# RIG VEDA - BOOK THE FIFTH

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> RIG VEDA - BOOK THE FIFTH
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> HYMN I. Agni
> 
> 1. Agni is wakened by the people's fuel to meet the Dawn who cometh like a milch-cow.
> Like young trees shooting up on high their branches, his flames are rising to the vault of heaven.
> 2 For worship of the Gods the Priest was wakened: at morning gracious Agni hath arisen.
> Kindled, his radiant might is made apparent, and the great Deity set free from darkness.
> 3 When he hath stirred the line of his attendants, with the pure milk pure Agni is anointed.
> The strength-bestowing gift is then made ready, which spread in front, with tongues, erect, he drinketh.
> 4 The spirits of the pious turn together to Agni, as the eyes of all to Surya.
> He, when both Dawns of different hues have borne him, springs up at daybreak as a strong white charger.
> 5 The noble One was born at days' beginning, laid red in colour mid the well-laid fuel.
> Yielding in every house his seven rich treasures, Agni is seated, Priest most skilled in worship.
> 6 Agni hath sat him down, a Priest most skilful, on a sweet-smelling place, his Mother's bosom.
> Young, faithful, sage, preeminent o'er many, kindled among the folk whom he sustaineth.
> 7 This Singer excellent at sacrifices, Agni the Priest, they glorify with homage.
> Him who spread out both worlds by Law Eternal they balm with oil, strong Steed who never faileth.
> 8. He, worshipful House-Friend, in his home is worshipped, our own auspicious guest, lauded by sages.
> That strength the Bull with thousand horns possesses. In might, O Agni, thou excellest others.
> 9 Thou quickly passest by all others, Agni, for him to whom thou hast appeared most lovely,
> Wondrously fair, adorable, effulgent, the guest of men, the darling of the people.
> 10 To thee, Most Youthful God! to thee, O Agni from near and far the people bring their tribute.
> Mark well the prayer of him who best extols thee. Great, high, auspicious, Agni, is thy shelter.
> 11 Ascend to-day thy splendid car, O Agni, in splendour, with the Holy Ones around it.
> Knowing the paths by mid-air's spacious region bring hither Gods to feast on our oblation.
> 12 To him adorable, sage, strong and mighty we have sung forth our song of praise and homage.
> Gavisthira hath raised with prayer to Agni this laud far-reaching, like gold light to heaven.
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> HYMN II. Agni.
> 
> 1. THE youthful Mother keeps the Boy in secret pressed to her close, nor yields him to the Father.
> But, when he lies upon the arm, the people see his unfading countenance before them.
> 2 What child is this thou carriest as handmaid, O Youthful One? The Consort-Queen hath bome him.
> The Babe unborn increased through many autumns. I saw him born what time his Mother bare him.
> 3 I saw him from afar gold-toothed, bright-coloured, hurling his weapons from his habitation,
> What time I gave him Amrta free from mixture. How can the Indraless, the hymnless harm me?
> 4 I saw him moving from the place he dwells in, even as with a herd, brilliantly shining.
> These seized him not: he had been born already. They who were grey with age again grow youthful.
> 5 Who separate my young bull from the cattle, they whose protector was in truth no stranger?
> Let those whose hands have seized upon them free them. May he, observant, drive the herd to us-ward.
> 6 Mid mortal men godless have secreted the King of all who live, home of the people.
> So may the prayers of Atri give him freedom. Reproached in turn be those who now reproach him.
> 7 Thou from the stake didst loose e'en Sunahsepa bound for a thousand; for he prayed with fervour.
> So, Agni, loose from us the bonds that bind us, when thou art seated here, O Priest who knowest.
> 8 Thou hast sped from me, Agni, in thine anger: this the protector of Gods' Laws hath told me.
> Indra who knoweth bent his eye upon thee: by him instructed am I come, O Agni.
> 9 Agni shines far and wide with lofty splendour, and by his greatness makes all things apparent.
> He conquers godless and malign enchantments, and sharpens both his horns to gore the Raksas.
> 10 Loud in the heaven above be Agni's roarings with keen-edged weapons to destroy the demons.
> Forth burst his splendours in the Soma's rapture. The godless bands press round but cannot stayhim.
> 11 As a skilled craftsman makes a car, a singer I, Mighty One! this hymn for thee have fashioned.
> If thou, O Agni, God, accept it gladly, may we obtain thereby the heavenly Waters.
> 12 May he, the strong-necked Steer, waxing in vigour, gather the foeman's wealth with none to check him.
> Thus to this Agni have the Immortals spoken. To man who spreads the grass may he grant shelter, grant shelter to the man who brings oblation.
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> HYMN III. Agni.
> 
> 1. THOU at thy birth art Varuna, O Agni; when thou art kindled thou becomest Mitra.
> In thee, O Son of Strength, all Gods are centred. Indra art thou to man who brings oblation.
> 2 Aryaman art thou as regardeth maidens mysterious, is thy name, O Self-sustainer.
> As a kind friend with streams of milk they balm thee what time thou makcst wife and lord one-minded.
> 3 The Maruts deck their beauty for thy glory, yea, Rudra! for thy birth fair, brightly-coloured.
> That which was fixed as Visnu's loftiest station-therewith the secret of the Cows thou guardest.
> 4 Gods through thy glory, God who art so lovely! granting abundant gifts gained life immortal.
> As their own Priest have men established Agni; and serve him fain for praise from him who liveth.
> 5 There is no priest more skilled than thou in worship; none Self-sustainer pass thee in wisdom.
> Ile man within whose house as guest thou dwellest, O God, by sacrifice shall conquer mortals.
> 6 Aided by thee, O Agni may we conquer through our oblation, fain for wealth, awakened:
> May we in battle, in the days' assemblies,O Son of Strength, by riches conquer mortals.
> 7 He shall bring evil on the evil-plottcr whoever turns against us sin and outrage.
> Destroy this calumny of him, O Agni, whoever injures us with double-dealing.
> 8 At this dawn's flushing, God! our ancient fathers served thee with offerings, making thee their envoy,
> When, Agni, to the store of wealth thou goest, a God cnkindled with good things by mortals.
> 9 Save, thou who knowest, draw thy father near thee, who counts as thine own son, O Child of Power.
> O sapient Agni, when wilt thou regard us? When, skilled in holy Law, wilt thou direct us?
> 10 Adoring thee he gives thee many a title, when thou, Good Lord! acceptest this as Father.
> And doth not Agni, glad in strength of Godhead, gain splendid bliss when he hath waxen mighty?
> 11 Most Youthful Agni, verily thou bearest thy praiser safely over all his troubles.
> Thieves have been seen by us and open foemen: unknown have been the plottings of the wicked.
> 12 To thee these eulogies have been directed: or to the Vasu hath this sin been spoken.
> But this our Agni, flaming high, shall never yield us to calumny, to him who wrongs us.
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> HYMN IV. Agni.
> 
> 1. O AGNI, King and Lord of wealth and treasures, in thee is my delight at sacrifices.
> Through thee may we obtain the strength we long for, and overcome the fierce attacks of mortals.
> 2 Agni, Eternal Father, offering- bearer, fair to behold, far-reaching, far-refulgent,
> From well-kept household fire beam food to feed us, and measure out to us abundant glory.
> 3 The Sage of men, the Lord of human races, pure, purifying Agni, balmed with butter,
> Him the Omniscient as your Priest ye stablish: he wins among the Gods things worth the choosing.
> 4 Agni, enjoy, of one accord with Ila, striving in rivalry with beams of Sarya,
> Enjoy, O Jatavedas, this our fuel, and bring the Gods to us to taste oblations.
> 5 As dear House-Friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our sacrifice come thou who knowest.
> And, Agni, having scattered all assailants, bring to us the possessions of our foemen.
> 6 Drive thou away the Dasyu with thy weapon. As, gaining vital power for thine own body,
> O Son of Strength, the Gods thou satisfiest, so in fight save us, most heroic Agni.
> 7 May we, O Agni, with our lauds adore thee, and with our gifts, fair-beaming Purifier!
> Send to us wealth containing all things precious: bestow upon us every sort of riches.
> 8 Son of Strength, Agni, dweller in three regions, accept our sacrifice and our oblation.
> Among the Gods may we be counted pious: protect us with a triply-guarding shelter.
> 9 Over all woes and dangers, Jatavedas, bear us as in a boat across a river.
> Praised with our homage even as Atri praised thee, O Agni, be the guardian of our bodies.
> 10 As I, remembering thee with grateful spirit, a mortal, call with might on thee Immortal,
> Vouchsafe us high renown, O Jatavedas, and may I be immortal by my children.
> 11 The pious man, O Jatavedas Agni, to whom thou grantest ample room and pleasure,
> Gaineth abundant wealth with sons and horses, with heroes and with kine for his well-being.
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> HYMN V. Apris.
> 
> 1. To Agni, Jatavedas, to the flame, the well-enkindled God,
> Offer thick sacrificial oil.
> 2 He, Narasamsa, ne'er beguiled, inspiriteth this sacrifice:
> For sage is he, with sweets in hand.
> 3 Adored, O Agni, hither bring Indra the Wonderful, the Friend,
> On lightly-rolling car to aid.
> 4 Spread thyself out, thou soft as wool The holy hymns have sung to thee.
> Bring gain to us, O beautiful!
> 5 Open yourselves, ye Doors Divine, easy of access for our aid:
> Fill, more and more, the sacrifice.
> 6 Fair strengtheners of vital power, young Mothers of eternal Law,
> Morning and Night we supplicate.
> 7 On the wind's flight come, glorified, ye two celestial Priests of man
> Come ye to this our sacrifice.
> 8 l! Sarasvati, Mahl, three Goddesses who tring us weal,
> Be seated harmless on the grass.
> 9 Rich in all plenty, Tvastar, come auspicious of thine own accord
> Help us in every sacrifice.
> 10 Vanaspati, wherever thou knowest the Gods' mysterious names,
> Send our oblations thitherward.
> 11 To Agni and to Varuna, Indra, the Maruts, and the Gods,
> With Svaha be oblation brought.
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> HYMN VI. Agni.
> 
> 1. I VALUE Agni that good Lord, the home to which the kine return:
> Whom fleet-foot coursers seek as home, and strong enduring steeds as home. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 2 'Tis Agni whom we laud as good, to whom the milch-kine come in herds,
> To whom the chargers swift of foot, to whom our well-born princes come. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 3 Agni the God of all mankind, gives, verily, a steed to man.
> Agni gives precious gear for wealth, treasure he gives when he is pleased. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 4 God, Agni, we will kindle thee, rich in thy splendour, fading not,
> So that this glorious fuel may send forth by day its light for thee. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 5 To thee the splendid, Lord of flame, bright, wondrous, Prince of men, is brought.
> Oblation with the holy verse, O Agni, bearer of our gifts.
> Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 6 These Agnis in the seats of the fire nourish each thing most excellent.
> They give delight, they spread abroad, they move themselves continually. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 7 Agni, these brilliant flames of thine wax like strong chargers mightily,
> Who with the treadings of their hoofs go swiftly to the stalls of kine. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 8 To us who laud thee, Agni, bring fresh food and safe and happy homes.
> May we who have sung hymns to thee have thee for envoy in each house. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 9 Thou, brilliant God, within thy mouth warmest both ladies of the oil.
> So fill us also, in our hymns, abundantly, O Lord of Strength,Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
> 10 Thus Agni have we duly served with sacrifices and with hymns.
> So may he give us what we crave, store of brave sons and fleet-foot steeds. Bring food to those who sing thy praise.
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> HYMN VII. Agni.
> 
> 1. OFFER to Agni, O my friends, your seemly food, your seemly praise;
> To him supremest o'er the folk, the Son of Strength, the mighty Lord:
> 2 Him in whose presence, when they meet in full assembly, men rejoice;
> Even him whom worthy ones inflame, and living creatures bring to life.
> 3 When we present to him the food and sacrificial gifts of men,
> He by the might of splendour grasps the holy Ordinance's rein.
> 4 He gives a signal in the night even to him who is afar,
> When he, the Bright, unchanged by eld, consumes the sovrans of the wood.
> 5 He in whose service on the ways they offer up their drops of sweat,
> On him is their high kin have they mounted, as ridges on the earth.
> 6 Whom, sought of many, mortal man hath found to be the Stay of all;
> He who gives flavour to our food, the home of every man that lives.
> 7 Even as a herd that crops the grass he shears the field and wilderness,
> With flashing teeth and beard of gold, deft with his unabated might.
> 8 For him, to whom, bright as an axe he, as to Atri, hath flashed forth,
> Hath the well-bearing Mother borne, producing when her time is come.
> 9 Agni to whom the oil is shed by him thou lovest to support,
> Bestow upon these mortals fame and splendour and intelligence.
> 10 Such zeal hath he, resistless one: he gained the cattle given by thee.
> Agni, may Atri overcome the Dasyus who bestow no gifts, subdue the men who give no food.
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> HYMN VIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. O AGNI urged to strength, the men of old who loved the Law enkindled thee,
> the Ancient, for their aid,
> Thee very bright, and holy, nourisher of all, most excellent, the Friend and Master of the home.
> 2 Thee, Agni, men have stablished as their guest of old, as Master of the household, thee, with hair of flame;
> High-bannered, multiform, distributor of wealth, kind helper, good protector, drier of the floods.
> 3 The tribes of men praise thee, Agni, who knowest well burnt offerings, the Discerner, lavishest of wealth,
> Dwelling in secret, Blest One! visible to all, loud-roaring, skilled in worship, glorified with oil.
> 4 Ever to thee, O Agni, as exceeding strong have we drawn nigh with songs and reverence singing hymns.
> So be thou pleased with us, Angiras! as a God enkindled by the noble with man's goodly light.
> 5 Thou, Agni! multiform, God who art lauded much! givest in every house subsistence as of old.
> Thou rulest by thy might o'er food of many a sort: that light of thine when blazing may not be opposed.
> 6 The Gods, Most Youthful Agni, have made thee, inflamed, the bearer of oblations and the messenger.
> Thee, widely-reaching, homed in sacred oil, invoked, effulgent, have they made the Eye that stirs the thought.
> 7 Men seeking joy have lit thee worshipped from of old, O Agni, with good fuel and with sacred oil.
> So thou, bedewed and waxing mighty by the plants, spreadest thyself abroad over the realms of earth.
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> HYMN IX. Agni.
> 
> 1. BEARING; oblations mortal men, O Agni, worship thee the God.
> I deem thee Jatavedas: bear our offerings, thou, unceasingly.
> 2 In the man's home who offers gifts, where grass is trimmed, Agni is Priest,
> To whom all sacrifices come and strengthenings that win renown.
> 3 Whom, as an infant newly-born, the kindling-sticks have brought to life,
> Sustainer of the tribes of men, skilled in well-ordered sacrifice.
> 4 Yea, very hard art thou to grasp, like offspring of the wriggling snakes,
> When thou consumest many woods like an ox, Agni, in the mead.
> 5 Whose flames, when thou art sending forth the smoke, completely reach the mark,
> When Trta in the height of heaven, like as a smelter fanneth thee, e'en as a smelter sharpeneth thee.
> 6 O Agni, by thy succour and by Mitra's friendly furtherance,
> May we, averting hate, subbue the wickedness of mortal men.
> 7 O Agni, to our heroes bring such riches, thou victorious God.
> May he protect and nourish us, and help in aining strength: be thou near us in 6rht for our success.
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> HYMN X. Agni.
> 
> 1. BRING us most mighty splendour thou, Agni, resistless on thy way.
> With overflowing store of wealth mark out for us a path to strength.
> 2 Ours art thou, wondrous Agni, bywisdom and bounteousness of power.
> The might of Asuras rests on thee, like Mitra worshipful in act.
> 3 Agni, increase our means of life, increase the house and home of these,
> The men, the princes who have won great riches through our hymns of praise.
> 4 Bright Agni, they who deck their songs for thee have horses as their meed.
> The men are mighty in their might, they whose high laud, as that of heaven, awakes thee of its own accord.
> 5 O Agni, those resplendent flames of thine go valorously forth,
> Like lightnings flashing round us, like a rattling car that seeks the spoil.
> 6 Now, Agni, come to succour us; let priests draw nigh to offer gifts;
> And let the patrons of our rites subdue all regions of the earth.
> 7 Bring to us, Agni, Angiras, lauded of old and lauded now,
> Invoker! wealth to quell the strong, that singers may extol thee. Be near us in fight for our success.
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> HYMN XI. Agni.
> 
> 1. THE watchful Guardian of the people hath been born, Agni, the very strong, for fresh prosperity.
> With oil upon his face, with high heaventouching flame, he shineth splendidly, pure, for the Bharatas.
> 2 Ensign of sacrifice, the earliest Household-Priest, the. men have kindled Agni in his threefold seat,
> With Indra and the Gods together on the grass let the wise Priest sit to complete the sacrifice.
> 3 Pure , unadorned, from thy two Mothers art thou born: thou camest fromVivasvan as a charming Sage.
> With oil they strengthened thee, O Agni, worshipped God: thy banner was the smoke that mounted to the sky.
> 4 May Agni graciously come to our sacrifice. The men bear Agni here and there in every house.
> He hath become an envoy, bearer of our gifts: electing Agni, men choose one exceeding wise.
> 5 For thee, O Agni, is this sweetest prayer of mine: dear to thy spirit be this product of my thought.
> As great streams fill the river so our song of praise fill thee, and make thee yet more mighty in thy strength.
> 6 O Agni, the Angirases discovered thee what time thou layest hidden, fleeing back from wood to wood.
> Thou by attrition art produced as conquer.ing might, and men, O Angiras, call thee the Son of Strength.
> 
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> HYMN XII. Agni.
> 
> I. To Agni, lofty Asura, meet for worship, Steer of eternal Law, my prayer I offer;
> I bring my song directed to the Mighty like pure oil for his mouth at sacrifices.
> 2 Mark the Law, thou who knowest, yea, observe it: send forth the full streams of eternal Order.
> I use no sorcery with might or falsehood the sacred Law of the Red Steer I follow.
> 3 How hast thou, follower of the Law eternal, become the knower of a new song, Agni?
> The God, the Guardian of the seasons, knows me: the Lord of him who won this wealth I know not.
> 4 Who, Agni, in alliance with thy foeman, what splendid helpers won for them their riches?
> Agni, who guard the dwelling-place of falsehood? Who are protectors of the speech of liars?
> 5 Agni, those friends of thine have turned them from thee: gracious of old, they have become ungracious.
> They have deceived themselves by their own speeches, uttering wicked words against the righteous.
> 6 He who pays sacrifice to thee with homage, O Agni, keeps the Red Steer's Law eternal;
> Wide is his dwelling. May the noble offipring of Nahusa who wandered forth come hither.
> 
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> HYMN XIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. WITH songs of praise we call on thee, we kindle thee with songs of praise,
> Agni, -with songs of praise, for help.
> 2 Eager for wealth, we meditate Agni's effectual praise to-day,
> Praise of the God who touches heaven.
> 3 May Agni, Priest among mankind, take pleasure in our songs of praise,
> And worship the Celestial Folk.
> 4 Thou, Agni, art spread widely forth, Priest dear and excellent; through thee
> Men make the sacrifice complete.
> 5 Singers exalt thee, Agni, well lauded, best giver of our strength:
> So grant thou us heroic might.
> 6 Thou Agni, as the felly rings the spokes, encompassest the Gods.
> 1 yearn for bounty manifold.
> 
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> HYMN XIV. Agni.
> 
> 1. ENKINDLING the Immortal, wake Agni with song of praise: may he bear our oblations to the Gods.
> 2 At high solemnities mortal men glorify him the Immortal, best
> At sacrifice among mankind.
> 3 That he may bear their gifts to heaven, all glorify him Agni, God,
> With ladle that distilleth oil.
> 4 Agni shone bright when born, with light killing the Dasyus and the dark:
> He found the Kine, the Floods, the Sun.
> 5 Serve Agni, God adorable, the Sage whose back is balmed with oil:
> Let him approach, and hear my call.
> 6 They have exalted Agni, God of all mankind, with oil and hymns
> Of praise, devout and eloquent.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XV. Agni.
> 
> 1. To him, the far-renowned, the wise Ordainer, ancient and glorious, a song I offer.
> Enthroned in oil, the Asura, bliss-giver, is Agni, firm support of noble, riches.
> 2 By holy Law they kept supporting Order, by help of sacrifice, in loftiest heaven,-
> They who attained with born men to the unborn, men seated on that stay, heaven's firm sustainer.
> 3 Averting woe, they labour hard to bring him, the ancient, plenteous food as power resistless.
> May he, born newly, conquer his assailants: round him they stand as round an angry lion.
> 4 When, like a mother, spreading forth to nourish, to cherish and regard each man that liveth,-
> Consuming all the strength that thou hast gotten, thou wanderest round, thyself,
> in varied fashion.
> 5 May strength preserve the compass of thy vigour, God! that broad stream of thine that beareth riches.
> Thou, like a thief who keeps his refuge secret, hast holpen Atri to great wealth, by teaching.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XVI. Agni.
> 
> 1. GREAT power is in the beam of light, sing praise to, Agni, to the God
> Whom men have set in foremost place like Mitra with their eulogies.
> 2 He by the splendour of his arms is Priest of every able man.
> Agni conveys oblation straight, and deals, as Bhaga deals, his boons.
> 3 All rests upon the laud and love of him the rich, high-flaming God,
> On whom, loud-roaring, men have laid great strength as on a faithful friend.
> 4 So, Agni, be the Friend of these with liberal gift of hero strength.
> Yea, Heaven and Earth have not surpassed this Youthful One in glorious fame.
> 5 O Agni, quickly come to us, and, glorified, bring precious wealth.
> So we and these our princes will assemble for the good of all. Be near in fight to prosper us.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XVII. Agni.
> 
> 1. GOD, may a mortal call the Strong hither, with solemn rites, to aid,
> A man call Agni to protect when sacrifice is well prepared.
> 2 Near him thou seemest mightier still in native glory, set to hold
> Apart yon flame-hued vault of heaven, lovely beyond the thought of man.
> 3 Yea, this is by the light of him whom powerful siong hath bound to act,
> Whose bearns of splendour flash on high as though they sprang from heavenly seed.
> 4 Wealth loads the Wonder-Worker's car through his, the very wise One's power.
> Then, meet to be invoked among all tribes, is Agni ghorified.
> 5 Now, too, the princes shall obtain excellent riches by our lips.
> Protect us for our welfare: lend thy succour, O thou Son of Strength. Be near in fight to prosper us.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XVIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. AT dawn let: Agni, much-beloved guest of the house, be glorified;
> Immortal who delights in all oblations brought by mortal men.
> 2 For Dvita who receives through wealth of native strength maimed offerings,
> Thy praiser even gains at once the Soma-drops, Immortal Gods!
> 3 Nobles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with lengthened life,
> For, God who givest steeds! that car hither and thither goes unharmed.
> 4 They who have varied ways of thought, who guard, the lauds within their lips,
> And strew the grass before the light, have decked themselves with high renown.
> 5 Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite,
> Heroes' illustrious, lofty fame, who at the synod met for praise presented me with fifty steeds.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XIX. Agni.
> 
> 1. ONE state begets another state: husk is made visible from husk:
> Within his Mother's side he speaks.
> 2 Discerning, have they offered gifts: they guard the strength that never wastes.
> To a strong fort have they pressed in.
> 3 Svaitreya's people, all his men, have gloriously increased in might.
> A gold chain Brhaduktha wears, as, through this Soma, seeking spoil.
> 4 I bring, as 'twere, the longed-for milk, the dear milk of the Sister-Pair.
> Like to a caldron filled with food is he, unconquered, conquering all.
> 5 Beam of light, come to us in sportive fashion, finding thyself close to the wind that fans thee.
> These flames of his are wasting flames, like arrows keen-pointed, sharpened, on his breast.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XX. Agni.
> 
> 1. AGNI, best winner of the spoil, cause us to praise before the Gods
> As our associate meet for lauds, wealth which thou verily deemest wealth.
> 2 Agni, the great who ward not off the anger of thy power and might
> Stir up the wrath and hatred due to one who holds an alien creed.
> 3 Thee, Agni, would we choose as Priest, the perfecter of strength and skill;
> We who bring sacred food invoke with song thee Chief at holy rites.
> 4 Here as is needful for thine aid we toil, O Conqueror, day by day,
> For wealth, for Law. May we rejoice, Most Wise One! at the feast, with kine, rejoice, with heroes, at the feast.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XXI. Agni.
> 
> 1. WE stablish thee as Manus used, as Manus used we kindle thee.
> Like Manus, for the pious man , Angiras, Agni, worship Gods.
> 2 For well, O Agni, art thou pleased when thou art kindled mid mankind.
> Straight go the ladles unto thee, thou highborn God whose food is oil.
> 3 Thee have all Gods of one accord established as their messenger.
> Serving at sacrifices men adore thee as a God, O Sage.
> 4 Let mortal man adore your God, Agni, with worship due to Gods.
> Shine forth enkindled, Radiant One. Sit in the chamber of the Law, sit in the chamber of the food.
> 
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> 
> HYMN XXII. Agni.
> 
> 1. LIKE Atri, Visvasaman! sing to him of purifying light,
> Who must be praised in holy rites, the Priest most welcome in the house.
> 2 Set Jatavedas in his place, Agni the God and Minister.
> Let sacrifice proceed to-day duly, comprising all the Gods.
> 3 All mortals come to thee for aid, the God of most observant mind.
> Of thine excelling favour we bethink us as we long for it.
> 4 Mark with attention this our speech, O Agni, thou victorious One.
> Thee, Strong-jawed! as the homestead's Lord, the Atris with their lauds exalt, the Atris beautify with songs.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. By thy fair splendour's mighty power, O Agni, bring victorious wealth,
> Wealth that o'ercometh all mankind, and, near us, conquereth in fight.
> 2 Victorious Agni, bring to us the wealth that vanquisheth in war;
> For thou art wonderful and true, giver of strength in herds of kine.
> 3 For all the folk with one accord, whose sacred grass is trimmed and strewn,
> Invite thee to their worship-halls, as a dear Priest, for choicest wealth.
> 4 For he, the God of all men, hath gotten him might that quelleth foes.
> O Agni, in these homes shine forth, bright God! for our prosperity, shine, Purifier! splendidly.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIV. Agni.
> 
> 1. O AGNI, be our nearest Friend, be thou a kind deliverer and a gracious Friend.
> 2 Excellent Agni, come thou nigh to us, and give us wealth most splendidly renowned.
> 3 So hear us, listen to this call of ours, and keep us far from every sinful man.
> 4 To thee then, O Most Bright, O Radiant God, we come with prayer for happiness for our friends.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXV. Agni.
> 
> 1. I WILL sing near, for grace, your God Agni, for he is good to us.
> Son of the Brands, may he give gifts, and, righteous, save us from the foe.
> 2 For be is true, whpm men of old enkindled, and the Gods themselves,
> The Priest with the delicious tongue, rich with the light of glorious beams.
> 3 With wisdom that surpasseth all, with gracious will most excellent,
> O Agni, worthy of our choice, shine wealth on us through hymns of praise.
> 4 Agni is King, for he extends to mortals and to Gods alike.
> Agni is bearer of our gifts. Worship ye Agni with your thoughts.
> 5 Agni gives to the worshipper a son, the best, of mightiest fame,
> Of deep devotion, ne'er subdued, bringer of glory to his sire.
> 6 Agni bestows the hero-lord who conquers with the men in fight.
> Agni bestows the fleet-foot steed, the victor never overcome.
> 7 The mightiest song is Agni's: shine on high, thou who art rich in light.
> Like the Chief Consort of a King, riches and strength proceed -from thee.
> 8 Resplendent are thy rays of light: loud is thy voice like pressing-stones.
> Yea, of itself thy thunder goes forth like the roaring of the heaven.
> 9 Thus, seeking riches, have we paid homage to Agni Conqueror.
> May he, most wise, as with a ship, carry us over all our foes.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVI. Agni.
> 
> 1. O AGNI, Holy and Divine, with splendour and thy pleasant tongue
> Bring hither and adore the Gods.
> 2 We pray thee, thou who droppest oil, bright-rayed! who lookest on the Sun,
> Bring the Gods hither to the feast.
> 3 We have enkindled thee, O Sage, bright caller of the Gods to feast.
> O Agni, great in Sacrifice.
> 4 O Agni, come with all the Gods, come to our sacrificial gift:
> We choose thee as Invoking Priest.
> 5 Bring, Agni, to the worshipper who pours the juice, heroic strength:
> Sit with the Gods upon the grass.
> 6 Victor of thousands, Agni, thou, enkindled, cherishest the laws,
> Laud-worthy, envoy of the Gods.
> 7 Set Agni Jatavedas down, the bearer of our sacred gifts,
> MostYouthful, God and Minister.
> 8 Duly proceed our sacrifice, comprising all the Gods, to-day:
> Strew holy grass to be their seat.
> 9 So may the Maruts sit thereon, the Asvins, Mitra, Varuna:
> The Gods with all their company.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVII. Agni.
> 
> 1. THE Godlike hero, famousest of nobles, hath granted me two oxen with a wagon.
> Trvrsan's son Tryaruna hath distinguished himself, Vaisvanara Agni! with ten thousands.
> 2 Protect Tryaruna, as thou art waxing strong and art highly praised, Vaisvanara Agni!
> Who granteth me a hundred kine and twenty, and two bay horses, good at draught, and harnessed.
> 3 So Trasadasyu served thee, God Most Youthful, craving thy favour for the ninth time, Agni;
> Tryaruya who with attentive spirit accepteth many a song from me the mighty.
> 4 He who declares his wish to me, to Asvamedha, to the Prince,
> Pays him who with his verse seeks gain, gives power to him who keeps the Law.
> 5 From whom a hundred oxen, all of speckled hue, delight my heart,
> The gifts of Asvamedha, like thrice-mingled draughts of Soma juice.
> 6 To Asvamedha who bestows a hundred gifts grant hero power,
> O Indra-Agni! lofty rule like the unwasting Sun in heaven.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXVIII. Agni.
> 
> 1. AGNI inflamed hath sent to heaven his lustre: he shines forth widely turning unto Morning.
> Eastward the ladle goes that brings all blessing, praising the Godswith homage and oblation.
> 2 Enkindled, thou art King of the immortal world: him who brings offerings thou attendest for his weal.
> He whom thou urgest on makes all possessions his: he sets before thee, Agni, gifts that guests may claim.
> 3 Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, O Agni, most excellent be thine effulgent splendours.
> Make easy to maintain our household lordship, and overcome the might of those who hate us.
> 4 Thy glory, Agni, I adore, kindled, exalted in thy strength.
> A Steer of brilliant splendour, thou art lighted well at sacred rites.
> 5 Agni, invoked and kindled, serve the Gods, thou skilled in sacrifice:
> For thou art bearer of our gifts.
> 6 Invoke and worship Agni while the sacrificial rite proceeds:
> For offering-bearer choose ye him.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXIX. Agni.
> 
> 1. MAN'S worship of the Gods hath three great lustres, and three celestial lights have they established
> The Maruts gifted with pure strength adore thee, for thou, O Indra, art their sapient Rsi.
> 2 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when he had drunk of Soma juices,
> He grasped his thunderbolt to slay the Dragon, and loosed, that they might flow, the youthful Waters.
> 3 And, O ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of this my carefully pressed Sorna;
> For this oblation found for man the cattle, and Indra, having quaffed it, slew the Dragon.
> 4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and supported: wrapped even in these he struck the Beast with terror.
> So Indra forced the Engulfer to disgorgement, and slew the Danava. panting against him.
> 5 Thus all the Gods, O Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free will the draught of Soma;
> When thou for Etasa didst cause to tarry the flying mares of Surya racing forward.
> 6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished his nine-and-ninety castles all together,
> The Maruts, where they met, glorified Indra: ye with the Trstup hymn obstructed heaven.
> 7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred buffaloes, even as he willed it.
> And Indra, from man's gift, for Vrtra's slaughter, drank ofr at once three lakes of pressed-out Soma.
> 8 When thou three hundred buffaloes' flesh hadst eaten, and drunk, as Maghavan, three lakes of Soma,
> All the Gods raised as 'twere a shout of triumph to Indra praise because he slew the Dragon.
> 9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, O Usana and Indra, to the dwelling,
> Thou camest thither -conquering together with Kutsa and the Gods: thou slewest Susna.
> 10 One car-wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou settest free to move for Kutsa.
> Thou slewest noseless Dasyus with thy weapon, and in their home o'erthrewest hostile speakers.
> 11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to Vidathin's son, as prey, thou gavest Pipru.
> Rjisivan drew thee into friendship dressing the sacred food, and thou hast drunk his Soma.
> 12 Navagvas and Dasgvas with libations of Soma juice sing hymns of praise to Indra.
> Labouring at their task the men laid open the stall of Kine though firmly closed and fastened.
> 13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well what hero deeds thou hast accomplished?
> And the fresh deeds which thou wilt do, Most Mighty! these, too, will we tell forth in sacred synods.
> 14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all these many acts, O Indra.
> What thou wilt do in bravery, Thunder-wielder! none is there who may hinder this thy prowess.
> 15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the new prayers, Mightiest! which we utter.
> Like fair and well-made robes, I, seeking riches, as a deft craftsman makes a car, have wrought them.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXX. Indra.
> 
> 1. WHERE is that Hero? Who hath looked on Indra borne on light-rolling car by Tawny Coursers,
> Who, Thunderer, seeks with wealth the Soma-presser, and to his house goes, much-invoked, to aid him?
> 2 I have beheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have sought the Founder's habitation.
> I asked of others, and they said in answer, May we, awakened men, attain to Indra.
> 3 We will tell, Indra, when we pour libation, what mighty deeds thou hast performed to please us.
> Let him who knows not learn, who knows them listen: hither rides Maghavan with all his army.
> 4 Indra, when born, thou madest firm thy spirit: alone thou seekest war to fight with many.
> With might thou clavest e'en the rock asunder, and foundest out the stable of the Milch-kine.
> 5 When thou wast born supremest at a distance, bearing a name renowned in far-off regions,
> Since then e'en Gods have been afraid of Indra: he conquered all the floods which served the Dasa.
> 6 These blissful Maruts sing their psalm to praise thee, and pour to thee libation of the Soma.
> Indra with wondrous powers subdued the Dragon, the guileful lurker who beset the waters.
> 7 Thou, Maghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, speeding, while joying in the milk, the Giver.
> There, seeking man's prosperity, thou torest away the head of Namuci the Dasa.
> 8 Pounding the head of Namuci the Dasa, me, too thou madest thine associate, Indra!
> Yea, and the rolling stone that is in heaven both worlds, as on a car, brought to the Maruts.
> 9 Women for weapons hath the Dasa taken, What injury can his feeble armies To me?
> Well he distinguished his two different voices, and Indra then advanced to fight the Dasyu.
> 10 Divided from their calves the Cows went lowing around, on every side, hither and thither.
> These Indra re-united with his helpers, what time the well-pressed Soma made him joyful.
> 11 What time the Somas mixed by Babhru cheered him, loud the Steer bellowed in his habitations.
> So Indra drank thereof, the Fort-destroyer, and gave him guerdon, in return, of milch-kine.
> 12 This good deed have the Rusamas done, Agni! that they have granted me four thousand cattle.
> We have received Rnancaya's wealth, of heroes the most heroic, which was freely offered.
> 13 The Rusamas, O Agni, sent me homeward with fair adornment and with kine in thousands.
> The strong libations have made Indra joyful, when night, whose course was ending, changed to morning.
> 14 Night, well-nigh ended, at Rnancaya's coming, King of the Rusamas, was changed to morning.
> Like a strong courser, fleet of foot, urged onward, Babhru hath gained four thousand as his guerdon.
> 15 We have received four thousand head of cattle presented by the Rusamas, O Agni.
> And we, the singers, have received the caldron of metal which was heated for Pravargya.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXI. Indra.
> 
> 1. MAGHAVAN Indra turns his chariot downward, the strength-displaying car which he hath mounted.
> Even as a herdsman driveth forth his cattle, he goeth, first, uninjured, fain for treasure.
> 2. Haste to us, Lord of Bays; be not ungracious: visit us, lover of gold-hued oblation.
> There is naught else better than thou art, Indra: e'en to the wifeless hast thou given spouses.
> 3 When out of strength arose the strength that conquers, Indra displayed all powers that he possesses.
> Forth from the cave he drove the milky mothers, and with the light laid bare investing darkness.
> 4. Anus have wrought a chariot for thy Courser, and Tvastar, Much-invoked! thy bolt that glitters.
> The Brahmans with their songs exalting Indra increased his strength that he might slaughter Ahi.
> 5 When heroes sang their laud to thee the Hero, Indra! and stones and Aditi accordant,
> Without or steed or chariot were the fellies which, sped by Indra, rolled upon the Dasytis.
> 6 I will declare thine exploits wrought aforetime, and, Maghavan, thy deeds of late achievement,
> When, Lord of Might, thou sunderedst earth and heaven, winning for man the moistly-gleaming waters.
> 7 This is thy deed, e'en this, Wonderful! Singer! that, slaying Ahi, here thy strength thou showedst,
> Didst check and stay e'en gusna's wiles and magic, and, drawing nigh, didst chase away the Dasytis.
> 8 Thou, Indra, on the farther bank forYadu and Turvaga didst stay the gushing waters.
> Ye both assailed the fierce: thou barest Kutsa: when Gods and Usana came to you together.
> 9 Let the steeds bring you both, Indra and Kutsa, borne on the chariot within hearing-distance.
> Ye blew him from the waters, from his dwelling, and chased the darkness from the noble's spirit.
> 10 Even this sage hath come looking for succour even to Vata's docile harnessed horses.
> Here are the Maruts, all, thy dear companions: prayers have increased thy power and might, O Indra.
> 11 When night was near its close he carried forward e'en the Sun's chariot backward in its running.
> Etaga brought his wheel and firmly stays it: setting it eastward he shall give us courage.
> 12 This Indra, O ye men, hath come to see you, seeking a friend who hath expressed the Soma.
> The creaking stone is laid upon the altar, and the Adhvaryus come to turn it quickly.
> 13 Let mortals who were happy still be happy; let them not come to sorrow, O Immortal.
> Love thou the pious, and to these thy people-with whom may we be numbered-give thou vigour.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXII. Indra.
> 
> 1.THE well thou clavest, settest free the fountains, and gavest rest to floods that were obstructed.
> Thou, Indra, laying the great mountain open, slaying the Danava, didst loose the torrents.
> 2 The fountain-depths obstructed in their seasons, thou, Thunderer! madest flow, the mountain's udder.
> Strong Indra, thou by slaying e'en the Dragon that lay extended there hast shown thy vigour.
> 3 Indra with violence smote down the weapon,
> yea, even of that wild and mighty creature.
> Although he deemed himself alone unequalled, another had been born e'en yet more potent.
> 4 Him, whom the heavenly food of these delighted, child of the mist, strong waxing, couched in darkness,
> Him the bolt-hurling Thunderer with his lightning smote down and slew, the Danava's wrath-fire, Susna.
> 5 Though he might ne'er be wounded still his vitals felt that, the God's bolt, which his powers supported,
> When, after offered draughts, Strong Lord, thou laidest him, fain to battle, in the pit in darkness.
> 6 Him as he lay there huge in length extended, still waxing in the gloom which no sun lightened,
> Him, after loud-voiced threats, the Hero Indra, rejoicing in the poured libation, slaughtered.
> 7 When 'gainst the mighty Danava his weapon Indra uplifted, power which none could combat,
> When at the hurling of his bolt he smote him, he made him lower than all living creatures.
> 8 The fierce God seized that huge and restless coiler, insatiate, drinker of the sweets, recumbent,
> And with his mighty weapon in his dwelling smote down the footless evil-speaking ogre.
> 9 Who may arrest his strength or cheek his vigour? Alone, resistless, he bears off all riches.
> Even these Twain, these Goddesses, through terror of Indra's might, retire from his dominion.
> 10 E'en the Celestial Axe bows down before him, and the Earth, lover-like, gives way to Indra.
> As he imparts all vigour to these people, straightway the folk bend them to him the Godlike.
> 11 I hear that thou wast born sole Lord of heroes of the Five Races, famed among the people.
> As such my wishes have most lately grasped him, invoking Indra both at eve and morning.
> 12 So, too, I hear of thee as in due season urging to action and enriching singers.
> What have thy friends received from thee, the Brahmans who, faithful, rest their hopes on thee, O Indra?
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. GREAT praise to Indra, great and strong mid heroes, I ponder thus, the feeble to the Mighty,
> Who with his band shows favour to this people, when lauded, in the fight where spoil is gathered.
> 2 So made attentive by our hymns, Steer! Indra! thou fastenedst the girth of thy Bay Coursers,
> Which, Maghavan, at thy will thou drivest hither. With these subdue for us the men who hate us.
> 3 They were not turned to us-wtrd, lofty Indra! while yet through lack of prayer they stood unharnessed.
> Ascend this chariot, thou whose hand wields thunder, and draw the rein, O Lord of noble horses.
> 4 Thou, because many lauds are thine, O Indra, wast active warring in the fields
> for cattle.
> For Surya in his own abode thou, Hero, formedst in fights even a Dasa's nature.
> 5 Thine are we, Indra; thine are all these people, conscious of might, whose cars are set in motion.
> Some hero come to us, O Strong as Ahi beauteous in war, to be invoked like Bhaga.
> 6 Strength much to be desired is in thee, Indra: the Immortal dances forth his hero exploits.
> Such, Lord of Treasure, give us splendid riches. I praise the Friend's gift, his whose wealth is mighty.
> 7 Thus favour us, O Indra, with ihy succour; Hero, protect the bards who sing thy praises.
> Be friendly in the fray to those who offer the skin of beautiful and well-pressed Soma.
> 8 And these ten steeds which Trasadasyu gives me, the goldrich chief, the son of Purukutsa,
> Resplendent in their brightness shall convey me. Gairiksita willed it and so came I hither.
> 9 And these, bestowed as sacrificial guerdon, the powerful tawny steeds of Marutasva;
> And thousands which kind Cyavatana gave me, abundantly bestowed for my adornment.
> 10 And these commended horses, bright and active, by Dhvanya son of Laksmana presented,
> Came unto me, as cows into the Rsi Samvarana's stall, with magnitude of riches.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
> 
> 1. BOUNDLESS and wasting not, the heavenly food of Gods goes to the foeless One, doer of wondrous deeds.
> Press out, make ready, offer gifts with special zeal to him whom many laud, accepter of the prayer.
> 2 He who filled full his belly with the Soma's juice, Maghavan, was delighted with the meath's sweet draught,
> When Usana, that he might slay the monstrous beast, gave him the mighty weapon with a thousand points.
> 3 Illustrious is the man whoever presseth out Soma for him in sunshine or in cloud and rain.
> The mighty Maghavan who is the sage's Friend advanceth more and more his beauteous progeny.
> 4 The Strong God doth not flee away from him whose sire, whose mother or whose brother he hath done to death.
> He, the Avenger, seeketh this man's offered gifts: this God, the source of riches, doth not flee from sin.
> 5 He seeks no enterprise with five or ten to aid, nor stays with him who pours no juice though prospering well.
> The Shaker conquers or slays in this way or that, and to the pious gives a stable full of kine.
> 6 Exceeding strong in war he stays the chariot wheel, and, hating him who pours not, prospers him who pours.
> Indra the terrible, tamer of every man, as Arya leads away the Dasa at his will.
> 7 He gathers up for plunder all the niggardís gear: excellent wealth he gives to him who offers gifts.
> Not even in wide stronghold may all the folk stand firm who have provoked to anger his surpassing might.
> 8 When Indra Maghavan hath marked two wealthy men fighting for beauteous cows with all their followers,
> He who stirs all things takes one as his close ally, and, Shaker, with his Heroes, sends the kine to him.
> 9 Agni! I laud the liberal Agnivesi, Satri the type and standard of the pious.
> May the collected waters yield him plenty, and his be powerful and bright dominion.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXV. Indra.
> 
> 1. INDRA, for our assistance bring that most effectual power of thine,
> Which conquers men for us, and wins the spoil, invincible in fight.
> 2 Indra, whatever aids be thine, four be they, or, O Hero, three,
> Or those of the Five Tribes of men, bring quickly all that help to us.
> 3 The aid most excellent of thee the Mightiest hitherward we call,
> For thou wast born with hero might, conquering, Indra, with the Strong.
> 4 Mighty to prosper us wast thou born, and mighty is the strength thou hast.
> In native power thy soul is firm: thy valour, Indra, slays a host.
> 5 O Satakratu, Lord of Strength, O Indra, Caster of the Stone.
> With all thy chariot's force assail the man who shows himself thy foe.
> 6 For, Mightiest Vrtra-slayer, thee, fierce, foremost among many, folk
> Whose sacred grass is trimmed invite to battle where the spoil is won.
> 7 Indra, do thou protect our car that mingles foremost in the fights,
> That bears its part in every fray, invincible and seeking spoil.
> 8 Come to us, Indra, and protect our car with thine intelligence.
> May we, O Mightiest One, obtain excellent fame at break of day, and meditate our hymn at dawn.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
> 
> 1. MAY Indra come to us, he who knows rightly to give forth treasures from his store of riches.
> Even as a thirsty steer who roams the deserts may he drink eagerly the milked-out Soma.
> 2 Lord of Bay Horses, Hero, may the Soma rise to thy cheeks and jaws like mountain-ridges.
> May we, O King, as he who driveth coursers, all joy in thee with hymns, invoked of many!
> 3 Invoked of many, Caster of the Stone my heart quakes like a rolling wheel for fear of penury.
> Shall not Puruvasu the singer give thee praise, O ever-prospering Maghavan, mounted on thy car?
> 4 Like the press-stone is this thy praiser, Indra. Loudly he lifts his voice with strong endeavour.
> With thy left hand, O Maghavan, give us riches: with thy right, Lord of Bays, be not reluctant.
> 5 May the strong Heaven make thee the Strong wax stronger: Strong, thou art borne by thy two strong Bay Horses.
> So, fair of cheek, with mighty chariot, mighty, uphold us, strong-willed, thunderarmed, in battle.
> 6 Maruts, let all the people in obeisance bow down before this youthful Srutaratha,
> Who, rich in steeds, gave me two dark red horses together with three hundred head of cattle.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVII. Indra.
> 
> 1. BEDEWED with holy oil and meetly worshipped, the Swift One vies with Surya's beam in splendour.
> For him may mornings dawn without cessation who saith, Let us press Soma out for Indra.
> 2 With kindled fire and strewn grass let him worship, and, Soma-presser, sing with stones adjusted:
> And let the priest whose press-stones ring forth loudly, go down with his oblation to the river.
> 3 This wife is coming near who loves her husband who carries to his home a vigorous consort.
> Here may his car seek fame, here loudly thunder, and his wheel make a thousand revolutions.
> 4 No troubles vex that King in whose home Indra drinks the sharp Soma juice with milk commingled.
> With heroes he drives near, he slays the foeman: Blest, cherishing that name, he guards his people.
> 5 May he support in peace and win in battle: he masters both the hosts that meet together.
> Dear shall he be to Surya, dear to Agni, who with pressed Soma offers gifts to India.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXVIII. Indra.
> 
> 1. WIDE, Indra Satakratu, spreads the bounty of thine ample grace:
> So, Lord of fair dominion, Friend of all men, give us splendid wealth.
> 2 The food which, Mightiest Indra, thou possessest worthy of renown
> Is bruited as most widely famed, invincible, O Golden-hued!
> 3 O Darter of the Stone, the powers which readily obey thy will,-
> Divinities, both thou and they, ye rule, to guard them, earth and heaven.
> 4 And from whatever power of thine, O Vrtra-slayer, it may be,
> Bring thou to us heroic strength: thou hast a man's regard for us.
> 5 In thy protection, with these aids of thine, O Lord of Hundred Powers,
> Indra, may we be guarded well, Hero, may we be guarded well.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XXXIX. Indra.
> 
> 1. STONE-DARTING Indra. Wondrous One, what wealth is richly given from thee,
> That bounty, Treasure-Finder! bring filling both thy hands, to us.
> 2 Bring what thou deemest worth the wish, O Indra, that which is in heaven.
> So may we know thee as thou art, boundless in thy munificence.
> 3 Thy lofty spirit, far-renowned as fain to give and prompt to win,-
> With this thou rendest e'en the firm, Stone-Darter! so to gain thee strength.
> 4 Singers with many songs have made Indra propitious to their fame,
> Him who is King of human kind, most liberal of your wealthy ones.
> 5 To him, to Indra must be sung the poet's word, the hymn of praise.
> To him, accepter of the prayer, the Atris raise their songs on high, the Atris beautify their songs.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XL. Indra. Surya. Atri.
> 
> 1. COME thou to what the stones have pressed, drink Soma, O thou Soma's Lord,
> Indra best Vrtra-slayer Strong One, with the Strong.
> 2 Strong is the stone, the draught is strong, strong is this Soma that is pressed,
> Indra, best Vrtra-slayer, Strong One with the Strong.
> 3 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunder-armed, with various aids,
> Indra, best Vrtra-slayer, Strong One with the Strong.
> 4 Impetuous, Thunderer, Strong, quelling the mighty, King, potent, Vrtra-slayer, Soma-drinker,
> May he come hither with his yoked Bay Horses; may Indra gladden him at the noon libation.
> 5 O Surya, when the Asura's descendant Svarbhanu, pierced thee through and through with darkness,
> All creatures looked like one who is bewildered, who knoweth not the place where he is standing.
> 6 What time thou smotest down Svarbhanu's magic that spread itself beneath the sky, O Indra,
> By his fourth sacred prayer Atri disoovered Surya concealed in gloom that stayed his function.
> 7 Let not the oppressor with this dread, through anger swallow me up, for I am thine, O Atri.
> Mitra art thou, the sender of true blessings: thou and King Varuna be both my helpers.
> 8 The Brahman Atri, as he set the press-stones, serving the Gods with praise and adoration,
> Established in the heaven the eye of Surya, and caused Svarbhanu's magic arts to vanish.
> 9 The Atris found the Sun again, him whom Svarbhanu of the brood
> Of Asuras had pierced with gloom. This none besides had power to do.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLI. Visvedevas
> 
> 1. WHO, Mitra-Varuna, is your pious servant to give you gifts from earth or mighty heaven?
> Preserve us in the seat of holy Order, and give the offerer power that winneth cattle.
> 2 May Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, and Ayu, Indra Rbhuksan, and the Maruts, love us,
> And they who of one mind with bounteous Rudra accept the hymn and laud with adorations.
> 3 You will I call to feed the car-horse, Asvins, with the wind's flight swiftest of those who travel:
> Or also to the Asura of heaven, Worshipful, bring a hymn as 'twere libation.
> 4 The heavenly Victor, he whose priest is Kanva, Trta with Dyaus accordant, Vata, Agni,
> All-feeding Pusan, Bhaga sought the oblation, as they whose steeds are fleetest seek the contest.
> 5 Bring ye your riches forward borne on horses: let thought be framed for help and gain of treasure.
> Blest he the priest of Ausija through courses, the courses which are yours the fleet, O Maruts.
> 6 Bring hither him who yokes the car, your Vayu, who praises with his songs, the God and Singer;
> And, praying and devout, noble and prudent, may the Gods' Spouses in their thoughts retain us.
> 7 I speed to you with powers that should be honoured, with songs distinguishing Heaven's mighty Daughters,
> Morning and Night, the Two, as 'twere all-knowing: these bring the sacrifice unto the mortal.
> 8 You I extol, the nourishers of heroes bringing you gifts, Vastospati and Tvastar-
> Rich Dhisana accords through our obeisance - andTrees and Plants, for the swift gain of riches.
> 9 Ours be the Parvatas, even they, for offspring, free-moving, who are Heroes like the Vasus.
> May holy Aptya, Friend of man, exalted, strengthen our word for ever and be near us.
> 10 Trta praised him, germ of the earthly hero, with pure songs him the Offspring of the Waters.
> Agn; with might neighs loudly like a charger: he of the flaming hair destroys the forests.
> 11 How shall we speak to the great might of Rudra? How speak to Bhaga who takes thought for riches?
> May Plants, the Waters, and the Sky preserve us, and Woods and Mountains with their trees for tresses.
> 12 May the swift Wanderer, Lord of refreshments listen to our songs, who speeds throuih cloudy heaven:
> And may the Waters, bright like castles, hear us, as they flow onward from the cloven mountain.
> 13 We know your ways, ye Mighty Ones receiving choice meed, ye Wonderful, we will proclaim it.
> Even strong birds descend not to the mortal who strives to reach them with swift blow and weapons.
> 14 Celestial and terrestrial generations, and Waters will I summon to the feasting.
> May days with bright dawns cause my songs to prosper, and may the conquered streams increase their waters.
> 15 Duly to each one hath my laud been offered. Strong be Varutri with her powers to succour.
> May the great Mother Rasa here befriend us, straight-handed, with the princes, striving forward.
> 16 How may we serve the Liberal Ones with worship, the Maruts swift of course in invocation, the Maruts far-renowned in invocation?
> Let not the Dragon of the Deep annoy us, and gladly may he welcome our addresses.
> 17 Thus thinking, O ye Gods, the mortal wins you to give him increase of his herds of cattle: the mortal wins him, O ye Gods, your favour.
> Here he wins wholesome food to feed this body: as for mine old age, Nirrti consume it
> 18 O Gods, may we obtain from you this favour, strengthening food through the Cow's praise, ye Vasus.
> May she who gives good gifts, the gracious Goddes. s, come speeding nigh to us for our well-being.
> 19 May Ila, Mother of the herds of cattle, and Urvasi with all the streams accept us;
> May Urvasi in lofty heaven accepting, as she partakes the oblation of the living,
> 20 Visit us while she shares Urjavya's food.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLII. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. Now may our sweetest song with deep devotion reach Varuna, Mitra, Aditi, and Bhaga.
> May the Five Priests' Lord, dwelling in oblations, bliss-giving Asura, hear, whose paths are open.
> 2 May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart-gladdening son, my song that lauds her.
> The prayer they love, bliss-giving, God-appointed, I offer unto Varuna and Mitra.
> 3 In spirit him, the Sagest of the Sages; with sacrificial oil and meath bedew him 
> So then let him, God Savitar, provide us excellent, ready, and resplendent treasures.
> 4 With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, prosperity, Lord of Bays! and pious patrons;
> And, with the sacred prayer by Gods appointed, give us the holy Deities' lovingkindness.
> 5 God Bhaga, Savitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they who conquer Vrtra's treasures,
> And Vaja and Rbhuksan and Purandhi, the Mighty and Immortal Ones, protect us!
> 6 Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor whom the Maruts follow.
> None of old times, O Maghavan, nor later, none of these days hath reached thy hero prowess.
> 7 Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brhaspati distributor of treasures,
> Who, blessing most the man who sings and praises, comes with abundant wealth to his invoker.
> 8 Tended, Brhaspati, with thy protections, the princes are unharmed and girt by heroes.
> Wealth that brings bliss is found among the givers of horses and of cattle and of raiment.
> 9 Make their wealth flee who, through our hymns enjoying their riches, yield us not an ample guerdon.
> Far from the sun keep those who hate devotion, the godless, prospering in their vocation.
> 10 With wheelless chariots drive down him, O Maruts, who at the feasts of Gods regards the demons.
> May he, though bathed in sweat, form empty wishes, who blames his sacred rite who toils to serve you.
> 11 Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord of every balm that bealeth.
> Worship thou Rudra for his great good favour: adore the Asura, God, with salutations.
> 12 May the House-friends, the cunning-handed Artists, may the Steer's Wives, the streams carved out by Vibhvan,
> And may the fair Ones honour and befriend us, Sarasvati, Brhaddiva, and Raka.
> 13 My newest song, thought that now springs within me, I offer to the Great, the Sure Protector,
> Who made for us this All, in fond love laying each varied form within his Daughter's bosom.
> 14 Now, even now, may thy fair praise, O Singer, attain Idaspati who roars and thunders,
> Who, rich in clouds and waters with his lightning speeds forth bedewing both the earth and heaven.
> 15 May this my laud attain the troop of Maruts, those who are youths in act, the Sons of Rudra.
> The wish calls me to riches and well-being: praise the unwearied Ones whose steeds are dappled.
> 16 May this my laud reach earth and air's mid-region, and forest trees and plants to win me riches.
> May every Deity be swift to listen, and Mother Earth with no ill thought regard me.
> 17 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss.
> 18 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health-bestowing happy guidance.
> Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and joy, Immortals!
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> HYMN XLIII. Visvedevas.
> 
> 1. MAY the Milch-cows who hasten to their object come harmless unto us with liquid sweetness.
> The Singer, lauding, calls, for ample riches, the Seven Mighty Ones who bring enjoyment.
> 2 With reverence and fair praise will I bring hither, for sake of strength, exhaustless Earth and Heaven.
> Father and Mother, sweetof speech, fairhanded, may they, far-famed, in every fight protect us.
> 3 Adhvaryus, make the sweet libations ready, and bring the beautiful bright juice to Vayu.
> God, as our Priest, be thou the first to drink it: we give thee of the mead to make thee joyful.
> 4 Two arms-the Soma's dexterous immo. lators-and the ten fingers set and fix the press-stone.
> The stalk hath poured, fair with its spreading branches, the mead's bright glittering juice that dwells on mountains.
> 5 The Soma hath been pressed for thee, its lover, to give thee power and might and high enjoyment.
> Invoked, turn hither in thy car, O Indra, at need, thy two well-trained and dear Bay Horses.
> 6 Bring by God-traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati, Celestial Lady,
> Exalted, worshipped with our gifts and homage, who knoweth holy Law, to drink sweet Soma.
> 7 As on his father's lap the son, the darling, so on the fire is set the sacred caldron,
> Which holy singers deck, as if extending and heating that which holds the fatty membrane.
> 8 Hither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty song, most sweet and pleasant!
> Come in one car, joy-givers! to the banquet, like the bolt binding pole and nave, come hither.
> 9 I have declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and victorious Vayu,
> Who by their bounty are the hymns' inspirers, and of themselves give power as a possession.
> 10 Invoked by us bring hither, jatavedas the Maruts all under their names and figures.
> Come to
>
> — *RIG VEDA - BOOK THE FIFTH*