Book 5: Hymn 3: A prayer to Agni, Indra, and other deities for victory and prosperity

1Let strength be mine while I invoke thee, Agni! enkindling thee may we support our bodies. May the four regions bend and bow before me: with thee for guardian may we win the combat. 2Baffling the range of our opponents, Agni! guard us as our protector round about us. Down the steep slope go they who hate us, backward, and let their thought who watch at home be ruined. 3May all the Gods be on my side in battle, the Maruts led by Indra, Vishnu, Agni. Mine be the middle air's extended region, and may the Wind blow favouring these my wishes. 4For me let them present all mine oblations, and let my mind's intention be accomplished. May I be guiltless of the least transgression: may all the Gods come hither and protect me. 5May the Gods grant me riches, may the blessing and invocation of the Gods assist me. This boon shall the celestial Hotars win us: may we, unwound- ed, have brave heroes round us. 6Ye six divine Expanses, give us freedom. Here, all ye Gods, acquit yourselves like heroes. Let not calamity or curse o'ertake us, nor deeds of wickedness that merit hatred. 7Do ye three Goddesses give ample shelter and all success to us ourselves and children. Let us not lose our children or our bodies: let us not benefit

the foe, King Soma! 8Foodful and much-invoked, at this our calling may the far- reaching Bull grant us wide shelter. Lord of bay coursers, Indra, bless our children: harm us not, give us not as prey to others. 9Lord of the world, Creator and Disposer, may the God Savitar who quells assailants, May the Ādityas, Rudras, both the Asvins, Gods, guard the sacrificer from destruction. 10Let those who are our foemen stay afar from us: with Indra and with Agni we will drive them off. p. a158 The Ādityas and the Rudras, over us on high, have made me strong, a thinker, and a sovran lord. 11Yea, we call Indra hitherward, the winner of wealth in battle and of kine and horses. May he mark this our worship when we call him, Lord of bay steeds, thou art our friend and comrade.