thy hero might.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIX Indra.
> 
> 1. YOUR men have followed Indra for his friendship, and for his loving-kindness glorified him.
> For he bestows great wealth, the Thunder-wielder: worship him, Great and Kind, to win his favour.
> 2 Him to whose hand, men closely cling, and drivers stand on his golden chariot firmly stationed.
> With his firm arms he holds the reins; his Horses, the Stallions, are yoked ready for the journey.
> 3 Thy devotees embrace thy feet for glory. Bold, thunder-armed, rich, through thy strength, in guerdon,
> Robed in a garment fair as heaven to look on, thou hast displayed thee like an active dancer.
> 4 That Soma when effused hath best consistence, for which the food is dressed and grain is mingled;
> By which the men who pray, extolling Indra chief favourites of Gods, recite their praises.
> 5 No limit of thy might hath been appointed, which by its greatness sundered earth and heaven.
> These the Prince filleth full with strong endeavour, driving, as 'twere, with help his flocks to waters.
> 6 So be the lofty Indra prompt to listen, Helper unaided, golden-visored Hero.
> Yea, so may he, shown forth in might unequalled, smite down the many Vrtras and the Dasyus.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXX. Indra.
> 
> 1. INDRA hath waxed yet more for hero prowess, alone, Eternal, he bestoweth treasures.
> Indra transcendeth both the worlds in greatness: one half of him equalleth earth and heaven.
> 2 Yea, mighty I esteem his Godlike nature: none hindereth what he hath once determined.
> Near and afar he spread and set the regions, and every day the Sun became apparent.
> 3 E'en now endures thine exploit of the Rivers, when, Indra, for their floods thou clavest passage.
> Like men who sit at meat the mountains settled: by thee, Most Wise! the regions were made steadfast.
> 4 This is the truth, none else is like thee, Indra, no God superior to thee, no mortal.
> Thou slewest Ahi who besieged the waters, and lettest loose the streams to hurry seaward.
> 5 Indra, thou breakest up the floods and portals on all sides, and the firmness of the mountain.
> Thou art the King of men, of all that liveth, engendering at once Sun, Heaven, and Morning.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXI Indra.
> 
> 1. SOLE Lord of wealth art thou, O Lord of riches: thou in thine hands hast held the people, Indra!
> Men have invoked thee with contending voices for seed and waters, progeny and sunlight.
> 2 Through fear of thee, O Indra, all the regions of earth, though naught may move them, shake and tremble.
> All that is firm is frightened at thy coming, -the earth, the heaven, the mountain, and the forest.
> 3 With Kutsa, Indra! thou didst conquer Susna, voracious, bane of crops, in fight for cattle.
> In the close fray thou rentest him: thou stolest the Sun's wheel and didst drive away misfortunes.
> 4 Thou smotest to the ground the hundred castles, impregnable, of Sambara the Dasyu,
> When, Strong, with might thou holpest Divodasa who poured libations out, O Soma-buyer, and madest Bharadvaja rich who praised thee.
> 5 As such, true Hero, for great joy of battle mount thy terrific car, O Brave and Manly.
> Come with thine help to me, thou distant Roamer, and, glorious God, spread among men my glory.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXII Indra.
> 
> 1. I WITH my lips have fashioned for this Hero words never matched, most plentiful and auspicious,
> For him the Ancient, Great, Strong, Energetic, the very mighty Wielder of the Thunder.
> 2 Amid the sages, with the Sun he brightened the Parents: glorified, he burst the mountain;
> And, roaring with the holy-thoughted singers, he loosed the bond that held the beams of Morning.
> 3 Famed for great deeds, with priests who kneel and laud him, he still hath conquered in the frays for cattle,
> And broken down the forts, the Fort-destroyer, a Friend with friends, a Sage among the sages.
> 4 Come with thy girthed mares, with abundant vigour and plenteous strength to him who sings thy praises.
> Come hither, borne by mares with many heroes, Lover of song! Steer! for the people's welfare.
> 5 Indra with rush and might, sped by his Coursers, hath swiftly won the waters from the southward.
> Thus set at liberty the rivers daily flow to their goal, incessant and exhaustless.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. GIVE us the rapture that is mightiest, Indra, prompt to bestow and swift to aid, O Hero,
> That wins with brave steeds where brave steeds encounter, and quells the Vrtras and the foes in battle.
> 2 For with loud voice the tribes invoke thee, Indra, to aid them in the battlefield of heroes.
> Thou, with the singers, hast pierced through the Panis: the charger whom thou aidest wins the booty.
> 3 Both races, Indra, of opposing foemen, O Hero, both the Arya and the Dasa,
> Hast thou struck down like woods with well-shot lightnings: thou rentest them in fight, most manly Chieftain!
> 4 Indra, befriend us with no scanty succour, prosper and aid us, Loved of all that liveth,
> When, fighting for the sunlight, we invoke thee, O Hero, in the fray, in war's division.
> 5 Be ours, O Indra, now and for the future, be graciously inclined and near to help us.
> Thus may we, singing, sheltered by the Mighty, win many cattle on the day of trial.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
> 
> 1. FULL Many songs have met in thee, O Indra, and many a noble thought from thee proceedeth.
> Now and of old the eulogies of sages, their holy hymns and lauds, have yearned for Indra.
> 2 He, praised of many, bold, invoked of many, alone is glorified at sacrifices.
> Like a car harnessed for some great achievement, Indra must be the cause of our rejoicing.
> 3 They make their way to Indra and exalt him, bim whom no prayers and no laudations trouble;
> For when a hundred or a thousand singers. laud him who loves the song their praise delights him.
> 4 As brightness mingles with the Moon in heaven, the offered Soma yearns to mix with Indra.
> Like water brought to men in desert places, our gifts at sacrifice have still refreshed him.
> 5 To him this mighty eulogy, to Indra hath this our laud been uttered by the poets,
> That in the great encounter with the foemen, Loved of all life, Indra may guard and help us.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXV. Indra.
> 
> 1. WHEN shall our prayers rest in thy car beside thee? When dost thou give the singer food for thousands?
> When wilt thou clothe this poet's laud with plenty, and when wilt thou enrich our hymns with booty?
> 2 When wilt thou gatber men with men, O Indra, heroes with heroes, and prevail in combat?
> Thou shalt win triply kine in frays for cattle, so, Indra, give thou us celestial glory.
> 3 Yea, when wilt thou, O Indra, thou Most Mighty, make the prayer all-sustaining for the singer?
> When wilt thou yoke, as we yoke songs, thy Horses, and come to offerings that bring wealth in cattle?
> 4 Grant to the Singer food with store of cattle, splendid with horses and the fame of riches.
> Send food to swell the milch-cow good at milking: bright be its shine among the Bharadvajas.
> 5 Lead otherwise this present foeman, Sakra! Hence art thou praised as Hero, foe destroyer
> Him who gives pure gifts may I praise unceasing. Sage, quicken the Angirases by devotion.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
> 
> 1. THY raptures ever were for all men's profit: so evermore have been thine earthly riches.
> Thou still hast been the dealer-forth of vigour, since among Gods thou hast had power and Godhead.
> 2 Men have obtained his strength by sacrificing, and ever urged him, on to hero valour.
> For the rein-seizing, the impetuous Charger they furnished power even for Vrtra's slaughter.
> 3 Associate with him, as teams of horses, help, manly might, and vigour follow Indra.
> As rivers reach the sea, so, strong with praises, our holy songs reach him the Comprehensive.
> 4 Lauded by us, let flow the spring, O Indra, of excellent and brightly-shining riches.
> For thou art Lord of men, without an equal: of all the world thou art the only Sovran.
> 5 Hear what thou mayst hear, thou who, fain for worship, as heaven girds earth, guardest thy servant's treasure;
> Tlat thou mayst be our own, joying in power, famed through thy might in every generation.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVII Indra.
> 
> 1. LET thy Bay Horses, yoked, O mighty Indra, bring thy car hither fraught with every blessing.
> For thee, the Heavenly, e'en the poor invoketh: may we this day, thy feast-companions, prosper.
> 2 Forth to the vat the brown drops flow for service, and purified proceed directly forward.
> May Indra drink of this, our guest aforetime, Celestial King of the strong draught of Soma.
> 3 Bringing us hitherward all-potent Indra on well-wheeled chariot, may the Steeds who bear him
> Convey him on the road direct to glory, and ne'er may Vayu's Amrta cease and fail him.
> 4 Supreme, he stirs this man to give the guerdon,-Indra, most efficacious of the princes,-
> Wherewith, O Thunderer, thou removest sorrow, and, Bold One! partest wealth among the nobles.
> 5 Indra is hewho gives enduring vigour: may our songs magnify the God Most Mighty.
> Best Vrtra-slayer be the Hero Indra these things he gives as Prince, with strong endeavour.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. HE hath drunk hence, Most Marvellous, and carried away our great and splendid call on Indra.
> The Bounteous, when we serve the Gods, accepteth song yet more famous and the gifts we bring him.
> 2 The speaker filleth with a cry to Indra his ears who cometh nigh e'en from a distance.
> May this my call bring Indra to my presence, this call to Gods composed in sacred verses.
> 3 Him have I sung with my best song and praises, Indra of ancient birth and Everlasting.
> For prayer and songs in him are concentrated: let laud wax mighty when addressed to Indra:
> 4 Indra, whom sacrifice shall strengthen, Soma, and song and hymn, and praises and devotion,
> Whom Dawns shall strengthen when the night departeth, Indra whom days shall strengthen, months, and autumns.
> 5 Him, born for conquering might in full perfection, and waxen strongfor bounty and for glory,
> Great, Powerful, will we to-day, O singer, invite to aid. us and to quell our foemen.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIX Indra.
> 
> 1. OF this our charming, our celestial Soma, eloquent, wise, Priest, with inspired devotion,
> Of this thy close attendant, hast thou drunken. God, send the singer food with milk to grace it.
> 2 Craving the kine, rushing against the mountain led on by Law, with holyminded comrades,
> He broke the never-broken ridge of Vala. With words of might Indra subdued the Panis.
> 3 This Indu lighted darksome nights, O Indra, throughout the years, at morning and at evening.
> Him have they stablished as the days' bright ensign. He made the Mornings to be born in splendour.
> 4 He shone and caused to shme the worlds that shone not. By Law he lighted up the host of Mornings.
> He moves with Steeds yoked by eternal Order, contenting men with nave that finds the sunlight.
> 5 Now, praised, O Ancient King! fill thou the singer with plenteous food that he may deal forth treasures.
> Give waters, herbs that have no poison, forests, and kine, and steeds, and men, to him who lauds thee.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XL. Indra
> 
> 1. DRINK, Indra; juice is shed to make thee joyful: loose thy Bay Steeds and give thy friends their freedom.
> Begin the song, seated in our assembly. Give strength for sacrifice to him who singeth.
> 2 Drink thou of this whereof at birth, O Indra, thou drankest, Mighty One for power and rapture.
> The men, the pressing-stones, the cows, the waters have made this Soma ready for thy drinking.
> 3 The fire is kindled, Soma pressed, O Indra: let thy Bays, best to draw, convey thee hither.
> With mind devoted, Indra, I invoke thee. Come, for our great prosperity approach us.
> 4 Indra, come hither: evermore thou camest through our great strong desire to drink the Soma.
> Listen and hear the prayers which now we offer, and let this sacrifice increase thy vigour.
> 5 Mayst thou, O Indra, on the day of trial, present or absent, wheresoe'er thou dwellest,
> Thence, with thy team, accordant with the Maruts, Song-lover! guard our sacrifice, to help us.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLL Indra.
> 
> 1. COME gracious to our sacrifice, O Indra: pressed Soma-drops are purified to please thee.
> As cattle seek their home, so Thunderwielder, come, Indra, first of those who claim our worship.
> 2 With that well-formed most wide-extending palate, wherewith thou ever drinkest streams of sweetness,
> Drink thou; the Adhvaryu standeth up before thee: let thy spoil-winning thunderbolt attend thee.
> 3 This drop, steer-strong and omniform, the Soma, hath been made ready for the Bull, for India.
> Drink this, Lord of the Bays, thou Strong Supporter, this that is thine of old, thy food for ever.
> 4 Soma when pressed excels the unpressed Soma, better, for one who knows, to give him pleasure.
> Come to this sacrifice of ours, O Victor replenish all thy powers with this libation.
> 5 We call on thee, O Indra: come thou hither: sufficient be the Soma for thy body.
> Rejoice thee, Satakratu! in the juices guard us in wars, guard us among our people.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLII- Indra.
> 
> 1. BRING sacrificial gifts to him, Omniscient, for he longs to drink,
> The Wanderer who comes with speed, the Hero ever in the van.
> 2 With Soma go ye nigh to him chief drinker of the Soma's juice:
> With beakers to the Impetuous God, to Indra with the drops effused.
> 3 What time, with Soma, with the juice effused, ye come before the God,
> Full wise he knows the hope of each, and, Bold One, strikes this foe and that.
> 4 To him, Adhvaryu! yea, to him give offerings of the juice expressed.
> Will he not keep us safely from the spiteful curse of each presumptuous high-born foe?
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLIII. Indra
> 
> 1. IN whose wild joy thou madest once Sambara Divodasa's prey,
> This Soma is pressed out for thee, O Indra: drink!
> 2 Whose gladdening draught, shed from the points, thou guardest in the midst and end,
> This Soma is pressed out for thee, O Indra drink!
> 3 In whose wild joy thou settest free the kine held fast within the rock,
> This Soma is pressed out for thee, O Indra: drink!
> 4 This, in whose juice delighting thou gainest the might of Maghavan,
> This Soma is pressed out for thee, O Indra drink!
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLIV. Indra.
> 
> 1. THAT which is wealthiest, Wealthy God in splendoursmost illustrious,
> Soma is pressed: thy gladdening draught, Indra! libation's Lord! is this.
> 2 Effectual, Most Effectual One! thine, as bestowing wealth of hymns,
> Soma is pressed: thy gladdening draught, Indra! libation's Lord! is this.
> 3 Wherewith thou art increased in strength, and conquerest with thy proper aids,
> Soma is pressed: thy gladdening draught, Indra! libation's Lord! is this.
> 4 Him for your sake I glorify as Lord of Strength who wrongeth none,
> The Hero Indra, conquering all, Most Bounteous, God of all the tribes.
> 5 Those Goddesses, both Heaven and Earth, revere the power and might of him,
> Him whom our songs increase in strength, the Lord of bounty swift to come.
> 6 To seat your Indra, I will spread abroad with power this song of praise.
> The saving succours that abide in him, like songs, extend and grow.
> 7 A recent Friend, he found the skilful priest: he drank, and showed forth treasure from the Gods.
> He conquered, borne by strong all-shaking mares, and was with far-spread power his friends' Protector.
> 8 In course of Law the sapient juice was quaffed: the Deities to glory turned their mind.
> Winning through hymns a lofty title, he, the Lovely, made his beauteous form apparent.
> 9 Bestow on us the most illustrious strength ward off men's manifold malignities.
> Give with thy might abundant vital force, and aid us graciously in gaining riches.
> 10 We turn to thee as Giver, liberal Indra. Lord of the Bay Steeds, be not thou ungracious.
> No friend among mankind have we to lookto: why have men called thee him who spurs the niggard?
> 11 Give us not up, Strong Hero! to the hungry: unharmed be we whom thou, so rich, befriendest.
> Full many a boon hast thou for men demolish those who present no gifts nor pour oblations.
> 12 As Indra thundering impels the rain-clouds, so doth he send us store of kine and horses.
> Thou art of old the Cherisher of singers let not the rich who bring no gifts deceive thee.
> 13 Adbyaryu, hero, bring to mighty Indrafor he is King thereof-the pressed-out juices;
> To him exalted by the hymns and praises, ancient and modern, of the singing Rsis.
> 14 In the wild joy of this hath Indra, knowing full many a form, struck down resistless Vrtras.
> Proclaim aloud to him the savoury Soma so that the Hero, strong of jaw, may drink it.
> 15 May Indra drink this Soma poured to please him, and cheered therewith slay Vrtra with his thunder.
> Come to our sacrifice even from a distance, good lover of our songs, the bard's Supporter.
> 16 The cup whence Indra drinks the draught is present: the Amrta dear to Indra hath been drunken,
> That it may cheer the God to gracious favour, and keep far from us hatred and affliction.
> 17 Therewith enraptured, Hero, slay our foemen, the unfriendly, Maghavan be they kin or strangers,
> Those who still aim their hostile darts to smite us, turn them to flight, O Indra, crush and kill them.
> 18 O Indra Maghavan, in these our battles win easy paths for us and ample freedom.
> That we may gain waters and seed and offspring, set thou our princes on thy side, O Indra.
> 19 Let thy Bay Stallions, harnessed, bring thee hither, Steeds with strong chariot and strong reins to hold them,
> Strong Horses, speeding hither, bearing thunder, well-harnessed, for the strong exciting potion.
> 20 Beside the vat, Strong God! stand thy strong Horses, shining with holy oil, like waves exulting.
> Indra, they bring to thee, the Strong and Mighty, Soma of juices shed by mighty press-stones.
> 21 Thou art the Bull of earth, the Bull of heaven, Bull of the rivers, Bull of standing waters.
> For thee, the Strong, O Bull, hath Indu swollen. juice pleasant, sweet to drink, for thine election.
> 22 This God, with might, when first he had his being, with Indra for ally, held fast the Pani.
> This Indu stole away the warlike weapons, and foiled the arts of his malignant father.
> 23 The Dawns he wedded to a glorious Consort, and set within the Sun the light that lights him.
> He found in heaven, in the third lucid regions, the threefold Amrta in its close concealment.
> 24 He stayed and held the heaven and earth asunder: the chariot with the sevenfold reins he harnessed.
> This Soma Set with power within the milch-kine a spring whose ripe contents ten fingers empty.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLV. Indra.
> 
> 1. THAT Indra is our youthful Friend, who with his trusty guidance led
> Turvasa, Yadu from afar.
> 2 Even to the dull and uninspired Indra, gives vital power, and wins
> Even with slow steed the offered prize.
> 3 Great are his ways of guiding us, and!nanilbld are Ins eulogies:
> His kind protections never fail.
> 4 Friends, sing your psalm and offer praise to him to whom the prayer is brought:
> For our great Providence is he.
> 5 Thou, Slaughterer of Vrtra, art Guardian and Friend of one and two,
> Yea, of a man like one of us.
> 6 Beyond men's hate thou leadest us, and givest cause to sing thy praise:
> Good hero art thou called by men.
> 7 I call with hymns, as 'twere a cow to milk, the Friend who merits praise,
> The Brahman who accepts the prayer.
> 8 Him in whose hands they say are stored all treasures from the days of old,
> The Hero, conquering in the fight.
> 9 Lord of Strength, Caster of the Stone, destroy the firm forts built by men,
> And foil their arts, unbending God!
> 10 Thee, thee as such, O Lord of Power, O Indra, Soma-drinker, true,
> We, fain for glory, have invoked.
> 11 Such as thou wast of old, and art now to be called on when the prize
> lies ready, listen to our call.
> 12 With hymns and coursers we will gain, Indra, through thee, both steeds and spoil
> Most glorious, and the proffered prize.
> 13 Thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, whom men must stir to help, hast been
> Great in the contest for the prize.
> 14 Slayer of foes, whatever aid of thine imparts the swiftest course,
> With that impel our car to speed.
> 15 As skilfullest of those who drive the chariot, with our art and aim,
> O Conqueror, win the proffered prize.
> 16 Praise him who, Matchless and Alone, was born the Lord of living men,
> Most active, with heroic soul.
> 17 Thou who hast been the singers' Friend, a Friend auspicious with thine aid,
> As such, O Indra, favour us.
> 18 Grasp in thine arms the thunderbolt, O Thunder-armed, to slay the fiends:
> Mayst thou subdue the foemen's host.
> 19 I call the ancient Friend, allied with wealth, who speeds the lowly man,
> Him to whom chiefly prayer is brought.
> 20 For he alone is Lord of all the treasures of the earth: he speeds
> Hither, chief Lover of the Song.
> 21 So with thy yoked teams satisfy our wish with power and wealth in steeds
> And cattle, boldly, Lord of kine!
> 22 Sing this, what time the ' juice is pressed, to him your Hero, Much-invoked,
> To please him as a mighty Steer.
> 23 He, Excellent, withholdeth not his gift of power and wealth in kine,
> When he hath listened to our songs.
> 24 May he with might unclose for us the cow's stall, whosesoe'er it be,
> To which the Dasyu-slayer goes.
> 25 O Indra Satakratu, these our songs have called aloud to thee,
> Like mother cows to meet their calves.
> 26 Hard is thy love to win: thou art a Steer to him who longs for steers:
> Be to one craving steeds a Steed.
> 27 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence:
> Yield not thy singer to reproach.
> 28 These songs with every draught we pour come, Lover of the Song, to thee,
> As milch-kine hasten to their young
> 29 To thee most oft invoked, amid the many singers' rivalry
> Who beg with all their might for wealth.
> 30 Nearest and most attractive may our laud, O Indra come to thee.
> Urge thou us on to ample wealth.
> 31 Brbu hath set himself above the Panis, o'er their highest head,
> Like the wide bush on Ganga's bank.
> 32 He whose good bounty, thousandfold, swift as the rushing of the wind,
> Suddenly offers as a gift.
> 33 So all our singers ever praise the pious Brbu's noble deed,
> Chief, best to give his thousands, best to give a thousand liberal gifts.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLVI. Indra.
> 
> 1. THAT we may win us wealth and power we poets, verily, call on thee:
> In war men call on thee, Indra, the hero's Lord, in the steed's race-course call on thee.
> 2 As such, O Wonderful, whose hand holds thunder, praised as mighty, Caster of the Stone!
> Pour on us boldly, Indra, kine and chariotsteeds, ever to be the conqueror's strength.
> 3 We call upon that Indra, who, most active, ever slays the foe:
> Lord of the brave, Most Manly, with a thousand powers, help thou and prosper us in fight.
> 4 Rcisama, thou forcest men as with a bull, with anger, in the furious fray.
> Be thou our Helper in the mighty battle fought for sunlight, water, and for life.
> 5 O Indra, bring us name and fame, enriching, mightiest, excellent,
> Wherewith, O Wondrous God, fair-visored, thunder-armed, thou hast filled full this earth and heaven.
> 6 We call on thee, O King, Mighty amid the Gods, Ruler of men, to succour us.
> All that is weak in us, Excellent God, make firm: make our foes easy to subdue.
> 7 All strength and valour that is found, Indra, in tribes of Nahusas, and all the splendid fame that the Five Tribes enjoy
> Bring, yea, all manly powers at once.
> 8 Or, Maghavan, what vigorous strength in Trksi lay, in Druhyus or in Paru's folk,
> Fully bestow on us, that, in the conquering fray, we may subdue our foes in fight.
> 9 O Indra, grant a happy home, a triple refuge triply strong.
> Bestow a dwelling-place on the rich lords and me, and keep thy dart afar from these.
> 10 They who with minds intent on spoil subdue the foe, boldly attack and smite him down,-
> From these, O Indra Maghavan who lovest song, be closest guardian of our lives.
> 11 And now, O Indra, strengthen us: come near and aid us in the fight,
> What time the feathered shafts are flying in the air, the arrows with their sharpened points.
> 12 Give us, where heroes strain their bodies in the fight, the shelter that our fathers loved.
> To us and to our sons give refuge: keep afar all unobserved hostility.
> 13 When, Indra, in the mighty fray thou urgest chargers to their speed,
> On the uneven road and on a toilsome path, like falcons, eager for renown,
> 14 Speeding like rivers rushing down a steep descent, responsive to the urging call,
> That come like birds attracted to the bait, held in by reins in both the driver's hands.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLVII. Indra, Etc.
> 
> 1. YEA, this is good to taste and full of. sweetness, verily it is strong and rich in flavour.
> No one may conquer Indra in the battle when he hath drunken of the draught we offer.
> 2 This sweet juice here had mightiest power to gladden: it boldened Indra when he siaughtered Vrtra,
> When he defeated Sambara's many onslaughts, and battered down his nineand ninety ramparts.
> 3 This stirreth up my voice when I have drunk it: this hath aroused from sleep my yearning spirit.
> This Sage hath measured out the six expanses from which no single creature is excluded.
> 4 This, even this, is he who hath created the breadth of earth, the lofty height of heaven.
> He formed the nectar in three headlong rivers. Soma supports the wide mid-air above us.
> 5 He found the wavy sea of brilliant colours in forefront of the Dawns who dwell in brightness.
> This Mighty One, the Steer begirt by Maruts, hath propped the heavens up with a mighty pillar.
> 6 Drink Soma boldly from the beaker, Indra, in war for treasures, Hero, Vrtra-slayer!
> Fill thyself full at the mid-day libation, and give us wealth, thou Treasury of riches.
> 7 Look out for us, O Indra, as our Leader, and guide us on to gain yet goodlier treasure.
> Excellent Guardian, bear us well through peril, and lead us on to wealth with careful guidance.
> 8 Lead us to ample room, O thou who knowest, to happiness, security, and sunlight.
> High, Indra, are the arms of thee the Mighty: may we betake. us to their lofty shelter.
> 9 Set us on widest chariot-seat, O Indra, with two steeds best to draw, O Lord of Hundreds!
> Bring us the best among all sorts of viands: let not the foe's wealth, Maghavan, subdue us.
> 10 Be gracious, Indra, let my days be lengthened: sharpen my thought as 'twere a blade of iron
> Approve whatever words I speak, dependent on thee, and grant me thy divine protection.
> 11 Indra the Rescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each invocation,
> Sakra I call, Indra invoked of many. May Indra Maghavan prosper and bless us.
> 12 May helpful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us with succour,
> Baffle our foes, and give us rest and safety, and may we be the lords of hero vigour.
> 13 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell in his auspicious favour.
> May helpful Indra as our good Preserver drive from us, even from afar, our foemen.
> 14 Like rivers rushing down a slope, O Indra, to thee haste songs and prayers and linked verses.
> Thou gatherest, Thunderer! like widespread bounty, kine, water, drops, and manifold libations.
> 15 Who lauds him, satisfies him, pays him worship? E'en the rich noble still hath found him mighty.
> With power, as when one moves his feet alternate, he makes the last precede, the foremost follow.
> 16 Famed is the Hero as each strong man's tamer, ever advancing one and then another.
> King of both worlds, hating the high and haughty, Indra protects the men who are his people.
> 17 He loves no more the men he loved aforetime: he turns and moves away allied with others.
> Rejecting those who disregard his worship, Indra victorious lives through many autumns.
> 18 In every figure he hath been the mode: this is his only form for us to look on.
> Indra moves multiform by his illusions; for his Bay Steeds are yoked, ten times a hundred.
> 19 Here Tvastar, yoking to the car the Bay Steeds, hath extended sway.
> Who will for ever stand upon the foeman's side, even when our princes sit at ease?
> 20 Gods, we have reached a country void of pasture the land, though spacious, was too small to hold us.
> Brhaspati, provide in war for cattle; find a path, Indra, for this faithful singer.
> 21 Day after day far from their seat he drove them, alike, from place to place, those darksome creatures.
> The Hero slew the meanly-huckstering Dasas, Varcin and Sambara, where the waters gather.
> 22 Out of thy bounty, Indra, hath Prastoka bestowed ten coffers and ten mettled horses.
> We have received in turn from Divodasa Sambara's wealth, the gift of Atithigva.
> 23 Ten horses and ten treasure-chests, ten garments as an added gift,
> These and ten lumps of gold have I received from Divodasa's hand.
> 24 Ten cars with extra steed to each, for the Atharvans hundred cows,
> Hath Asvatha to Payu given.
> 25 Thus Srnjaya's son honoured the Bharadvajas, recipients of all noble gifts and bounty.
> 26 Lord of the wood, be firm and strong in body: be, bearing us, a brave victorious hero
> Show forth thy strength, compact with straps of leather, and let thy rider win all spoils of battle.
> 27 Its mighty strength was borrowed from the heaven and earth: its conquering force was brought from sovrans of the wood.
> Honour with holy gifts the Car like Indra's bolt, the Car bound round with straps, the vigour of the floods.
> 28 Thou Bolt of Indra, Vanguard of the Maruts, close knit to Varuna and Child of Mitra,-
> As such, accepting gifts which here we offer, receive, O Godlike Chariot, these oblations.
> 29 Send forth thy voice aloud through earth and heaven, and let the world in all its breadth regard thee;
> O Drum, accordant with the Gods and Indra, drive thou afar, yea, very far, our foemen.
> 30 Thunder out strength and fill us full of vigour: yea, thunder forth and drive away all dangers.
> Drive hence, O War-drum, drive away misfortune: thou art the Fist of Indra: show thy firmness.
> 31 Drive hither those, and these again bring hither: the War-drum speaks aloud as battle's signal.
> Our heroes, winged with horses, come together. Let our car-warriors, Indra, be triumphant.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLVIII. Agni and Others.
> 
> 1. SING to your Agni with each song, at every sacrifice, for strength.
> Come, let us praise the Wise and Everlasting God, even as a well-beloved Friend,
> 2 The Son of Strength; for is he not our gracious Lord? Let us serve him who bears our gifts.
> In battle may he be our help and strengthener, yea, be the saviour of our lives.
> 3 Agni, thou beamest forth with light, great Hero, never changed by time.
> Shining, pure Agni! with a light that never fades, beam with thy fair beams brilliantly.
> 4 Thou worshippest great Gods: bring them without delay by wisdom and thy wondrous power.
> O Agni, make them turn hither to succour us. Give strength, and win it for thyself.
> 5 He whom floods, stones, and trees support, the offspring of eternal Law;
> He who when rubbed with force is brought to life by men upon the lofty height of earth;
> 6 He who hath filled both worlds fult with his brilliant shine, who hastens with his smoke to heaven;
> He made himself apparent through the gloom by night, the Red Bull in the darksome nights, the Red Bull in the darksome nights.
> 7 O Agni, with thy lofty beams, with thy pure brilliancy, O God,
> Kindled, Most Youthful One! by Bharadvaja's hand, shine on us, O pure God, with wealth, shine, Purifier! splendidly.
> 8 Thou art the Lord of house and home of all the tribes, O Agni, of all tribes of men.
> Guard with a hundred forts thy kindler from distress, through hundred winters, Youngest God! and those who make thy singers rich.
> 9 Wonderful, with thy favouring help, send us thy bounties, gracious Lord.
> Thou art the Charioteer, Agni, of earthly wealth: find rest and safety for our seed.
> 10 With guards unfailing never negligent speed thou our children and our progeny.
> Keep far from us, O Agni, all celestial wrath and wickedness of godless men.
> 11 Hither, O friends, with newest song drive her who freely pours her milk;
> Loose her who never turns away;
> 12 Who, for the host of Maruts bright with native sheen, hath shed immortal fame like milk;
> Whom the impetuous Maruts look upon with love, who moves in splendour on their ways.
> 13 For Bharadvaja she poured down in days of old
> The milch-cow yielding milk for all, and food that gives all nourishment.
> 14 Your friend like Indra passing wise, with magic power like Varuna.
> Like Aryaman joy-giving, bringing plenteous food like ViSnxu for my wish, I praise,
> 15 Bright as the host of Maruts mighty in their roar. May they bring Pusan free from foes;
> May they bring hither hundreds, thousands for our men: may they bring hidden stores to light, and make wealth easy to be found.
> 16 Haste to me, Pusan, in thine car, bright Deity: I fain would speak:
> Most sinful is our foeman's hate.
> 17 Tear not up by the roots the Kakambira tree: destroy thou all malignity.
> Let them not snare by day the neck of that Celestial Bird the Sun.
> 18 Uninjured let thy friendship be, like the smooth surface of a skin,
> A flawless skin, containing curds, full to the mouth, containing curds.
> 19 For thou art high above mankind, in glory equal to the Gods.
> Therefore, O Pusan, look upon us in the fight: now help us as in days of old.
> 20 May the kind excellence of him the Kind, loud Roarers! be our guide,
> Be it the God's, O Maruts, or a mortal man's who worships, ye impetuous Ones!
> 21 They whose high glory in a moment like the God, the Sun, goes round the space of heaven,
> The Maruts have obtained bright strength, a sacred name, strength that destroys the Vrtras, strength Vrtra-destroying excellent.
> 22 Once, only once, the heaven was made, once only once, the earth was formed-
> Once, only Prsni's milk was shed: no second, after this, is born.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLIX. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. I LAUD with newest songs the Righteous People, Mitra and Varuna who make us happy.
> Let them approach, here let them listen,Agni, Varuna, Mitra, Lords of fair dominion.
> 2 Him, to be praised at each tribe's sacrifices, the Two young Matrons' sober-minded Herald,
> The Son of Strength, the Child of Heaven, the signal of sacrifice, red Agni will I worship.
> 3 Unlike in form are the Red God's two Daughters: one is the Sun's, and stars bedeck the other.
> Apart, the Sanctifiers, in succession, come to the famed hymn, praised in holy verses.
> 4 I with a lofty song call hither Vayu, all-bounteous, filler of his car, most wealthy.
> Thou, Sage, with bright path, Lord of harnessed horses, impetuous, promptly honourest the prudent.
> 5 That chariot of the Asvins, fair to look on, pleaseth me well, yoked with a thought, refulgent,
> Wherewith, Nasatyas, Chiefs, ye seek our dwelling, to give new strength to us and to our children.
> 6 Bulls of the Earth, O Vata and Parjanya, stir up for us the regions of the water.
> Hearers of truth, ye, Sages, World-Supporters, increase his living wealth whose songs delight you.
> 7 So may Sarasvati, the Hero's Consort, brisk with rare life, the lightning's Child, inspire us,
> And, with the Dames accordant, give the singer a refuge unassailable and flawless.
> 8 I praise with eloquence him who guards all pathways. He, when his love impelled him, went to Arka.
> May he vouchsafe us gear with gold to grace it: may Pusan make each prayer of ours efective.
> 9 May Herald Agni, fulgent, bring for worship Tvastar adored, in homes and swift to listen,
> Glorious, first to share, the life-bestower, the ever active God, fair-armed, fair-handed.
> 10 Rudra by day, Rudra at night we honour with these our songs, the Universe's Father.
> Him great and lofty, blissful, undecaying let us call specially as the Sage impels us.
> 11 Ye who are youthful, wise, and meet for worship, come, Martits, to the longing of the singer.
> Coming, as erst to Angiras, O Heroes, ye animate and quicken e'en the desert.
> 12 Even as the herdsman driveth home his cattle, I urge my songs to him the strong swift Hero
> May he, the glorious, lay upon his body the singer's hymns, as stars bedeck the heaven.
> 13 He who for man's behoof in his afiliction thrice measured out the earthly regions, Visnu-
> When one so great as thou affordeth shelter, may we with wealth and with ourselves be happy.
> 14 Sweet be this song of mine to Ahibudhnya, Parvata, Savitar, with Floods and Lightnings;
> Sweet, with the Plants, to Gods who seek oblations. May liberal Bhaga speed us on to riches.
> 15 Give riches borne on cars, with many heroes, contenting men, the guard of mighty Order.
> Give us a lasting home that we may battle with godless bands of men who fight against us, and meet with tribes to whom the Gods are gracious.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN L. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. I CALL with prayers on Aditi your Goddess, on Agni, Mitra, Varuna for favour,
> On Aryaman who gives unasked, the gracious, on Gods who save, on Savitar and Bhaga.
> 2 Visit, to prove us free from sin, O Surya Lord of great might, the bright Gods sprung from Daksa,
> Twice-born and true, observing sacred duties, Holy and full of light, whose tongue is Agni.
> 3 And, O ye Heaven and Earth, a wide dominion, O ye most blissful Worlds, our lofty shelter,
> Give ample room and freedom for our dwelling, a home, ye Hemispheres, which none may rival.
> 4 This day invited may the Sons of Rudra, resistless, excellent, stoop down to meet us;
> For, when beset with slight or sore affliction, we ever call upon the Gods, the Maruts;
> 5 To whom the Goddess Rodasi clings closely, whom Pusan follows bringing ample bounty.
> What time ye hear our call and come, O Maruts, upon your separate path all creatures tremble.
> 6 With a new hymn extol, O thou who singest, the Lover of the Song, the Hero Indra.
> May he, exalted, hear our invocation, and grant us mighty wealth and strength when lauded.
> 7 Give full protection, Friends of man, ye Waters, in peace and trouble, to our sons and grandsons.
> For ye are our most motherly physicians, parents of all that standeth, all that moveth.
> 8 May Savitar come hither and approach us, the God who rescues, Holy, goldenhanded,
> The God who, bounteous as the face of Morning, discloses precious gifts for him who worships.
> 9 And thou, O Son of Strength, do thou turn hither the Gods to-day to this our holy service.
> May I for evermore enjoy thy bounty and, Agni, by thy grace be rich in heroes.
> 10 Come also to my call, O ye Nasatyas, yea, verily, through my prayers, ye Holy Sages.
> As from great darkness ye delivered Atri, protect us, Chiefs, from danger in the conflict.
> 11 O Gods, bestow upon us riches, splendid with strength and heroes, bringing food in plenty.
> Be gracious, helpful Gods of earth, of heaven, born of the Cow, and dwellers in the waters.
> 12 May Rudra and Sarasvati, accordant, Visnu and Vayu, pour down gifts and bless us;
> Rbhuksan, Vaja, and divine Vidhatar, Parjanya, Vata make our food abundant.
> 13 May this God Savitar, the Lord, the Offspring of Waters, pouring down his dew be gracious,
> And, with the Gods and Dames accordant, Tvastar; Dyaus with the Gods and Prthivi with oceans.
> 14 May Aja-Ekapad and Ahibudhnya, and Earth and Ocean hear our invocation;
> All Gods who strengthen Law, invoked and lauded, and holy texts uttered by sages, help us.
> 15 So with my thoughts and hymns of praise the children of Bharadvaja sing aloud to please you.
> The Dames invoked, and the resistless Vasus, and all ye Holy Ones have been exalted.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LI. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. THAT mighty eye of Varuna and Mitra, infallible and dear, is moving upward.
> The pure and lovely face of holy Order hath shone like gold of heaven in its arising.
> 2 The Sage who knows these Gods' three ranks and orders, and all their generations near and distant,
> Beholding good and evil acts of mortals, Sura marks well the doing of the pious.
> 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, the noble,
> Aryaman, Bhaga, all whose thoughts are faithful: hither I call the Bright who share in common.
> 4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe-destroyers, great Kings, bestowers of fair homes to dwell in,
> Young, Heroes, ruling heaven with strong dominion, Adityas, Aditi I seek with worship.
> 5 O Heaven our Father, Earth our guileless Mother, O Brother Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us.
> Grant us, O Aditi and ye Adityas, all of one mind, your manifold protection.
> 6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she-wolf, O ye Holy.
> For ye are they who guide aright our bodies, ye are the rulers of our speech and vigour.
> 7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, O Vasus, punish.
> Ye, Universal Gods! are all-controllers: may he do harm unto himself who hates Me.
> 8 Mighty is homage: I adopt and use it. Homage hath held in place the earth and heaven.
> Homage to Gods! Homage commands and rules them. I banish even committed sin by homage
> 9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwellers in the home of Order,
> To you all Heroes mighty and far-seeing I bow me down, O Holy Ones, with homage.
> 10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through all our troubles these conduct us safely-
> Varuna, Mitra, Agni, mighty Rulers, trueminded, faithful to the hymn's controllers.
> 11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Pusan increase our laud, increase the Fivefold people.
> Giving good help, good refuge, goodly guidance, be they our good deliverers, good protectors.
> 12 Come now, O Gods, to your celestial station: the Bharadvajas' priest entreats your favour.
> He, sacrificing, fain for wealth, hath honoured the Gods vath those who sit and share oblations.
> 13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil-hearted thief away,
> Far, far, Lord of the brave I and give us easy paths.
> 14 Soma, these pressing-stones have called aloud to win thee for our Friend.
> Destroy the greedy Pani, for a wolf is he.
> 15 Ye, O most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the sky.
> Give us good paths for travel: guard us ivell at home.
> 16 Now have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without a foe,
> The road whereon a man escapes all enemies and gathers wealth.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LIL Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. THIS I allow not in the earth or heaven, at sacrifice or in these holy duties.
> May the huge mountains crush him down: degraded be Atiyaja's sacrificing patron.
> 2 Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making,
> May agonies of burning be his portion. May the sky scorch the man who hates devotion.
> 3 Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches?
> Why then beholdest thou how men revile us? Cast thy hot dart at him who hates devotion.
> 4 May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me.
> My guardians be the firmly-seated mountains: the Fathers, when I call on Gods, defend me!
> 5 Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises.
> Grant this the Treasure-Lord of treasures, coming, observant, oftenest of Gods, with succour!
> 6 Most near, most oft comes Indra with protection, and she Sarasvati, who swells with rivers -
> Parjanya, bringing health with herbs, and Agni, well lauded swift to listen, like a father.
> 7 Hear this mine invocation; come hither, O Universal Gods,
> Be seated on this holy grass.
> 8 To him who comes to meet you, Gods, with offerings bathed in holy oil-
> Approach ye, one and all, to him.
> 9 All Sons of Immortality shall listen to the songs we sing,
> And be exceeding good to us.
> 10 May all the Gods who strengthen Law, with Rtus, listening to our call,
> Be pleased with theit appropriate draught.
> 11 May 1ndra, with the Marut host, with Tvastar, Mitra, Aryaman,
> Accept the laud and these our gifts.
> 12 O Agni, Priest, as rules ordain, offer this sacrifice of ours,
> Remembering the Heavenly Folk.
> 13 Listen, All-Gods, to this mine invocation, Ye who inhabit heaven, and air's midregions,
> All ye, O Holy Ones, whose tongue is Agni, seated upon this sacred grass, be joyful.
> 14 May the All-Gods who claim our worship hear my thought; may the two World-halves hear it, and the Waters' Child.
> Let me not utter words that ye may disregard. Closely allied with you may we rejoice in bliss.
> 15 And those who, Mighty, with the wiles of serpents, were born on earth, in heaven, where waters gather-
> May they vouchsafe us life of full duration. May the Gods kindly give us nights and mornings.
> 16 At this my call, O Agni and Parjanya, help, swift to hear, my thought and our laudation.
> One generates holy food, the other offspring, so grant us food enough with store of children.
> 17 When holy grass is strewn and fire enkindled, with hymn and lowly homage I invite you.
> All-Gods, to day in this our great assembly rejoice, ye Holy, in the gifts we offer.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LIII. Pusan.
> 
> 1. LORD of the path, O Pusan, we have yoked and bound thee to our hymn,
> Even as a car, to win the prize.
> 2 Bring us the wealth that men require, a manly master of a house,
> Free-handed with the liberal meed.
> 3 Even him who would not give, do thou,
> O glowing Pusan, urge to give,
> And make the niggard's soul grow soft.
> 4 Clear paths that we may win the prize; scatter our enemies afar.
> Strong God, be all our thoughts fulfilled.
> 5 Penetrate with an awl, O Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls,
> And make them subject to our will.
> 6 Thrust with thine awl, O Pusan: seek that which the niggard's heart holds dear,
> And make him subject to our will.
> 7 Tear up and read in pieces, Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls,
> And make them subject to our will.
> 8 Thou, glowing Pusan, carriest an awl that urges men to prayer;
> Therewith do thou tear up and rend to shreds the heart of every one.
> 9 Thou bearest, glowing Lord! a goad with horny point that guides the cows
> Thence do we seek thy gift of bliss.
> 10 And make this hymn of ours produce kine, horses, and a store of wealth
> For our delight and use as men.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LIV. Pusan.
> 
> 1. O PUSAN, bring us to the man who knows, who shall direct us straight,
> And say unto us, It is here.
> 2 May we go forth with Pusan who shall point the houses out to us,
> And say to us, These same are they.
> 3 Unharmed is Pusan's chariot wheel; the box ne'er falleth to the ground,
> Nor doth the loosened felIy shake.
> 4 Pusan forgetteth not the man who serveth him with offered gift:
> That man is first to gather wealth.
> 5 May Pusan follow near our kine; may Pusan keep our horses safe:
> May Pusan gather gear for us.
> 6 Follow the kine of him who pours libations out and worships thee;
> And ours who sing thee songs of praise.
> 7 Let none be lost, none injured, none sink in a pit and break a limb.
> Return with these all safe and sound.
> 8 Pusan who listens to our prayers, the Strong whose wealth is never lost,
> The Lord of riches, we implore.
> 9 Secure in thy protecting care, O Pusan, never may we fail.
> We here are they who sing thy praise.
> 10 From out the distance, far and wide, may Pusan stretch his right hand forth,
> And drive our lost again to us.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LV. Pusan.
> 
> 1. SON of Deliverance, come, bright God!
> Let us twain go together: be our charioteer of sacrifice.
> 2 We pray for wealth to thee most skilled of charioteers, with braided hair,
> Lord of great riches, and our Friend.
> 3 Bright God whose steeds are goats, thou art a stream of wealth, a treasure-heap,
> The Friend of every pious man.
> 4 Pusan, who driveth goats for steeds, the strong and Mighty, who is called
> His Sister's lover, will we laud.
> 5 His Mother's suitor I address. May he who loves his Sister hear,
> Brother of Indra, and my Friend.
> 6 May the sure-footed goats come nigh, conveying Pusan on his car,
> The God who visiteth mankind.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LVI, Pusan.
> 
> 1. WHOSO remembers Pusan as cater of mingled curd and meal
> Need think no more upon the God.
> 2 And he is best of charioteers. Indra, the hero's Lord, allied
> With him as Friend, destroys the foes.
> 3 And there the best of charioteers hath guided through the speckled cloud
> The golden wheel of Sura's car.
> 4 Whate'er we speak this day to thee, Wise, Wondrous God whom many praise,
> Give thou fulfilment of our thought.
> 5 Lead on this company of ours, that longs for kine, to win the spoil:
> Thou, Pusan, art renowned afar.
> 6 Prosperity we crave from thee, afar from sin and near to wealth,
> Tending to perfect happiness both for to. morrow and to-day.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LVII. Indra and Pusan.
> 
> 1. INDRA and Pusan will we call for friend ship and prosperity
> And for the winning of the spoil.
> 2 One by the Soma sits to drink juice which the mortar hath expressed:
> The other longs for curd and meal.
> 3 Goats are the team that draws the one: the other hath Bay Steeds at hand;
> With both of these he slays the fiends.
> 4 When Indra, wondrous strong, brought down the streams, the mighty waterfloods,
> Pusan was standing by his side.
> 5 To this, to Pusan's favouring love, and Indra's, may we closely cling,
> As to a tree's extended bough.
> 6 As one who drives a car draws in his reins, may we draw Pusan near,
> And Indra, for our great success.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LVIII. Pusan.
> 
> 1. LIKE heaven art thou: one form is bright, one holy, like Day and Night dissimilar in colour.
> All magic powers thou aidest, self-depen. dent! Auspicious be thy bounty here, O Pusan.
> 2 Goat-borne, the guard of cattle, he whose home is strength, inspirer of the hymn, set over all the world;
> Brandishing here and there his lightly. moving goad, beholding every creature, Pusan, God, goes forth.
> 3 O Pusan, with thy golden ships that travel across the ocean, in the air's mid-region,
> Thou goest on an embassy to Surya, subdued by love, desirous of the glory.
> 4 Near kinsman of the heaven and earth is Pusan, liberal, Lord of food, of wondrous iustre,
> Whom strong and vigorous and swiftlymoving, subdued by love, the Deities gave to Surya.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LIX. Indra-Agni.
> 
> 1. I WILL declare, while juices flow, the manly deeds that ye have done:
> Your Fathers, enemies of Gods, were smitten down, and, Indra-Agni, ye survive.
> 2 Thus, Indra-Agnip verily your greatness merits loftiest praise,
> Sprung from one common Father, brothers, twins are ye; your Mother is in every place.
> 3 These who delight in flowing juice, like fellow horses at their food,
> Indra and Agni, Gods armed with the thunderbolt, we call this day to come with help.
> 4 Indra and Agni, Friends of Law, served with rich gifts, your speech is kind
> To him who praises you while these libations flow: that man, O Gods, ye ne'er consume.
> 5 What mortal understands, O Gods, Indra and Agni, this your way?
> One of you, yoking Steeds that move to every side, advances in your common car.
> 6 First, Indra-Agni, hath this Maid come footless unto those with feet.
> Stretching her head and speaking loudly with her tongue, she hath gone downward thirty steps.
> 7 E'en now, O Indra-Agni, men hold in their arms and stretch their bows.
> Desert us not in this great fray, in battles for the sake of kine.
> 8 The foeman's sinful enmities, Indra and Agni, vex me sore.
> Drive those who hate me far away, and keep them distant from the Sun.
> 9 Indra and Agni, yours are all the treasures of the heavens and earth.
> Here give ye us the opulence that prospers every living man.
> 10 O Indra-Agni, who accept the laud, and hear us for our praise,
> Come near us, drawn by all our songs, to drink of this our Soma juice.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LX. Indra-Agni.
> 
> 1. HE slays the foe and wins the spoil who worships Indra and Agni, strong and mighty Heroes,
> Who rule as Sovrans over ample riches, victorious, showing forth their power in conquest.
> 2 So battle now, O Indra and thou, Agni, for cows and waters, sunlight, stolen Mornings.
> Team-borne, thou makest kine thine own, O Agni: thou, Indra, light, Dawns, regions, wondrous waters.
> 3 With Vrtra-slaying might, Indra and Agni, come, drawn by homage, O ye Vrtra-slayers.
> Indra and Agni, show yourselves among us with your supreme and unrestricted bounties.
> 4 I call the Twain whose deeds of old have all been famed in ancient days
> O Indra-Agni, harm us not.
> 5 The Strong, the scatterers of the foe, Indra and Agni, we invoke;
> May they be kind to one like me.
> 6 They slay our Arya foes, these Lords of heroes, slay our Dasyu foes
> And drive our enemies away.
> 7 Indra and Agni, these our songs of praise have sounded forth to you:
> Ye who bring blessings! drink the juice.
> 8 Come, Indra-Agni, with those teams, desired of many, which ye have,
> O Heroes, for the worshipper.
> 9 With those to this libation poured, ye Heroes, Indra-Agni, come:
> Come ye to drink the Soma juice.
> 10 Glorify him who compasses all forests with his glowing flame,
> And leaves them blackened with his tongue.
> 11 He who gains Indra's bliss with fire enkindled finds an easy way
> Over the floods to happiness.
> 12 Give us fleet coursers to convey Indra and Agni, and bestow
> Abundant strengthening food on us.
> 13 Indra and Agni, I will call you hither and make you joyful with the gifts I offer.
> Ye Twain are givers both of food and riches: to win me strength and vigour I invoke you.
> 14 Come unto us with riches, come with wealth in horses and in kine.
> Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, the Gods, as Friends for friendship, bringing bliss.
> 15 Indra and Agni, hear his call who worships. with libations poured.
> Come and enjoy the offerings, drink the sweetly-flavoured Soma juice.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXI. Sarasvati.
> 
> 1. To Vadhryasva when. be worshipped her with gifts she gave fierce Divodasa, canceller of debts.
> Consumer of the churlish niggard, one and all, thine, O Sarasvati, are these effectual boons.
> 2 She with her might, like one who digs for lotus-stems, hath burst with her strong waves the ridges of the hills.
> Let us invite with songs and holy hymns for help Sarasvati who slayeth the Paravatas.
> 3 Thou castest down, Sarasvati, those who scorned the Gods, the brood of every Brsaya skilled in magic arts.
> Thou hast discovered rivers for the tribes of men, and, rich in wealth! made poison flow away from them.
> 4 May the divine Sarasvati, rich in her wealth, protect us well,
> Furthering all our thoughts with might
> 5 Whoso, divine Sarasvati, invokes thee where the prize is set,
> Like Indra when he smites the foe.
> 6 Aid us, divine Sarasvad, thou who art strong in wealth and power
> Like Pusan, give us opulence.
> 7 Yea, this divine Sarasvati, terrible with her golden path,
> Foe-slayer, claims our eulogy.
> 8 Whose limitless unbroken flood, swift-moving with a rapid rush,
> Comes onward with tempestuous roar.
> 9 She hath spread us beyond all foes, beyond her Sisters, Holy One,
> As Surya spreadeth out the days.
> 10 Yea, she most dear amid dear stream, Seven-sistered, graciously inclined,
> Sarasvati hath earned our praise.
> 11 Guard us from hate Sarasvati, she who hath filled the realms of earth,
> And that wide tract, the firmament!
> 12 Seven-sistered, sprung from threefold source, the Five Tribes' prosperer, she must be
> Invoked in every deed of might.
> 13 Marked out by majesty among the Mighty Ones, in glory swifter than the other rapid Streams,
> Created vast for victory like a chariot, Sarasvati must be extolled by every sage.
> 14 Guide us, Sarasvati, to glorious treasure: refuse us not thy milk, nor spurn us from thee.
> Gladly accept our friendship and obedience: let us not go from thee to distant countries.
> 
>  
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXII. Asvins.
> 
> 1. I LAUD the Heroes Twain, this heaven's Controllers: singing with songs of praise I call the Asvins,
> Fain in a moment, when the morns are breaking, to part the earth's ends and the spacious regions.
> 2 Moving to sacrifice through realms of lustre they light the radiance of the car that bears them.
> Traversing many wide unmeasured spaces, over the wastes ye pass, and fields, and waters.
> 3 Ye to that bounteous path of yours, ye mighty, have ever borne away our thoughts with horses,
> Mind-swift and full of vigour, that the trouble of man who offers gifts might cease and slumber.
> 4 So ye, when ye have yoked your chariothorses, come to the hymn of the most recent singer.
> Our true and ancient Herald Priest shall bring you, the Youthful, bearing splendour, food, and vigour.
> 5 With newest hymn I call those Wonder-Workers, ancient and brilliant, and exceeding mighty,
> Bringers of bliss to him who lauds and praises, bestowing varied bounties on the singer.
> 6 So ye, with birds, out of the sea and waters bore Bhujyu, son of Tugra, through the regions.
> Speeding with winged steeds through dustless spaces, out of the bosom of the flood they bore him.
> 7 Victors, car-borne, ye rent the rock asunder: Bulls, heard the calling of the eunuch's consort.
> Bounteous, ye filled the cow with milk for Sayu: thus, swift and zealous Ones, ye showed your favour.
> 8 Whate'er from olden time, Heaven, Earth! existeth great object of the wrath of Gods and mortals,
> Make that, Adityas, Vasus, sons of Rudra, an evil brand to one allied with demons.
> 9 May he who knows, as Varuna and Mitra, air's realm, appointing both the Kings in season,
> Against the secret fiend cast forth his weapon, against the lying words that strangers utter.
> 10 Come to our home with friendly wheels, for offipring; come on your radiant chariot rich in heroes.
> Strike off, ye Twain, the heads of our assailants who with man's treacherous attack approach us.
> 11 Come hitherward to us with teams of horses, the highest and the midmost and the lowest.
> Bountiful Lords, throw open to the singer doors e'en of the firm-closed stall of cattle.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXIII. Asvins.
> 
> 1. WHERE hath the hymn with reverence, like an envoy, found both fair Gods to-day, invoked of many-
> Hymn that hath brought the two Nasatyas hither? To this man's thought be ye, both Gods, most friendly.
> 2 Come readily to this mine invocation, lauded with songs, that ye may drink the juices.
> Compass this house to keep it from the foeman, that none may force it, either near or distant.
> 3 Juice in wide room hath been prepared to feast you: for you the grass is strewn, most soft to tread on.
> With lifted hands your servant hath adored you. Yearningfor you the press-stones shed the liquid.
> 4 Agni uplifts him at your sacrifices: forth goes the oblation dropping oil and glowing.
> Up stands the grateful-minded priest, elected, appointed to invoke the two Nasatyas.
> 5 Lords of great wealth! for glory, Surya's Daughter mounted your car that brings a hundred succours.
> Famed for your magic arts were ye, magicians! amid the race of Gods, ye dancing Heroes!
> 6 Ye Twain, with these your glories fair to look on, brought, to win victory, rich gifts for Surya.
> After you flew your birds, marvels of beauty: dear to our hearts! the song, well lauded, reached you.
> 7 May your winged coursers, best to draw. Nasatyas! convey you to the object of your wishes.
> Swift as the thought, your car hath been sent onward to food of many a sort and dainty viands.
> 8 Lords of great wealth, manifold is your bounty: ye filled our cow with food that never faileth.
> Lovers of sweetness! yours are praise and singers, and poured libations which have sought your favour.
> 9 Mine were two mares of Puraya, brown, swift-footed; a hundred with Sumidha, food with Peruk
> Sanda gave ten gold-decked and well-trained horses, tame and obedient and of lofty stature.
> 10 Nasatyas! Purupanthas offered hundreds, thousands of steeds to him who sang your praises,
> Gave, Heroes! to the singer Bharadvaja. Ye-Wonder-Workers, let the fiends be slaughtered.
> 11 May I with princes share your bliss in freedom.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXIV. Dawn.
> 
> 1. THE radiant Dawns have risen up for glory, in their white splendour like the waves of waters.
> She maketh paths all easy, fair to travel, and, rich, hath shown herself benign and friendly.
> 2 We see that thou art good: far shines thy lustre; thy beams, thy splendours have flown up to heaven.
> Decking thyself, thou makest bare thy bosom, shining in majesty, thou Goddess Morning.
> 3 Red are the kine and luminous that bear her the Blessed One who spreadeth through the distance.
> The foes she chaseth like a valiant archer, like a swift warrior she repelleth darkness.
> 4 Thy ways are easy on the hills: thou passest Invincible! Se1f-luminous! through waters.
> So lofty Goddess with thine ample pathway, Daughter of Heaven, bring wealth to give us comfort.
> 5 Dawn, bring me wealth: untroubled, with thine oxen thou bearest riches at thy will and pleasure;
> Thou who, a Goddess, Child of Heaven, hast shown thee lovely through bounty when we called thee early.
> 6 As the birds fly forth from their restingplaces, so men with store of food rise at thy dawning.
> Yea, to the liberal mortal who rernaineth at home, O Goddess Dawn, much good thou bringest.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXV. Dawn.
> 
> 1. SHEDDING her light on human habitations this Child of Heaven hath called us from our slumber;
> She who at night-time with her argent lustre hath shown herself e'en through the shades of darkness.
> 2 All this with red-rayed steeds have they divided: the Dawns on bright cars shine in wondrous fashion.
> They, bringing near the stately rite's commencement, drive far away the night's surrounding shadows.
> 3 Dawns, bringing hither, to the man who worships, glory and power and might and food and vigour,
> Opulent, with imperial sway like heroes, favour your servant and this day enrich him.
> 4 Now is there treasure for the man who serves you, now for the hero, Dawns! who brings oblation;
> Now for the singer when he sings the praise-song. Even to one like me ye brought aforetime.
> 5 O Dawn who standest on the mountain ridges, Angirases now praise thy stalls of cattle.
> With prayer and holy hymn they burst them open: the heroes' calling on the Gods was fruitful.
> 6 Shine on us as of old, thou Child of Heaven,on him, rich Maid! who serves like Bharadvaja.
> Give to the singer wealth with noble heroes, and upon us bestow wide-spreading glory.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXVI. Maruts.
> 
> 1. E'EN to the wise let that be still a wonder to which the general name of Cow is given.
> The one hath swelled among mankind for milking: Prsni hath drained but once her fair bright udder.
> 2 They who like kindled flames of fire are glowing,. the Maruts, twice and thrice have waxen mighty.
> Golden and dustless were their cars, invested with their great strength and their heroic vigour.
> 3 They who are Sons of the rain-pouring Rudra, whom the long-lasting One had power to foster:
> The Mighty Ones whose germ great Mother Prsni is known to have received for man's advantage.
> 4 They shrink not from the birth; in this same manner still resting there they purge away reproaches.
> When they have streamed forth, brilliant, at their pleasure, with their own splendour they bedew their bodies.
> 5 Even those who bear the brave bold name of Maruts, whom not the active quickly wins for milking.
> Even the liberal wards not off those fierce ones, those who are light and agile in their greatness.
> 6 When, strong in strength and armed with potent weapons, they had united wellformed earth and heaven,
> Rodasl stood among these furious Heroes like splendour shining with her native brightness.
> 7 No team of goats shall draw your car, O Maruts, no horse no charioteer be he who drives it.
> Halting not, reinless, through the air it travels, speeding alone its paths through earth and heaven.
> 8 None may obstruct, none overtake, O Maruts, him whom ye succour in the strife of battle
> For sons and progeny, for kine and waters: he bursts the cow-stall on the day of trial.
> 9 Bring a bright hymn to praise the band of Maruts, the Singers, rapid, strong in native vigour,
> Who conquer mighty strength with strength more mighty: earth shakes in terror at their wars, O Agni.
> 10 Bright like the flashing flames of sacrifices, like tongues of fire impetuous in their onset,
> Chanting their psalm, singing aloud, like heroes, splendid from birth, invincible, the Maruts.
> 11 That swelling band I call with invocation, the brood of Rudra, armed with glittering lances.
> Pure hymns are meet for that celestial army: like floods and mountains have the Strong Ones battled.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXVIL Mitra-Varuna.
> 
> 1. NOW Mitra-Varuna shall be exalted high by your songs, noblest of all existing;
> They who, as 'twere with reins are best Controllers, unequalled with their arms to check the people.
> 2 To you Two Gods is this my thought extended, turned to the sacred grass with loving homage.
> Give us, O Mitra-Varuna, a dwelling safe from attack, which ye shall guard, Boon-Givers!
> 3 Come hither, Mitra-Varuna, invited with eulogies and loving adoration,
> Ye who with your might, as Work-Controllers, urge even men who quickly hear to labour.
> 4 Whom, of pure origin, like two strong horses, Aditi bore as babes in proper season,
> Whom, Mighty at your birth, the Mighty Goddess brought forth as terrors to the mortal foeman.
> 5 As all the Gods in their great joy and gladness gave you with one accord your high dominion,
> As ye surround both worlds, though wide and spacious your spies are ever true and never bewildered.
> 6 So, through the days maintaining princely power. ye prop the height as 'twere from loftiest heaven.
> The Star of all the Gods, established, filleth the heaven and earth with food of man who liveth.
> 7 Take the strong drink, to quaff till ye are sated, when he and his attendants fill the chamber.
> The young Maids brook not that none seeks to win them, when, Quickeners of all! they scatter moisture.
> 8 So with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful and very wise, attends our worship.
> Nourished by holy oil! he this yGur glory: annihilate the sacrificer's trouble.
> 9 When, Mitra-Varuna, they strive against you and break tlie friendly laws ye have established,
> They, neither Gods nor men in estimation, like Api's sons have godless sacrifices.
> 10 When singers in their song uplift their voices, some chant the Nivid texts with steady purpose.
> Then may we sing you lauds that shall be fruitful: dp ye not rival all the Gods in greatness?
> 11 O Mitra-Varuna, may your large bounty come to us hither, near to this our dwelling,
> When the kine haste to us, and when they harness the fleet-foot mettled stallion for the battle.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXVIII. Indra-Varuna.
> 
> 1. HIS honouring rite whose grass is trimmed is offered swiftly to you, in Manu's wise, accordant,
> The rite which Indra-Varuna shall carry this day to high success and glorious issue.
> 2 For at Gods' worship they are best through vigour; they have become the strongest of the Heroes;
> With mighty strength, most liberal of the Princes, Chiefs of the host, by Law made Vrtra's slayers.
> 3 Praise those Twain Gods for powers that merit worship, Indra and Varuna, for bliss, the joyous.
> One with his might and thunderbolt slays Vrtra; the other as a Sage stands near in troubles.
> 4 Though dames and men have waxen strong and mighty, and all the Gods selfpraised among the Heroes,
> Ye, Indra-Varuna, have in might surpassed them, and thus were ye spread wide, O Earth and Heaven.
> 5 Righteous is he, and liberal and helpful who, Indra-Varuna, brings you gifts with gladness.
> That bounteous man through food shall conquer faemen, and win him opulence and wealthy people.
> 6 May wealth which ye bestow in food and treasure on him who brings you gifts and sacrifices,
> Wealth, Gods! which breaks the curse of those who vex us, be, Indra-Varuna, e'en our own possession.
> 7 So also, Indra-Varuna, may our princes have riches swift to save, with Gods to guard them-
> They whose great might gives victory in battles, and their triumphant glory spreads with swiftness.
> 8 Indra. and Varuna, Gods whom we are lauding, mingle ye wealth with our heroic glory.
> May we, who praise the strength of what is mighty, pass dangers, as with boats we cross the waters.
> 9 Now will I sing a dear and far-extending hymn to Varuna the God, sublime, imperial Lord,
> Who, mighty Governor, Eternal, as with flame, illumines both wide worlds with majesty and power.
> 10 True to Law, Indra-Varuna, drinkers of the juice, drink this pressed Soma which shall give you rapturous joy.
> Your chariot cometh to the banquet of the Gods, to sacrifice, as it were home, that ye may drink.
> 11 Indra and Varuna, drink your fill, ye Heroes, of this invigorating sweetest Soma.
> This juice is shed by us that ye may quaff it: on this trimmed grass be seated, and rejoice you
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXIX. Indra-Visnu
> 
> 1. INDRA and Visnu, at my task's completion I urge you on with food and sacred service.
> Accept the sacrifice and grant us riches, leading us on by unobstructed pathways.
> 2 Ye who inspire all hymns, Indra and Visnu, ye vessels who contain the Soma juices,
> May hymns of praise that now are sung address you, the lauds that are recited by the singers.
> 3 Lords of joy-giving draughts, Indra and Visnu, come, giving gifts of treasure, to the Soma.
> With brilliant rays of hymns let chanted praises, repeated with the lauds, adorn and deck you.
> 4 May your foe-conquering horses bring you hither, Indra and Visnu, sharers of the banquet.
> Of all our hymns accept the invocations list to my prayers and hear the songs I sing you.
> 5 This your deed, Indra-Visnu, must be lauded: widely ye strode in the wild joy of Soma.
> Ye made the firmament of larger compass, and made the regions broad for our existence.
> 6 Strengthened with sacred offerings, IndraVisnu, first eaters, served with worship ana oblation,
> Fed with the holy oil, vouchsafe us riches ye are the lake, the vat that holds the Soma.
> 7 Drink of this meath, O Indra, thou, and Visnu; drink ye your fill of Soma, Wonder-Workers.
> The sweet exhilarating juice hath reached you. Hear ye my prayers, give ear unto my calling.
> 8 Ye Twain have conquered, ne'er have yc been conquered: never hath either of the Twain been vanquished.
> Ye, Indra-Visnu, when ye fought the battle, produced this infinite with three divisions.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXX. Heaven and Earth.
> 
> 1. FILLED full of fatness, compassing all things that be, wide, spacious, dropping meath, beautiful in their form,
> The Heaven and the Earth by Varuna's decree, unwasting, rich in germs, stand parted each from each.
> 2 The Everlasting Pair, with full streams, rich in milk, in their pure rule pour fatness for the pious man.
> Ye who are Regents of this world, O Earth and Heaven, pour into us the genial flow that prospers meit.
> 3 Whoso, for righteous life, pours offerings to you, O Heaven and Earth, ye Hemispheres, that man succeeds.
> He in his seed is born again and spreads by Law: from you flow things diverse in form, but ruled alike.
> 4 Enclosed in fatness, Heaven and Earth are bright therewith: they mingle with the fatness which they still increase.
> Wide, broad, set foremost at election of the priest, to them the singers pray for bliss to further them.
> 5 May Heaven and Earth pour down the balmy rain for us, balm-dropping, yielding balm, with balm upon your path,
> Bestowing by your Godhead sacrifice and wealth, great fame and strength for us and good heroic might.
> 6 May Heaven and Earth make food swell plenteously for us, all-knowing Father, jother, wondrous in their works.
> Pouring out bounties, may, in union, both the Worlds, all beneficial, send us gain, and power, and wealth.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXXI. Savitar.
> 
> 1. FULL of effectual wisdom Savitar the God hath stretched out golden arms that he may bring forth life.
> Young and most skilful, while he holds the region up, the Warrior sprinkles fatness over both his hands.
> 2 May we enjoy the noblest vivifying force of Savitar the God, that he may give us wealth:
> For thou art mighty to produce and lull to rest the world of life that moves on two feet and on four.
> 3 Protect our habitation, Savitar, this day, with guardian aids around, auspicious, firm and true.
> God of the golden tongue, keep us for newest bliss: let not the evil-wisher have us in his power.
> 4 This Savitar the God, the golden-handed, Friend of the home, hath risen to meet the twilight.
> With cheeks of brass, with pleasant tongue, the Holy, he sends the worshipper rich gifts in plenty.
> 5 Like a Director, Savitar hath extended his golden arms, exceeding fair to look on.
> He hath gone up the heights of earth and heaven, and made each monster fall and cease from troubling.
> 6 Fair wealth, O Savitar, to-day, to-morrow, fair wealth produce for us each day that passes.
> May we through this our song be happy gainers, God, of a fair and spacious habitation.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXXII. Indra-Soma.
> 
> 1. GREAT is this might of yours, Indra and Soma: the first high exploits were your own achievements.
> Ye found the Sun ye found the light of heaven: ye killed all darkness and the Gods' blasphemers.
> 2 Ye, Indra-Soma, gave her light to Morning, and led the Sun on high with all his splendour.
> Ye stayed the heaven with a supporting pillar, and spread abroad apart, the Earth, the Mother.
> 3 Ye slew the flood -obstructing serpent Vrtra, Indra and Soma: Heaven approved your exploit.
> Ye urged to speed the currents of the rivers, and many seas have ye filled full with waters.
> 4 Ye in the unripe udders of the milch-kine have set the ripe milk, Indra, thou, and Soma.
> Ye have held fast the unimpeded whiteness within these many-coloured moving creatures.
> 5 Verily ye bestow, Indra and Soma, wealth, famed, victorious, passing to our children.
> Ye have invested men, ye Mighty Beings, with manly strength that conquers in the battle.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXXIII. Brhaspati.
> 
> 1. SERVED with oblations, first-born, mountain-render, Angiras' son, Brhaspati, the Holy,
> With twice-firm path, dwelling in light, our Father, roars loudly, as a bull, to Earth and Heaven.
> 2 Brhaspati, who made for such a people wide room and verge when Gods were invocated,
> Slaying his enemies, breaks down their castles, quelling his foes and conquering those who hate him.
> 3 Brhaspati in war hath won rich treasures, hath won, this God, the great stalls filled with cattle.
> Striving to win waters and light, resistless, Brhaspati with lightning smites the foeman.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXXIV. Soma-Rudra.
> 
> 1. HOLD fast your Godlike sway, O Soma-Rudra: let these our sacrifices quickly reach you.
> Placing in every house your seven great treasures, bring blessing to our quadrupeds and bipeds.
> 2 Soma and Rudra, chase to every quarter the sickness that hath visited our dwelling.
> Drive Nirrti away into the distance, and give us excellent and happy glories.
> 3 Provide, O Soma-Rudra, for our bodies all needful medicines to heal and cure us.
> Set free and draw away the sin committed which we have still inherent in our persons.
> 4 Armed with keen shafts and weapons, kind and loving, be gracious unto us, Soma and Rudra.
> Release us from the noose of Varuna; keep us from sorrow, in your tender loving-kindness.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN LXXV. Weapons of War.
> 
> 1. THE warrior's look is like a thunderous rain-cloud's, when, armed with mail, he seeks the lap of battle.
> Be thou victorious with unwounded body: so let the thickness of thy mail protect thee.
> 2 With Bow let us win kine, with Bow the battle, with Bow be victors in our hot encounters.
> The Bow brings grief and sorrow to the foeman: armed with the Bow may we subdue all regions.
> 3 Close to his car, as fain to speak, She presses, holding her well-loved Friend in her embraces.
> Strained on the Bow, She whispers like a woman-this Bowstring that preserves us in the combat.
> 4 These, meeting like a woman and her lover, bear, mother-like, their child upon their bosom.
> May the two Bow-ends, starting swift asunder, scatter, in unison, the foes who hate us.
> 5 With many a son, father of many daughters, He clangs and clashes as he goes to battle.
> Slung on the back, pouring his brood, the Quiver vanquishes all opposing bands and armies.
> 6 Upstanding in the Car the skilful Charioteer guides his strong Horses on whithersoe'er he will.
> See and admire the strength of those controlling Reins which from behind declare the will of him who drives.
> 7 Horses whose hoofs rain dust are neighing loudly, yoked to the Chariots, showing forth their vigour,
> With their forefeet descending on the foemen, they, never flinching, trample and destroy them.
> 8 Car-bearer is the name of his oblation, whercon are laid his Weapons and his Armour.
> So let us here, each day that passes, honour the helpful Car with hearts exceeding joyful.
> 9 In sweet association lived the fathers who gave us life, profound and strong in trouble,
> Unwearied, armed with shafts and wondrous weapons, free, real heroes, conquerors of armies.
> 10 The Brahmans, and the Fathers meet for Soma-draughts, and, graciously inclined, unequalled Heaven and Earth.
> Guard us trom evil, Pusan, guard us strengtheners of Law: let not the evil-wisher master us.
> 11 Her tooth a deer, dressed in an eagle's feathers, bound with cow-hide, launched forth, She flieth onward.
> There where the heroes speed hither and thither, there may the Arrows shelter and protect us.
> 12 Avoid us thou whose flight is straight, and let our bodies be as stone.
> May Soma kindly speak to us, and Aditi protect us well.
> 13 He lays his blows upon their backs, he deals his blows upon their thighs.
> Thou, Whip, who urgest horses, drive sagacious horses in the fray.
> 14 It compasses the arm with serpent windings, fending away the friction of the bowstring:
> So may the Brace, well-skilled in all its duties, guard manfully the man from every quarter.
> 15 Now to the Shaft with venom smeared, tipped with deer-horn, with iron mouth,
> Celestial, of Parjanya's seed, be this great adoration paid.
> 16 Loosed from the Bowstring fly away, thou Arrow, sharpened by our prayer.
> Go to the foemen, strike them home, and let not one be left alive.
> 17 There where the flights of Arrows fall like boys whose locks are yet unshorn.
> Even there may Brahmanaspati, and Aditi protect us well, protect us well through all our days.
> 18 Thy vital parts I cover with thine Armour: with immortality King Soma clothe thee.
> Varuna give tliee what is more than ample, and in thy triumph may the Gods be joyful.
> 19 Whoso would kill us, whether he be a strange foe or one of us,
> May all the Gods discomfit him. My nearest, closest Mail is prayer.
>
> — *Rig Veda - Book  6*