[10-081] HYMN LXXXI. Visvakarman.

1. HE who sate down as Hotar-priest, the Rsi, our Father, offering up all things existing,- He, seeking through his wish a great possession, came among men on earth as archetypal.

2 What was the place whereon he took his station? What was it that supported him? How was it? Whence Visvakarman, seeing all, producing the earth, with mighty power disclosed the heavens.

3 He who hath eyes on all sides round about him, a mouth on all sides, arms and feet on all sides, He, the Sole God, producing earth and heaven, weldeth them, with his arms as wings, together.

4 What was the tree, what wood in sooth produced it, from which they fashioned out the earth and heaven?

Ye thoughtful men inquire within your spirit whereon he stood when he established all things.

5 Nine highest, lowest, sacrificial natures, and these thy mid-most here, O Visvakarman, Teach thou thy friends at sacrifice, O Blessed, and come thyself, exalted, to our worship.

6 Bring thou thyself, exalted with oblation, O Visvakarman, Earth and Heaven to worship. Let other men around us live in folly here let us have a rich and liberal patron.

7 Let us invoke to-day, to aid our labour, the Lord of Speech, the thought-swift Visvakarman. May he hear kindly all our invocations who gives all bliss for aid, whose works are righteous.

[10-082] HYMN LXXXII. Visvakarman.

1. THE Father of the eye, the Wise in spirit, created both these worlds submerged in fatness. Then when the eastern ends were firmly fastened, the heavens and the earth were far extended.

2 Mighty in mind and power is Visvakarman, Maker, Disposer, and most lofty Presence. Their offerings joy in rich juice where they value One, only One, beyond the Seven Rsis.

3 Father who made us, he who, as Disposer, knoweth all races and all things existing, Even he alone, the Deities’ narne-giver,him other beings seek for information.

4 To him in sacrifice they offered treasures,-Rsis of old, in numerous troops, as singers,

Who, in the distant, near, and lower region, made ready all these things that have existence.

5 That which is earlier than this earth and heaven, before the Asuras and Gods had being,-

What was the germ primeval which the waters received where all the Gods were seen together?

6 The waters, they received that germ primeval wherein the Gods were gathefed all together. It rested set upon the Unborn’s navel, that One wherein abide all things existing.

7 Ye will not find him who produced these creatures: another thing hath risen up among you. Enwrapt in misty cloud, with lips that stammer, hymn-chanters wander and are discontented.

[10-083] HYMN LXXXII. Manyu.

1. HE who hath reverenced thee, Manyu, destructive bolt, breeds for himself forthwith all conquering energy.

Arya and Dasa will we conquer with thine aid, with thee the Conqueror, with conquest conquest- sped.

2 Manyu was Indra, yea, the God, was Manyu, Manyu was Hotar, Varuna, Jatavedas.

The tribes of human lineage worship Manyu. Accordant with thy fervour, Manyu, guard us.

3 Come hither, Manyu, mightier tham the mighty; chase, with thy fervour for ally, our foemen. Slayer of foes, of Vrtra, and of Dasyu, bring thou to us all kinds of wealth and treasure.

4 For thou art, Manyu, of surpassing vigour, fierce, queller of the foe, and self-existent, Shared by all men, victorious, subduer: vouchsafe to us superior strengith in battles.

5 I have departed, still without a portion, wise God! according to thy will, the Mighty. I, feeble man, was wroth thee, O Manyu I am myself; come thou to give me vigour.

6 Come hither. I am all thine own; advancing turn thou to me, Victorious, All-supporter!

Come to me, Manyu, Wielder of the Thunder: bethink thee of thy friend, and slay the Dasyus.

7 Approach, and on my right hand hold thy station: so shall we slay a multitude of foemen. The best of meath I offer to support thee: may we be first to drink thereof in quiet.

[10-084] HYMN LXXXIV. Manyu.

1. BORNE on with thee, O Manyu girt by Maruts, let our brave men, impetuous, bursting forward, March on, like flames of fire in form, exulting, with pointed arrows, sharpening their weapons.

2 Flashing like fire, be thou, O conquering Manyu, invoked, O Victor, as our army’s leader.

Slay thou our foes, distribute their possessions: show forth thy vigour, scatter those who hate us.

3 O Manyu, overcome thou our assailant on! breaking, slaying, crushing down the foemen.

They have not hindered thine impetuous vigour: Mighty, Sole born! thou makest them thy subjects.

4 Alone or many thou art worshipped, Manyu: sharpen the spirit of each clan for battle. With thee to aid, O thou of perfect splendour, we will uplift the glorious shout for conquest.

5 Unyielding bringing victory like Indra, O Manyu, be thou here our Sovran Ruler.

To thy dear name, O Victor, we sing praises: we know the spring from which thou art come hither.

6 Twin-born with power, destructive bolt of thunder, the highest conquering might is thine, Subduer! Be friendly to its in thy spirit, Manyu, O Much-invoked, in shock of mighty battle.

7 For spoil let Varuna and Manyu give us the wealth of both sides gathered and collected; And let our enemies with stricken spirits, o’erwhelmed with terror, slink away defeated.

[10-085] HYMN LXXXV. Surya’s Bridal.

1. TRUTH is the base that bears the earth; by Surya are the heavens sustained. By Law the Adityas stand secure, and Soma holds his place in heaven.

2 By Soma are the Adityas strong, by Soma mighty is the earth. Thus Soma in the midst of all these constellations hath his place.

3 One thinks, when they have brayed the plant, that he hath drunk the Soma’s juice; Of him whom Brahmans truly know as Soma no one ever tastes.

4 Soma, secured by sheltering rules, guarded by hymns in Brhati,

Thou standest listening to the stones none tastes of thee who dwells on earth.

5 When they begin to drink thee then, O God, thou swellest out again. Vayu is Soma’s guardian God. The Moon is that which shapes the years.

6 Raibhi was her dear bridal friend, and Narasamsi led her home. Lovely was Surya’s robe: she came to that which Gatha had adorned.

7 Thought was the pillow of her couch, sight was the unguent for her eyes: Her treasury was earth and heaven..when Surya went unto her Lord.

8 Hymns were the cross-bars of the pole, Kurira-metre decked the car: The bridesmen were the Asvin Pair Agni was leader of the train.

9 Soma was he who wooed the maid: the groomsmen were both Asvins, when

The Sun-God Savitar bestowed his willing Surya on her Lord.

10 Her spirit was the bridal car; the covering thereof was heaven:

Bright were both Steers that drew it when Surya approached her husband’s, home.

11 Thy Steers were steady, kept in place by holy verse and Sama-hymn: All car were thy two chariot wheels: thy path was tremulous in the sky,

12 Clean, as thou wentest, were thy wheels wind, was the axle fastened there. Surya, proceeding to her Lord, mounted a spirit-fashioried car.

13 The bridal pomp of Surya, which Savitar started, moved along. In Magha days are oxen slain, in Arjuris they wed the bride.

14 When on your three-wheeled chariot, O Asvins, ye came as wooers unto Surya’s bridal, Then all the Gods agreed to your proposal Pusan as Son elected you as Fathers.

15 O ye Two Lords of lustre, then when ye to Surya’s wooing came,

Where was one chariot wheel of yours? Where stood ye for die Sire’s command?

16 The Brahmans, by their seasons, know, O Surya, those two wheels of thine: One kept concealed, those only who are skilled in highest truths have learned.

17 To Surya and the Deities, to Mitra and to Varuna.

Who know aright the thing that is, this adoration have I paid.

18 By their own power these Twain in close succession move; They go as playing children round the sacrifice.

One of the Pair beholdeth all existing things; the other ordereth seasons and is born again.

19 He, born afresh, is new and new for ever ensign of days he goes before the Mornings

Coming, he orders f6r the Gods their portion. The Moon prolongs the days of our existence.

20 Mount this, all-shaped, gold-hued, with strong wheels, fashioned of Kimsuka and Salmali, light- rolling,

Bound for the world of life immortal, Surya: make for thy lord a happy bridal journey.

21 Rise up from hence: this maiden hath a husband. I laud Visvavasu with hymns and homage. Seek in her father’s home another fair one, and find the portion from of old assigned thee.

22 Rise up from hence, Visvavasu: with reverence we worship thee. Seek thou another willing maid, and with her husband leave the bride.

23 Straight in direction be the path:s, and thornless, whereon our fellows travel to the wooing. Let Aryaman and Bhaga lead us: perfect, O Gods, the union of the wife and husband.

24 Now from the noose of Varuna I free thee, wherewith Most Blessed Savitar hath bound thee. In Law’s seat, to the world of virtuous action, I give thee up uninjured with thy consort.

25 Hence, and not thence, I send these free. I make thee softly fettered there. That, Bounteous Indra, she may live blest in her fortune and her sons.

26 Let Pusan take thy hand and hence conduct thee; may the two Asvins on their car transport thee. Go to the house to be the household’s mistress and speak as lady ito thy gathered people.

27 Happy be thou and prosper witlh thy children here: be vigilant to rule thy household in this home. Closely unite thy body with this; man, thy lord. So shall ye, full of years, address your company.

28 Her hue is blue and red: the fienod who clingeth close is driven off. Well thrive the kinsmen of this bride the husband is bourid fast in bonds.

29 Give thou the woollen robe away: deal treasure to the Brahman priests. This female fiend hath got her feet, and as a wife attends her lord.

30 Unlovely is his body when it glistens with this wicked fiend,

What time the husband wraps about his limbs the garment of his wife.

31 Consumptions, from her people, which follow the bride’s resplendent train,- These let the Holy Gods again bear to the place from which they came.

32 Let not the highway thieves who lie in ambush find the wedded pair. By pleasant ways let them escape the danger, and let foes depart.

33 Signs of good fortune mark the bride come all of you and look at her.

Wish her prosperity, and then return unto your homes again.

34 Pungent is this, and bitter this, filled, as it were, with arrow-barbs, Empoisoned and.not fit for use. The Brahman who knows Surya well deserves the garment of the bride.

35 The fringe, the cloth that decks her head, and then the triply parted robe,- Behold the hues which Surya wears these doth the Brahman purify.

36 I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy husband. Gods, Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhi, have given thee to be my household’s mistress.

37 O Pusan, send her on as most auspicious, her who shall be the sharer of my pleasures;

Her who shall twine her loving arms about me, and welcome all my love and mine embraces.

38 For thee, with bridal train, they, first, escorted Surya to her home. Give to the husband in return, Agni, the wife with progeny.

39 Agni hath given the bride again with splendour and with ample life. Long lived be he who is her lord; a hundred autumns let him live.

40 Soma obtained her first of all; next the Gandharva was her lord. Agai was thy third husband: now one bornof woman is thy fourth.

41 Soma to the Gandharva, and to Agni the Gandharva gave:

And Agni hath bestowed on me riches and sons and this my spouse.

42 Be ye not parted; dwell ye here reach the full time of human life. With sons and grandsons sport and play, rejoicing in your own abode.

43 So may Prajapati bring children forth to us; may Aryaman adorn us till old age come nigh.

Not inauspicious enter thou thy husband’s house: bring blessing to our bipeds and our quadrupeds.

44 Not evil-eyed, no slayer of thy husband, bring weal to cattle, radiant, gentlehearted; Loving the Gods, delightful, bearing heroes, bring blessing to our quadrupeds and bipeds.

45 O Bounteous Indra, make this bride blest in her sons and fortunate. Vouchsafe to her ten sons, and make her husband the eleventh man.

46 Over thy husband’s father and thy husband’s mother bear full sway. Over the sister of tby lord, over his brothers rule supreme.

47 So may the Universal Gods, so may the Waters join our hearts. May Matarisvan, Dhatar, and Destri together bind us close.

[10-086] HYMN LXXXVI. Indra.

1. MEN have abstained from pouring juice they count not Indra as a God.

Where at the votary’s store my friend Vrsakapi hath drunk his fill. Supreme is Indra over all.

2 Thou, Indra, heedless passest by the ill Vrsakapi hath wrought;

Yet nowhere else thou findest place wherein to drink the Soma juice. Supreme is Indra over all.

3 What hath he done to injure thee, this tawny beast Vrsakapi,

With whom thou art so angry now? What is the votary’s foodful store? Supreme is Indra over all.

4 Soon may the hound who hunts the boar seize him and bite him in the car,

O Indra, that Vrsakapi whom thou protectest as a friend, Supreme is Indra over all.

5 Kapi hath marred the beauteous things, all deftly wrought, that were my joy.

In pieces will I rend his head; the sinner’s portion sball be woo. Supreme is Indra over all.

6 No Dame hath ampler charms than 1, or greater wealth of love’s delights.

None with more ardour offers all her beauty to her lord’s embrace. Supreme is Indra over all.

7 Mother whose love is quickly wibn, I say what verily will be.

My,breast, O Mother, and my head and both my hips seem quivering. Supreme is Indra over all.

8 Dame with the lovely hands and arms, with broad hair-plaits add ample hips,

Why, O thou Hero’s wife, art thou angry with our Vrsakapi? Supreme is Indra over all.

9 This noxious creature looks on me as one bereft of hero’s love,

Yet Heroes for my sons have I, the Maruts’ Friend and Indra’s Queen. Supreme is Indra over all.

10 From olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice.

Mother of Heroes, Indra’s Queen, the rite’s ordainer is extolled. Supreme is Indra over all.

11 So have I heard Indrani called most fortunate among these Dames,

For never shall her Consort die in future time through length of days. Supreme is Indra overall.

12 Never, Indralni, have I joyed without my friend Vrsakapi,

Whose welcome offering here, made pure with water, goeth to the Gods. Supreme is Indra over all.

13 Wealthy Vrsakapayi, blest with sons and consorts of thy sons,

Indra will eat thy bulls, thy dear oblation that effecteth much. Supreme is Indra over all.

14 Fifteen in number, then, for me a score of bullocks they prepare,

And I devour the fat thereof: they fill my belly full with food. Supreme is Indra over all.

15 Like as a bull with pointed horn, loud bellowing amid the herds,

Sweet to thine heart, O Indra, is the brew which she who tends thee pours. Supreme is Indra over all.

18 O Indra this Vrsakapi hath found a slain wild animal,

Dresser, and new-made pan, and knife, and wagon with a load of wood. Supreme is Indra over all.

19 Distinguishing the Dasa and the Arya, viewing all, I go.

I look upon the wise, and drink the simple votary’s Soma juice. Supreme is Indra over all.

20 The desert plains and steep descents, how many leagues in length they spread! Go to the nearest houses, go unto thine home, Vrsakapi. Supreme is Indra over all.

21 Turn thee again Vrsakapi: we twain will bring thee happiness.

Thou goest homeward on thy way along this path which leads to sleep. Supreme is Indra over all.

22 When, Indra and Vrsakapi, ye travelled upward to your home,

Where was that noisome beast, to whom went it, the beast that troubles man? Supreme is Indra over all.

23 Daughter of Manu, Parsu bare a score of children at a birth.

Her portion verily was bliss although her burthen caused her grief.

[10-087] HYMN LXXXVII. Agni.

1. I BALM with oil the mighty Raksas-slayer; to the most famous Friend I come for shelter

Enkindled, sharpened by our rites, may Agni protect us in the day and night from evil.

2 O Jatavedas with the teeth of iron, enkindled with thy flame attack the demons.

Seize with thy longue the foolish gods’ adorers: rend, put within thy mouth the raw-flesh caters.

3 Apply thy teeth, the upper and the lower, thou who hast both, enkindled and destroying. Roam also in the air, O King, around us, and with thy jaws assail the wicked spirits.

4 Bending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their points with song as if with whetstones, Pierce to the heart therewith the Yatudhanas, and break their arms uplifed to attack thee.

5 Pierce through the Yatudhana’s skin, O Agni; let the destroying dart with fire consume him. Rend his joints, Jatavedas, let the cater of flesh, flesh-seeking, track his mangled body.

6 Where now thou seest Agni Jatavedas, one of these demons standing still or roaming, Or flying on those paths in air’s midregion, sharpen the shaft and as an archer pierce him.

7 Tear from the evil spirit, Jatavedas, what he hath seized and with his spears hath captured. Blazing before him strike him down, O Agni; let spotted carrion-eating kites devour him.

8 Here tell this forth, O Agni: whosoever is, he himself, or acteth as, a demon,

Him grasp, O thou Most Youthful, with thy fuel. to the Mati-seer’s eye give him as booty.

9 With keen glance guard the sacrifice, O Agni: thou Sage, conduct it onward to the Vasus. Let not the fiends, O Man-beholder, harm thee burning against the Raksasas to slay them.

10 Look on the fiend mid men, as Man-beholder: rend thou his three extremities in pieces. Demolish with thy flame his ribs, O Agni, the Yatudhana’s root destroy thou triply.

11 Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his falsehood injures Holy Order. Loud roaring with thy flame, O Jatavedas, crush him and cast him down before the singer.

12 Lead thou the worshipper that eye, O Agni, wherewith thou lookest on the hoof-armed demon. With light celestial in Atharvan’s manner burn up the foot who ruins truth with falsehood.

13 Agni, what curse the pair this day have uttered, what heated word the worshippers have spoken,

Each arrowy taunt sped from the angry spirit,-pierce to the heart therewith the Yatudhanas.

14 With fervent heat exterminate the demons; destroy the fiends with burning flame, O Agni. Destroy with fire the foolish gods’ adorers; blaze and destrepy the insatiable monsters.

15 May Gods destroy this day the evil-doer may each hot curse of his return and blast him. Let arrows pierce the liar in his vitals, and Visva’s net enclose the Yatudhana.

16 The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle, with flesh of horses and of human bodies, Who steals the milch-cow’s milk away, O Agni,-tear off the heads of such with fiery fury.

17 The cow gives milk each year, O Man-regarder: let not the Yatudhana ever taste it.

If one would glut him with the biesting, Agni, pierce with thy flame his vitals as he meets thee.

18 Let the fiends drink the poison of the cattle; may Aditi cast off the evildoers.

May the God Savitar give them up to ruin, and be their share of plants and herbs denied them.

19 Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall Raksasas in fight o’ercome thee. Burn up the foolish ones, the flesh-devourers: let none of them escape thine heavenly arrow.

20 Guard us, O Agni, from above and under, protect us fl-om behind us and before us;

And may thy flames, most fierce and never wasting, glowing with fervent heat, consume the sinner.

21 From rear, from front, from under, from above us, O King, protect us as a Sage with wisdom. Guard to old age thy friend, O Friend, Eternal: O Agni, as Immortal, guard us mortals.

22 We set thee round us as a fort, victorious Agni, thee a Sage, Of hero lineage, day by day, destroyer of our treacherous foes.

23 Burn with thy poison turned against the treacherous brood of Raksasas, O Agni, with thy sharpened glow, with lances armed with points of flame.

24 Burn thou the paired Kimidins, brun, Agni, the Yatudhana pairs. I sharpen thee, Infallible, with hymns. O Sage, be vigilant.

25 Shoot forth, O Agni, with thy flame demolish them on every side. Break thou the Yatudhana’s strength, the vigour of the Raksasa.

[10-088] HYMN LXXXVIII. Agni.

1. DEAR, ageless sacrificial drink is offered in light-discovering, heaven-pervading Agni.

The Gods spread forth through his Celestial Nature, that he might bear the world up and sustain it.

2 The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent. The Deities, the broad earth, and the heavens, and plants, and waters gloried in his friendship.

3 Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni,

Him who hath spread abroad the earth with lustre, this heaven, and both the worlds, and air’s mid- region.

4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter, He swiftly made all things that fly, stand, travel, all that hath motion, Agni Jatavedas.

5 Because thou, Agni, Jatavedas, stoodest at the world’s head with thy refulgent splendour,

We sent thee forth with hymns and songs and praises: thou filledst heaven and earth, God meet for worship.

6 Head of the world is Agni in the night-time; then, as the Sun, at morn springs up and rises. Then to his task goes the prompt Priest foreknowing the wondrous power of Gods who must be

honoured.

7 Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent. With resonant hymns all Gods who guard our bodies have offered up oblation in this Agni.

8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation.

He was their satrifice that guards our bodies: him the heavens know, the earth, the waters know him.

9 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures, He with his bright glow heated earth and heaven, urging himself right onward in his grandeur.

10 Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vigour.

They made him to appear in threefold essence: he ripens plants of every form and nature.

11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Surya, Son of Aditi, in heaven, When the Pair, ever wandering, sprang to being, all creatures that existed looked upon them.

12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaisvanara to be the days’ bright Banner,-

Him who hath spread abroad the radiant Mornings, and, coming with his light, unveils the darkness.

13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaisvanara whom age ne’er touches. The Ancient Star that wanders on for ever, lofty and. strong, Lord of the Living Being.

14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaisvanara the ever-beaming,

Who hath surpassed both heaven and earth in greatness: lie is a God below, a God above us.

15 I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals. On these two paths each moving creature travels, each thing between the Father and the Mother.

16 These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit

He stands directed to all things existing, hasting, unresting in his fiery splendour.

17 Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite-leaders? Our friends have helped to gather our assembly. They came to sacrifice; who will announce it?

18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters? Not jestingly I speak to you, O Fathers. Sages, I ask you this for information.

19 As great as is the fair-winged Morning’s presence to him who dwells beside us, matarisvan! Is what the Brahman does when he approaches to sacrifice and sits below the Hotar.

[10-089] HYMN LXXXIX. Indra.

1. I WILL extol the most heroic Indra who with his might forced earth and sky asunder;

Who hath filled all with width as man’s Upholder, surpassing floods and rivers in his greatness.

2 Surya is he: throughout the wide expanses shall Indra turn him, swift as car-wheels, hither, Like a stream resting not but ever active he hath destroyed, with light, the blackhued darkness.

3 To him I sing a holy prayer, incessant new, matchless, common to the earth and heaven,

Who marks, as they were backs, all living creatures: ne’er doth he fail a friend, the noble Indra.

4 I will send forth my songs in flow unceasing, like water from the ocean’s depth, to Indra. Who to his car on both its sides securely hath fixed the earth and heaven as with an axle.

5 Rousing with draughts, the Shaker, rushing onward, impetuous, very strong, armed as with arrows

Is Soma; forest trees and all the bushes deceive not Indra with their offered likeness.

6 Soma hath flowed to him whom naught can equal, the earth, the heavens, the firmament, the mountains,-

When heightened in his ire his indignation shatters the firm and breaks the strong in pieces.

7 As an axe fells the tree so be slew Vrtra, brake down the strongholds and dug out the rivers.

He cleft the mountain like a new-made pitcher. Indra brought forth the kine with his Companions.

8 Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, O Indra. The sword lops limbs, thou smitest down the sinner, The men who injure, as it were a comrade, the lofty Law of Varuna and Mitra.

9 Men who lead evil lives, who break agreements, and injure Varuna, Aryaman and Mitra,- Against these foes, O Mighty Indra, sharpen, as furious death, thy Bull of fiery colour.

10 Indra is Sovran Lord of Earth and Heaven, Indra is Lord of waters and of mountains. Indra is Lord of prosperers and sages Indra must be invoked in rest and effort.

11 Vaster than days and nights, Giver of increase, vaster than firmament and flood of ocean, Vaster than bounds of earth and wind’s extension, vaster than rivers and our lands is Indra.

12 Forward, as herald of refulgent Morning, let thine insatiate arrow fly, O Indra.

And pierce, as ’twere a stone launched forth from heaven, with hottest blaze the men who love deception.

13 Him, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees followed and the plants and herbage.

Yearning with love both Worlds approached, the Waters waited on Indra when he first had being.

14 Where was the vengeful dart when thou, O Indra, clavest the demon ever beat on outrage? When fiends lay there upon the ground extended like cattle in the place of immolation?

15 Those who are set in enmity against us, the Oganas, O Indra, waxen mighty,-

Let blinding darkness follow those our fbemen, while these shall have bright shining nights to light them.

16 May plentiful libations of the people, and singing Rsis’ holy prayers rejoice thee.

Hearing with love this common invocation, come unto us, pass by all those who praise thee.

17 O Indra, thus may we be made partakers of thy new favours that shall bring us profit. Singing with love, may we the Visvamitras win daylight even now through thee, O Indra.

18 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

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

[10-090] HYMN XC. Purusa.

1. A THOUSAND heads hath Purusa, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet. On every side pervading earth he fills a space ten fingers wide.

2 This Purusa is all that yet hath been and all that is to be; The Lord of Immortality which waxes greater still by food.

3 So mighty is his greatness; yea, greater than this is Purusa.

All creatures are one-fourth of him, three-fourths eternal life in heaven.

4 With three-fourths Purusa went up: onefourth of him again was here. Thence he strode out to every side over what cats not and what cats.

5 From him Viraj was born; again Purusa from Viraj was born.

As soon as he was born he spread eastward and westward o’er the earth.

6 When Gods prepared the sacrifice with Purusa as their offering,

Its oil was spring, the holy gift was autumn; summer was the wood.

7 They balmed as victim on the grass Purusa born in earliest time. With him the Deities and all Sadhyas and Rsis sacrificed.

8 From that great general sacrifice the dripping fat was gathered up. He formed the creatures of-the air, and animals both wild and tame.

9 From that great general sacrifice Rcas and Sama-hymns were born: Therefrom were spells and charms produced; the Yajus had its birth from it.

10 From it were horses born, from it all cattle with two rows of teeth: From it were generated kine, from it the goats and sheep were born.

11 When they divided Purusa how many portions did they make?

What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet?

12 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rajanya made. His thighs became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sudra was produced.

13 The Moon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the Sun had birth; Indra and Agni from his mouth were born, and Vayu from his breath.

14 Forth from his navel came mid-air the sky was fashioned from his head

Earth from his feet, and from his car the regions. Thus they formed the worlds.

15 Seven fencing-sticks had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were prepared, When the Gods, offering sacrifice, bound, as their victim, Purusa.

16 Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim these were the carliest holy ordinances.

The Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there where the Sidhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling.

[10-091] HYMN XCI. Agni.

1. BRISK, at the place of Ila, hymned by men who wake, our own familiar Friend is kindled in the house;

Hotar of all oblation, worthy of our choice, Lord, beaming, trusty friend to one who loveth him.

2 He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift-winged bird a home in every tree. Benevolent to men, he scorns no living man: Friend to the tribes of men he dwells with every tribe.

3 Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art thou, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing all.

As Vasu, thou alone art Lord of all good things, of all the treasures that the heavens and earth produce.

4 Foreknowing well, O Agni, thou in Ila’s place hast occupied thy regular station balmed with oil. Marked are thy comings like the comings of the Dawns, the rays of him who shineth spotless as the

Sun.

5 Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, marked, many-hued, like heralds of the Dawns’ approach,

When, loosed to wander over plants and forest trees, thou crammest by thyself thy food into thy mouth.

6 Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life.

So in like manner do the forest trees and plants bear him within them and produce him evermore.

7 When, sped and urged by wind, thou spreadest thee abroad, swift piercing through thy food according to thy will,

Thy never-ceasing blazes, longing to consume, like men on chariots, Agni, strive on every side.

8 Agni, the Hotar-priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought,-

Him, yea, none other than thyself, doth man elect at sacrificial offerings great and small alike.

9 Here, Api, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest in sacred gatherings, When men with strewn clipt grass and sacrificial gifts offer thee entertainment, piously inclined.

10 Thine is the Herald’s task and Cleanser’s duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man.

Thou art Director, thou the ministering Priest: thou art the Brahman, Lord and Master in our home.

11 When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his sacrificial gift, Then thou art his Adhvaryu, Hotar, messenger, callest the Gods and orderest the sacrifice.

12 From us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these. holy words, these Rcas, songs and eulogies,

Eager for wealth, to Jatavedas fain for wealth: when they have waxen strong they please their

Strengthener.

13 This newest eulogy will I speak forth to him, the Ancient One who loves it. May he hear our voice. May it come near his heart and make it stir with love, as a fond well-dressed matron clings about her

lord.

14 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up,- To Agni, Soma-sprinkled, drinker of sweet juice, Disposer, with my heart I bring a fair hymn forth.

15 Into thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle.

Vouchsafe us wealth. strength-winning, blest with heroes, wealth lofty, praised by men, and full of splendour.

[10-092] HYMN XCII. Visvedevas.

1. I PRAISE your Charioteer of sacrifice, the Lord of men, Priest of the tribes, refulgent, Guest of night. Blazing amid dry plants, snatching amid the green, the Strong, the Holy Herald hath attained to

heaven.

2 Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the sacrifice.

With kisses they caress the Grandson of the Red, like the swift ray of light, the Household Priest of

Dawn.

3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard’s ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume. When his terrific flames have reached the Immortal’s world, then men remember and extol the

Heavenly Folk.

4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest praise,

Varuna, Indra, Mitra were of one accord, and Savitar and Bhaga, Lords of holy might.

5 Onward, with ever-roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run. With them Parijman, moving round his vast domain, loud bellowing, bedews all things that are

within.

6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home-dwellers with the Asura,- Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman look on with these, and the swift-moving Indra with swift-moving Gods.

7 With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light’s beauty, in the very Strong One’s strength;

The singers who in men’s assemblies forged for him, according to his due, his friend the thunderbolt.

8 Even the Sun’s Bay Coursers hath lie held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all. Unhindered, from the air’s vault thunders day by day the loud triumphant breathing of the fearful

Bull.

9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: With whom, the Eager Ones, going their ordered course, he comes from heaven Self-bright,

auspicious, strong to guard.

10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Brhaspati and Soma’s brotherhood. Atharvan first by sacrifices made men sure: through skill the Bhrgus were esteemed of all as Gods.

11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four-bodied Narasmsa, Yama, Aditi, God Tvastar Wealth-bestower, the Rbhuksanas, Rodasi, Maruts, Visnu, claim and merit praise.

12 And may he too give car, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call.

Ye Sun and Moon who dwell in heaven and move in turn, and with your thought, O Earth and Sky, observe this well.

13 Dear to all Gods, may Pasan guard the ways we go, the Waters’ child and Vayu help us to success. Sing lauds for your great bliss to Wind, the breath of all: ye Asvins prompt to hear, hear this upon

your way.

14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self- resplendent One.

We praise Night’s youthful Lord benevolent to men, the foeless One, the free, with all celestial

Dames.

15 By reason of his birth here Angiras first sang: the pressing-stones upraised bebeld the sacrifice- The stones through which the Sage became exceeding vast, and the sharp axe obtains in fight the

beauteous place.

[10-093] HYMN XCIII. Visvedevas.

1. MIGHTY are ye, and far-extended, Heaven and Earth: both Worlds are evermore to us like two young Dames.

Guard us thereby from stronger foe; guard us hereby to give us strength.

2 In each succeeding sacrifice that mortal honoureth the Gods,

He who, most widely known and famed for happiness, invitetb them.

3 Ye who are Rulers over all, great is your sovran power as Gods. Ye all possess all majesty: all must be served in sacrifice.

4 These are the joyous Kings of Immortality, Parijman, Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna. What else is Rudra, praised of men? the Maruts, Bhaga, Pusana?

5 Come also to our dwelling, Lords of ample wealth, common partakers of our waters, Sun and Moon, When the great Dragon of the Deep hath settled down upon their floors.

6 And let the Asvins, Lords of splendour, set us free,- both Gods, and, with their Laws, Mitra and

Varuna.

Through woes, as over desert lands, he speeds to ample opulence.

7 Yea, let the Asvins Twain he gracious unto us, even Rudras, and all Gods, Bhaga, Rathaspati; Parijman, Rbhu, Vaja, O Lords of all wealth Rbhuksanas.

8 Prompt is Rbhuksan, prompt the worshipper’s strong drink: may thy fleet Bay Steeds, thine who sperdest on, approach.

Not mans but God’s is sacrifice whose psalm is unassailable.

9 O God Savitar, harmed by none, lauded, give us a place among wealthy princes.

With his Car-steeds at once ‘hath our Indra guided the reins and the car of these men.

10 To these men present here, O Heaven and Earth, to us grant lofty fame extending over all mankind.

Give us a steed to win us strength, a steed with wealth for victory.

11 This speaker, Indra-for thou art our Friend-wherever he may be, guard thou, Victor! for help, ever for help

Thy wisdom, Vasu! prosper him.

12 So have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to take its bright path to the Sun, and reconciles the men:

Thus forms a carpenter the yoke of horses, not to be displaced.

13 Whose chariot-seat hath come again laden with wealth and bright with gold, Lightly, with piercing ends, as ’twere two ranks of heroes ranged for fight.

14 This to Duhsima Prthavana have I sung, to Vena, Rama, to the nobles, and the King. They yoked five hundred, and their love of us was famed upon their way.

15 Besides, they showed us seven -and-seventy horses here.

Tanva at once displayed his gift, Parthya at once displayed his gift; and straightway Mayava showed his.

[10-094] HYMN XCIV. Press-stones.

1. LET these speak loudly forth; let us speak out aloud: to the loud speaking Pressing-stones address the speech;

When, rich with Soma juice, Stones of the mountain, ye, united, swift to Indra bring the sound of praise.

2 They speak out like a hundred, like a thousand men: they cry aloud to us with their green-tinted mouths,

While, pious Stones, they ply their task with piety, and, even before the Hotar, taste the offered food.

3 Loudly they speak, for they have found the savoury meath: they make a humming sound over the meat prepared.

As they devour the branch of the Red-coloured Tree, these, the well-pastured Bulls, have uttered bellowings.

4 They cry aloud, with strong exhilarating drink, calling on Indra now, for they have found the meath. Bold, with the sisters they have danced, embraced by them, making the earth reecho with their

ringing sound.

5 The Eagles have sent forth their cry aloft in heaven; in the sky’s vault the dark impetuous ones have danced.

Then downward to the nether stone’s fixt place they sink, and, splendid as the Sun, effuse their copious stream.

6 Like strong ones drawing, they have put forth all their strength: the Bulls, harnessed together, bear the chariot-poles.

When they have bellowed, panting, swallowing their food, the sound of their loud snorting is like that of steeds.

7 To these who have ten workers and a tenfold girth, to these who have ten yoke-straps and ten binding thongs,

To these who bear ten reins, the eternal, sing ye praise, to these who bear ten car-poles, ten when they are yoked.

8 These Stones with ten conductors, rapid in their course, with lovely revolution travel round and round.

They have been first to drink the flowing Soma juice, first to enjoy the milky fluid of the stalk.

9 These Soma-eaters kiss Indra’s Bay-coloured Steeds: draining. the stalk they sit upon the ox’s hide. Indra, when he hath drunk Soma-nicath drawn by them, waxes in strength, is famed, is mighty as a

Bull.

10. Strong is your stalk; ye, verily, never shall be harmed; ye have refreshment, ye are ever satisfied.

Fair are ye, as it were, through splendour of his wealth, his in whose sacrifice, O Stones, ye find delight.

11 Bored deep, but not pierced through with holes, are ye, O Stones, not loosened, never weary, and exempt from death,

Eternal, undiseased, moving in sundry ways, unthirsting, full of fatness, void of all desire.

12 Your fathers, verily, stand firm from age to age: they, loving rest, are not dissevered from their seat.

Untouched by time, ne’er lacking green plants and green trees, they with their voice have caused the heavens and earth to hear.

13 This, this the Stones proclaim, what time they are disjoined, and when with ringing sounds they move and drink the balm.

Like tillers of the ground when they are sowing seed, they mix the Soma, nor, devouring, minish it.

14 They have raised high their voice for juice, for sacrifice, striking the Mother earth as though they danced thereon.

So loose thou too his thought who hath effused the sap, and let the Stones which we are honouring be disjoined.

[10-095] HYMN XCV. Urvasi. Pururavas.

1. Ho there, my consort! Stay, thou fierce-souled lady, and let us reason for a while together.

Such thoughts as these of ours, while yet unspoken in days gone by have never brought us comfort.

2 What am I now to do with this thy saying? I have gone from thee like the first of Mornings. Pururavas, return thou to thy dwelling: I, like the wind, am difficult to capture.

3 Like a shaft sent for glory from the quiver, or swift-steed winning cattle winning hundreds.

The lightning seemed to flash, as cowards planned it. The minstrels bleated like a lamb in trouble.

4 Giving her husband’s father life and riches, from the near dwelling, when her lover craved her,

She sought the home wherein she found her pleasure, accepting day and night her lord’s embraces.

5 Thrice in the day didst thou embrace thy consort, though coldly she received thy fond caresses. To thy desires, Pururavas, I yielded: so wast thou king, O hero, of my body.

6 The maids Sujirni, Sreni, Sumne-api, Charanyu, Granthini, and Hradecaksus,-

These like red kine have hastened forth, the bright ones, and like milch-cows have lowed in emulation.

7 While he was born the Dames sate down together, the Rivers with free kindness gave him nurture; And then, Pururavas, the Gods increased thee for mighty battle, to destroy the Dasyus.

8 When I, a mortal, wooed to mine embraces these heavenly nymphs who laid aside their raiment, Like a scared snake they fled from me in terror, like chariot horses when the car has touched them.

9 When, loving these Immortal Ones, the mortal hath converse with the nymphs as they allow him. Like swans they show the beauty of their bodies, like horses in their play they bite and nibble.

10 She who flashed brilliant as the falling lightning brought me delicious presents from the waters. Now from the flood be born a strong young hero May Uruvasi prolong her life for ever

11 Thy birth hath made me drink from earthly milch-kine: this power, Pururavas, hast thou vouchsafed me.

I knew, and, warned thee, on that day. Thou wouldst not hear me. What sayest thou, when naught avails thee?

12 When will the son be born and seek his father? Mourner-like, will he weep when first he knows him?

Who shall divide the accordant wife and husband, while fire is shining with thy consort’s parents?

13 I will console him when his tears are falling: he shall not weep and cry for care that blesses. That which is thine, between us, will I send thee. Go home again, thou fool;.thou hast not won me.

14 Thy lover shall flee forth this day for ever, to seek, without return, the farthest distance. Then let his bed be in Destruction’s bosom, and there let fierce rapacious wolves devour him.

15 Nay, do not die, Pururavas, nor vanish: let not the evil-omened wolves devour thee.

With women there can be no lasting friendship: hearts of hyenas are the hearts of women.

16 When amid men in altered shape I sojourned, and through four autumns spent the nights among them,

I tasted once a day a drop of butter; and even now with that am I am contented.

17 I, her best love, call Urvasi to meet me, her who fills air and measures out the region. Let the gift brought by piety approach thee. Turn thou to me again: my heart is troubled.

18 Thus speak these Gods to thee, O son of Ila: As death hath verily got thee for his subject, Thy sons shall serve the Gods with their oblation, and thou, moreover, shalt rejoice in Svarga.

[10-096] HYMN XCVI. Indra.

1 In the great synod will I laud thy two Bay Steeds: I prize the sweet strong drink of thee the Warrior- God,

His who pours lovely oil as ’twere with yellow drops. Let my songs enter thee whose form hath golden tints.

2 Ye who in concert sing unto the goldhued place, like Bay Steeds driving onward to the heavenly seat,

For Indra laud ye strength allied with Tawny Steeds, laud him whom cows content as ’twere with yellow drops.

3 His is that thunderbolt, of iron, goldenhued, gold-coloured, very dear, and yellow in his arms;

Bright with strong teeth, destroying with its tawny rage. In Indra are set fast all forms of golden hue.

4 As if a lovely ray were laid upon the sky, the golden thunderbolt spread out as in a race.

That iron bolt with yellow jaw smote Ahi down. A thousand flames had he who bore the tawny-hued.

5 Thou, thou, when praised by men who sacrificed of old. hadst pleasure in their lauds, O Indra golden-haired.

All that befits thy song of praise thou welcornest, the perfect pleasant gift, O Golden-hued from birth.

6 These two dear Bays bring hither Indra on his car, Thunder-armed, joyous, meet for laud, to drink his fill.

Many libations flow for him who loveth them: to Indra have the gold-hued Soma juices run.

7 Tle gold-hued drops have flowed to gratify his wish: the yellow dro s have urged the swift Bays to the Strong.

He who speeds on with Bay Steeds even as he lists hath satisfied his longing for the golden drops.

8 At the swift draught the Soma-drinker waxed in might, the Iron One with yellow beard and yellow hair.

He, Lord of Tawny Coursers, Lord of fleet-foot Mares, will bear his Bay Steeds safely over all distress.

9 His yellow-coloured jaws, like ladles move apart, what time, for strength, he makes the yellow- tinted stir,

When, while the bowl stands there, he grooms his Tawny Steeds, when he hath drunk strong drink, the sweet juice that he loves.

10 Yea, to the Dear One’s seat in homes of heaven and earth the Bay Steeds’ Lord hath whinnied like a horse for food.

Then the great wish hath seized upon him mightily, and the Beloved One hath gained high power of life,

11 Thou, comprehending with thy might the earth and heaven, acceptest the dear hymn for ever new and new.

O Asura, disclose thou and make visible the Cow’s beloved home to the bright golden Sun.

12 O Indra, let the eager wishes of the folk bring thee, delightful, golden-visored, on thy car,

That, pleased with sacrifice wherein ten fingers toil, thou mayest, at the feast, drink of our offered meath.

13 Juices aforetime, Lord of Bays, thou drankest; and thine especially is this libation. Gladden thee, Indra, with the meath-rich Soma: pour it down ever, Mighty One! within thee.

[10-097] HYMN XCVII. Praise of Herbs.

1. HERBS that sprang up in time of old, three ages earlier than the Gods,-

Of these, whose hue is brown, will I declare the hundred powers and seven.

2 Ye, Mothers, have a hundred homes, yea, and a thousand are your growths. Do ye who have a thousand powers free this my patient from disease.

3 Be glad and joyful in the Plants, both blossoming and bearing fruit, Plants that will lead us to success like mares who conquer in the race.

4 Plants, by this name I speak to you, Mothers, to you the Goddesses: Steed, cow, and garment may I win, win back thy very self, O man.

5 The Holy Fig tree is your home, your mansion is the Parna tree: Winners of cattle shali ye be if ye regain for me this man.

6 He who hath store of Herbs at hand like Kings amid a crowd of men,- Physician is that sage’s name, fiend-slayer, chaser of disease.

7 Herbs rich in Soma, rich in steeds, in nourishments, in strengthening power,- All these have I provided here, that this man may be whole again.

8 The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth like cattle from the stall,- Plants that shall win me store of wealth, and save thy vital breath, O man.

9 Reliever is your mother’s name, and hence Restorers are ye called. Rivers are ye with wings that fly: keep far whatever brings disease.

10 Over all fences have they passed, as steals a thief into the fold. The Plants have driven from the frame whatever malady was there.

11 When, bringing back the vanished strength, I hold these herbs within my hand, The spirit of disease departs ere he can seize upon the life.

12 He through whose frame, O Plants, ye creep member by member, joint by joint,- From him ye drive away disease like some strong arbiter of strife.

13 Fly, Spirit of Disease, begone, with the blue jay and kingfisher.

Fly with the wind’s impetuousspeed, vanish together with the storm.

14 Help every one the other, lend assistance each of you to each, All of you be accordant, give furtherance to this speech of mine.

15 Let fruitful Plants, and fruitless, those that blossom, and the blossomless, Urged onward by Brhaspati, release us from our pain and grief;

16 Release me from the curse’s plague and woe that comes from Varuna; Free me from Yama’s fetter, from sin and offence against the Gods.

17 What time, descending from the sky, the Plants flew earthward, thus they spake: No evil shall befall the man whom while he liveth we pervade,

18 Of all the many Plants whose King is, Soma, Plants of hundred forms, Thou art the Plant most excellent, prompt to the wish, sweet to the heart.

19 O all ye various Herbs whose King is Soma, that o’erspread the earth, Urged onward by Brhaspati, combine your virtue in this Plant.

20 Unharmed be he who digs you up, unharmed the man for whom I dig: And let no malady attack biped or quadruped of ours.

21 All Plants that hear this speech, and those that have departed far away, Come all assembled and confer your healing power upon this Herb.

22 With Soma as their Sovran Lord the Plants hold colloquy and say:

O King, we save from death the man whose cure a Brahman undertakes.

23 Most excellent of all art thou, O Plant thy vassals are the trees. Let him be subject to our power, the man who seeks to injure us.

[10-098] HYMN XCVIII. The Gods.

1. COME, be thou Mitra, Varuna, or Pusan, come, O Brhaspati, to mine oblation:

With Maruts, Vasus, or Adityas, make thou Parjanya pour for Santanu his rain-drops.

2 The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to me, Devapi: Address thyself to me and turn thee hither within thy lips will I put brilliant language.

3 Within my mouth, Brhaspati, deposit speech lucid, vigorous, and free from weakness,

Thereby to win for Santanu the rain-fall. The meath-rich drop from heaven hath passed within it.

4 Let the sweet drops descend on us, O Indra: give us enough to lade a thousand wagons. Sit to thy Hotar task; pay worship duly, and serve the Gods, Devapi, with oblation.

5 Knowing the God’s good-will, Devapi, Rsi, the son of Rstisena, sate as Hotar.

He hath brought down from heaven’s most lofty summit the ocean of the rain, celestial waters.

6 Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood by deities obstructed. They burried down set free by Arstisena, in gaping clefts, urged onward by Devapi.

7 When as chief priest for Santanu, Devapi, chosen for Hotar’s duty, prayed beseeching, Graciously pleased Brhaspati vouchsafed him a voice that reached the Gods and won the waters.

8 O Agni whom Devapi Arstisena, the mortal man, hath kindled in his glory, Joying in him with all the Gods together, urge on the sender of the rain, Parjanya.

9 All ancient Rsis with their songs approached thee, even thee, O Much-invoked, at sacrifices. We have provided wagon-loads in thousands: come to the solemn rite, Lord of Red Horses.

10 The wagon-loads, the nine-and-ninety thousand, these have been offered up to thee, O Agni. Hero, with these increase thy many bodies, and, stimulated, send us rain from heaven.

11 Give thou these ninety thousand loads, O Agni, to Indra, to the Bull, to be his portion. Knowing the paths which Deities duly travel, set mid the Gods in heaven Aulana also.

12 O Agni, drive afar our foes, our troubles chase malady away and wicked demons. From this air-ocean, from the lofty heavens, send down on us a mighty flood of waters.

[10-099] HYMN XCIX. Indra.

I. WHAT Splendid One, Loud-voiced, Farstriding, dost thou, well knowing, urge us to exalt with praises?

What give we him? When his might dawned, he fashioned the Vrtra-slaying bolt, and sent us waters.

2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. With his Companions, not without his Brother, he quells Saptatha’s magic devices.

3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven’s light, full fain to gain it;

He seized the hundred-gated castle’s treasure by craft, unchecked, and slew the lustful demons.

4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither,

Where, footless, joined, without a car to bear them, with jars for steeds, they pour their flood like butter.

5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, Came, seized the food of Vamra and his consort, and left the couple weeping and unsheltered.

6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six-eyed and triple-headed.

Trta, made stronger by the might he lent him, struck down the boar with shaft whose point was iron.

7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. Strong, glorious, manliest, for us he shattered the forts of Nabus when he slew the Dasyus.

8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. When the Hawk comes in body to the Soma, armed with his iron claws he slays the Dasyus.

9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. He led the lauded Kavi, he delivered Atka as prey to him and to his heroes.

10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuna who works with magic, Was known, yet young as guardian of the seasons; and he quelled Araru, four-footed dernon.

11 Through lauds of him hath Ausija Rjisvan burst, with the Mighty’s aid, the stall of Pipru.

When the saint pressed the juice and shone as singer, he seized the forts and with his craft subdued them.

12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra.

He will, when supplicated, bring him blessing: he hath brought all, food, strength, a happy dwelling.