HYMN LIII. Indra.

2
Giver of horses, Indra, giver, thou, of kine, giver of barley, thou art Lord and guard of wealth: Man's helper from of old, not disappointing hope, Friend of our friends, to thee ,as such we sing this praise.

3
Indra, most splendid, powerful, rich in mighty deeds, this treasure spread around is known to be thine own. Gather therefrom, O Conqueror, and bring to us: fail not the hope of him who loves and sings to thee.

4
Well pleased with these bright flames and with these Soma drops, take thou away our poverty with seeds and kine. With Indra scattering the Dasyu through these drops, freed from their hate may we obtain abundant food.

5
Let us obtain, O Indra, plenteous wealth and food, with strength exceeding glorious, shining to the sky: May we obtain the Goddess Providence, the strength of heroes, special source of cattle, rich in steeds.

6
These our libations strength-inspiring, Soma draughts, gladdened thee in the fight with Vrtra, Hero Lord, What time thou slewest for the singer with trimmed grass ten thousand Vrtras, thou resistless in thy might.

7
Thou goest on from fight to fight intrepidly, destroying castle after castle here with strength. Thou, Indra, with thy friend who makes the foe bow down, slewest from far away the guileful Namuci.

8
Thou hast struck down in death Karanja, Parnaya, in Atithigva's very glorious going forth. Unyielding, when Rjisvan compassed them with siege, thou hast destroyed the hundred forts of Vangrida.

9
With all-outstripping chariot-wheel, O Indra, thou far-famed, hast overthrown the twice ten Kings of men, With sixty thousand nine-and-ninety followers, who came in arms to fight with friendless Susravas.

10
Thou hast protected Susravas with succour, and Turvayana with thine aid, O Indra. Thou madest Kutsa, Atithigva, Ayu, subject unto this King, the young, the mighty.

11
May we protected by the Gods hereafter remain thy very prosperous friends, O Indra. Thee we extol, enjoying through thy favour life long and joyful and with store of heroes.

HYMN LIV. Indra.

1
URGE us not, Maghavan, to this distressful fight, for none may comprehend the limit of thy strength. Thou with fierce shout hast made the woods and rivers roar: did not men run in crowds together in their fear?

2
Sing hymns of praise to Sakra, Lord of power and might; laud thou and magnify Indra who heareth thee, Who with his daring might, a Bull exceeding strong in strength, maketh him master of the heaven and earth.

3
Sing forth to lofty Dyaus a strength-bestowing song, the Bold, whose resolute mind hath independent sway. High glory hath the Asura, compact of strength, drawn on by two Bay Steeds: a Bull, a Car is he.

4
The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, daring, of thyself smotest through Sambara, When bold with gladdening juice, thou warredst with thy bolt, sharp and two edged, against the banded sorcerers.

5
When with a roar that fills the woods, thou forcest down on wind's head the stores which 8usga [sic] kept confined, Who shall have power to stay thee firm and eager-souled from doing still this day what thou of old hast done?

6
Thou helpest Narya, Turvasa, and Yadu, and Vayya's son Turviti, Satakratu! Thou helpest horse and car in final battle thou breakest down the nine-and-ninety castles.

7
A hero-lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free oblations and promotes the Law, Who with a bounteous guerdon welcomes hymns of praise: for him flows down the abundant stream below the sky.

8
His power is matchless, matchless is his wisdom; chief, through their work, be some who drink the Soma, Those, Indra, who increase the lordly power, the firm heroic strength of thee the Giver.

9
Therefore for thee are these abundant beakers Indra's drink, stone-pressed juices held in ladles. Quaff them and satisfy therewith thy longing; then fix thy mind upon bestowing treasure.

10
There darkness stood, the vault that stayed the waters' flow: in Vrtra's hollow side the rain-cloud lay concealed. But Indra smote the rivers which the obstructer stayed, flood following after flood, down steep declivitics [sic].

11
So give us, Indra, bliss-increasing glory give us great sway and strength that conquers people. Preserve our wealthy patrons, save our princes; vouchsafe us wealth and food with noble offspring.

HYMN LV. Indra.

1
THOUGH e'en this heaven's wide space and earth have spread them out, nor heaven nor earth may be in greatness Indra's match. Awful and very mighty, causing woe to men, he whets his thunderbolt for sharpness, as a bull.

2
Like as the watery ocean, so doth he receive the rivers spread on all sides in their ample width. He bears him like a bull to drink of Soma juice, and will, as Warrior from of old, be praised for might.

3
Thou swayest, Indra, all kinds of great manly power, so as to bend, as't were, even that famed mountain down. Foremost among the Gods is he through hero might, set in the van, the Strong One, for each arduous deed.

4
He only in the wood is praised by worshippers, when he shows forth to men his own fair Indra-power. A friendly Bull is he, a Bull to be desired when Maghavan auspiciously sends forth his voice.

5
Yet verily the Warrior in his vigorous strength stirreth up with his might great battles for mankind; And men have faith in Indra, the resplendent One, what time he hurleth down his bolt, his dart of death.

6
Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, he with great might destroys the dwellings made with art, He makes the lights of heaven shine forth secure, he bids, exceeding wise, the floods flow for his worshipper.

7
Drinker of Soma, let thy heart incline to give; bring thy Bays hitherward, O thou who hearest praise. Those charioteers of' thine, best skilled to draw the rein, the rapid sunbeams, Indra, lead thee not astray.

8
Thou bearest in both hands treasure that never fails; the famed One in his body holds unvanquished might. O Indra, in thy members many powers abide, like wells surrounded by the ministering priests.

HYMN LVI. Indra.

2
To him the guidance-following songs of praise flow full, as those who seek gain go in company to the flood. To him the Lord of power, the holy synod's might, as to a hill, with speed, ascend the loving ones.

3
Victorious, great is he; in manly battle shines, unstained with dust, his might, as shines a mountain peak; Wherewith the iron one, fierce e'en against the strong, in rapture, fettered wily Sushna fast in bonds.

4
When Strength the Goddess, made more strong for help by thee, waits upon Indra as the Sun attends the Dawn, Then. he who with his might unflinching kills the gloom stirs up the dust aloft, with joy and triumphing.

5
When thou with might, upon the framework of the heaven, didst fix, across, air's region firmly, unremoved, In the light-winning war, Indra, in rapturous joy, thou smotest Vrtra dead and broughtest floods of rain.

6
Thou with thy might didst grasp,the holder-up of heaven, thou who art mighty also in the seats of earth. Thou, gladdened by the juice, hast set the waters free, and broken Vrtra's stony fences through and through.

HYMN LVII. Indra.

2
Now all this world, for worship, shall come after thee-the offerer's libations like floods to the depth, When the well-loved one seems to rest upon the hill, the thunderbolt of Indra, shatterer wrought of gold.

3
To him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this rite, Whose being, for renown, yea, Indra-power and light, have been created, like bay steeds, to move with speed.

4
Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee. Lover of praise, none else but thou receives our laud: as earth loves all her creatures, love thou this our hymn.

5
Great is thy power, O Indra, we are thine. Fulfil, O Maghavan, the wish of this thy worshipper. After thee lofty heaven hath measured out its strength: to thee and to thy power this earth hath bowed itself.

6
Thou, who hast thunder for thy weapon, with thy bolt hast shattered into pieces this broad massive cloud. Thou hast sent down the obstructed floods that they may flow: thou hast, thine own for ever, all victorious might.

HYMN LVIII., Agni.

2
Never decaying, seizing his appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry wood he spreads. His back, as he is sprinkled, glistens like a horse: loud hath he roared and shouted like the heights of heaven?

3
Set high in place o'er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, Lord of riches, seated as High Priest; Hastening like a car to men, to those who live, the God without delay gives boons to be desired.

4
Urged by the wind be spreads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his tongues for sickles, with a mighty roar. Black is thy path, Agni, changeless, with glittering waves! when like a bull thou rushest eager to the trees.

5
With teeth of flame, wind-driven, through the wood he speeds, triumphant like a bull among the herd of cows, With bright strength roaming to the everlasting air: things fixed, things moving quake before him as he flies.

6
The Bhrgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; Thee, Agni, as a herald and choice-worthy guest, as an auspicious Friend to the Celestial Race.

7
Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sacrificer, him whom the priests elect at solemn worship, The Herald, messenger of all the Vasus, I serve with dainty food, I ask for riches.

8
Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day to us thy praisers. O Agni, Son of Strength, with forts of iron preserve thou from distress the man who lauds thee.

9
Be thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to those who worship. Preserve the singer from distress, O Agni. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

HYMN LIX. Agni.

1
THE other fires are, verily, thy branches; the Immortals all rejoice in thee, O Agni. Centre art thou, Vaigvdnara, of the people, sustaining men like a deep-founded pillar.

2
The forehead of the sky, earth's centre, Agni became the messenger of earth and heaven. Vaisvanara, the Deities produced thee, a God, to be a light unto the Arya.

3
As in the Sun firm rays are set for ever, treasures are in Vaisvanara, in Agni. Of all the riches in the hills, the waters, the herbs, among mankind, thou art the Sovran.

4
As the great World-halves, so are their Son's praises; skilled, as a man, to act, is he the Herald. Vaisvanara, celestial, truly mighty, most manly One, hath many a youthful consort.

5
Even the lofty heaven, O Jatavedas Vaisvanara, hath not attained thy greatness. Thou art the King of lands where men are settled, thou hast brought comfort to the Gods in battle.

6
Now will I tell the greatness of the Hero whom Prarti's sons follow as Vrtra's slayer: Agni Vaisvanara struck down the Dasyu, cleave Sambara through and shattered down his fences.

7
Vaisvanara, dwelling by his might with all men, far-shining, holy mid the Bharadvajas, Is lauded, excellent, with hundred praises by Purunitha, son of Satavani.

HYMN LX. Agni.

2
Both Gods and men obey this Ruler's order, Gods who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. As Priest he takes his seat ere break of morning, House-Lord, adorable with men, Ordainer.

3
May our fair praise, heart-born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e'en at his birth, is sweet as honey; Whom mortal priests, men, with their strong endeavour, supplied with dainty viands, have created.

4
Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice-worthy. May Agni be our Friend, Lord of the Household, protector of the riches in the dwelling.

5
As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, O Agni, as the guardian Lord of riches, Decking thee like a horse, the swift prizewinner. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

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.

Continued...

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.

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 offspring. 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, dispelled 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.

HYMN LXIII. Indra.

1
THOU art the Mighty One; when born, O Indra, with power thou terrifiedst 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, Thunderer, -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.

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 solemn 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 greatness 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.

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.

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.

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.

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