Book 1: Hymn 16: A prayer and charm against demons

1May potent Agni who destroys the demons bless and shelter us. From greedy fiends who rise in troops at night-time when the moon is dark. 2Varuna's benison hath blessed the lead, and Agni strengthens it. Indra hath given me the lead: this verily repels the fiends. 3This overcomes Vishkandha, -this drives the voracious fiends away: By means of this have I, o'erthrown all the Pisāchi's demon brood. 4If thou destroy a cow of ours, a human being, or a steed, We pierce thee with this piece of lead so that thou mayst not slay our men.