Book 7: Hymn 53: A charm to recover a sick man at the point of death

1As thou, Brihaspati, from the curse hast saved us, from dwel- ling yonder in the realm of Yama, The Asvins, leeches of the Gods, O Agni, have chased Death far from us with mighty powers. 2Move both together; do not leave the body. Let both the breathings stay for thee united. Waxing in strength live thou a hundred autumns. Thy noblest guardian and thy lord is Agni. p. a292 3Return, thy life now vanished into distance! Return, the breath thou drawest and exhalest! Agni hath snatched it from Destruction's bosom: into thyself again I introduce it. 4Let not the vital breath he draws forsake him, let not his expiration part and leave him. I give him over to the Seven Rishis: let them conduct him to old age in safety. 5Enter him, both ye breaths, like two draught-oxen entering their stall. Let him, the treasure of old age, still wax in strength, uninjured,. here. 6I send thee back thy vital breath; I drive Consumption far from thee, May Agni here, most excellent, sustain our life on every side. 7From out the depth of darkness, we, ascending to the highest heaven, Have come to the sublimest light, to Sūrya, God among the. Gods.