HYMN CLXVII. Indra. Maruts.

1
A THOUSAND are thy helps for us, O Indra: a thousand, Lord of Bays, thy choice refreshments. Wealth of a thousand sorts hast thou to cheer us: may precious goods come nigh to us in thousands.

2
May the most sapient Maruts, with protection, with best boons brought from lofty heaven, approach us, Now when their team of the most noble horses speeds even on the sea's extremest limit.

3
Close to them clings one moving in seclusion, like a man's wife, like a spear carried rearward, Well grasped, bright, decked with gold there is Vak also, like to a courtly, eloquent dame, among them.

4
Far off the brilliant, never-weary Maruts cling to the young Maid as a joint possession. The fierce Gods drave not Rodasi before them, but wished for her to grow their friend and fellow.

5
When chose immortal Rodasi to follow- she with loose tresses and heroic spirit- She climbed her servant's chariot, she like Surya with cloud-like motion and refulgent aspect.

6
Upon their car the young men set the Maiden wedded to glory, mighty in assemblies, When your song, Maruts, rose, and, with oblation, the Soma-pourer sang his hymn in worship.

7
I will declare the greatness of these Maruts, their real greatness, worthy to be lauded, How, with them, she though firm, strong-minded, haughty, travels to women happy in their fortune.

8
Mitra and Varuna they guard from censure: Aryaman too, discovers worthless sinners Firm things are overthrown that ne'er were shaken: he prospers, Maruts, who gives choice oblations.

9
None of us, Maruts, near or at a distance, hath ever reached the limit of your vigour. They in courageous might still waxing boldly have compassed round their foemen like an ocean.

10
May we this day be dearest friends of Indra, and let us call on him in fight to-morrow. So were we erst. New might attend us daily! So be with us! Rbhuksan of the Heroes!

11
May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya, Bring offspring for ourselves with. food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXVIII. Maruts.

1
SWIFT gain is his who hath you near at every rite: ye welcome every song of him who serves the Gods. So may I turn you hither with fair hymns of praise to give great succour for the weal of both the worlds.

2
Surrounding, as it were, self-born, self-powerful, they spring to life the shakers-down of food and light; Like as the countess undulations of the floods, worthy of praise when near, like bullocks and like kine.

3
They who, like Somas with their well-grown stalks pressed out, imbibed within the heart, dwell there in friendly wise. Upon their shoulders rests as 'twere a warrior's spear and in their hand they hold a dagger and a ring.

4
Self-yoked they have descended lightly from the sky. With your own lash, Immortals, urge yourselve's to speed. Unstained by dust the Maruts, mighty in their strength, have cast down e'en firm things, armed with their shining spears.

5
Who among you, O Maruts armed with lightning-spears, moveth you by himself, as with the tongue his jaws? Ye rush from heaven's floor as though ye sought for food, on many errands like the Sun's diurnal Steed.

6
Say where, then, is this mighty region's farthest bound, where, Maruts, is the lowest depth that ye have reached, When ye cast down like chaff the firmly stablished pile, and from the mountain send the glittering water-flood?

7
Your winning is with strength, dazzling, with heavenly light, with fruit mature, O Maruts, fall of plenteousness. Auspicious is your gift like a free giver's meed, victorious, spreading far, as of immortal Gods.

8
The rivers roar before your chariot fellies when they are uttering the voice of rain-clouds. The lightnings laugh upon the earth beneath them, what time the Maruts scatter forth their fatness.

9
Prani brought forth, to fight the mighty battle, the glittering army of the restless Maruts. Nurtured together they begat the monster, and then looked round them for the food that strengthens.

10
May this your laud, may this your song O Maruts, sung by the poet Mana's son, Mandarya, Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXIX. Indra.

1
As, Indra, from great treason thou protectest, yea, from great treachery these who approach us, So, marking well, Controller of the Maruts grant us their blessings, for they are thy dearest.

2
The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, in thy wisdom, Indra. The host of Marut goeth forth exulting to win the light-bestowing spoil of battle.

3
That spear of thine sat firm for us, O Indra: the Maruts set their whole dread power in motion. E'en Agni shines resplendent in the brush-wood: the viands hold him as floods hold an island.

4
Vouchsafe us now that opulence, O Indra, as guerdon won by mightiest donation. May hymns that please thee cause the breast of Vayu to swell as with the mead's refreshing sweetness.

5
With thee, O Indra, are most bounteous riches that further every one who lives uprightly. Now may these Maruts show us loving-kindness, Gods who of old were ever prompt to help us.

6
Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, O Indra: exert thee in the great terrestrial region; For their broad-chested speckled deer are standing like a King's armies on the field of battle.

7
Heard is the roar of the advancing Maruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly moving, Who with their rush o'erthrow as 'twere a sinner the mortal who would fight with those who love him

8
Give to the Manas, Indra with Maruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle foremost. Thou, God, art praised with Gods who must be lauded. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXX. Indra. Maruts.

1
NAUGHT is to-day, to-morrow naught. Who comprehends the mystery? We must address ourselves unto another's thought, and lost is then the hope we formed.

2
The Maruts are thy brothers. Why, O Indra, wouldst thou take our lives? Agree with them in friendly wise, and do not slay us in the fight.

3
Agastya, brother, why dost thou neglect us, thou who art our friend? We know the nature of thy mind. Verity thou wilt give us naught.

4
Let them prepare the altar, let them kindle fire in front: we two Here will spread sacrifice for thee, that the Immortal may observe.

5
Thou, Lord of Wealth, art Master of all treasures, thou, Lord of friends, art thy friends' best supporter. O Indra, speak thou kindly with the Maruts, and taste oblations in their proper season.

HYMN CLXXI. Maruts.

1
To you I come with this mine adoration, and with a hymn I crave the Strong Ones' favour A hymn that truly makes you joyful, Maruts. Suppress your anger and unyoke your horses.

2
Maruts, to you this laud with prayer and worship, formed in the mind and heart, ye Gods, is offered. Come ye to us, rejoicing in your spirit, for ye are they who make our prayer effective.

3
The Maruts, praised by us, shall show us favour; Maghavan, lauded, shall be most propitious. Maruts,, may all our days that are to follow be very pleasant, lovely and triumphant.

4
I fled in terrror from this mighty Indra, my body trembling in alarm, O Maruts. Oblations meant for you had been made ready; these have we set aside: for this forgive us.

5
By whom the Manas recognize the day-springs, by whose strength at the dawn of endless mornings, Give us, thou Mighty, glory with Maruts. fierce with the fierce, the Strong who givest triumph.

6
Do thou, O Indra, guard the conquering Heroes, and rid thee of thy wrath against the Maruts, With them, the wise, victorious and bestowing. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXII. Maruts.

1
WONDERFUL let your coming be, wondrous with help, ye Bounteous Ones, Maruts, who gleam as serpents gleam.

2
Far be from us, O Maruts, ye free givers, your impetuous shaft; Far from us be the stone ye hurl.

3
O Bounteous Givers, touch ye not, O Maruts, Trnskanda's folk; Lift ye us up that we may live.

HYMN CLXXIII. Indra.

1
THE praise-song let him sing forth bursting bird-like: sing we that hymn which like heaven's light expandeth, That the milk-giving cows may, unimpeded call to the sacred grass the Gods' assembly.

2
Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud roar like some wild beast that hungers. Praised God! the glad priest brings his heart's devotion; the holy youth presents twofold oblation.

3
May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him bring the earth's autumnal fruitage. Let the Horse neigh led near, let the Steer bellow: let the Voice go between both worlds as herald,

4
To him we offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their strength-inspiring praises. May Indra, wondrous in his might, accept them, car-borne and swift to move like the Nasatyas.

5
Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car-borne Warrior, Maghavan the Hero; Stronger in war than those who fight against him, borne by strong steeds, who kills enclosing darkness;

6
Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness: the earth and heavens suffice not for his girdles. Indra endues the earth to be his garment, and, God-like, wears the heaven as 'twere a frontlet,

7
Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in the van,-to draw thee hither, Indra, the hosts agree beside the Soma, and joy, for his great actions, in the Chieftain.

8
Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods come to cheer these people. To thee the Cow is sum of all things grateful when with the wish thou seekest men and princes.

9
So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were through praise of chieftains, That Indra still may linger at our worship, as one led swift to work, to hear our praises.

10
Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, wielder of the thunder. Like true friends of some city's lord within them held in good rule with sacrifice they help him.

11
For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry in spirit; As pleasure at the ford invites the thirsty, as the long way brings him who gains his object.

12
Let us not here contend with Gods, O Indra, for here, O Mighty One, is thine own portion, The Great, whose Friends the bounteous Maruts honour, as with a stream, his song who pours oblations.

13
Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay Steeds, find us hereby advancement. So mayst thou lead us on, O God, to comfort. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXIV. Indra.

1
THOU art the King of all the Gods, O Indra: protect the men, O Asura, preserve us. Thou Lord of Heroes, Maghavan, our saver, art faithful, very rich, the victory-giver.

2
Indra, thou humbledst tribes that spake with insult by breaking down seven autumn forts, their refuge. Thou stirredst, Blameless! billowy floods, and gavest his foe a prey to youthful Purukutsa.

3
With whom thou drivest troops whose lords are heroes, and bringest daylight now, much worshipped Indra, With them guard lion-like wasting active Agni to dwell in our tilled fields and in our homestead.

4
They through the greatness of thy spear, O Indra, shall, to thy praise, rest in this earthly station. To loose the floods, to seek, for kine, the battle, his Bays he mounted boldly seized the booty.

5
Indra, bear Kutsa, him in whom thou joyest: the dark-red horses of the Wind are docile. Let the Sun roll his chariot wheel anear us, and let the Thunderer go to meet the foemen.

6
Thou Indra, Lord of Bays, made strong by impulse, hast slain the vexers of thy friends, who give not. They who beheld the Friend beside the living were cast aside by thee as they rode onward.

7
Indra, the bard sang forth in inspiration: thou madest earth a covering for the Dasa. Maghavan made the three that gleam with moisture, and to his home brought Kuyavac to slay him.

8
These thine old deeds new bards have sung, O Indra. Thou conqueredst, boundest many tribes for ever. Like castles thou hast crushed the godless races, and bowed the godless scorner's deadly weapon.

9
A Stormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, O Indra, like the running rivers. When o'er the flood thou broughtest them, O Hero, thou keptest Turvaga and Yadu safely.

10
Indra, mayst thou be ours in all occasions, protector of the men, most gentle-hearted, Giving us victory over all our rivals. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXV. Indra.

1
GLAD thee: thy glory hath been quaffed, Lord of Bay Steeds, as 'twere the bowl's enlivening mead. For thee the Strong there is strong drink, mighty, omnipotent to win.

2
Let our strong drink, most excellent, exhilarating, come to thee, Victorious, Indra

1
bringing gain, immortal conquering in fight,

3
Thou, Hero, winner of the spoil, urgest to speed the car of man. Burn, like a vessel with the flame, the lawless Dasyu, Conqueror!

4
Empowered by thine own might, O Sage, thou stolest Sarya's chariot wheel. Thou barest Kutsa with the steeds of Wind to Susna as his death.

5
Most mighty is thy rapturous joy, most splendid is thine active power, Wherewith, foe-slaying, sending bliss, thou art supreme in gaining steeds.

6
As thou, O Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, as water to the thirsty, So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXVI. Indra.

1
CHEER thee with draughts to win us bliss: Soma, pierce Indra in thy strength. Thou stormest trembling in thy rage, and findest not a foeman nigh.

2
Make our songs penetrate to him who is the Only One of men; For whom the sacred food is spread, as the steer ploughs the barley in.

3
Within whose hands deposited all the Five Peoples' treasures rest. Mark thou the man who injures us and kill him like the heavenly bolt.

4
Slay everyone who pours no gift, who, hard to reach, delights thee not. Bestow on us what wealth he hath: this even the worshipper awaits.

5
Thou helpest him the doubly strong whose hymns were sung unceasingly. When Indra fought, O Soma, thou helpest the mighty in the fray.

6
As thou, O Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, like water to the thirsty, So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXVII. Indra.

1
THE Bull of men, who cherishes all people, King of the Races, Indra, called of many, Fame-loving, praised, hither to me with succour turn having yoked both vigorous Bay Horses!

2
Thy mighty Stallions, yoked by prayer, O Indra, thy. Coursers to thy mighty chariot harnessed,- Ascend thou these, and borne by them come hither: with Soma juice out. poured, Indra, we call thee.

3
Ascend thy mighty car: the mighty Soma is poured for thee and sweets are sprinkled round us. Come down to us-ward, Bull of human races,come, having harnessed them, with strong Bay Horses.

4
Here is God-reaching sacrifice, here the victim; here, Indra,are the prayers, here is the Soma. Strewn is the sacred grass: come hither, Sakra; seat thee and drink: unyoke thy two Bay Coursers.

5
Come to us, Indra, come thou highly lauded to the devotions of the singer Mana. Singing, may we find early through thy succour, may we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXVIII. Indra.

1
IF, Indra, thou hast given that gracious hearing where with thou helpest those who sang thy praises. Blast not the wish that would exalt us may I gain all from thee, and pay all man's devotions.

2
Let not the Sovran Indra disappoint us in what shall bring both Sisters to our dwelling. To him have run the quickly flowing waters.May Indra come to us with life and friendship.

3
Victorious with the men, Hero in battles, Indra, who hears the singer's supplication, Will bring his car nigh to the man who offers, if he himself upholds the songs that praise him.

4
Yea,Indra, with the men, through love of glory consumes the sacred food which friends have offered. The ever-strengthening song of him who worships is sung in fight amid the clash of voices.

5
Aided by thee, O Maghavan, O Indra, may we subdue our foes who count them mighty. Be our protector, strengthen and increase us.May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXIX. Rati.

The deified object of this omitted hymn is said to be Rati or Love, and its Rsis or authors are Lopamudra, Agastya, and a disciple. Lopamudra is represented as inviting the caresses of her aged husband Agastya, and complaining of his coldness and neglect. Agastya responds in stanza 3, and in the second half of stanza the disciple or the poet briefly tells the result of the dialogue. Stanza 5 is supposed to be spoken by the disciple who has overheard the conversation, but its connexion with the rest of the hymn is not very apparent. In stanza 6 'toiling with strong endeavour' is a paraphrase and not a translation of the original khanamanah khanitraib (ligonibus fodiens) which Sayana explains by 'obtaining the desired result by means of lauds and sacrifices.' M. Bergaigne is of opinion that the hymn has a mystical meaning, Agastya being identifiable with the celestial Soma whom Lopamudra, representing fervent Prayer, succeeds after long labour in drawing down from his secret dwelling place. See La Religion Vedique, ii. 3. 94. f.

Continued...

HYMN CLXXX. Asvins.

1
LIGHTLY your coursers travel through the regions when round thesea [sic] of air your car is flying. Your golden fellies scatter drops of moisture: drinking the sweetness ye atend [sic] the Mornings.

2
Ye as ye travel overtake the Courser who flies apart, the Friend of man, most holy. The prayer is that the Sister may convey you, all praised, meath-drinkers! to support and strengthen.

3
Ye have deposited, matured within her, in the raw cow the first milk of the milch-cow, Which the bright offerer, shining like a serpent mid trees, presents to you whose form is perfect.

4
Ye made the fierce heat to be full of sweetness for Atri at his wish, like streaming water. Fire-offering thence is yours, O Asvins, Heroes: your car-wheels speed to us like springs of honey.

5
Like Tugra's ancient son may I, ye Mighty, bring you to give your gifts with milk-oblations. Your greatness compasseth Earth, Heaven, and Waters: decayed for you is sorrow's net, ye Holy.

6
When, Bounteous Ones, ye drive your yoked team downward, ye send, by your own natures, understanding. Swift as the wind let the prince please and feast you: he, like a pious man, gains strength for increase.

7
For verily we truthful singers praise you the niggard trafficker is here excluded. Now, even now do ye O blameless Advins, ye Mighty, guard the man whose God is near him.

8
You of a truth day after day, O Asvins, that he might win the very plenteous torrent, Agastya, famous among mortal heroes, roused with a thousand lauds like sounds of music.

9
When with the glory of your car ye travel, when we go speeding like the priest of mortals, And give good horses to sacrificers, may we, Nasatyas! gain our share of riches.

10
With songs of praise we call to-day, O Asvins, that your new chariot, for our own well-being, That circles heaven with never-injured fellies. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXXI. Asvins

1
WHAT, dearest Pair, is this in strength and riches that ye as Priests are bring from the waters? This sacrifice is your glorification, ye who protect mankind and give them treasures.

2
May your pure steeds, rain-drinkers, bring you hither, swift as the tempest, your celestial coursers, Rapid as thought, with fair backs, full of vigour, resplendent in their native light, O Asvins.

3
Your car is like a torrent rushing downward: may it come nigh, broad-seated, for our welfare,- Car holy, strong, that ever would be foremost, thought-swift, which ye, for whom we long, have mounted.

4
Here sprung to life, they both have sung together, with bodies free from stain, with signs that mark them; One of you Prince of Sacrifice, the Victor, the other counts as Heaven's auspicious offspring.

5
May your car-seat, down-gliding, golden-coloured, according to your wish approach our dwellings. Men shall feed full the bay steeds of the other, and, Asvins they with roars shall stir the regions.

6
Forth comes your strong Bull like a cloud of autumn, sending abundant food of liquid sweetness. Let them feed with the other's ways and vigour: the upper streams have come and do us service.

7
Your constant song hath been sent forth, Disposers! that flows threefold in mighty strength, O Asvins. Thus lauded, give the suppliant protection moving or resting hear mine invocation.

8
This song of bright contents for you is swelling in the men's hall where three-fold grass is.ready. Your strong rain-cloud, ye Mighty Ones, hath swollen, honouring men as 'twere with milk's outpouring.

9
The prudent worshipper, like Pusan, Asvins! praises you as he praises Dawn and Agni, When, singing with devotion, he invokes you. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXXII. Asvins.

1
THIS was the task. Appear promptly, ye prudent Ones. Here is the chariot drawn by strong steeds: be ye glad. Heart-stirring, longed for, succourers of Vispala, here are Heaven's Sons whose sway blesses the pious man.

2
Longed for, most Indra-like, mighty, most Marut-like, most wonderful in deed, car-borne, best charioteers, Bring your full chariot hither heaped with liquid sweet: thereon, ye Mvins, come to him who offers gifts.

3
What make ye there, ye Mighty? Wherefore linger ye with folk who, offering not, are held in high esteem? Pass over them; make ye the niggard's life decay: give light unto the singer eloquent in praise.

4
Crunch up on. every side the dogs who bark at us: slay ye our foes, O Asvins this ye understand. Make wealthy every word of him who praises you: accept with favour, both Nasatyas, this my laud.

5
Ye made for Tugra's son amid the water-floods that animated ship with wings to fly withal, Whereon with God-devoted mind ye brought him forth, and fled with easy flight from out the mighty surge.

6
Four ships most welcome in the midst of ocean, urged by the Asvins, save the son of Tugra, Him who was cast down headlong in the waters, plunged in the thick inevitable darkness.

7
What tree was that which stood fixed in surrounding sea to which the son of Tugra supplicating clung? Like twigs, of which some winged creature may take hold, ye, Asvins, bore him off safely to your renown.

8
Welcome to you be this the hymn of praises uttered by Manas, O Nasatyas, Heroes, From this our gathering where we offer Soma. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXXIII. Asvins.

1
MAKE ready that which passes thought in swiftness, that hath three wheels and triple seat, ye Mighty, Whereon ye seek the dwelling of the pious, whereon, threefold, ye fly like birds with pinions.

2
Light rolls your easy chariot faring earthward, what time, for food, ye, full of wisdom, mount it. May this song, wondrous fair, attend your glory: ye, as ye travel, wait on Dawn Heaven's Daughter.

3
Ascend your lightly rolling car, approaching the worshipper who turns him to his duties,- Whereon ye come unto the house to quicken man and his offspring, O Nasatyas, Heroes.

4
Let not the wolf, let not the she-wolf harm you. Forsake me not, nor pass me by or others. Here stands your share, here is your hymn, ye Mighty: yours are these vessels, full of pleasant juices.

5
Gotama, Purumilha, Atri bringing oblations all invoke you for protection. Like one who goes straight to the point directed, ye Nasatyas, to mine invocation.

6
We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been bestowed on you, O Asvins. Come hitherward by paths which Gods have travelled. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXXIV Asvins.

1
LET us invoke you both this day and after the priest is here with lauds when morn is breaking: Nasatyas, wheresoe'er ye be, Heaven's Children, for him who is more liberal than the godless.

2
With us, ye Mighty, let yourselves be joyful, glad in our stream of Soma slay the niggards. Graciously hear my hymns and invitations, marking, O Heroes, with your cars my longing.

3
Nasatyas, Pusans, ye as Gods for glory arranged and set in order Surya's bridal. Your giant steeds move on, sprung from the waters, like ancient times of Varuna the Mighty.

4
Your grace be with us, ye who love sweet juices: further the hymn sung by the poet Mana, When men are joyful in your glorious actions, to win heroic strength, ye Bounteous Givers.

5
This praise was made, O liberal Lords, O Asvins, for you with fair adornment by the Manas. Come to our house for us and for our children, rejoicing, O Nasatyas, in Agastya.

6
We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been'bestowed on you, O Asvins. Come hitherward by paths which Gods have travelled. may we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXXV. Heaven and Earth.

1
WHETHER of these is elder, whether later? How were they born? Who knoweth it, ye sages? These of themselves support all things existing: as on a car the Day and Night roll onward.

2
The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving. Like your own fon upon his parents' bosom, protect us, Heaven and earth, from fearful danger.

3
I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship. Produce this, ye Twain Worlds, for him who lauds you. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.

4
May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, Both mid the Gods, with Day and Night alternate. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.

5
Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom, Kissing the centre of the world together. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.

6
Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection. Who, beautiful to look on, make the nectar. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.

7
Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,-these, reverent, I address at this our worship, The blessed Pair, victorious, all-sustaining. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.

8
What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain, Thereof may this our hymn be expiation. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.

9
May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour. Enrich the man more liberal than the godless. May we, ye Gods, be strong with food rejoicing.

10
Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. Be near us, keep us from reproach and trouble. Father and Mother, with your help preserve us.

11
Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you. Nearest of Gods be ye with your protection. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXXVI. Visvedevas.

1
LOVED of all men, may Savitar, through praises offered as sacred food, come to our synod, That you too, through-our hymn, ye ever-youthful, may gladden, at your visit, all our people.

2
To us may all the Gods come trooped together, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna concordant, That all may be promoters of our welfare, and with great might preserve our strength from slackness.

3
Agni I sing, the guest you love most dearly: the Conqueror through our lauds is friendly-minded. That he may be our Varuna rich in glory and send food like a prince praised by the godly.

4
To you I seek with reverence, Night and Morning, like a cow good to milk, with hope to conquer, Preparing on a common day the praise. song with milk of various hues within this udder.

5
May the great Dragon of the Deep rejoice us: as one who nourishes her young comes Sindhu, With whom we will incite the Child of Waters whom vigorous course swift as thought bring hither.

6
Moreover Tvastar also shall approach us, one-minded with the princes at his visit. Hither shall come the Vrtra-slayer Indra, Ruler of men, as strongest of the Heroes.

7
Him too our hymns delight, that yoke swift horses, like mother cows who lick their tender youngling. To him our songs shall yield themselves like spouses, to him the most delightful of the Heroes.

8
So may the Maruts, armed with mighty weapons, rest here on heaven and earth with hearts in concord, As Gods whose cars have dappled steeds like torrents, destroyers of the foe allies of Mitra.

9
They hasten on to happy termination their orders when they are made known by glory. As on a fair bright day the arrow flieth o'er all the barren soil their missiles sparkle.

10
Incline the Asvins to show grace, and Pusan, for power and might have they, their own possession. Friendly are Visnu, Vata, and Rbhuksan so may I bring the Gods to make us happy.

11
This is my reverent thought of you, ye Holy; may it inspire you, make you dwell among us,- Thought, toiling for the Gods and seeking treasure. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CLXXXVII. Praise of Food.

1
Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength, By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vrtra limb frorn limb.

2
O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own, So be our kind protector thou.

3
Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help, Health-bringing, not unkind, a dear and guileless friend.

4
These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused. like winds they have their place in heaven.

5
These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste, These savours of thy juices work like creatures that have mighty necks.

6
In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods. Under thy flag brave deeds were done he slew the Dragon with thy help.

7
If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds, Even from thence, O Food of meath, prepared for our enjoyment, come.

8
Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby.

9
What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley-brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.

10
O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.

11
O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts, From thee who banquetest with Gods, from thee who banquetest with us.

HYMN CLXXXVIII. April

1
WINNER of thousands, kindled, thou shinest a God with Gods to-day. Bear out oblations, envoy, Sage.

2
Child of Thyself the sacrifice is for the righteous blent with meath, Presenting viands thousandfold.

3
Invoked and worthy of our praise bring Gods whose due is sacrifice: Thou, Agni, givest countless gifts.

4
To seat a thousand Heroes they eastward have strewn the grass with might, Whereon, Adityas, ye shine forth.

5
The sovran all-imperial Doors, wide, good, many and manifold, Have poured their streams of holy oil.

6
With gay adornment, fair to see, in glorious beauty shine they forth: Let Night and Morning rest them here.

7
Let these two Sages first of all, heralds divine and eloquent, Perform for us this sacrifice.

8
You I address, Sarasvati, and Bharati, and Ila, all: Urge ye us on to glorious fame.

9
Tvastar the Lord hath made all forms and all the cattle of the field Cause them to multiply for us.

10
Send to the Gods, Vanaspati, thyself, the sacrificial draught: Let Agni make the oblations sweet.

11
Agni, preceder of the Gods, is honoured with the sacred song: He glows at offerings blest with Hail!

HYMN CLXXXIX. Agni.

1
BY goodly paths lead us to riches, Agni, God who knowest every sacred duty. Remove the sin that makes us stray and wander. most ample adoration will we bring thee.

2
Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction. Be unto us a wide broad ample castle bless, prosper on their way our sons and offspring.

3
Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni. God, make our home again to be a blessing, with all the Immortal Deities, O Holy.

4
Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest. O Conqueror, most youthful, let no danger touch him who praises thee to-day or after.

5
Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble; Not to the fanged that bites, not to the toothless: give not us up, thou Conqueror, to the spoiler.

6
Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies, From whosoever would reproach or injure: for thou, God, rescuest from all oppression.

7
Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni. Be thou obedient unto man at evening, to be adorned, as keen, by eager suitors.

8
To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni. May we gain countless riches with the sages. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CXC. Brhaspati.

1
GLORIFY thou Brhaspati, the scatheless, who must be praised with hymns, sweet-tongued and mighty, To whom as leader of the song, resplendent, worthy of lauds, both Gods and mortals listen.

2
On him wait songs according to the season even as a stream of pious men set moving. Brhaspati-for he laid out the expanses- was, at the sacrifice, vast Matarisvan.

3
The praise, the verse that offers adoration, may he bring forth, as the Sun sends his arms out, He who gives daily light through this God's wisdom, strong as a dread wild beast, and inoffensive.

4
His song of praise pervades the earth and heaven - let the wise worshipper draw it, like a courser. These of Brhaspati, like hunters' arrows, go to the skies that change their hue like serpents.

5
Those, God, who count thee as a worthless bullock, and, wealthy sinners, live on thee the Bounteous,- On fools like these no blessing thou bestowest: Brhaspati, thou punishest the spiteful.

6
Like a fair path is he, where grass is pleasant, though hard to win, a Friend beloved most early. Those who unharmed by enemies behold us, while: they would make them bare, stood closely compassed.

7
He to whom songs of praise go forth like torrents, as rivers eddying under banks flow sea-ward- Brhaspati the wise, the eager, closely looks upon both, the waters and the vessel.

8
So hath Brhaspati, great, strong and mighty, the God exceeding powerful, been brought hither. May he thus lauded give us kine and horses. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.

HYMN CXCI Water. Grass. Sun.

1
VENOMOUS, slightly venomous, or venomous aquatic worm,- Both creatures, stinging, unobserved, with poison have infected me.

2
Coming, it kills the unobserved; it kills them as it goes away, It kills them as it drives them off, and bruising bruises them to death.

3
Sara grass, Darbha, Kusara, and Sairya, Munja, Virana, Where all these creatures dwell unseen, with poison have infected me.

4
The cows had settled in their stalls, the beasts of prey had sought their lairs, Extinguished were the lights of men, when things unseen infected me.

5
Or these, these reptiles, are observed, like lurking thieves at evening time. Seers of all, themselves unseen: be therefore very vigilant.

6
Heaven is your Sire, your Mother Earth, Soma your Brother, Aditi Your Sister: seeing all, unseen, keep still and dwell ye happily.

7
Biters of shoulder or of limb, with needle-stings, most venomous, Unseen, whatever ye may be, vanish together and be gone.

8
Slayer of things unseen, the Sun, beheld of all, mounts, eastward, up, Consuming all that are not seen, and evil spirits of the night.

9
There hath the Sun-God mounted up, who scorches much and everything. Even the Aditya from the hills, all-seen, destroying things unseen.

10
I hang the poison in the Sun, a wine-skin in a vintner's house, He will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.

11
This little bird, so very small, hath swallowed all thy poison up. She will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.

12
The three-times-seven bright sparks of fire have swallowed up the poison's strength. They will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.

13
Of ninety rivers and of nine with power to stay the venom's course,- The names of all I have secured: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.

14
So have the peahens three-times-seven, so have the maiden Sisters Seven Carried thy venom far away, as girls bear water in their jars.

15
The poison-insect is so small; I crush the creature with a stone. I turn the poison hence away, departed unto distant lands.

16
Forth issuing from the mountain's side the poison-insect spake and said: The scorpion's venom hath no strength Scorpion, thy venom is but weak.

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