[01-061] HYMN LXI Indra.
1 EVEN to him, swift, strong and high. exalted, I bring my song of praise as dainty viands, My thought to him resistless, praise-deserving, prayers offered most especially to Indra.
2 Praise, like oblation, I present, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to the Victor.
For Indra, who is Lord of old, the singers have decked their lauds with heart and mind and spirit.
3 To him then with my lips mine adoration, winning heaven’s light, most excellent, I offer, To magnify with songs of invocation and with fair hymns the Lord, most bounteous Giver.
4 Even for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man who needs it,- Praises to him who gladly hears our praises, a hymn well-formed, all-moving, to wise Indra.
5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as ’twere a horse, through love of glory, To reverence the Hero, bounteous Giver, famed far and wide, destroyer of the castles.
6 Even for him hath Tvastar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle, Wherewith he reached the vital parts of Vrtra, striking-the vast, the mighty with the striker.
7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Visnu had drunk up the draught, he plundered.
The dainty cates, the cooked mess; but One stronger transfixed the wild boar, shooting through the mountain.
8 To him, to Indra, when he slew the Dragon, the Dames, too, Consorts of the Goda, wove praises. The mighty heaven and earth hath he encompassed: thy greatness heaven and earth, combined,
exceed not.
9 Yea, of a truth, his magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of earth, mid-air, and heaven.
Indra, approved by all men, self-resplendent, waxed in his home, loud-voiced and strong for battle.
10 Through his own strength Indra with bolt of thunder cut piece-meal Vrtra, drier up of waters. He let the floods go free, like cows imprisoned, for glory, with a heart inclined to bounty.
11 The rivers played, through his impetuous splendour, since with his bolt he compassed them on all sides.
Using his might and favouring him who worshipped, he made a ford, victorious, for Turviti.
12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast thy bolt of thunder. Rend thou his joints, as of an ox, dissevered, with bolt oblique, that floods of rain may follow.
13 Sing with new lauds his exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds of him, yea, him who moveth swiftly,
When, hurling forth his weapons in the battle, he with impetuous wrath lays low the foemen.
14 When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm. Set mountains and the whole heaven and earth, tremble for terror.
May Nodhas, ever praising the protection of that dear Friend, gain quickly strength heroic.
15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what he who rules alone o’er much, electeth. Indra hath helped Etasa, Soma-presser, contending in the race of steeds with Sarya.
16 Thus to thee, Indra, yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have brought their prayers to please thee.
Bestow upon them thought, decked with all beauty. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.
[01-062] HYMN LXII. Indra.
1. LIKE Angiras a gladdening laud we ponder to him who loveth song, exceeding mighty. Let us sing glory to the far-famed Hero who must be praised with fair hymns by the singer.
2 Unto the great bring ye great adoration, a chant with praise to him exceeding mighty,
Through whom our sires, Angirases, singing praises and knowing well the places, found the cattle.
3 When Indra and the Angirases desired it, Sarama found provision for her offipring. Brhaspati cleft the mountain, found the cattle: the heroes shouted with the kine in triumph.
4 Mid shout, loud shout, and roar, with the Navagvas, seven singers, hast thou, heavenly, rent the mountain;
Thou hast, with speeders, with Dasagvas, Indra, Sakra, with thunder rent obstructive Vala.
5 Praised by Angirases, thou, foe-destroyer, hast, with the Dawn, Sun, rays, dispellcd the darkness. Thou Indra, hast spread out the earths high ridges, and firmly fixed the region under heaven.
6 This is the deed most worthy of all honour, the fairest marvel of the Wonder-Worker,
That, nigh where heaven bends down, he made four rivers flow full with waves that carry down sweet water.
7 Unwearied, won with lauding hymns, he parted of old the ancient Pair, united ever.
In highest sky like Bhaga, he the doer of marvels set both Dames and earth and heaven.
8 Still born afresh, young Dames, each in her manner, unlike in hue, the Pair in alternation
Round heaven and earth from ancient time have travelled, Night with her dark limbs, Dawn with limbs of splendour.
9 Rich in good actions, skilled in operation, the Son with might maintains his perfect friendship. Thou in the raw cows, black of hue or ruddy, storest the ripe milk glossy white in colour.
10 Their paths, of old connected, rest uninjured; they with great might preserve the immortal statutes.
For many thousand holy works the Sisters wait on the haughty Lord like wives and matrons.
11 Thoughts ancient, seeking wealth, with adoration, with newest lauds have sped to thee, O Mighty.
As yearning wives cleave to their yearning husband, so cleave our hymns to thee, O Lord most potent.
12 Strong God, the riches which thy hands have holden from days of old have perished not nor wasted.
Splendid art thou, O Indra, wise, unbending:strengthen us with might, O Lord of Power.
13 O mighty Indra, Gotama’s son Nodhas hath fashioned this new prayer to thee Eternal,
Sure leader, yoker of the Tawny Coursers. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.
[01-063] HYMN LXIII. Indra.
1. THOU art the Mighty One; when born, O Indra, with power thou tcrrifiedst earth and heaven – When, in their fear of thee, all firm-set mountains and monstrous creatures shook like dust before
thee.
2 When thy two wandering Bays thou drawest hither, thy praiser laid within thine arms the thunder, Wherewith, O Much-invoked, in will resistless, thou smitest foemen down and many a castle.
3 Faithful art thou, these thou defiest, Indra; thou art the Rbhus’ Lord, heroic, victor.
Thou, by his side, for young and glorious Kutsa, with steed and car in battle slewest Susna,
4 That, as a friend, thou furtheredst, O Indra, when, Thundcrer, -strong in act, thou crushedst Vrtra; When, Hero, thou, great-souled, with easy conquest didst rend the Dasyus in their
distant dwelling.
5 This doest thou, and art not harmed, O Indra, e’en in the anger of the strongest mortal.
Lay thou the race-course open for our horses: as with a club, slay, Thunderarmed 1 our foemen.
6 Hence men invoke thee, Indra, in the tumult of battle, in the light-bestowing conflict.
This aid of thine, O Godlike One, was ever to be implored in deeds of might in combat.
7 Warring for Purukutsa thou, O Indra, Thunder-armed I breakest down the seven castles; Easily, for Sudis, like grass didst rend them, and out of need, King, broughtest gain to Puru.
8 O Indra, God who movest round about us, feed us with varied food plenteous as water- Food wherewithal, O Hero, thou bestowest vigour itself to flow to us for ever.
9 Prayers have been made by Gotamas, O Indra, addressed to thee, with laud for thy Bay Horses. Bring us in noble shape abundant riches. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.
[01-064] HYMN LXIV. Maruts.
1. BRING for the manly host, wise and majestical, O Nodhas, for the Maruts bring thou a pure gift. I deck my songs as one deft-handed, wise in mind prepares the water that hath power in solemn
rites.
2 They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot and stain;
The purifiers, shining brightly even as suns, awful of form like giants, scattering rain-drops down.
3 Young Rudras, demon-slayers, never growing old, they have waxed, even as mountains, irresistible. They make all beings tremble with their mighty strength, even the very strongest, both of earth and
heaven.
4 With glittering ornaments they deck them forth for show; for beauty on their breasts they bind their chains of gold.
The lances on their shoulders pound to pieces; they were born together, of themselves, the Men of
Heaven.
5 Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they make the winds, they make the lightnings with their powers.
The restless shakers drain the udders of the sky, and ever wandering round fill the earth full with milk.
6 The bounteous Maruts with the fatness dropping milk fill full the waters which avail in solenm rites.
They lead, as ’twere, the Strong Horse forth, that it may rain: they milk the thundering, the never- failing spring.
7 Mighty, with wondrous power and marvellously bright, selfstrong like mountains, ye glide swiftly on your way.
Like the wild elephants ye eat the forests up when ye assume your strength among the bright red flames.
8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all-possessing, are beauteous as antelopes; Stirring the darkness with lances and spotted deer, combined as priests, with serpents’ fury through
their might.
9 Heroes who march in companies, befriending man, with serpents’ ire through strength, ye greet the earth and heaven.
Upon the seats, O Maruts, of your chariots, upon the cars stands lightning visible as light.
10 Lords of all riches, dwelling in the home of wealth, endowed with mighty vigour, singers loud of voice,
Heroes, of powers infinite, armed with strong men’s rings, the archers, they have laid the arrow on their arms.
11 They who with golden fellies make the rain increase drive forward the big clouds like wanderers on the way.
Self-moving, brisk, unwearied, they o’erthrow the firm; the Maruts with bright lances make all things to reel.
12 The progeny of Rudra we invoke with prayer, the brisk, the bright, the worshipful, the active Ones
To the strong band of Maruts cleave for happiness, the chasers of the sky, impetuous, vigorous.
13 Maruts, the man whom ye have guarded with your help, he verily in strength surpasseth all mankind.
Spoil with his steeds he gaineth, treasure with his men; he winneth honourable strength and prospereth.
14 O Maruts, to the worshippers give glorious strength invincible in battle, brilliant, bringing wealth, Praiseworthy, known to all men. May we foster well, during a hundred winters, son and progeny.
15 Will ye then, O ye Maruts, grant us riches, durable, rich in men, defying onslaught.
A hundred, thousandfold, ever increasing? May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.
[01-065] HYMN LXV. Agni.
1 ONE-MINDED, wise, they tracked thee like a thief lurking in dark cave with a stolen cow: Thee claiming worship, bearing it to Gods -. there nigh to thee sate all the Holy Ones.
2 The Gods approached the ways of holy Law; there was a gathering vast as heaven itself. The waters feed with praise the growing Babe, born nobly in the womb, the seat of Law.
3 Like grateful food, like some wide dwelling place, like a fruit-bearing hill, a wholesome stream. Like a steed urged to run in swift career, rushing like Sindhu, who may check his course?
4 Kin as a brother to his sister floods, he cats the woods as a King eats the rich.
When through the forest, urged by wind, he spreads, verily Agni shears the hair of earth.
5 Like a swan sitting in the floods he pants wisest in mind mid men he wakes at morn.
A Sage like Soma, sprung from Law, he grew like some young creature, mighty, shining far.
[01-066] HYMN LXVI. Agni.
1. LIKE the Sun’s glance, like wealth of varied sort, like breath which is the life, like one’s own son, Like a swift bird, a cow who yields her milk, pure and refulgent to the wood he speeds.
2 He offers safety like a pleasant home, like ripened corn, the Conqueror of men.
Like a Seer lauding, famed among the folk; like a steed friendly he vouchsafes us power.
3 With flame insatiate, like eternal might; caring for each one like a dame at home;
Bright when he shines forth, whitish mid the folk, like a car, gold-decked, thundering to the fight.
4 He strikes with terror like a dart shot forth, e’en like an archer’s arrow tipped with flame; Master of present and of future life, the maidens’ lover and the matrons’ Lord.
5 To him lead all your ways: may we attain the kindled God as cows their home at eve.
He drives the flames below as floods their swell: the rays rise up to the fair place of heaven.
[01-067] HYMN LXVII. Agni.
1. VICTORIOUS in the wood, Friend among men, ever he claims obedience as a King.
Gracious like peace, blessing like mental power, Priest was he, offering-bearer, full of thought.
2 He, bearing in his hand all manly might, crouched in the cavern, struck the Gods with fear. Men filled with understanding find him there, when they have sting prayers formed within their
heart.
3 He, like the Unborn, holds the broad earth up; and with effective utterance fixed the sky. O Agni, guard the spots which cattle love: thou, life of all, hast gone from lair to lair.
4 Whoso hath known him dwelling in his lair, and hath approached the stream of holy Law,- They who release him, paying sacred rites, -truly to such doth he announce great wealth.
5 He who grows mightily in herbs, within each fruitful mother and each babe she bears, Wise, life of all men, in the waters’ home,-for him have sages built as ’twere a seat.
[01-068] HYMN LXVIII. Agni.
1. COMMINGLING, restless, he ascends the sky, unveiling nights and all that stands or moves, As he the sole God is preeminent in great. ness among all these other Gods.
2 All men are joyful in thy power, O God, that living from the dry wood thou art born. All truly share thy Godhead while they keep, in their accustomed ways, eternal Law.
3 Strong is the thought of Law, the Law’s behest; all works have they performed; he quickens all. Whoso will bring oblation, gifts to thee, to him, bethinking thee, vouchsafe thou wealth.
4 Seated as Priest with Manu’s progeny, of all these treasures he alone is Lord.
Men yearn for children to prolong their line, and are not disappointed in their hope.
5 Eagerly they who hear his word fulfil his wish as sons obey their sire’s behest.
He, rich in food, unbars his wealth like doors: he, the House-Friend, bath decked heaven’s vault with stars.
[01-069] HYMN LXIX. Agni.
1. BRIGHT, splendid, like Dawn’s lover, he bath filled the two joined worlds as with the light of heaven.
When born, with might thou hast encompassed them: Father of Gods, and yet their Son wast thou.
2 Agni, the Sage, the humble, who discerns like the cow’s udder, the sweet taste of food, Like a bliss-giver to be drawn to men, sits gracious in the middle of the house.
3 Born in the dwelling like a lovely son, pleased, like a strong steed, he bears on the folk. What time the men and I, with heroes, call, may Agni then gain all through Godlike power.
4 None breaks these holy laws of thine when thou hast granted audience to these chieftains here. This is thy boast, thou smotest with thy peers, and joined with heroes dravest off disgrace.
5 Like the Dawn’s lover, spreading light, well-known as hued like morn, may he remember me. They, bearing of themselves, unbar the doors: they all ascend to the fair place of heaven.
[01-070] HYMN LXX. Agni.
1. MAY we, the pious, win much food by prayer, may Agni with fair light pervade each act,- He the observer of the heavenly laws of Gods, and of the race of mortal man.
2 He who is germ of waters, germ of woods, germ of all things that move not and that move,- To him even in the rock and in the house: Immortal One, he cares for all mankind.
3 Agni is Lord of riches for the man who serves him readily with sacred songs.
Protect these beings thou with careful thought, knowing the races both of Gods and men.
4 Whom many dawns and nights, unlike, make strong, whom, born in Law, all things that move and stand,-
He bath been won, Herald who sits in light, making effectual all our holy works.
5 Thou settest value on our cows and woods: all shall bring tribute to us to the light.
men have served thee in many and sundry spots, parting, as ’twere, an aged father’s wealth.
6 Like a brave archer, like one skilled and bold, a fierce avenger, so he shines in fight.
[01-071] HYMN LXXI. Agni.
1. LOVING the loving One, as wives their husband, the sisters of one home have urged him forward, Bright-coloured, even, as the cows love morning, dark, breaking forth to view, and redly beaming.
2 Our sires with lauds burst e’en the firmset fortress, yea, the Angirases, with roar, the mountain. They made for us a way to reach high heaven, they found us day, light, day’s sign, beams of morning.
3 They stablished order, made his service fruitful; then parting them among the longing faithful, Not thirsting after aught, they come, most active, while with sweet food the race of Gods they
strengthen.
4 Since Matarisvan, far-diffused, bath stirred him, and he in every house grown bright and noble, He, Bhrgu-like I hath gone as his companion, as on commission to a greater Sovran.
5 When man poured juice to Heaven, the mighty Father, he knew and freed himself from close embracement.
The archer boldly shot at him his arrow, and the God threw his splendour on his Daughter.
6 Whoso, bath flames for thee within his dwelling, or brings the worship which thou lovest daily, Do thou of double might increase his substance: may he whom thou incitest meet with riches.
7 All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the Seven mighty Rivers seek the ocean.
Not by our brethren was our food discovered: find with the Gods care for us, thou who knowest.
8 When light bath filled the Lord of men for increase, straight from the heaven descends the limpid moisture.
Agni bath brought to light and filled with spirit the youthful host blameless and well providing.
9 He who like thought goes swiftly on his journey, the Sun, alone is ever Lord of riches. The Kings with fair hands, Varuna and Mitra, protect the precious nectar in our cattle.
10 O Agni, break not our ancestral friendship, Sage as thou art, endowed with deepest knowledge. Old age, like gathering cloud, impairs the body: before that evil be come nigh protect me.
[01-072] HYMN LXXII. Agni.
1. THOUGH holding many gifts for men, he humbleth the higher powers of each wise ordainer. Agni is now the treasure-lord of treasures, for ever granting all immortal bounties.
2 The Gods infallible all searching found not him, the dear Babe who still is round about us. Worn weary, following his track, devoted, they reached the lovely highest home of Agni.
3 Because with holy oil the pure Ones, Agni, served thee the very pure three autumn seasons, Therefore they won them holy names for worship, and nobly born they dignified their bodies.
4 Making them known to spacious earth and heaven, the holy Ones revealed the powers of Rudra. The mortal band, discerning in the distance, found Agni standing in the loftiest station.
5 Nigh they approached, one-minded, with their spouses, kneeling to him adorable paid worship. Friend finding in his own friend’s eye protection, they made their own the bodies which they
chastened.
6 Soon as the holy beings had discovered the thrice-seven mystic things contained within thee, With these, one-minded., they preserve the Amrta: guard thou the life of all their plants and cattle.
7 Thou, Agni, knower of men’s works, hast sent us good food in constant course for our subsistence: Thou deeply skilled in paths of Gods becamest an envoy never wearied, offeringbearer.
8 Knowing the Law, the seven strong floods from heaven, full of good thought, discerned the doors of riches.
Sarama found the cattle’s firm-built prison whereby the race of man is still supported.
9 They who approached all noble operations making a path that leads to life immortal, To be the Bird’s support, the spacious mother, Aditi, and her great Sons stood in power.
10 When Gods immortal made both eyes of heaven, they gave to him the gift of beauteous glory. Now they flow forth like rivers set in motion: they knew the Red Steeds coming down, O Agni.
[01-073] HYMN LXXIII. Agni.
I. HE who gives food, like patrimonial riches and guides aright like some wise man’s instruction, Loved like a guest who lies in pleasant lodging,-may he, as Priest, prosper his servant’s dwelling.
2 He who like Savitar the God, true-minded protecteth with his power. all acts of vigour, Truthful, like splendourr, glorified by many, like breath joy-giving,-all must strive to win him.
3 He who on earth dwells like a king surrounded by faithful friends, like a God all-sustaining, Like heroes who preside, who sit in safety: like as a blameless dame dear to her husband.
4 Thee, such, in settlements secure, O Agni, our men serve ever kindled in each dwelling. On him have they laid splendour in abundance: dear to all men, bearer be he of riches.
5 May thy rich worshippers win food, O Agni, and princes gain long life who bring oblation. May we get booty from jur foe in battle, presenting to the Gods their share for glory.
6 The cows of holy law, sent us by Heaven, have swelled with laden udders, loudly lowing; Soliciting his favour, from a distance the rivers to the rock have flowed together.
7 Agni, with thee, soliciting thy favour, the holy Ones have gained glory in heaven.
They made the Night and Dawn of different colours, and set the black and purple hues together.
8 May we and those who worship be the mortals whom thou, O Agni, leadest on to riches.
Thou hast filled earth and heaven and air’s mid-region, and followest the whole world like a shadow.
9 Aided by thee, O Agni, may we conquer steeds with steeds, men with men, heroes with heroes, Lords of the wealth transmitted by our fathers: and may our princes live a hundred winters.
10 May these our hymns of praise, Agni, Ordainer, be pleasant to thee in thy heart and spirit.
May we have power to hold thy steeds of riches, laying on thee the God-sent gift of glory.
[01-074] HYMN LXXIV. Agni.
1. As forth to sacrifice we go, a hymn to a hymn let us say, Who hears us even when afar;
2 Who, from of old, in carnage, when the people gathered, hath preserved
His household for the worshipper.
3 And let men say, Agni is born, e’en he who slayeth Vrtra, he
Who winneth wealth in every fight.
4 Him in whose house an envoy thou lovest to taste his offered gifts, And strengthenest his sacrifice,
5 Him, Angiras, thou Son of Strength, all men call happy in his God, His offerings, and his sacred grass.
6 Hitherward shalt thou bring these Gods to our laudation and to taste. These offered gifts, fair-shining One.
7 When, Agni, on thine embassage thou goest not a sound is heard of steed or straining of thy car.
8 Aided by thee uninjured, strong, one after other, goes he forth: Agni, the ofterer forward steps.
9 And splendid strength, heroic, high, Agni, thou grantest from the Gods, Thou God, to him who offers gifts.
[01-075] HYMN LXXV. Agni.
1. ACCEPT our loudest-sounding hymn, food most delightful to the Gods, Pouring our offerings in thy mouth.
2 Now, Agni, will we say to thee, O wisest and best Afigiras, Our precious, much-availing prayer.
3 Who, Agni, is thy kin, of men? who is thy worthy worshipper? On whom dependent? who art thou?
4 The kinsman, Agni, of mankind, their well beloved Friend art thou, A Friend whom friends may supplicate.
5 Bring to us Mitra, Varuna, bring the Gods to mighty sacrifice. Bring them, O Agni, to thine home.
[01-076] HYMN LXXVI. Agni.
1. How may the mind draw nigh to please thee, Agni? What hymn of praise shall bring us greatest blessing?
Or who hath gained thy power by sacrifices? or with what mind shall we bring thee oblations?
2 Come hither, Agni; sit thee down as Hotar; be thou who never wast deceived our leader.
May Heaven and Earth, the all-pervading, love thee: worship the Gods to win for us their favour.
3 Burn thou up all the Riksasas, O Agni; ward thou off curses from our sacrifices.
Bring hither with his Bays the Lord of Soma: here is glad welcome for the Bounteous Giver.
4 Thou Priest with lip and voice that bring us children hast been invoked. Here with the Gods be seated.
Thine is the task of Cleanser and Presenter: waken us, Wealth-bestower and Producer.
5 As with oblations of the priestly Manus thou worshippedst the Gods, a Sage with sages, So now, O truthfullest Invoker Agni, worship this day with joy-bestowing ladle.
[01-077] HYMN LXXVII. Agni.
1. How shall we pay oblation unto Agni? What hymn, Godloved, is said to him refulgent? Who, deathless, true to Law, mid men a herald, bringeth the Gods as best of sacrificers?
2 Bring him with reverence hither, most propitious in sacrifices, true to Law, the herald;
For Agni, when he seeks the Gods for mortals, knows them full well and worships them in spirit.
3 For he is mental power, a man, and perfect; he is the bringer, friend-,like, of the wondrous. The pious Aryan tribes at sacrifices address them first to him who doeth marvels.
4 May Agni, foe-destroyer, manliest Hero, accept with love our hymns and our devotion.
So may the liberal lords whose strength is strongest, urged by their riches, stir our thoughts with vigour.
5 Thus Agni Jatavedas, true to Order, hath by the priestly Gotamas been lauded.
May he augment in them splendour and vigour: observant, as he lists, he gathers increase.
[01-078] HYMN LXXVIII. Agni.
1. O JATAVEDAS, keen and swift, we Gotamas with sacred song exalt thee for thy glories’ sake.
2 Thee, as thou art, desiring wealth Gotama worships with his song: We laud thee for thy glories’ sake.
3 As such, like Angiras we call on thee best winner of the spoil: We laud thee for thy glories’ sake.
4 Thee, best of Vrtra-slayers, thee who shakest off our Dasyu foes: We laud thee for thy glories’ sake.
5 A pleasant song to Agni we, sons of Rahugana, have sung: We laud thee for thy glories’ sake.
[01-079] HYMN LXXIX. Agni.
1. HE in mid-air’s expanse hath golden tresses; a raging serpent, like the rushing tempest: Purely refulgent, knowing well the morn. ing; like honourable dames, true, active workers.
2 Thy well-winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the black Bull hath bellowed round about us.
With drops that bless and seem to smile he cometh: the waters fall, the clouds utter their thunder.
3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conducting by directest paths of Order
Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, Parijman fill the hide full where lies the nether press-stone.
4 O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength, Vouchsafe to us, O Jatavetlas, high renown.
5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song: Shine, thou of many forms, shine radiantly on us.
6 O Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning breaks, Burn, thou whose teeth are sharp, against the Raksasas.
7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid, When the great hymn is chanted forth.
8 Bring to us ever-conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice, In all our frays invincible.
9 Give us, O Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all our life, Thy favour so that we may live.
10 O Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with care
To Agni of the pointed flames.
11 May the man fall, O Agni, who near or afar assaileth us: Do thou increase and prosper us.
12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand-eyed, chaseth the Raksasas afar: He singeth, herald meet for lauds.
[01-080] HYMN LXXX. Indra.
1. THUS in the Soma, in wild joy the Brahman hath exalted thee:
Thou, mightiest It thunder-armed, hast driven by force he Dragon from the earth, lauding thine own imperial sway.
2 The mighty flowing Soma-draught, brought by the Hawk, hath gladdened thee,
That in thy strength, O Thunderer, thou hast struck down Vrtra from the floods, lauding thine own imperial sway.
3 Go forward, meet the foe, be bold; thy bolt of thunder is not checked.
Manliness, Indra, is thy might: stay Vrtra, make the waters thine, lauding thine own imperial sway.
4 Thou smotest Vrtra from the earth, smotest him, Indra, from the sky.
Let these life-fostering waters flow attended by the Marut host, lauding thine own imperial sway.
5 The wrathful Indra with his bolt of thunder rushing on the foe,
Smote fierce on trembling Vrtra’s back, and loosed the waters free to run, lauding his own imperial sway.
6 With hundred-jointed thunderbolt Indra hath struck him on the back,
And, while rejoicing in the juice, seeketh prosperity for friends, lauding his own imperial sway.
7 Indra, unconquered might is thine, Thunderer, Caster of the Stone;
For thou with thy surpassing power smotest to death the guileful beast, lauding thine own imperial sway.
8 Far over ninety spacious floods thy thunderbolts were cast abroad:
Great, Indra, is thy hero might, and strength is seated in thine arms, lauding thine own imperial sway.
9 Laud him a thousand all at once, shout twenty forth the hymn of praise.
Hundreds have sung aloud to him, to Indra hath the prayer been raised, lauding his own imperial sway.
10 Indra hath smitten down the power of Vrtra,-might with stronger might.
This was his manly exploit, he slew Vrtra and let loose the floods, lauding his own imperial sway.
11 Yea, even this great Pair of Worlds trembled in terror at thy wrath,
When, Indra, Thunderer, Marut-girt, thou slewest Vrtra in thy strength, lauding thine own imperial sway.
12 But Vrtra scared not Indra with his shaking or his thunder roar.
On him that iron thunderbolt fell fiercely with its thousand points, lauding his own imperial sway.
13 Whenwith the thunder thou didst make thy dart and Vrtra meet in war,
Thy might, O Indra, fain to slay the Dragon, was set firm in heaven, lauding thine own imperial sway.
14 When at thy shout, O Thunder-armed, each thing both fixed and moving shook,
E’en Tvastar trembled at thy wrath and quaked with fear because of thee, lauding thine own imperial sway.
15 There is not, in our knowledge, one who passeth Indra in his strength:
In him the Deities have stored manliness, insight, power and might, lauding his own imperial sway.
16 Still as of old, whatever rite Atharvan, Manus sire of all,
Dadhyach performed, their prayer and praise united in that Indra meet, lauding his own imperial sway.