Book 20: Hymn 137: A composite hymn in praise of Indra

1When, foul with secret spot and stain, ye hastened onward to the breast. All Indra's enemies were slain and passed away like froth and foam. 2Indra is he, O men, who gives us happiness: sport, urge the giver of delight to win the spoil. Bring quickly down, O priests, hither to give us aid, to drink the Soma, Indra son of Nishtigri. 3So have I glorified with praise strong Dadhikrāvan, conquering steed. Sweet may he make our mouths; may he prolong the days we have to live. 4The Somas very rich in sweets, for which the sieve is destined, flow, Effused, the source of Indra's joy. May your strong juices reach the Gods. 5Indu flows on for Indra's sake—thus have the deities declared. The Lord of Speech exerts himself, ruler of all, because of might. 6Inciter of the voice of song, with thousand streams the ocean flows, Even Soma, Lord of Opulence, the friend of Indra, day by day. 7The black drop sank in Ansumati's bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it. Indra with might longed for it as it panted: the hero-hearted laid aside his weapons. 8I saw the drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank of Ansumati's river, Like a black cloud that sank into the water. Heroes. I send you forth. Go, fight in battle. 9And then the drop in Ansumati's bosom, splendid with light,

assumed its proper body; And Indra with Brihaspati to aid him, conquered the godless tribes that came against him. 10Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival. p. 374 The hidden pair, the heaven and earth, thou foundest, and to the mighty worlds thou gavest pleasure. 11So, Thunder-armed! thou with thy bolt of thunder didst boldly smite that power which none might equal; With weapons broughtest low the might of Sushna, and, Indra, foundest by thy strength the cattle. 12We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vritra dead: A vigorous Hero shall he be. 13Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o'er the joyous draught, Bright, meet for Soma, famed in song. 14By song, as 'twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared: Lofty, invincible he grew.