[05-061] HYMN LXI. Maruts.

1. O HEROES lordliest of all, who are ye that have singly come

Forth from a region most remote?

2. Where are your horses, where the reins? How came ye? how had ye the power? Rein was on nose and seat on back.

3 The whip is laid upon the flank. The heroes stretch their thighs apart, Like women when the babe is born.

4 Go ye, O Heroes, far away, ye bridegrooms with a lovely Spouse

That ye may warm you at the fire.

5 May she gain cattle for her meed, hundreds of sheep and steeds and kine, Who threw embracing arms around the hero whom gyavaiva praised.

6 Yea, many a woman is more firm and better than the man who turns

Away from Gods, andoffers not.

7 She who discerns the weak and worn, the man who thirsts and is in want

She sets her mind upon the Gods.

8 And yet full many a one, unpraised, mean niggard, is entitled man: Only in weregild is he such.

9 And she, the young, the joyous-spirited, divulged the path to Syava, yea, to me. Two red steeds carried me to Purumilha’s side, that sage of far-extended fame,

10 Him who, like Vaidadasvi, like Taranta, hath bestowed on me

A hundred cows in liberal gift.

11 They who are borne by rapid steeds, drinking the meath that gives delight, They have attained high glories here.

12 They by whose splendour both the worlds are over-spread they shine on cars

As the gold gleams above in heaven.

13 That Marut band is ever young, borne on bright cars, unblamable, Moving to victory, checked by none.

14 Who knoweth, verily, of these where the All-shakers take delight,

Born, spotless, after sacred Law?

15 Guides are ye, lovers of the song to mortal man through holy hymn, And hearers when he cries for help.

16 Do ye, destroyers of the foe, worshipful and exceeding bright, Send down the treasures that we crave.

17 OUrmya, bear thou far away to Darbhya this my hymn of praise, Songs, Goddess, as if chariot-borne.

18 From me to Rathaviti say, when he hath pressed the Soma juice, The wish I had departeth not.

19 This wealthy Rathaviti dwells among the people rich in kine, Among the mountains, far withdrawn.

[05-062] HYMN LXII. Mitra-Varuna

1. BY your high Law firm order is established there where they loose for travel Surya’s horses. Ten hundred stood together: there I looked on this the most marvellous Deities’ one chief glory.

2 This, Mitra-Varuna, is your special greatness: floods that stood there they with the days attracted. Ye cause to flow all voices of the cowpen: your single chariotfelly hath rolled hither.

3 O Mitra-Varuna, ye by your greatness, both Kings, have firmly stablished earth and heaven,

Ye caused the cows to stream, the plants to flourish, and, scattering swift drops, sent down the rain- flood.

4 Let your well-harnessed horses bear you hither: hitherward let them come with reins drawn tightly. A covering cloud of sacred oil attends you, and your streams flow to us from days aforetime.

5 To make the lustre wider and more famous, guarding the sacred grass with veneration, Ye, Mitra-Varuna, firm, strong, awe-inspiring, are seated on a throne amid oblations.

6 With hands that shed no blood, guarding the pious, whom, Varuni3, ye save amid oblations. Ye Twain, together, Kings of willing spirit, uphold dominion based on thousand pillars.

7 Adorned with gold, its columns are of iron. in heaven it glitters like a whip for horses;

Or stablished on a field deep-spoiled and fruitful. So may we share the meath that loads your car- seat.

8 Ye mount your car gold-hued at break of morning, and iron-pillared when the Sun is setting, And from that place, O Varuna and Mitra, behold infinity and limit~tion.

9 Bountiful guardians of the world! the shelter that is impenetrable, strongest, flawless, Aid us with that, O Varuna and Mitra, and when we long to win may we be victors.

[05-063] HYMN LXIII. Mitra-Varuna.

1. GUARDIANS of Order, ye whose Laws are ever true, in the sublimest heaven your chariot ye ascend.

O Mitra-Varuna whomsoe’er ye: favour, here, to him the rain with sweetness streameth down from heaven.

2 This world’s imperial Kings, O Mitra-Varuna, ye rule in holy synod, looking on the light.

We pray for rain, your boon, and immortality. Through heaven and over earth the thunderers take their way.

3 Imperial Kings, strong, Heroes, Lords of earth and heaven, Mitra and Varuna, ye ever active Ones, Ye wait on thunder with the many-tinted clouds, and by the Asura’s magic power cause Heaven to

rain.

4 Your magic, Mitra-Varuna, resteth in the heaven. The Sun, the wondrous weapon, cometh forth as light.

Ye hide him in the sky with cloud and flood of rain, and water-drops, Parjanya! full of sweetness flow.

5 The Maruts yoke their easy car for victory, O Mitra-Varuna, as a hero in the wars.

The thunderers roam through regions varied in their hues. Imperial Kings, bedew us with the milk of heaven.

6 Refreshing is your voice, O Mitra-Varuna: Parjanya sendeth out a wondrous mighty voice.

With magic power the Maruts clothe them with the clouds. Ye Two cause Heaven to rain, the red, the spotless One.

7 Wise, with your Law and through the Asura’s magic power ye guard the ordinances, Mitra-Varuna. Ye by eternal Order govern all the world. Ye set the Sun in heaven as a refulgent car.

[05-064] HYMN LX1V. Mitra-Varuna

1. You, foeman-slaying Varuna and Mitra, we invoke with song,

Who, as with penfold of your arms, encompass round the realm of light.

2 Stretch out your arms with favouring love unto this man who singeth hymns, For in all places is sung forth your evergracious friendliness.

3 That I may gain a refuge now, may my steps be on Mitra’s path. Men go protected in the charge of this dear Friend who harms us not.

4 Mitra and Varuna, from you may I, by song, win noblest meed.

That shall stir envy in the homes of wealthy chiefs and those who praise.

5 With your fair splendours, Varuna and Mitra, to our gathering come,

That in their homes the wealthy chiefs and they who are your friends may thrive.

6 With those, moreover, among whom ye hold your high supremacy, Vouchsafe us room that we may win strength for prosperity and wealth.

7 When morning flushes, Holy Ones! in the Gods’ realm where white Cows shine,

Supporting Arcananas, speed, ye Heroes, with your active feet hither to my pressed Soma juice.

[05-065] HYMN LXV Mitra-Varuna.

1. FULL wise is he who hath discerned: let him speak to us of the Gods,- The man whose praise-songs Varuna the beautiful, or Mitra, loves.

2 For they are Kings of noblest might, of glorious fame most widely spread; Lords of the brave, who strengthen Law, the Holy Ones with every race.

3 Approaching you with prayer for aid, together I address you first

We who have good steeds call on you, Most Sage, to give us strength besides.

4 E’en out of misery Mitra gives a way to dwelling at our case, For he who worships hath the grace of Mitra, fighter in the van. ‘

5 In Mitra’s shelter that extends to utmost distance may we dwell, Unmenaced, guarded by the care, ever as sons of Varuna.

6 Ye, Mitra, urge this people on, and to one end direct their ways.

Neglect not ye the wealthy chiefs, neglect not us the Rsis: be our guardians when ye quaff the milk.

[05-066] HYMN LXVI. Mitra-Varuna.

1. O SAPIENT man, call the Two Gods, the very wise, who slay the foe. For Varuna, whose form is Law, place offerings for his great delight.

2 For they have won unbroken sway in full perfection, power divine. And, like high laws, the world of man hath been made beautiful as light.

3 Therefore we praise you that your cars may travel far in front of ours- You who accept the eulogy of Ratahavya with his hymns.

4 And ye show wMom, Wondrous Gods with fulness of intellIgence. By men’s discernment are Ve marked, O ye whose might is purified.

5 This is the Law sublime, O Earth: to aid the Rsis’ toil for fame

The Two, wide-spreading, are prepared. They come with ample overflow.

6 Mitra, ye Gods with wandering eyes, would that the worshippers and we

Might strive to reach the realm ye rule, most spacious and protected well,

[05-067] HYMN LXVII. Mitra-Varuna.

1. YE Gods, Adityas, Varuna, Aryaman, Mitra, verily

Have here obtained supremest sway, high, holy, set apart for you.

2 When, Varuna and Mitra, ye sit in your golden dwelling-place, Ye Twain, supporters of mankind, foeslayers, give felicity.

3 All these, possessors of all wealth, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman,

Follow their ways, as if with feet, and guard from injury mortal man.

4 For they are true, they cleave to Law, held holy among every race, Good leaders, bounteous in their gifts, deliverers even from distress.

5 Which of your persons, Varuna or Mitra, merits not our praise?

Therefore our thought is turned to you, the Atris’ thought is turned to you.

[05-068] HYMN LXVIII. Mitra-Varuna.

1. SING forth unto your Varuna and Mitra with a song inspired. They, Mighty Lords, are lofty Law

2 Full springs of fatness, Sovran Kings, Mitra. and Varuna, the Twain, Gods glorified among the Gods.

3 So help ye us to riches, great terrestrial and celestial wealth: Vast is your sway among the Gods.

4 Carefully tending Law with Law they have attained their vigorous might. The two Gods wax devoid of guile.

5 With rainy skies and streaming floods, Lords of the strength that bringeth gifts, A lofty seat have they attained.

[05-069] HYMN LXIX. Mitra-Varuna.

1. THREE spheres of light, O Varuna, three heavens, three firmaments ye comprehend, O Mitra: Waxed strong, ye keep the splendour of dominion, guarding the Ordinance that lasts for ever.

2 Ye, Varuna, have kine who yield refreshment; Mitra, your floods pour water full of sweetness.

There stand the Three Steers, splendid in their brightness, who fill the three world-bowls with genial moisture.

3 I call at dawn on Aditi the Goddess, I call at noon and when the Sun is setting. I pray, O Mitra-Varuna, for safety, for wealth and progeny, in rest and trouble.

4 Ye who uphold the region, sphere of brightness, ye who support earth’s realm Divine Adityas, The Immortal Gods, O Varuna and Mitra, never impair your everlasting statutes.

[05-070] HYMN LXX. Mitra-Varuna.

1. EVEN far and wide, O Varuna and Mitra, doth your grace extend. May I obtain your kind good-will.

2 From you, benignant Gods, may we gain fully food for sustenance. Such, O ye Rudras, my we be.

3 Guard us, O Rudras. with your guar4 save us, ye skilled to save, my we

Subdue the Dasyus, we ourselves,

4 Or ne’er may we, O Wondrous Strong, enjoy another’s solemn feast, Ourselves, our sons, or progeny.

[05-071] HYMN LXXI. Mitra-Varuna.

1. O Varuna and Mitra, ye who slay the foemen, come with might

To this our goodly sacrifice.

2 For, Varuna and Mitra, ye Sages are Rulers over all. Fill full our songs, for this ye can.

3 Come to the juice that we have pressed. Varuna, Mitra, come to drink

This Soma of the worshipper.

 [05-072] HYMN LXXIL Mitra-Varuna.

1 To Varuna and Mitra we offerwith songs, as Atri did. Sit on the sacred grass to drink the Soma juice.

2 By Ordinance and Law ye dwell in peace secure, bestirring men. Sit on the sacred grass to drink the Soma juice.

3 May Varuna and Mitra, for our help, accept the sacrifice. Sit on the sacred grass to drink the Soma juice.

[05-073] HYMN LXXIII. Asvins.

1. WHETHER, O Asvins, ye this day be far remote or near at hand, In many spots or in mid-air, come hither, Lords of ample wealth.

2 These here, who show o’er widest space, bringing full many a wondrous act, Resistless, lovingly I seek, I call the Mightiest to enjoy.

3 Another beauteous wheel have ye fixed there to decorate your car.

With others through the realms ye roam in might unto the neighbouring tribes.

4 That deed of yours that is extolled, Visvas! hath all been done with this. Born otherwise, and spotless, ye have entered kinship’s bonds with us.

5 When Surya mounted on your car that rolls for ever rapidly,

Birds of red hue were round about and burning splendours compassed you.

6 Atri bethinks himself of you, O Heroes, with a friendly mind,

What time, Nasatyas, with his mouth he stirs the spotless flame for you.

7 Strong is your swiftly moving steed, famed his exertion in the course

When by your great deeds, Atyins, Chiefs, Atri is brought to us again.

8 Lovers of sweetness, Rudras, she who streams with sweetness waits on you. When ye have travelled through the seas men bring you gifts of well-dressed food.

9 Asvins, with truth they call you Twain bestowers of felicity; At sacrifice most prompt to hear, most gracious ye at sacrifice.

10 Most pleasing to the Asvins be these prayers which magnify their might, Which we have fashioned, even as cars high reverence have we spoken forth.

[05-074] HYMN LXXIV. Asvins.

1. WHERE in the heavens are ye to-day, Gods, Asvins, rich in constancy? Hear this, ye excellent as Steers: Atri inviteth you to come.

2 Where are they now? Where are the Twain, the famed Nasatyas, Gods in heaven? Who is the man ye strive to reach? Who of your suppliants is with you?

3 Whom do ye visit, whom approach? to whom direct your harnessed car? With whose devotions are ye pleased? We long for you to further us.

4 Ye, Strengtheners, for Paura stir the filler swimming in the flood, Advancing to be captured like a lion to the ambuscade.

5 Ye from cyavana worn with age removed his skin as ’twere a robe. So, when ye made him young again, he stirred the longing of a dame.

6 Here is the man who lauds you both: to see your glory are we here. Now bear me, come with saving help, ye who are rich in store of wealth.

7 Who among many mortal men this day hath won you to himself? What bard, accepters of the bard? Who, rich in wealth! with sacrifice?

8 O Asvins, may your car approach, most excellent of cars for speed. Through many regions may our praise pass onward among mortal men.

9 May our laudation of you Twain, lovers of meath! be sweet to you.

Fly hitherward, ye wise of heart, like falcons with your winged steeds.

10 O Asvins, when at any time ye listen to this call of mine,

For you is dainty food prepared: they mix refreshing food for you.

[05-075] HYMN LXXV. Asvins.

1. To meet your treasure-bringing car, the mighty car most dear to us,

Asvins, the Rsi is prepared, your raiser, with his song of praise. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.

2 Pass, O ye Asvins, pass away beyond all tribes of selfish men,

Wonderful, with your golden paths, most gracious, bringers of the flood. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.

3 Come to us, O ye Asvin Pair, bringing your precious treasures, come

Ye Rudras, on your paths of gold, rejoicing, rich in store of wealth. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.

4 O strong and Good, the voice of him who lauds you well cleaves to your car.

And that great beast, your chariot-steed, fair, wonderful, makes dainty food. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.

5 Watchful in spirit, born on cars, impetuous, listing to his cry,

Asvins, with winged steeds ye speed down to cyavana void of guile. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.

6 Hither, O Heroes, let your steeds, of dappled hue, yoked at the thought,

Your flying steeds, O Asvins, bring you hitherward, with bliss, to drink. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.

7 O Asvins, hither come to us; Nasatyas, be not disinclined.

Through longing for the pious turn out of the way to reach our home. Lovers of sweetness, bear my call.

8 Ye Lords of Splendour, free from guile, come, stand at this our sacrifice.

Beside the singer, Asvins, who longs for your grace and lauds you both. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.

9 Dawn with her white herd hath appeared, and in due time hath fire been placed.

Harnessed is your immortal car, O WonderWorkers, strong and kind. Lovers of sweetness, bear my call.

[05-076] HYMN LXXVI. Asvins

1. AGNI, the bright face of the Dawns, is shining; the singers’ pious voices have ascended. Borne on your chariot, Asvins, turn you hither and come unto our full and rich libation.

2 Most frequent guests, they scorn not what is ready: even now the lauded Asvins are beside us. With promptest aid they come at morn and evening, the worshipper’s most blessed guards from

trouble.

3 Yea, come at milking-time, at early morning, at noon of day and when the Sun is setting,

By day, by night, with favour most auspicious. Not only now the draught hath drawn the Asvins.

4 For this place, Asvins, was of old your dwelling, these were your houses, this your habitation. Come to us from high heaven and from the mountain. Come from the waters bringing food and

vigour.

5 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!

[05-077] HYMN LXXVII. Asvins.

1. FIRST worship those who come at early morning: let the Twain drink before the giftless niggard. The Asvins claim the sacrifice at daybreak: the sages yielding the first share extol them.

2 Worship at dawn and instigate the Asvins:nor is the worshipper at eve rejected.

Besides ourselves another craves and worships: each first in worship is most highly favoured.

3 Covered with gold, meath-tinted, dropping fatness, your chariot with its freight of food comes hither,

Swift as thought, Asvins, rapid as the tempest, wherewith ye travel over all obstructions.

4 He who hath served most often the Nasatyas, and gives the sweetest food at distribution, Furthers with his own holy works his offspring, and ever passes those whose flames ascend not.

5 May we obtain the Asvins’ newest favour, and gain their health-bestowing happy ildance. Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and joy, Immortals!

[05-078] HYMN LXXVIII. Asvins.

1. YE Asvins, hither come to us: Nasatyas, be not disinclined. Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed.

2 O Asvins, like a pair of deer, like two wild cattle to the mead: Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed.

3 O Asvins rich in gifts, accept our sacrifice to prosper it: Fly hither like two swans unto the juice we shed.

4 As Atri when descending to the cavem called on you loudly like a wailing woman.

Ye came to him, O Asvins, with the freshest and most auspicious fleetness of a falcon.

5 Tree, part asunder like the side of her who bringeth forth a child. Ye Asvins, listen to my call: loose Saptavadhri from his bonds.

6 For Saptavadhri, for the seer affrighted when he wept and wafled, Ye, Asvins, with your magic powers rent up the tree and shattered it.

7 Like as the wind on every side ruffles a pool of lotuses,

So stir in thee the babe unborn, so may the ten-month babe descend.

8 Like as the wind, like as the wood, like as the sea is set astir, So also, ten-month babe, descend together with the after-birth.

9 The child who hath for ten months’ time been lying in his mother’s side,- May he come forth alive, unharmed, yea, livingfrorn the living dame.

[05-079] HYMN LXXIX. Dawn.

1. O HEAVENLY Dawn, awaken us to ample opulence to-day

Even as thou hast wakened us with Satyasravas, Vayya’s son, high-born! delightful with thy steeds!

2 Daughter of Heaven, thou dawnedst on Sunitha Sucadratha’s son,

So dawn thou on one mightier still, on Satyasravas, Vayya’s son, high-born! delightful with thy steeds!

3 So, bringing treasure, dawn to-day on us thou Daughter of the Sky,

As thou, O mightier yet. didst shine for Satyatravas, Vayya’s son, high-born! delightful with thy steeds!

4 Here round about thee are the priests who laud thee, Bright One, with their hymns,

And men with gifts, O Bounteous Dame, splendid with wealth and offering much, high-born!

delightful with thy steeds!

5 Whatever these thy bands perform to please thee or to win them wealth,

E’en fain they gird us round and give rich gifts which ne’er are reft away, high-born! delightful with thy steeds!

6 Give to these wealthy patrons fame, O affluent Dawn, with hero sons,

To these our princes who have brought rich gifts ne’er to be reft away, highborn! delightful with thy steeds!

7 Bring lofty and resplendent fame, O thou munificent Dawn, to these

Our wealthy patrons who bestow rich gifts on us of steeds and kine, high-born! delightful with thy steeds!

8 Bring us, O Daughter of the Sky, subsistence in our herds of kine,

Together with the sunbeams, with the shine of pure refulgent flames, highborn! delightful with thy steeds!

9 O Daughter of the Sky, shine forth; delay not to perform thy task.

Let not the Sun with fervent heat consume thee like a robber foe, high-born! delightful with the steeds!

10 So much, and more exceedingly, O Dawn, it suits thee to bestow,

Thou Radiant One who ceasest not to shine for those who sing thy praise, highborn! delightful with thy steeds!

[05-080] HYMN LXXX. Dawn.

1. THE singers welcome with their hymns and praises the Goddess Dawn who bringeth in the sunlight,

Sublime, by Law true to eternal Order, bright on her path, red-tinted, far-refulgent.

2 She comes in front, fair, rousing up the people, making the pathways easy to be travelled. High, on her lofty chariot, all-impelling, Dawn gives her splendour at the days’ beginning.

3 She, harnessing her car with purple oxen. injuring none, hath brought perpetual riches. Opening paths to happiness, the Goddess shines, praised by all, giver of every blessing.

4 With changing tints she gleams in double splendour while from the eastward she displays her body.

She travels perfectly the path of Order, nor fails to reach, as one who knows, the quarters.

5 As conscious that her limbs are bright with bathing, she stands, as ’twere, erect that we may see her.

Driving away malignity and darkness, Dawn, Child of Heaven, hath come to us with lustre.

6 The Daughter of the Sky, like some chaste woman, bends, opposite to men, her forehead downward.

The Maid, disclosing boons to him who worships, hath brought again the daylight as aforetime.

[05-081] HYMN LXXXI. Savitar.

1. THE priests of him the lofty Priest well-skilled in hymns harness their spirit, yea, harness their holy thoughts.

He only knowing works assigns their priestly tasks. Yea, lofty is the praise of Savitar the God.

2 The Sapient One arrays himself in every form: for quadruped and biped he hath brought forth good. Excellent Savitar hath looked on heaven’s high vault, and shineth after the outgoing of the Dawn.

3 Even he, the God whose going-forth and majesty the other Deities have followed with their might, He who hath measured the terrestrial regions out by his great power, he is the Courser Savitar.

4 To the three spheres of light thou goest, Savitar, and with the rays of Sidrya thou combinest thee. Around, on both sides thou encompassest the night: yea, thou, O God, art Mitra through thy

righteous laws.

5 Over all generation thou art Lord alone: Pusan art thou, O God, in all thy goings-forth.

Yea, thou hast domination over all this world. Syavasva hath brought praise to thee, O Savitar,

[05-082] HYMN LXXXII. Savitar.

1. WE crave of Savitar the God this treasure much to be enjoyed.

The best, all-yielding, conquering gift of Bhaga we would gladly win.

2 Savitar’s own supremacy, most glorious and beloved of all, No one diminisheth in aught.

3 For Savitar who is Bhaga shall send riches to his worshipper. That wondrous portion we implore.

4 Send us this day, God Savitar, prosperity with progeny. Drive thou the evil dream away.

5 Savitar, God, send far away all sorrows and calamities, And send us only what is good.

6 Sinless in sight of Aditi through the God Savitar’s influence, May we obtain all lovely things.

7 We with our hymns this day elect the general God, Lord of the good, Savitar whose decrees are true.

8 He who for ever vigilant precedes these Twain, the Day and Night,

Is Savitar the thoughtful God.

9 He who gives glory unto all these living creatures with the song, And brings them forth, is Savitar.

[05-083] HYMN LXXXIII. Parjanya.

1. SING with these songs thy welcome to the Mighty, with adoration praise and call Parjanya. The Bull, loud roaring, swift to send his bounty, lays in the plants the seed. for germination.

2 He smites the trees apart, he slays the demons: all life fears him who wields the mighty weapon. From him exceeding strong fices e’en the guiltless, when thundering Parjanya smites the wicked.

3 Like a car-driver whipping on his horses, he makes the messengers of rain spring forward. Far off resounds the roaring of the lion, what time Parjanya fills the sky with rain-cloud.

4 Forth burst the winds, down come the lightning-flashes: the plants shoot up, the realm of light is streaming.

Food springs abundant for all living creatures, what time Parjanya quickens earth with moisture.

5 Thou at whose bidding earth bows low before thee, at whose command hoofed cattle fly in terror, At whose behest the plants assume all colours, even thou Parjanya, yield us great protection.

6 Send down for us the rain of heaven, ye Maruts, and let the Stallion’s flood descend in torrents. Come hither with this thunder while thou pourest the waters down, our heavenly Lord and Father.

7 Thunder and roar: the germ of life deposit. Fly round us on thy chariot waterladen.

Thine opened water-skin draw with thee downward, and let the hollows and the heights be level.

8 Lift up the mighty vessel, pour down water, and let the liberated streams rush forward. Saturate both the earth and heaven with fatness, and for the cows let there be drink abundant.

9 When thou, with thunder and with roar, Parjanya, smitest sinners down, This universe exults thereat, yea, all that is upon the earth.

10 Thou hast poured down the rain-flood now withhold it. Thou hast made desert places fit for travel. Thou hast made herbs to grow for our enjoyment: yea, thou hast won thee praise from living

creatures.

[05-084] HYMN LXXXIV. Prthivi.

1. THOU, of a truth,O Prthivi, bearest the tool that rends the hills:

Thou rich in torrents, who with might quickenest earth, O Mighty One.

2 To thee, O wanderer at will, ring out the lauds with beams of day, Who drivest, like a neighing steed, the swelling cloud, O bright of hue.

3 Who graspest with thy might on earth. e’en the strong sovrans of the wood, When from the lightning of thy cloud the rain-floods of the heaven descend.

[05-085] HYMN LXXXV. Varuna.

1. SING forth a hymn sublime and solemn, grateful to glorious. Varuna, imperial Ruler,

Who hath struck out, like one who slays the victim, earth as a skin to spread in front of Surya.

2 In the tree-tops the air he hath extended, put milk in kine and vigorous speed in horses, Set intellect in hearts, fire in the waters, Siurya in heaven and Soma on the mountain.

3 Varuna lets the big cask, opening downward, flow through the heaven and earth and air’s mid- region.

Therewith the universe’s Sovran waters earth as the shower of rain bedews the barley.

4 When Varuna is fain for milk he moistens the sky, the land, and earth to her foundation.

Then straight the mountains clothe them in the rain-cloud: the Heroes, putting forth their vigour, loose them.

5 I will declare this mighty deed of magic, of glorious Varuna the Lord Immortal,

Who standing in the firmament hath meted the earth out with the Sun as with a measure.

6 None, verily, hath ever let or hindered this the most wise God’s mighty deed of magic, Whereby with all their flood, the lucid rivers fill not one sea wherein they pour their waters.

7 If we have sinned against the man who loves us, have ever wronged a brother, friend, or comrade, The neighbour ever with us, or a stranger, O Varuna, remove from us the trespass.

8 If we, as gamesters cheat at play, have cheated, done wrong unwittingly or sinned of purpose, Cast all these sins away like loosened fetters, and, Varuna let us be thine own beloved.

[05-086] HYMN LXXXVI. Indra-Agni.

1. THE mortal man whom ye, the Twain, Indra and Agni, help in fight,

Breaks through e’en strongly-guarded wealth as Trta burst his way through reeds.

2 The Twain invincible in war, worthy to be renowned in frays, Lords of the Fivefold. People, these, Indra and Agni, we invoke.

3 Impetuous is their strength, and keen the lightning of the mighty Pair, Which from their arms speeds with the car to Vrtra’s slayer for the kine.

4 Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, as such, to send your cars: Lords of quick-coming bounty, ye who know, chief lovers of the song.

5 These who give increase day by day, Gods without guile for mortal man, Worthy themselves, I honour most, Two Gods as partners, for my horse.

6 The strength-bestowing offering thus to Indra-Agni hath been paid, as butter, purified by stones. Deal to our princes high renown, deal wealth to those who sing your praise, deal food to those who sing your praise.

[05-087] HYMN LXXXVII. Maruts.

1. To Visnu, to the Mighty whom the Maruts follow let your hymns born in song go forth, Evayamarut;

To the impetuous, strong band, adorned with bracelets, that rushes on in joy and ever roars for vigour.

2 They who with might were manifest, and who willingly by their own knowledge told it forth, Evayamarut.

Maruts, this strength of yours no wisdom comprehendeth: through their gifts’ greatness they are moveless as the mountains.

3 Who by the psalm they sing are heard, from lofty heaven, the strong, the brightly shining Ones, Evayamarut;

In whose abode there is no mightier one to move them, whose lightnings are as fires, who urge the roaring rivers.

4 He of the Mighty Stride forth strode, Evayamarut, out of the spacious dwelling-place, their home in common.

When he, himself, hath yoked his emulous strong horses on heights, he cometh forth, joy-giving, with the Heroes.

5 Like your tremendous roar, the rainer with light flashing, strong, speeding, hath made all tremble, Evayamarut,

Wherewith victorious ye, self-luminous, press onward, with strong reins, decked with gold, impetuous and well-weaponed.

6 Unbounded is your greatness, ye of mighty power: may your bright vigour be our aid, Evayamarut; For ye are visible helpers in the time of trouble: like fires, aglow with light, save us from shame and

insult.

7 So may the Rudras, mighty warriors, Evayamarut, with splendid brilliancy, like fires, be our protectors;

They whose terrestrial dwelling-place is wide-extended, whom none suspect of sin, whose bands have lofty courage.

8 Come in a friendly spirit, come to us, O Maruts, and hear his call who praises you, Evayamarut. Like car-borne men, one-minded with the mighty Visnu, keep enmity far from us with your deeds of

wonder.

9 Come to our sacrifice, ye Hnly Ones, to bless it, and, free from demons, hear our call, Evayamarut. Most excellent, like mountains in the air’s raid-region, be irresistible, ye, Wise, to this man’a hater.