Book 20: Hymn 56

HYMN LVI 1Indra, foe-slayer, hath been raised to joy and power by the men. Him, verily, we invocate in battles whether great or small: be he our aid in fights for spoil. 2For, Hero, thou art like a host, art giver of abundant prey. Strengthening even the feeble, thou aidest the sacrificer, thou givest the worshipper ample wealth. 3When war and battles are on foot, booty is laid before the bold. p. 310 Yoke thou thy wildly rushing Bays. Whom wilt thou slay and whom enrich? Do thou, O Indra, make us rich, 4He, righteous-hearted, at each time of rapture gives us herds of kine. Gather in both thy hands for us treasures of many hundred sorts. Sharpen thou us, and bring us wealth. 5Refresh thee, Hero, with the juice outpoured for bounty and for strength. We know thee Lord of ample store, to thee have sent our heart's desires: be therefore our protector thou. 6These people, Indra, keep for thee all that is worthy of thy choice. Discover thou, as Lord, the wealth of men who offer up no gifts: bring thou to us this wealth of theirs.