Mandala 10 Hymns 101-120

[10-101] HYMN CI. Visvedevas.

1. WAKE with one mind, my friends, and kindle Agni, ye who are many and who dwell together. Agni and Dadhikras and Dawn the Goddess, you, Gods with Indra, I call down to help us.

2 Make pleasant hymns, spin out your songs and praises: build ye a ship equipped with oars for transport.

Prepare the implements, make all things ready, and let the sacrifice, my friends, go forward.

3 Lay on the yokes, and fasten well the traces: formed is the furrow, sow the seed within it.

Through song may we find bearing fraught with plenty: near to the ripened grain approach the sickle.

4 Wise, through desire of bliss from Gods, the skilful bind the traces fast, And lay the yokes on either side.

5 Arrange the buckets in their place securely fasten on the straps.

We will pour forth the well that hath a copious stream, fair-flowing well that never fails.

6 I pour the water from the well with pails prepared and goodly straps, Unfailing, full, with plenteous stream.

7 Refresh the horses, win the prize before you: equip a chariot fraught with happy fortune. Pour forth the well with stone wheel, wooden buckets, the drink of heroes, with the trough for

armour.

8 Prepare the cow-stall, for there drink your heroes: stitch ye the coats of armour, wide and many. Make iron forts, secure from all assailants let not your pitcher leak: stay it securely.

9 Hither, for help, I turn the holy heavenly mind of you the Holy Gods, that longs for sacrifice. May it pour milk for us, even as a stately cow who, having sought the pasture, yields a thousand

streams.

10 Pour golden juice within the wooden vessel: with stone-made axes fashion ye and form it.

Embrace and compass it with tenfold girdle, and to both chariot-poles attach the car-horse.

11 Between both poles the car-horse goes pressed closely, as in his dwelling moves the doubly- wedded.

Lay in the wood the Soviran of the Forest, and sink the well although ye do not dig it.

12 Indra is he, O men, who gives us happiness: sport, urge the giver of delight to win us strength

Bring quickly down, O priests, hither to give us aid, to drink the Soma, Indra Son of Nistigri.

[10-102] HYMN CII. Indra.

1. FOR thee may Indra boldly speed the car that works on either side.

Favour us, Much-invoked! in this most glorious fight against the raiders of our wealth.

2 Loose in the wind the woman’s robe was streaming what time she won a car-load worth a thousand.

The charioteer in fight was Mudgalani: she Indra’s dart, heaped up the prize of battle.

3 O Indra, cast thy bolt among assailants who would slaughter us:

The weapon both of Dasa and of Arya foe keep far away, O Maghavan.

4 The bull in joy had drunk a lake of water. His shattering horn encountered an opponent. Swiftly, in vigorous strength, eager for glory, he stretched his forefeet, fain to win and triumph.

5 They came anear the bull; they made him thunder, made him pour rain down ere the fight was ended.

And Mudgala thereby won in the contest well-pastured kine in hundreds and in thousands.

6 In hope of victory that bull was harnessed: Kesi the driver urged him on with shouting. As he ran swiftly with the car behind him his lifted heels pressed close on Mudgalani.

7 Deftly for him he stretched the car-pole forward, guided the bull thereto and firmly yoked him. Indra vouchsafed the lord of cows his favour: with mighty steps the buffalo ran onward.

8 Touched by the goad the shaggy beast went nobly, bound to the pole by the yoke’s thong of leather.

Performing deeds of might for many people, he, looking on the cows, gained strength and vigour.

9 Here look upon this mace, this bull’s companion, now lying midway on the field of battle. Therewith hath Mudgala in ordered contest won for cattle for himself, a hundred thousand.

10 Far is the evil: who hath here beheld it? Hither they bring the bull whom they are yoking.. To this they give not either food or water. Reaching beyond the pole it gives directions.

11 Like one forsaken, she hath found a husband, and teemed as if her breast were full and flowing. With swiftly-racing chariot may we conquer, and rich and blessed be our gains in battle.

12 Thou, Indra, art the mark whereon the eyes of all life rest, when thou,

A Bull who drivest with thy bull, wilt win the race together with thy weakling friend.

[10-103] HYMN CIII. Indra.

1. SWIFT, rapidly striking, like a bull who sharpens his horns, terrific, stirring up the people, With eyes that close not, bellowing, Sole Hero, Indra. subdued at once a hundred armies.

2 With him loud-roaring, ever watchful, Victor, bold, hard to overthrow, Rouser of battle,

Indra. the Strong, whose hand bears arrows, conquer, ye warriors, now, now vanquish in the combat.

3 He rules with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who with his band rings hosts together, Foe-conquering, strong of arm, the Soma-drinker, with mighty bow, shooting with well-laid arrows.

4 Brhaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving off our foemen. Be thou protector of our cars, destroyer, victor in battle, breaker-up of armies.

5 Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and fierce, victorious, all-subduing, The Son of Conquest, passing men and heroes, kine-winner, mount thy conquering car, O Indra.

6 Cleaver of stalls, kine-winner, armed with thunder, who quells an army and with might destroys it.- Follow him, brothers! quit yourselves like heroes, and like this Indra show your zeal and courage.

7 Piercing the cow-stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the pitiless Hero, wild with anger,

Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless,may he protect our armies in our battles.

8 Indra guide these: Brhaspati precede them, the guerdon, and the sacrifice, and Soma;

And let the banded Maruts march in forefront of heavenly hosts that conquer and demolish.

9 Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuna, and Maruts, and Adityas.

Uplifted is the shout of Gods who conquer high-minded Gods who cause the worlds to tremble.

10 Bristle thou up, O Maghavan, our weapons: excite the spirits of my warring heroes.

Urge on the strong steeds’ might, O Vrtra-slayer, and let the din of conquering cars go upward.

11 May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered: victorious be the arrows of our army. May our brave men of war prevail in battle. Ye Gods, protect us in the shout of onset.

12 Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies and depart, O Apva. Attack them, set their hearts on fire and burn them: so let our foes abide in utter darkness.

13 Advance, O heroes, win the day. May Indra be your sure defence. Exceeding mighty be your arms, that none may wound or injure you.

[10-104] HYMN CIV. Indra.

1. Soma hath flowed for thee, Invoked of mat Speed to our sacrifice with both thy Coursers. To thee have streameld the songs or mighty singers, imploring, Indra, drink of our libation.

2 Drink of the juice which men have washed in waters, and fill thee full, O Lord of Tawny Horses. O Indra, hearer of the laud, with Soma which stones have mixed for thee enhance thy rapture.

3 To make thee start, a strong true draught I offer to thee, the Bull, O thou whom Bay Steeds carry. Here take delight, O Indra, in our voices while thou art hymned with power and all our spirit.

4 O Mighty Indra, through thine aid, thy prowess, obtaining life, zealous, and skilled in Order, Men in the house who share the sacred banquet stand singing praise that brings them store of

children.

5 Through thy directions, Lord of Tawny Coursers, thine who art firm, splendid, and blest, the people

Obtain most liberal aid for their salvation, and praise thee, Indra, through thine excellencies.

6 Lord of the Bays, come with thy two Bay Horses, come to our prayers, to drink the juice of Soma. To thee comes sacrifice which thou acceptest: thou, skilled in holy rites, art he who giveth.

7 Him of a thousand powers, subduing foemen, Maghavan praised with hymns and pleased with

Soma,-

Even him our songs approach, resistless Indra: the adorations of the singer laud him.

8 The way to bliss for Gods and man thou foundest, Indra, seven lovely floods, divine, untroubled, Wherewith thou, rending forts, didst move the ocean, and nine-and-ninety flowing streams of water.

9 Thou from the curse didst free the mighty Waters, and as their only God didst watch and guard them.

O Indra, cherish evermore thy body with those which thou hast won in quelling Vrtra.

10 Heroic power and noble praise is Indra yea, the song worships him invoked of many.

Vrtra he quelled, and gave men room and freedom: gakra, victorious, hath conquered armies.

11 Call we on Maghayan, auspicious Indra. best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vrtras, wins and gathers riches.

[10-105] HYMN CV. Indra.

1. WHEN, Vasu, wilt thou love the laud? Now let the channel bring the stream. The juice is ready to ferment.

2 He whose two Bay Steeds harnessed well, swerving, pursue the Bird’s tail-plumes, With Rowing manes, like heaven and earth, he is the Lord with power to give.

3 Bereft of skill is Indra, if, like some outwearied man he fears

The sinner, when the Mighty hath prepared himself for victory.

4 Indra with these drives round, until he meets with one to worship him: Indra is Master of the pair who snort and swerve upon their way.

5 Borne onward by the long-maned Steeds who stretch themselves as ’twere for food,

The God who wears the helm defends them with his jaws.

6 The Mighty sang with Lofty Ones: the Hero fashioned with his strength, Like skilful Matarisvan with his power and might,

7 The bolt, which pierced at once the vitals of the Dasyu easy to be slain, With jaw uninjured like the wondrous firmament.

8 Grind off our sins: with song will we conquer the men who sing no hymns: Not easily art thou pleased with prayerless sacrifice.

9 When threefold flame burns high for thee, to rest on poles of sacrifice, Thou with the living joyest in the self-bright Ship.

10 Thy glory was the speckled cup, thy glory was the flawless scoop. Wherewith thou pourest into thy receptacle.

11 As hundreds, O Immortal God, have sung to thee, so hath Sumitra, yea, Durmitra praised thee here,

What time thou holpest Kutsa’s son, when Dasyus fell, yea, holpest Kutsa’s darling when the Dasyus died.

[10-106] HYMN CVI. Asvins.

1. THIS very thing ye Twain hold as your object: ye weave your songs as skilful men weave garments. That ye may come united have I waked you: ye spread out food like days of lovely weather.

2 Like two plough-bulls ye move along in traces, and seek like eager guests your bidder’s banquet. Ye are like glorious envoys mid the people: like bulls, approach the place where ye are watered.

3 Like the two pinions of a bird, connected, like two choice animals, ye have sought our worship. Bright as the fire the votary hath kindled, ye sacrifice in many a spot as roamers.

4 Ye are our kinsmen, like two sons, two fathers, strong in your splendour and like kings for conquest; Like rays for our enjoyment, Lords to feed us, ye, like quick bearers, have obeyed our calling.

5 You are like two pleasantly moving well-fed (hills) like Mitra and Varuna, the two bestowers of felicity, veracious, possessors of infinite wealth, happy, like two horses plump with fodder, abiding in the firmament, like two rams (are you) to be nourished with sacrificial food, to be cherished (with oblations).

6 You are like two mad elephants bending their forequarters and smiting the foe, like the two sons of Nitosa destroying (foes), and cherishing (friends); you are bright as two water-born (jewels), do you, who are victorious, (render) my decaying mortal body free from decay.

7 Fierce (Asvins), like two powerful (heroes), you enable this moving, perishable mortal (frame) to cross over to the objects (of its destination) as over water; extremely strong, like the Rbhus, your chariot, attained its destination swift as the wind, it pervaded (everywhere), it dispensed riches.

8 With your bellies full of the Soma, like two saucepans, preservers of wealth, destroyers of enemies. (you are) armed with hatchets, moving like two flying (birds) with forms like the moon, attaining success through the mind, like two laudable beings, (you are) approaching (the sacrifice).

9 Like giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in depths, like feet for one who fords a shallow. Like cars ye will attend to him who orders: ye Two enjoy our wondrous work as sharers.

10 Like toiling bees ye bring to us your honey, as bees into the hide that opens downward.

11 May we increase the laud and gain us vigour: come to our song, ye whom one chariot carries. Filled be our kine with ripened meath like glory: Bhutamsa hath fulfilled the Asvins’ longing.

[10-107] HYMN CVII. Daksina.

1. THESE men’s great bounty hath been manifested, and the whole world of life set free from darkness.

Great light hath come, vouchsafed us by the Fathers: apparent is the spacious path of Guerdon.

2 High up in heaven abide the Guerdon-givers: they who give steeds dwell with the Sun for ever. They who give gold are blest with life eternal. they who give robes prolong their lives, O Soma.

3 Not from the niggards-for they give not fireely-comes Meed at sacrifice, Gods’ satisfaction: Yea, many men with hands stretched out with Guerdon present their gifts because they dread

dishonour.

4 These who observe mankind regard oblation as streamy Vayu and light-finding Arka.

They satisfy and give their gifts in synod, and pour in streams the seven-mothered Guerdon.

5 He who brings Guerdon comes as first invited: chief of the hamlet comes the Guerdon-bearer. Him I account the ruler of the people who was the first to introduce the Guerdon.

6 They call him Rsi, Brahman, Sama-chanter, reciter of the laud, leader of worship.

The brightly-shining God’s three forms he knoweth who first bestowed the sacrificial Guerdon.

7 Guerdon bestows the horse, bestows the bullock, Guerdon bestows, moreover, gold that Rsisters. Guerdon gives food which is our life and spirit. He who is wise takes Guerdon for his armour.

8 The liberal die not, never are they ruined: the liberal suffer neither harm nor trouble. The light of heaven, the universe about us,-all this doth sacrificial Guerdon give them.

9 First have the liberal gained a fragrant dwelling, and got themselves a bride in fair apparel.

The liberal have obtained their draught of liquor, and conquered those who, unprovoked, assailed them.

10 They deck the fleet steed for the bounteous giver: the maid adorns herself and waits to meet him. His home is like a lake with lotus blossoms, like the Gods’ palaces adorned and splendid.

11 Steeds good at draught convey the liberal giver, and lightly rolling moves the car of Guerdon. Assist, ye Gods, the liberal man in battles: the liberal giver conquers foes in combat.

[10-108] HYMN CVIII. Sarama. Panis.

1. WHAT wish of Sarama hath brought her hither? The path leads far away to distant places.

What charge hast thou for us? Where turns thy journey? How hast thou made thy way o’er Rasa’s waters.

2 I come appointed messenger of Indra, seeking your ample stores of wealth, O Panis.

This hath preserved me from the fear of crossing: thus have I made my way o’er Rasa’s waters.

3 What is that Indra like, what is his aspect whose envoy, Sarama, from afar thou comest?

Let him approach, and we will show him friendship: he shall be made the herdsman of our cattle.

4 I know him safe from harm: but he can punish who sent me hither from afar as envoy. Him rivers flowing with deep waters bide not. Low will ye be, O Panis, slain by Indra.

5 These are the kine which, Sarama, thou seekest, flying, O Blest One, to the ends of heaven. Who will loose these for thee without a battle? Yea, and sharp-pointed are our warlike weapons.

6 Even if your wicked bodies, O ye Panis, were arrow-proof, your words are weak for wounding; And were the path to you as yet unmastered, Brhaspati in neither case will spare you.

7 Paved with the rock is this our treasure-chamber; filled full of precious things, of kine, and horses. These Panis who are watchful keepers guard it. In vain hast thou approached this lonely station.

8 Rsis will come inspirited with Soma, Angirases unwearied, and Navagvas.

This stall of cattle will they part among them: then will the Panis wish these words unspoken.

9 Even thus, O Sarama, hast thou come hither, forced by celestial might to make the journey. Turn thee not back, for thou shalt be our sister: O Blest One, we will give thee of the cattle.

10 Brotherhood, sisterhood, I know not either: the dread Angirases and Indra know them. They seemed to long for kine when I departed. Hence, into distance, be ye gone, O Panis.

11 Hence, far away, ye Panis! Let the cattle lowing come forth as holy Law commandeth, Kine which Brhaspati, and Soma, Rsis, sages, and pressing-stones have found when hidden.

[10-109] HYMN CIX. Visvedevas.

1. THESE first, the boundless Sea, and Matarisvan, fierce-glowing Fire, the Strong, the Bliss- bestower.

And heavenly Floods, first-born by holy Order, exclaimed against the outrage on a Brahman.

2 King Soma first of all, without reluctance, made restitution of the Brahman’s consort. Mitra and Varuna were the inviters: Agni as Hota; took her hand and led her.

3 The man, her pledge, must by her hand be taken when they have cried, She is a Brahman’s consort. She stayed not for a herald to conduct her: thus is the kingdom of a ruler guarded.

4 Thus spake of her those Gods of old, Seven Rsis who sate them down to their austere devotion:

Dire is a Brahman’s wife led home by others: in the supremest heaven she plants confusion.

5 The Brahmacari goes engaged in duty: he is a member of the Gods’ own body.

Through him Brhaspati obtained his consort, as the Gods gained the ladle brought by Soma.

6 So then the Gods restored her, so men gave the woman back again.

The Kings who kept their promises restored the Brahman’s wedded wife,

7 Having restored the Brahman’s wife, and freed them, with Gods’ aid, from sin, They shared the fulness of the earth, and won themselves extended sway.

[10-110] HYMN CX. Apris.

1. THOU in the house of man this day enkindled worshippest Gods as God, O Jatavedas. Observant, bright as Mitra, bring them hither: thou art a sapient and foreknowing envoy.

2 Tanunapat, fair-tongued, with sweet meath balming the paths and waysof Order, make them pleasant.

Convey our sacrifice to heaven, exalting with holy thoughts ourhymns of praise and worship.

3 Invoked, deserving prayer and adoration, O Agni, come accordant with the Vasus. Thou art, O Youthful Lord, the Gods’ Invoker, so, best of Sacrificers, bring them quickly.

4 By rule the Sacred Grass is scattered eastward, a robe to clothe this earth when dawns are breaking.

Widely it spreads around and far-extended, fair for the Gods and bringing peace and freedom.

5 Let the expansive Doors be widely opened, like wives who deck their beauty for their husbands. Lofty, celestial, all-impelling Portals, admit the Gods and give them easy entrance.

6 Pouring sweet dews let holy Night and Morning, each close to each, he seated at their station, Lofty, celestial Dames with gold to deck them. assuming all their fair and radiant beauty.

7 Come the two first celestial sweet-voiced Hotars, arranging sacrifice for man to worship

As singers who inspire us in assemblies, showing the eastward light with their direction.

8 Let Bharati come quickly to our worship, and Ila showing like a human being.

So let Sarasvati and both her fellows, deft Goddesses, on this fair grass be seated.

9 Hotar more skilled in sacrifice, bring hither with speed to-day God Tvastar, thou who knowest. Even him who formed these two, the Earth and Heaven the Parents, with their forms, and every

creature.

10 Send to our offerings which thyself thou balmest the Companies of Gods in ordered season. Agni, Vanaspati the Immolator sweeten our offered gift with meath and butter.

11 Agni, as soon as he was born, made ready the sacrifice, and was the Gods’ preceder.

May the Gods cat our offering consecrated according to this true Priest’s voice and guidance.

[10-111] HYMN CXI. Indra.

1. BRING forth your sacred song ye prudent singers, even as are the thoughts of human beings. Let us draw Indra with true deeds anear us: he loves our songs, the Hero, and is potent.

2 The hymn shone brightly from the seat of worship: to the kine came the Bull, the Heifer’s Offipring

With mighty bellowing hath he arisen, and hath pervaded even the spacious regions.

3 Indra knows, verily, how to hear our singing, for he, victorious, made a path for Surya.

He made the Cow, and be became the Sovran of Heaven, primeval, matchless, and unshaken.

4 Praised by Angirases, Indra demolished with might the works of the great watery monster

Full many regions, too, hath he pervaded, and by his truth supported earth’s foundation.

5 The counterpart of heaven and earth is Indra: he knoweth all libations, slayeth Susna. The vast sky with the Sun hath he extended, and, best otpillars, stayed it with a pillar.

6 The Vrtra-slaver with his bolt felled Vrtra: the magic of the godless, waxen mighty,

Here hast thou, Bold Assailant, boldly conquered. Yea, then thine arms, O Maghavan, were potent.

7 When the Dawns come attendant upon Surya their rays discover wealth of divers colours. The Star of heaven is seen as ’twere approaching: none knoweth aught of it as it departeth.

8 Far have they gone, the first of all these waters, the waters that flowed forth when Indra sent them.

Where is their spring, and where is their foundation? Where now, ye Waters, is your inmost centre?

9 Thou didst free rivers swallowed by the Dragon; and rapidly they set themselves in motion,

Those that were loosed and those that longed for freedom. Excited now to speed they run unresting.

10 Yearning together they have sped to Sindhu: the Fort-destroyer, praised, of old, hath loved them. Indra, may thy terrestrial treasures reach us, and our full songs of joy approach thy dwelling.

[10-112] HYMN CXII. Indra.

1. DRINK of the juice, O Indra, at thy plea. sure, for thy first draught is early morn’s libation. Rejoice, that thou mayst slay our foes, O Hero, and we with lauds will tell thy mighty exploits.

2 Thou hast a car more swift than thought, O Indra; thercon come hither, come to drink the Soma. Let thy Bay Steeds, thy Stallions, hasten hither, with whom thou cornest nigh and art delighted.

3 Deck out thy body with the fairest colours, with golden splendour of the Sun adorn it. O Indra, turn thee hitherward invited by us thy friends; be seated and be joyful.

4 O thou whose grandeur in thy festive transports not even these two great worlds have comprehended.

Come, Indra, with thy dear Bay Horses harnessed, come to our dwelling and the food thou lovest.

5 Pressed for thy joyous banquet is the Soma, Soma whereof thou, Indra, ever drinking,

Hast waged unequalled battles with thy foemen, which prompts the mighty flow of thine abundance.

6 Found from of old is this thy cup, O Indra: Satakratu, drink therefrom the Soma.

Filled is the beaker with the meath that gladdens, the beaker which all Deities delight in.

7 From many a side with proffered entertainment the folk are calling thee, O Mighty Indra.

These our libations shall for thee be richest in sweet meath: dvink thereof and find them pleasant.

8 I will declare thy deeds of old, O Indra, the mighty acts which thou hast first accomplished. In genuine wrath thou loosenedst the mountain so that the Brahman easily found the cattle.

9 Lord of the hosts, amid our bands be seated: they call thee greatest Sage among the sages. Nothing is done, even far away, without thee: great, wondrous, Maghavan, is the hymn I sing thee.

10 Aim of our eyes be thou, for we implore thee, O Maghavan, Friend of friends and Lord of treasures. Fight, Warrior strong in truth, fight thou the battle: give us our share of undivided riches.

[10-113] HYMN CXTII. Indra.

1. THE Heavens and the Earth accordant with all Gods encouraged graciously that vigorous might of his.

When he came showing forth his majesty and power, he drank of Soma juice and waxed exceeding strong.

2 This majesty of his Visnu extols and lauds, making the stalCthat gives the meath flow forth with inight.

When Indra Maghavan with those who followed him had smitten Vrtra he deserved the choice of

Gods.

3 When, bearing warlike weapons, fain to win thee praise, thou mettest Vrtra, yea, the Dragon, for the fight,

Then all the Maruts who were gathered with dice there extolled, O Mighty One, thy powerful majesty.

4 Soon as he sprang to life he forced asun. der hosts: forward the Hero looked to manly deed and war. He cleft the rock, he let concurrent streams flow forth, and with his skilful art stablished the heavens’

wide vault.

5 Indra hath evermore possessed surpassing power: he forced, far from each other, heaven and earth apart.

He hurled impetuous down his iron thunderbolt, a joy to Varuna’s and Mitra’s worshipper.

6 Then to the mighty powers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce Stormer, loud of voice, they came with speed;

What time the Potent One rent Vrtra with his strength, who held the waters back, whom darkness compassed round.

7 Even in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove together came with might to execute, Deep darkness fell upon the slain, and Indra won by victory the right of being first invoked.

8 Then all the Gods extolled, with eloquence inspired by draughts of Soma juice, thy deeds of manly might.

As Agni eats the dry food with his tcetlv, he ate Vrtra, the Dragon, maimed by Indra’s deadly dart.

9 Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent.

Indra, when he subdues Dhuni and Cumuri, lists to Dabhiti for his faithful spirit’s sake.

10 Give riches manifold with noble horses, to be remembered while my songs address thee. May we by easy paths pass all our troubles: find us this day a ford wide and extensive.

[10-114] HYMN CXIV. Visvedevas.

1. Two perfect springs of heat pervade the Threefold, and come for their delight is Matarisvan. Craving the milk of heaven the Gods are present: well do they know the praisesong and the Saman.

2 The priests beard far away, as they are ordered, serve the three Nirrtis, for well they know them. Sages have traced the cause that first produced them, dwelling in distant and mysterious chambers.

3 The Youthful One, well-shaped, with four locks braided, brightened with oil, puts on the ordinances.

Two Birds of mighty power are seated near her, there where the Deities receive their portion.

4 One of these Birds hath passed into the sea of air: thence he looks round and views this universal world.

With simple heart I have beheld him from anear: his Mother kisses him and he returns her kiss.

5 Him with fair wings though only One in nature, wise singers shape, with songs, in many figures. While they at sacrifices fix the metres, they measure out twelve chalices of Soma.

6 While they arrange the four and six-and-thirty, and duly order, up to twelve, the measures, Having disposed the sacrifice thoughtful sages send the Car forward with the Rc and Saman.

7 The Chariot’s majesties are fourteen others: seven sages lead it onward with their Voices. Who will declare to us the ford Apnana, the path whereby they drink first draughts of Soma?

8 The fifteen lauds are in a thousand places that is as vast as heaven and earth in measure.

A thousand spots contain the mighty thousand. Vak spreadeth forth as far as Prayer extendeth.

9 What sage hath learned the metres’ application? Who hath gained Vak, the spirit’s aim and object? Which ministering priest is called eighth Hero? Who then hath tracked the two Bay Steeds of Indra?

10 Yoked to his chariot-pole there stood the Coursers: they only travel round earth’s farthest limits. These, when their driver in his home is settled, receive the allotted meed of their exertion.

[10-115] HYMN CXV. Agni.

1. VERILY wondrous is the tender Youngling’s growth who never draweth nigh to drink his Mothers’ milk.

As soon as she who hath no udder bore him, he, faring on his great errand, suddenly grew strong.

2 Then Agni was his name, most active to bestow, gathering up the trees with his consuming tooth; Skilled in fair sacrifice, armed with destroying tongue, impetuous as a bull that snorteth in the mead.

3 Praise him, yourGod who, bird-like, rests upon a tree, scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his flood,

Speaking aloud with flame as with his lips a priest, and broadening his paths like one of high command.

4 Thou Everlasting, whom, far-striding fain to burn, the winds, uninterrupted, never overcome, They have approached, as warriors eager for the fight, heroic Trita, guiding him to gain his wish.

5 This Agni is the best of Kanvas, Kanvas’ Friend, Conqueror of the foe whether afar or near.

May Agni guard the singers, guard the princes well: may Agni grant to us our princes’ gracious help.

6 Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of Jatavedas, mightiest of all,

Who surely gives a boon even in thirsty land most powerful, prepared to aid us in the wilds.

7 Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded, excellent for conquering strength with chiefs,

Men who are well-disposed as friends and true to Law, even as the heavens in majesty surpass mankind.

8 O Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta’s most potent voice reveres thee. Blest with brave sons by thee we will extol thee, and lengthen out the days of our existence.

9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrstihavya, the Rsis, the Upastutas invoked thee.

Protect them, guard the singers and the princes. With Vasat! have they come, with hands uplifted, with their uplifted hands and cries of Glory!

[10-116] HYMN CXV1. Indra.

1. DRINK Soma juice for mighty power and vigour, drink, Strongest One, that thou mayst smite down

Vrtra.

Drink thou, invoked, for strength, and riches: drink thou thy fill of meath and pour it down, O Indra.

2 Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what thou choosest of the flowing Soma. Giver of weal, be joyful in thy spirit, and turn thee hitherward to bless and prosper.

3 Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, O Indra, let that effused among mankind delight thee. Rejoice in that whereby thou gavest freedom, and that whereby thou conquerest thy foemen.

4 Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers. With juices pressed in milk, with meath presented, glut evermore thy bolt, O Foe-destroyer.

5 Dash down, outffaming their sharp flaming weapons, the strong-holds of the men urged on by demons.

I give thee, Mighty One, great strength and conquest: go, meet thy foes and rend them in the battle.

6 Extend afar the votary’s fame and glory, as the firm archer’s strength drives off the foeman. Ranged on our side, grown strong in might that conquers, never defeated, still increase thy body.

7 To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran Ruler, free from anger.

Juice, Maghavan, for thee is pressed and ripened: eat, Indra, drink of that which stirs to meet thee.

8 Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased with food made ready and with Soma. With entertainment we receive thee friendly: effectual be the sacrificer’s wishes.

9 I send sweet speech to Indra and to Agni: with hymns I speed it like a boat through waters. Even thus, the Gods seem moving round about me, the fountains and bestowers of our riches.

[10-117] HYMN CXVII. Liberality.

1. THE Gods have not ordained hunger to be our death: even to the well-fed man comes death in varied shape.

The riches of the liberal never waste away, while he who will not give finds none to comfort him.

2 The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, Hardens his heart against him-even when of old he did him service-finds not one to comfort him.

3 Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food and feeble. Success attends him in the shout of battle. He makes a friend of him in future troubles.

4 No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing. Let him depart-no home is that to rest in-, and rather seek a stranger to support him.

5 Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling.

6 The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food -I speak the truth- shall be his ruin. He feeds no trusty friend, no man to love him. All guilt is he who eats with no partaker.

7 The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and with its feet cuts through the path it follows.

Better the speaking than the silent Brahman: the liberal friend outyalues him who gives not.

8 He with one foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two-footed catches the three-footed.

Four-footed creatures come when bipeds call them, and stand and look where five are met together.

9 The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of sister milch-kine is unequal. Twins even diffier in their strength and vigour: two, even kinsmen, differ in their bounty.

[10-118] HYMN CXVIII. Agni.

1. AGNI, refulgent among men thou slayest the devouring fiend, Bright Ruler in thine own abode.

2 Thou springest up when worshipped well the drops of butter are thy joy

When ladies are brought near to thee.

3 Honoured with gifts he shines afar, Agni adorable with song: The dripping ladle balms his face.

4 Agni with honey in his mouth, honoured with gifts, is balmed with oil, Refulgent in his wealth of light.

5 Praised by our hymns thou kindlest thee, Oblation-bearer, for the Gods

As such do mortals call on thee.

6 To that Immortal Agni pay worship with oil, ye mortal men,- Lord of the house, whom none deceives.

7 O Agni, burn the Raksasas with thine unconquerable flame

Shine guardian of Eternal Law.

8 So, Agni, with thy glowing face burn fierce against the female fiends, Shining among Uruksayas.

9 Uruksayas have kindled thee, Oblation-bearer, thee, with hymns. Best Worshipper among mankind.

[10-119] HYMN CXIX. Indra.

1. THIS, even this was my resolve, to win a cow, to win a steed: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

2 Like violent gusts of wind the draughts that I have drunk have lifted me