Book One

11 Him, Agni, whom Medhyatithi, whom Kanva kindled for his rite, Him these our songs of praise, him, Agni, we extol: his powers shine out preeminent. 12 Make our wealth perfect thou, O Agni, Lord divine: for thou hast kinship with the Gods. Thou rulest as a King o'er widely-famous strength: be good to us, for thou art great. 13 Stand up erect to lend us aid, stand up like Savitar the God: Erect as strength-bestower we call aloud, with unguents and with priests, on thee. 14 Erect, preserve us from sore trouble; with thy flame burn thou each ravening demon dead. Raise thou us up that we may walk and live. so thou shalt find our worship mid the Gods. 15 Preserve us, Agni, from the fiend, preserve us from malicious wrong. Save us from him who fain would injure us or slay, Most Youthful, thou with lofty light. 16 Smite down as with a club, thou who hast fire for teeth, smite thou the wicked, right and left. Let not the man who plots against us in the night, nor any foe prevail o'er us. 17 Agni hath given heroic might to Kainva, and felicity: Agni hath helped our friends, hath helped Medhyitithi, hath helped Upastuta to win. 18 We call on Ugradeva, Yadu, Turvasa, by means of Agni, from afar; Agni, bring Navavastva and Brhadratba, Turviti, to subdue the foe. 19 Manu hath stablished thee a light, Agni, for all the race of men: Sprung from the Law, oil-fed, for Kanva hast thou blazed, thou whom the people reverence.

Sprung from the Law, oil-fed, for Kanva hast thou blazed, thou whom the people reverence. 20 The flames of Agni full of splendour and of might are fearful, not to be approached. Consume for ever all demons and sorcerers, consume thou each devouring fiend. HYMN XXXVII. Maruts. 1 SING forth, O Kanvas, to your band of Maruts unassailable, Sporting, resplendent on their car 2 They who, self-luminous, were born together, with the spotted deer, Spears, swords, and glittering ornaments. 3 One hears, as though 'twere close at hand, the cracking of the whips they hold They gather glory on their way. 4 Now sing ye forth the God-given hymn to your exultant Marut host, The fiercely-vigorous, the strong. 5 Praise ye the Bull among the cows; for 'tis the Maruts' sportive band: It strengthened as it drank the rain. 6 Who is your mightiest, Heroes, when, O shakers of the earth and heaven, Ye shake them like a garment's hem? 7 At your approach man holds him down before the fury of your wrath: The rugged-jointed mountain yields. 8 They at whose racings forth the earth, like an age-weakened lord of men, Trembles in terror on their ways. 9 Strong is their birth: vigour have they to issue from their Mother; strength, Yea, even twice enough, is theirs. 10 And these, the Sons, the Singers, in their racings have enlarged the bounds, So that the kine must walk knee-deep. 11 Before them, on the ways they go, they drop this offspring of the cloud,

11 Before them, on the ways they go, they drop this offspring of the cloud, Long, broad, and inexhaustible. 12 O Maruts, as your strength is great, so have ye cast men down on earth, So have ye made the mountains fall. 13 The while the Maruts pass along, they talk together on the way: Doth any hear them as they speak? 14 Come quick with swift steeds, for ye have worshippers among Kanva's sons May you rejoice among them well. 15 All is prepared for your delight. We are their servants evermore, To live as long as life may last. HYMN XXXVIII. Maruts. I WHAT now? When will ye take us by both hands, as a dear sire his son, Gods, for whom sacred grass is clipped? 2 Now whither? To what goal of yours go ye in heaven, and not on earth? Where do your cows disport themselves? 3 Where are your newest favours shown? Where, Maruts, your prosperity? Where all your high felicities? 4 If, O ye Maruts, ye the Sons whom Prsni bore, were mortal, and Immortal he who sings your praise. 5 Then never were your praiser loathed like a wild beast in pasture-land, Nor should he go on Yama's path. 6 Let not destructive plague on plague hard to be conquered, strike its down: Let each, with drought, depart from us. 7 Truly, they the fierce and mighty Sons of Rudra send their windless Rain e'en on the desert places. 8 Like a cow the lightning lows and follows, motherlike, her youngling, When their rain-flood hath been loosened.

When their rain-flood hath been loosened. 9 When they inundate the earth they spread forth darkness e'en in day time, With the water-laden rain-cloud. 10 O Maruts, at your voice's sound this earthly habitation shakes, And each man reels who dwells therein. 11 O Maruts, with your strong-hoofed steeds, unhindered in their courses, haste Along the bright embanked streams. 12 Firm be the fellies of your wheels, steady your horses and your cars, And may your reins be fashioned well. 13 Invite thou hither with this song, for praise, Agni the Lord of Prayer, Him who is fair as Mitra is. 14 Form in thy mouth the hymn of praise expand thee like, a rainy cloud Sing forth the measured eulogy. 15 Sing glory to the Marut host, praiseworthy, tuneful, vigorous: Here let the Strong Ones dwell with us. HYMN XXXIX Maruts. 1 WHEN thus, like flame, from far away, Maruts, ye cast your measure forth, To whom go Ye, to whom, O shakers of the earth, moved by whose wisdom, whose design? 2 Strong let your weapons be to drive away your foes, firm for resistance let them be. Yea, passing glorious must be your warrior might, not as a guileful mortal's strength. 3 When what is strong ye overthrow, and whirl about each ponderous thing, Heroes, your course is through the forest trees of earth, and through the fissures of the rocks. 4 Consumers of your foes, no enemy of yours is found in heaven or on the earth:

4 Consumers of your foes, no enemy of yours is found in heaven or on the earth: Ye Rudras, may the strength, held in this bond, be yours, to bid defiance even now. 5 They make the mountains rock and reel, they rend the forest-kings apart. onward, ye Maruts, drive, like creatures drunk with wine, ye, Gods with all your company. 6 Ye to your chariot have yoked the spotted deer: a red deer, as a leader, draws. Even the Earth herself listened as ye came near, and men were sorely terrified. 7 O Rudras, quickly we desire your succour for this work of ours. Come to us with your aid as in the days of old, so now for frightened Kanva's sake. 8 Should any monstrous foe, O Maruts, sent by you or sent by mortals threaten us, Tear ye him from us with your power and with your might, and with the succours that are yours. 9 For ye, the worshipful and wise, have guarded Kanva perfectly. O Maruts, come to us with full protecting help, as lightning flashes seek the rain. 10 Whole strength have ye, O Bounteous Ones; perfect, earth-shakers, is your might. Maruts, against the poet's wrathful enemy send ye an enemy like a dart. HYMN XL. Brahmanaspati 1 O BRAMANASPATI, stand up: God-serving men we pray to thee. May they who give good gifts, the Maruts, come to us. Indra, most swift, be thou with them. 2 O Son of Strength, each mortal calls to thee for aid when spoil of battle waits for him. O Maruts, may this man who loves you well obtain wealth of good steeds and hero might.

O Maruts, may this man who loves you well obtain wealth of good steeds and hero might. 3 May Brahmanaspati draw nigh, may Sunrta the Goddess come, And Gods bring to this rite which gives the five-fold gift the Hero, lover of mankind. 4 He who bestows a noble guerdon on the priest wins fame that never shall decay. For him we offer sacred hero-giving food, peerless and conquering easily. 5 Now Brahmanaspati speaks forth aloud the solemn hymn of praise, Wherein Indra and Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, the Gods, have made their dwelling place. 6 May we in holy synods, Gods! recite that hymn, peerless, that brings felicity. If you, O Heroes, graciously accept this word, may it obtain all bliss from you. 7 Who shall approach the pious? who the man whose sacred grass is trimmed? The offerer with his folk advances more and more: he fills his house with precious things. 8 He amplifies his lordly might, with kings he slays: e'en mid alarms he dwells secure In great or lesser fight none checks him, none subdues,-the wielder of the thunderbolt. HYMN XLI. Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman. 1 NE'ER is he injured whom the Gods Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, The excellently wise, protect. 2 He prospers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full hands, enrich, Whom they preserve from every foe. 3 The Kings drive far away from him his troubles and his enemies, And lead him safely o'er distress. 4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the Law:

4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the Law: With him is naught to anger you. 5 What sacrifice, Adityas, ye Heroes guide by the path direct,- May that come nigh unto your thought. 6 That mortal, ever unsubdued, gains wealth and every precious thing, And children also of his own. 7 How, my friends, shall we prepare Aryaman's and Mitra's laud, Glorious food of Varuna? 8 I point not out to you a man who strikes the pious, or reviles: Only with hymns I call you nigh. 9 Let him not love to speak ill words: but fear the One who holds all four Within his hand, until they fall. HYMN XLII. Pusan. I SHORTEN our ways, O Pusan, move aside obstruction in the path: Go close before us, cloud-born God. 2 Drive, Pusan, from our road the wolf, the wicked inauspicious wolf, Who lies in Wait to injure us. 3 Who lurks about the path we take, the robber with a guileful heart: Far from the road chase him away. 4 Tread with thy foot and trample out the firebrand of the wicked one, The double-tongued, whoe'er he be. 5 Wise Pusan, Wonder-Worker, we claim of thee now the aid wherewith Thou furtheredst our sires of old. 6 So, Lord of all prosperity, best wielder of the golden sword, Make riches easy to be won. 7 Past all pursuers lead us, make pleasant our path and fair to tread: O Pusan, find thou power for this. 8 Lead us to meadows rich in grass: send on our way no early heat: O Pusan, find thou power for this.

O Pusan, find thou power for this. 9 Be gracious to us, fill us full, give, feed us, and invigorate: O Pusan, find thou power for this. 10 No blame have we for Pusan; him we magnify with songs of praise: We seek the Mighty One for wealth. HYMN XLIII. Rudra. 1 WHAT shall we sing to Rudra, strong, most bounteous, excellently wise, That shall be dearest to his heart? 2 That Aditi may grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine, Our cattle and our progeny; 3 That Mitra and that Varuna, that Rudra may remember us, Yea, all the Gods with one accord. 4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines, We pray for joy and health and strength. 5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold is he, The good, the best among the Gods. 6 May he grant health into our steeds, wellbeing to our rams and ewes, To men, to women, and to kine. 7 O Soma, set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men, The great renown of mighty chiefs. 8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us. Indu, give us a share of strength. 9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as serving thee, Children of thee Immortal, at the highest place of holy law. HYMN XLIV. Agni. I IMMORTAL Jatavedas, thou many-hued fulgent gift of Dawn, Agni, this day to him who pays oblations bring the Gods who waken with the morn. 2 For thou art offering-bearer and loved messenger, the charioteer of sacrifice:

2 For thou art offering-bearer and loved messenger, the charioteer of sacrifice: Accordant with the Asvins and with Dawn grant us heroic strength and lofty fame. 3 As messenger we choose to-day Agni the good whom many love, Smoke-bannered spreader of the light, at break of day glory of sacrificial rites. 4 Him noblest and most youthful, richly worshipped guest, dear to the men who offer gifts, Him, Agni Jatavedas, I beseech at dawn that he may bring the Gods to us. 5 Thee, Agni, will I glorify, deathless nourisher of the world, Immortal, offering-bearer, meet for sacred food, preserver, best at sacrifice. 6 Tell good things to thy praiser, O most youthful God, as richly worshipped, honey-tongued, And, granting to Praskanva lengthened days of life, show honour to the Heavenly Host. 7 For the men, Agni, kindle thee as all possessor and as Priest; So Agni, much-invoked, bring hither with all speed the Gods, the excellently wise, 8 At dawn of day, at night, Usas and Savitar, the Asvins, Bhaga, Agni's self: Skilled in fair rites, with Soma poured, the Kanvas light thee, the oblation-wafting God. 9 For, Agni, Lord of sacrifice and messenger of men art thou: Bring thou the Gods who wake at dawn who see the light, this day to drink the Soma juice. 10 Thou shonest forth, O Agni, after former dawns, all visible, O rich in light. Thou art our help in battle-strife, the Friend of inan, the great high priest in sacrifice.

Thou art our help in battle-strife, the Friend of inan, the great high priest in sacrifice. 11 Like Manu, we will stablish thee, Agni, performer of the rite, Invoker, ministering Priest, exceeding wise, the swift immortal messenger. 12 When as the Gods' High Priest, by many loved, thou dost their mission as their nearest Friend, Then, like the far-resounding billows of the flood, thy flames, O Agni, roar aloud. 13 Heat-, Agni, who hast ears to hear, with all thy train of escort Gods; Let Mitra, Aryaman,- seeking betimes our rite, seat them upon the sacred grass. 14 Let those who strengthen Law, who bountiUly give, the life-tongued Maruts, hear our praise. May Law-supporting Varuna with the Asvins twain and Usas, drink the Soma juice. HYMN XLV Agni. I WORSHIP the Vasus, Agni! here, the Rudras, the Adityas, all Who spring from Manu, those who know fair rites, who pour their blessings down. 2 Agni, the Gods who understand give ear unto the worshipper: Lord of Red Steeds, who lovest song, bring thou those Three-and-Thirty Gods. 3 O Jatavedas, great in act, hearken thou to Praskanva's call, As Priyamedha erst was heard, Atri, Virupa, Angiras. 4 The sons of Priyamedha skilled in lofty praise have called for help On Agni who with fulgent flame is Ruler of all holy rites. 5 Hear thou, invoked withholy oil, bountiful giver of rewards, These eulogies, whereby the sons of Kanva call thee to their aid.

These eulogies, whereby the sons of Kanva call thee to their aid. 6 O Agni, loved by many, thou of fame most wondrous, in their homes Men call on thee whose hair is flame, to be the bearer of their gifts. 7 Thee, Agni, best to find out wealth, most widely famous, quick to hear, Singers have stablished in their rites Herald and ministering Priest. 8 Singers with Soma pressed have made thee, Agni, hasten to the feast, Great light to mortal worshipper, what time they bring the sacred gift. 9 Good, bounteous, Son of Strength, this day seat here on sacred grass the Gods Who come at early morn, the host of heaven, to drink the Soma juice 10 Bring with joint invocations thou, O Agni, the celestial host: Here stands the Soma, bounteous Gods drink this expressed ere yesterday. HYMN XLVI. Asvins. 1 Now Morning with her earliest light shines forth, dear Daughter of the Sky: High, Asvins, I extol your praise, 2 Sons of the Sea, mighty to save discoverers of riches, ye Gods with deep thought who find out wealth. 3 Your giant coursers hasten on over the region all in flames, - When your car flies with winged steeds. 4 He, liberal, lover of the flood, Lord of the House, the vigilant, Chiefs! with oblations feeds you full. 5 Ye have regard unto our hymns, Nasatyas, thinking of our words: Drink boldly of the Soma juice. 6 Vouchsafe to us, O Asvin Pair, such strength as, with attendant light, May through the darkness carry us.

May through the darkness carry us. 7 Come in the ship of these our hymns to bear you to the hither shore O Asvins, harness ye the car. 8 The heaven's wide vessel is your own on the flood's shore your chariot waits Drops, with the hymn, have been prepared. 9 Kanvas, the drops are in the heaven; the wealth is at the waters' place: Where will ye manifest your form? 10 Light came to lighten up the branch, the Sun appeared as it were gold: And with its-tongue shone forth the dark. 11 The path of sacrifice was made to travel to the farther goal: The road of heaven was manifest. 12 The singer of their praise awaits whatever grace the Asvins give, who save when Soma gladdens them. 13 Ye dwellers with Vivasvan come, auspicious, as to Manu erst; come to the Soma and our praise. 14 O circumambient Asvins, Dawn follows the brightness of your way: Approve with beams our solemn rites. 15 Drink ye of our libations, grant protection, O ye Asvins Twain, With aids which none may interrupt. HYMN XLVlI. Asvins. 1 ASVINS, for you who strengthen Law this sweetest Soma hath been shed. Drink this expressed ere yesterday and give riches to him who offers it. 2 Come, O ye Asvins, mounted on your triple car three-seated, beautiful of form To you at sacrifice the Kanvas send the prayer: graciously listen to their call. 3 O Asvins, ye who strengthen Law, drink ye this sweetest Soma juice. Borne on your wealth-fraught car come ye this day to him who offers, ye of wondrous deeds.

Borne on your wealth-fraught car come ye this day to him who offers, ye of wondrous deeds. 4 Omniscient Asvins, on the thrice-heaped grass bedew with the sweet juice the sacrifice. The sons of Kanva, striving heavenward, call on you with draughts of Soma juice out-poured. 5 O Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye guarded Kanva carefully, Keep us, O hords of Splendour: drink the Soma juice, ye strengtheners of holy law. 6 O Mighty Ones, ye gave Sudas abundant food, brought on your treasure-laden car; So now vouchsafe to us the wealth which many crave, either from heaven or from the sea. 7 Nasatyas, whether ye be far away or close to Turvasa, Borne on your lightly-rolling chariot come to us, together with the sunbeams come. 8 So let your coursers, ornaments of sacrifice, bring you to our libations here. Bestowing food on him who acts and gives aright, sit, Chiefs, upon the sacred grass. 9 Come, O Nasatyas, on your car decked with a sunbright canopy, Whereon ye ever bring wealth to the worshipper, to drink the Soma's pleasant juice. 10 With lauds and songs of praise we call them down to us, that they, most rich, may succour us; For ye have ever in the Kanvas' well-loved house, O Asvins, drunk the Soma juice. HYMN XLVIII. Dawn. 1 DAWN on us with prosperity, O Usas, Daughter of the Sky, Dawn with great glory, Goddess, Lady of the Light, dawn thou with riches, Bounteous One. 2 They, bringing steeds and kine, boon-givers of all wealth, have oft sped forth to lighten us.

2 They, bringing steeds and kine, boon-givers of all wealth, have oft sped forth to lighten us. O Usas, waken up for me the sounds of joy: send us the riches of the great. 3 Usas hath dawned, and now shall dawn, the Goddess, driver forth of cars Which, as she cometh nigh, have fixed their thought on her, like glory-seekers on the flood. 4 Here Kanva, chief of Kanva's race, sings forth aloud the glories of the heroes' names,- The. princes who, O Usas, as thou comest near, direct their thoughts to liberal gifts. 5 Like a good matron Usas comes carefully tending everything: Rousing all life she stirs all creatures that have feet, and makes the birds of air fly up. 6 She sends the busy forth, each man to his pursuit: delay she knows not as she springs. O rich in opulence, after thy dawning birds that have flown forth no longer rest. 7 This Dawn hath yoked her steeds afar, beyond the rising of the Sun: Borne on a hundred chariots she, auspicious Dawn, advances on her way to Men. 8 To meet her glance all living creatures bend them down: Excellent One, she makes the light. Usas, the Daughter of the Sky, the opulent, shines foes and enmities away. 9 Shine on us with thy radiant light, O Usas, Daughter of the Sky, Bringing to us great store of high felicity, and bearning on our solemn rites. 10 For in thee is each living creature's breath and life, when, Excellent! thou dawnest forth. Borne on thy lofty car, O Lady of the Light, hear, thou of wondrous wealth, our call.

Borne on thy lofty car, O Lady of the Light, hear, thou of wondrous wealth, our call. 11 O Usas, win thyself the strength which among men is wonderful. Bring thou thereby the pious unto holy rites, those who as priests sing praise to thee. 12 Bring from the firmament, O Usas, all the Gods, that they may drink our Soma juice, And, being what thou art, vouchsafe us kine and steeds, strength meet for praist and hero might. 13 May Usas whose auspicious rays are seen resplendent round about, Grant us great riches, fair in form, of all good things, wealth which light labour may attain. 14 Mighty One, whom the Rsis of old time invoked for their protection and their help, O Usas, graciously answer our songs of praise with bounty and with brilliant light. 15 Usas, as thou with light to day hast opened the twin doors of heaven, So grant thou us a dwelling wide and free from foes. O Goddess, give us food with kine. 16 Bring us to wealth abundant, sent in every shape, to plentiful refreshing food, To all-subduing splendour, Usas, Mighty One, to strength, thou rich in spoil and wealth. HYMN XLIX. Dawn. 1 E'EN from above the sky's bright realm come, Usas, by auspicious ways: Let red steeds bear thee to the house of him who pours the Soma, juice. 2 The chariot which thou mountest, fair of shape, O Usas light to move,- Therewith, O Daughter of the Sky, aid men of noble fame today. 3 Bright Usas, when thy times return, all quadrupeds and bipeds stir,

3 Bright Usas, when thy times return, all quadrupeds and bipeds stir, And round about flock winged birds from all theboundaries of heaven. 4 Thou dawning with thy beams of light illumest all the radiant realm. Thee, as thou art, the Kanvas, fain for wealth, have called with sacred songs. HYMN L. Surya. 1 HIS bright rays bear him up aloft, the God who knoweth all that lives, Surya, that all may look on him. 2 The constellations pass away, like thieves, together with their beams, Before the all-beholding Sun' 3 His herald rays are seen afar refulgent o'er the world of men, Like flames of fire that burn and blaze. 4 Swift and all beautiful art thou, O Surya, maker of the light, Illuming all the radiant realm. 5 Thou goest to the hosts of Gods, thou comest hither to mankind, Hither all light to be belield. 6 With that same eye of thine wherewith thou lookest brilliant Varuna, Upon the busy race of men, 7 Traversing sky and wide mid-air, thou metest with thy beams our days, Sun, seeing all things that have birth. 8 Seven Bay Steeds harnessed to thy car bear thee, O thou farseeing One, God, Surya, with the radiant hair. 9 Surya hath yoked the pure bright Seven, the daughters of the car; with these, His own dear team, he goeth forth. 10 Looking upon the loftier light above the darkness we have come To Surya, God among the Gods, the light that is most excellent. 11 Rising this day, O rich in friends, ascending to the loftier heaven,

11 Rising this day, O rich in friends, ascending to the loftier heaven, Surya remove my heart's disease, take from me this my yellow hue. 12 To parrots and to starlings let us give away my yellowness, Or this my yellowness let us transfer to Haritala trees. 13 With all his conquering vigour this Aditya hath gone up on high, Giving my foe into mine hand: let me not be my foeman's prey. HYMN LI. Indra. 1 MAKE glad with songs that Ram whom many men invoke, worthy of songs of praise, Indra, the sea of wealth; Whose gracious deeds for men spread like the heavens abroad: sing praise to him the Sage, most liberal for our good. 2 As aids the skilful Rbhus yearned to Indra strong to save, who fills mid-air, encompassed round with might, Rushing in rapture; and -o'er Satakratu came the gladdening shout that urged him on to victory. 3 Thou hast disclosed the kine's stall for the Angirases, and made a way for Atri by a hundred doors. On Vimada thou hast bestowed both food and wealth, making thy bolt dance in the sacrificer's fight. 4 Thou hast unclosed the prisons of the waters; thou hast in the mountain seized the treasure rich in gifts. When thou hadst slain with might the dragon Vrtra, thou, Indra, didst raise the Sun in heaven for all to see. 5 With wondrous might thou blewest enchanter fiends away, with powers celestial those who called on thee in jest. Thou, hero-hearted, hast broken down Pipru's forts, and helped Rjisvan when the Dasyus were struck dead.

Thou, hero-hearted, hast broken down Pipru's forts, and helped Rjisvan when the Dasyus were struck dead. 6 Thou savedst Kutsa when Susna was smitten down; to Atithigva gavest Sambara for a prey. E'en mighty Arbuda thou troddest under foot: thou from of old wast born to strike the Dasyus dead. 7 All power and might is closely gathered up in thee; thy bounteous spirit joys in drinking Soma juice. Known is the thunderbolt that lies within thine arms: rend off therewith all manly prowess of our foe. 8 Discern thou well Aryas and Dasyus; punishing the lawless give them up to him whose grass is strewn. Be thou the sacrificer's strong encourager all these thy deeds are my delight at festivals. 9 Indra gives up the lawless to the pious man, destroying by the Strong Ones those who have no strength. Vamra when glorified destroyed the gathered piles of the still waxing great one who would reach the heaven. 10 The might which Usana hath formed for thee with might rends in its greatness and with strength both worlds apart. O Hero-souled, the steeds of Vata, yoked by thought, have carried thee to fame while thou art filled with power. 11 When Indra hath rejoiced with Kavya Usana, he mounts his steeds who swerve wider and wider yet. The Strong hath loosed his bolt with the swift rush of rain, and he hath rent in pieces Susna's firm-built forts. 12 Thou mountest on thy car amid strong Soma draughts: Saryata brought thee those in which thou hast delight.

12 Thou mountest on thy car amid strong Soma draughts: Saryata brought thee those in which thou hast delight. Indra, when thou art pleased with men whose Soma flows thou risest to unchallenged glory in the sky. 13 To old Kaksivin, Soma-presser, skilled in song, O Indra, thou didst give the youthful Vrcaya. Thou, very wise, wast Mena, Vrsanaiva's child: those deeds of thine must all be told at Soma feasts. 14 The good man's refuge in his need is Indra, firm as a doorpost, praised among the Pajras. Indra alone is Lord of wealth, the Giver, lover of riches, chariots, kine, and horses. 15 To him the Mighty One, the self-resplendent, verily strong and great, this praise is uttered. May we and all the heroes, with the princes, be, in this fray, O Indra, in thy keeping. HYMN LII. Indra. 1 I GLORIFY that Ram who finds the light of heaven, whose hundred nobly-natured ones go forth with him. With hymns may I turn hither Indra to mine aid,-the Car which like a strong steed hasteth to the call. 2 Like as a mountain on firm basis, unremoved, he, thousandfold protector, waxed in mighty strength, When Indra, joying in the draughts of Soma juice, forced the clouds, slaying Vrtra stayer of their flow. 3 For he stays e'en the stayers, spread o'er laden cloud, rooted in light, strengthened in rapture by the wise. Indra with thought, with skilled activity, I call, most liberal giver, for he sates him with the juice.

Indra with thought, with skilled activity, I call, most liberal giver, for he sates him with the juice. 4 Whom those that flow in heaven on sacred grass, his own assistants, nobly-natured, fill full like the sea,- Beside that Indra when he smote down Vrtra stood his helpers, straight in form, mighty, invincible. 5 To him, as in wild joy he fought with him who stayed the rain, his helpers sped like swift streams down a slope, When Indra, thunder-armed, made bold by Soma draughts, as Trta cleaveth Vala's fences, cleft him through. 6 Splendour encompassed thee, forth shone thy warrior might: the rain-obstructer lay in mid-air's lowest deep, What time, O Indra, thou didst cast thy thunder down upon the jaws of Vritra hard to be restrained. 7 The hymns which magnify thee, Indra, reach to thee even as water-brooks flow down and fill the lake. Tvastar gave yet more force to thine appropriate strength, and forged thy thunderbolt of overpowering might. 8 When, Indra, thou whose power is linked with thy Bay Steeds hadst smitten Vrtra, causing floods to flow for man, Thou heldst in thine arms the metal thunderbolt, and settest in the heaven the Sun for all to see. 9 In fear they raised the lofty self-resplendent hymn, praise giving and effectual, leading up to heaven, When Indra's helpers fighting for the good of men, the Maruts, faithful to mankind, joyed in the light. 10 Then Heaven himself, the mighty, at that Dragon's roar reeled back in terror when, Indra, thy thunderbolt

10 Then Heaven himself, the mighty, at that Dragon's roar reeled back in terror when, Indra, thy thunderbolt In the wild joy of Soma had struck off with might the head of Vrtra, tyrant of the earth and heaven. 11 O Indra, were this earth extended forth tenfold, and men who dwell therein multiplied day by day, Still here thy conquering might, Maghavan, would be famed: it hath waxed vast as heaven in majesty and power. 12 Thou, bold of heart, in thine own native might, for help, upon the limit of this mid-air and of heaven, Hast made the earth to be the pattern of thy strength: embracing flood and light thou reachest to the sky. 13 Thou art the counterpart of earth, the Master of lofty heaven with all its mighty Heroes: Thou hast filled all the region with thy greatness: yea, of a truth there is none other like thee. 14 Whose amplitude the heaven and earth have not attained, whose bounds the waters of mid-air have never reached,- Not, when in joy he fights the stayer of the rain: thou, and none else, hast made all things in order due. 15 The Maruts sang thy praise in this encounter, and in thee all the Deities delighted, What time thou, Indra, with thy spiky weapon, thy deadly bolt, smotest the face of Vrtra. HYMN LIII. Indra. I WE will present fair praise unto the Mighty One, our hymns to Indra in Vivasvdn's dwelling-place; For he hath ne'er found wealth in those who seem to sleep: those who give wealth to men accept no paltry praise.

For he hath ne'er found wealth in those who seem to sleep: those who give wealth to men accept no paltry praise. 2 Giver of horses, Indra, giver, thou, of kine, giver of barley, thou art Lord and guard of wealth: Man's helper from of old, not disappointing hope, Friend of our friends, to thee ,as such we sing this praise. 3 Indra, most splendid, powerful, rich in mighty deeds, this treasure spread around is known to be thine own. Gather therefrom, O Conqueror, and bring to us: fail not the hope of him who loves and sings to thee. 4 Well pleased with these bright flames and with these Soma drops, take thou away our poverty with seeds and kine. With Indra scattering the Dasyu through these drops, freed from their hate may we obtain abundant food. 5 Let us obtain, O Indra, plenteous wealth and food, with strength exceeding glorious, shining to the sky: May we obtain the Goddess Providence, the strength of heroes, special source of cattle, rich in steeds. 6 These our libations strength-inspiring, Soma draughts, gladdened thee in the fight with Vrtra, Hero Lord, What time thou slewest for the singer with trimmed grass ten thousand Vrtras, thou resistless in thy might. 7 Thou goest on from fight to fight intrepidly, destroying castle after castle here with strength. Thou, Indra, with thy friend who makes the foe bow down, slewest from far away the guileful Namuci. 8 Thou hast struck down in death Karanja, Parnaya, in Atithigva's very glorious going forth.

8 Thou hast struck down in death Karanja, Parnaya, in Atithigva's very glorious going forth. Unyielding, when Rjisvan compassed them with siege, thou hast destroyed the hundred forts of Vangrida. 9 With all-outstripping chariot-wheel, O Indra, thou far-famed, hast overthrown the twice ten Kings of men, With sixty thousand nine-and-ninety followers, who came in arms to fight with friendless Susravas. 10 Thou hast protected Susravas with succour, and Turvayana with thine aid, O Indra. Thou madest Kutsa, Atithigva, Ayu, subject unto this King, the young, the mighty. 11 May we protected by the Gods hereafter remain thy very prosperous friends, O Indra. Thee we extol, enjoying through thy favour life long and joyful and with store of heroes. HYMN LIV. Indra. 1 URGE us not, Maghavan, to this distressful fight, for none may comprehend the limit of thy strength. Thou with fierce shout hast made the woods and rivers roar: did not men run in crowds together in their fear? 2 Sing hymns of praise to Sakra, Lord of power and might; laud thou and magnify Indra who hearcth thee, Who with his daring might, a Bull exceeding strong in strength, maketh him master of the heaven and earth. 3 Sing forth to lofty Dyaus a strength-bestowing song, the Bold, whose resolute mind hath independent sway. High glory hath the Asura, compact of strength, drawn on by two Bay Steeds: a Bull, a Car is he. 4 The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, daring, of thyself smotest through Sambara,

4 The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, daring, of thyself smotest through Sambara, When bold with gladdening juice, thou warredst with thy bolt, sharp and twoedged, against the banded sorcerers. 5 When with a roar that fills the woods, thou forcest down on wind's head the stores which 8usga kept confined, Who shall have power to stay thee firm and eager-souled from doing still this day what thou of old hast done? 6 Thou helpest Narya, Turvasa, and Yadu, and Vayya's son Turviti, Satakratu! Thou helpest horse and car in final battle thou breakest down the nine-and-ninety castles. 7 A hero-lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free oblations and promotes the Law, Who with a bounteous guerdon welcomes hymns of praise: for him flows down the abundant stream below the sky. 8 His power is matchless, matchless is his wisdom; chief, through their work, be some who drink the Soma, Those, Indra, who increase the lordly power, the firm heroic strength of thee the Giver. 9 Therefore for thee are these abundant beakers Indra's drink, stone-pressed juices held in ladles. Quaff them and satisfy therewith thy longing; then fix thy mind upon bestowing treasure. 10 There darkness stood, the vault that stayed the waters' flow: in Vrtra's hollow side the rain-cloud lay concealed. But Indra smote the rivers which the obstructer stayed, flood following after flood, down steep declivitics.

But Indra smote the rivers which the obstructer stayed, flood following after flood, down steep declivitics. 11 So give us, Indra, bliss-increasing glory give us great sway and strength that conquers people. Preserve our wealthy patrons, save our princes; vouchsafe us wealth and food with noble offspring. HYMN LV. Indra. 1 THOUGH e'en this heaven's wide space and earth have spread them out, nor heaven nor earth may be in greatness Indra's match. Awful and very mighty, causing woe to men, he whets his thunderbolt for sharpness, as a bull. 2 Like as the watery ocean, so doth he receive the rivers spread on all sides in their ample width. He bears him like a bull to drink of Soma juice, and will, as Warrior from of old, be praised for might. 3 Thou swayest, Indra, all kinds of great manly power, so as to bend, as't were, even that famed mountain down. Foremost among the Gods is he through hero might, set in the van, the Strong One, for each arduous deed. 4 He only in the wood is praised by worshippers, when he shows forth to men his own fair Indra-power. A friendly Bull is he, a Bull to be desired when Maghavan auspiciously sends forth his voice. 5 Yet verily the Warrior in his vigorous strength stirreth up with his might great battles for mankind; And men have faith in Indra, the respIendent One, what time he hurleth down his bolt, his dart of death. 6 Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, he with great might destroys the dwellings made with art,

6 Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, he with great might destroys the dwellings made with art, He makes the lights of heaven shine forth secure, he bids, exceeding wise, the floods flow for his worshipper. 7 Drinker of Soma, let thy heart incline to give; bring thy Bays hitherward, O thou who hearest praise. Those charioteers of' thine, best skilled to draw the rein, the rapid sunbeams, Indra, lead thee not astray. 8 Thou bearest in both hands treasure that never fails; the famed One in his body holds unvanquished might. O Indra, in thy members many powers abide, like wells surrounded by the ministering priests. HYMN LVI. Indra. I FOR this man's full libations held in ladles, he hath roused him, eager, as a horse to meet the mare. He stays his golden car, yoked with Bay Horses, swift, and drinks the Soma juice which strengthens for great deeds. 2 To him the guidance-following songs of praise flow full, as those who seek gain go in company to the flood. To him the Lord of power, the holy synod's might, as to a hill, with speed, ascend the loving ones. 3 Victorious, great is he; in manly battle shines, unstained with dust, his might, as shines a mountain peak; Wherewith the iron one, fierce e'en against the strong, in rapture, fettered wily Sushna fast in bonds. 4 When Strength the Goddess, made more strong for help by thee, waits upon Indra as the Sun attends the Dawn,

4 When Strength the Goddess, made more strong for help by thee, waits upon Indra as the Sun attends the Dawn, Then. he who with his might unflinching kills the gloom stirs up the dust aloft, with joy and triumphing. 5 When thou with might, upon the framework of the heaven, didst fix, across, air's region firmly, unremoved, In the light-winning war, Indra, in rapturous joy, thou smotest Vrtra dead and broughtest floods of rain. 6 Thou with thy might didst grasp,the holder-up of heaven, thou who art mighty also in the seats of earth. Thou, gladdened by the juice, hast set the waters free, and broken Vrtra's stony fences through and through. HYMN LVII. Indra. I To him most liberal, lofty Lord of lofty wealth, verily powerful and strong, I bring my hymn,- Whose checkless bounty, as of waters down a slope, is spread abroad for all that live, to give them strength. 2 Now all this world, for worship, shall come after thee-the offerer's libations like floods to the depth, When the well-loved one seems to rest upon the hill, the thunderbolt of Indra, shatterer wrought of gold. 3 To him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this rite, Whose being, for renown, yea, Indra-power and light, have been created, like bay steeds, to move with speed. 4 Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee.

4 Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee. Lover of praise, none else but thou receives our laud: as earth loves all her creatures, love thou this our hymn. 5 Great is thy power, O Indra, we are thine. Fulfil, O Maghavan, the wish of this thy worshipper. After thee lofty heaven hath measured out its strength: to thee and to thy power this earth hath bowed itself. 6 Thou, who hast thunder for thy weapon, with thy bolt hast shattered into pieces this broad massive cloud. Thou hast sent down the obstructed floods that they may flow: thou hast, thine own for ever, all victorious might. HYMN LVIII., Agni. I NE'ER waxeth faint the Immortal, Son of Strength, since he, the Herald, hath become Vivasvan's messenger. On paths most excellent he measured out mid-air: he with oblation calls to service of the Gods. 2 Never decaying, seizing his appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry wood he spreads. His back, as he is sprinkled, glistens like a horse: loud hath he roared and shouted like the heights of heaven? 3 Set high in place o'er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, Lord of riches, seated as High Priest; Hastening like a car to men, to those who live, the God without delay gives boons to be desired. 4 Urged by the wind be spreads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his tongues for sickles, with a mighty roar. Black is thy path, Agni, changeless, with glittering waves! when like a bull thou rushest eager to the trees.

Black is thy path, Agni, changeless, with glittering waves! when like a bull thou rushest eager to the trees. 5 With teeth of flame, wind-driven, through the wood he speeds, triumphant like a bull among the herd of cows, With bright strength roaming to the everlasting air: things fixed, things moving quake before him as he flies. 6 The Bhrgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; Thee, Agni, as a herald and choice-worthy guest, as an auspicious Friend to the Celestial Race. 7 Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sacrificer, him whom the priests elect at solemn worship, The Herald, messenger of all the Vasus, I serve with dainty food, I ask for riches. 8 Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day to us thy praisers. O Agni, Son of Strength, with forts of iron preserve thou from distress the man who lauds thee. 9 Be thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to those who worship. Preserve the singer from distress, O Agni. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early. HYMN LIX. Agni. 1 THE other fires are, verily, thy branches; the Immortals all rejoice in thee, O Agni. Centre art thou, Vaigvdnara, of the people, sustaining men like a deep-founded pillar. 2 The forehead of the sky, earth's centre, Agni became the messenger of earth and heaven. Vaisvanara, the Deities produced thee, a God, to be a light unto the Arya.

Vaisvanara, the Deities produced thee, a God, to be a light unto the Arya. 3 As in the Sun firm rays are set for ever, treasures are in Vaisvanara, in Agni. Of all the riches in the hills, the waters, the herbs, among mankind, thou art the Sovran. 4 As the great World-halves, so are their Son's praises; skilled, as a man, to act, is he the Herald. Vaisvanara, celestial, truly mighty, most manly One, hath many a youthful consort. 5 Even the lofty heaven, O Jatavedas Vaisvanara, hath not attained thy greatness. Thou art the King of lands where men are settled, thou hast brought comfort to the Gods in battle. 6 Now will I tell the greatness of the Hero whom Prarti's sons follow as Vrtra's slayer: Agni Vaisvanara struck down the Dasyu, cleave Sambara through and shattered down his fences. 7 Vaisvanara, dwelling by his might with all men, far-shining, holy mid the Bharadvajas, Is lauded, excellent, with hundred praises by Purunitha, son of Satavani. HYMN LX. Agni. I As 'twere Some goodly treasure Matarisvan brought, as a gift, the glorious Priest to Bhrgu, Banner of sacrifice, the good Protector, child of two births, the swiftly moving envoy. 2 Both Gods and men obey this Ruler's order, Gods who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. As Priest he takes his seat ere break of morning, House-Lord, adorable with men, Ordainer. 3 May our fair praise, heart-born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e'en at his birth, is sweet as honey;

3 May our fair praise, heart-born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e'en at his birth, is sweet as honey; Whom mortal priests, men, with their strong endeavour, supplied with dainty viands, have created. 4 Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice-worthy. May Agni be our Friend, Lord of the Household, protector of the riches in the dwelling. 5 As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, O Agni, as the guardian Lord of riches, Decking thee like a horse, the swift prizewinner. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early. HYMN LXI Indra. 1 EVEN to him, swift, strong and high. exalted, I bring my song of praise as dainty viands, My thought to him resistless, praise-deserving, prayers offered most especially to Indra. 2 Praise, like oblation, I present, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to the Victor. For Indra, who is Lord of old, the singers have decked their lauds with heart and mind and spirit. 3 To him then with my lips mine adoration, winning heaven's light, most excellent, I offer, To magnify with songs of invocation and with fair hymns the Lord, most bounteous Giver. 4 Even for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man who needs it,- Praises to him who gladly hears our praises, a hymn well-formed, all-moving, to wise Indra. 5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as 'twere a horse, through love of glory,

5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as 'twere a horse, through love of glory, To reverence the Hero, bounteous Giver, famed far and wide, destroyer of the castles. 6 Even for him hath Tvastar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle, Wherewith he reached the vital parts of Vrtra, striking-the vast, the mighty with the striker. 7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Visnu had drunk up the draught, he plundered. The dainty cates, the cooked mess; but One stronger transfixed the wild boar, shooting through the mountain. 8 To him, to Indra, when he slew the Dragon, the Dames, too, Consorts of the Goda, wove praises. The mighty heaven and earth hath he encompassed: thy greatness heaven and earth, combined, exceed not. 9 Yea, of a truth, his magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of earth, mid-air, and heaven. Indra, approved by all men, self-resplendent, waxed in his home, loud-voiced and strong for battle. 10 Through his own strength Indra with bolt of thunder cut piece-meal Vrtra, drier up of waters. He let the floods go free, like cows imprisoned, for glory, with a heart inclined to bounty. 11 The rivers played, through his impetuous splendour, since with his bolt he compassed them on all sides. Using his might and favouring him who worshipped, he made a ford, victorious, for Turviti. 12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast thy bolt of thunder.

12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast thy bolt of thunder. Rend thou his joints, as of an ox, dissevered, with bolt oblique, that floods of rain may follow. 13 Sing with new lauds his exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds of him, yea, him who moveth swiftly, When, hurling forth his weapons in the battle, he with impetuous wrath lays low the foemen. 14 When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm. Set mountains and the whole heaven and earth, tremble for terror. May Nodhas, ever praising the protection of that dear Friend, gain quickly strength heroic. 15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what he who rules alone o'er much, electeth. Indra hath helped Etasa, Soma-presser, contending in the race of steeds with Sarya. 16 Thus to thee, Indra, yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have brought their prayers to please thee. Bestow upon them thought, decked with all beauty. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early. HYMN LXII. Indra. 1. LIKE Angiras a gladdening laud we ponder to him who loveth song, exceeding mighty. Let us sing glory to the far-famed Hero who must be praised with fair hymns by the singer. 2 Unto the great bring ye great adoration, a chant with praise to him exceeding mighty, Through whom our sires, Angirases, singing praises and knowing well the places, found the cattle. 3 When Indra and the Angirases desired it, Sarama found provision for her offipring.

3 When Indra and the Angirases desired it, Sarama found provision for her offipring. Brhaspati cleft the mountain, found the cattle: the heroes shouted with the kine in triumph. 4 Mid shout, loud shout, and roar, with the Navagvas, seven singers, hast thou, heavenly, rent the mountain; Thou hast, with speeders, with Dasagvas, Indra, Sakra, with thunder rent obstructive Vala. 5 Praised by Angirases, thou, foe-destroyer, hast, with the Dawn, Sun, rays, dispellcd the darkness. Thou Indra, hast spread out the earths high ridges, and firmly fixed the region under heaven. 6 This is the deed most worthy of all honour, the fairest marvel of the Wonder-Worker, That, nigh where heaven bends down, he made four rivers flow full with waves that carry down sweet water. 7 Unwearied, won with lauding hymns, he parted of old the ancient Pair, united ever. In highest sky like Bhaga, he the doer of marvels set both Dames and earth and heaven. 8 Still born afresh, young Dames, each in her manner, unlike in hue, the Pair in alternation Round heaven and earth from ancient time have travelled, Night with her dark limbs, Dawn with limbs of splendour. 9 Rich in good actions, skilled in operation, the Son with might maintains his perfect friendship. Thou in the raw cows, black of hue or ruddy, storest the ripe milk glossy white in colour. 10 Their paths, of old connected, rest uninjured; they with great might preserve the immortal statutes.

10 Their paths, of old connected, rest uninjured; they with great might preserve the immortal statutes. For many thousand holy works the Sisters wait on the haughty Lord like wives and matrons. 11 Thoughts ancient, seeking wealth, with adoration, with newest lauds have sped to thee, O Mighty. As yearning wives cleave to their yearning husband, so cleave our hymns to thee, O Lord most potent. 12 Strong God, the riches which thy hands have holden from days of old have perished not nor wasted. Splendid art thou, O Indra, wise, unbending:strengthen us with might, O Lord of Power. 13 O mighty Indra, Gotama's son Nodhas hath fashioned this new prayer to thee Eternal, Sure leader, yoker of the Tawny Coursers. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early. HYMN LXIII. Indra. 1. THOU art the Mighty One; when born, O Indra, with power thou tcrrifiedst earth and heaven - When, in their fear of thee, all firm-set mountains and monstrous creatures shook like dust before thee. 2 When thy two wandering Bays thou drawest hither, thy praiser laid within thine arms the thunder, Wherewith, O Much-invoked, in will resistless, thou smitest foemen down and many a castle. 3 Faithful art thou, these thou defiest, Indra; thou art the Rbhus' Lord, heroic, victor. Thou, by his side, for young and glorious Kutsa, with steed and car in battle slewest Susna, 4 That, as a friend, thou furtheredst, O Indra, when, Thundcrer, -strong in act, thou crushedst Vrtra;

4 That, as a friend, thou furtheredst, O Indra, when, Thundcrer, -strong in act, thou crushedst Vrtra; When, Hero, thou, great-souled, with easy conquest didst rend the Dasyus in their distant dwelling. 5 This doest thou, and art not harmed, O Indra, e'en in the anger of the strongest mortal. Lay thou the race-course open for our horses: as with a club, slay, Thunderarmed 1 our foemen. 6 Hence men invoke thee, Indra, in the tumult of battle, in the light-bestowing conflict. This aid of thine, O Godlike One, was ever to be implored in deeds of might in combat. 7 Warring for Purukutsa thou, O Indra, Thunder-armed I breakest down the seven castles; Easily, for Sudis, like grass didst rend them, and out of need, King, broughtest gain to Puru. 8 O Indra, God who movest round about us, feed us with varied food plenteous as water- Food wherewithal, O Hero, thou bestowest vigour itself to flow to us for ever. 9 Prayers have been made by Gotamas, O Indra, addressed to thee, with laud for thy Bay Horses. Bring us in noble shape abundant riches. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early. HYMN LXIV. Maruts. 1. BRING for the manly host, wise and majestical, O Nodhas, for the Maruts bring thou a pure gift. I deck my songs as one deft-handed, wise in mind prepares the water that hath power in solemn rites. 2 They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot and stain;

2 They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot and stain; The purifiers, shining brightly even as suns, awful of form like giants, scattering rain-drops down. 3 Young Rudras, demon-slayers, never growing old, they have waxed, even as mountains, irresistible. They make all beings tremble with their mighty strength, even the very strongest, both of earth and heaven. 4 With glittering ornaments they deck them forth for show; for beauty on their breasts they bind their chains of gold. The lances on their shoulders pound to pieces; they were born together, of themselves, the Men of Heaven. 5 Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they make the winds, they make the lightnings with their powers. The restless shakers drain the udders of the sky, and ever wandering round fill the earth full with milk. 6 The bounteous Maruts with the fatness dropping milk fill full the waters which avail in solenm rites. They lead, as 'twere, the Strong Horse forth, that it may rain: they milk the thundering, the never-failing spring. 7 Mighty, with wondrous power and marvellously bright, selfstrong like mountains, ye glide swiftly on your way. Like the wild elephants ye eat the forests up when ye assume your strength among the bright red flames. 8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all-possessing, are beauteous as antelopes;

8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all-possessing, are beauteous as antelopes; Stirring the darkness with lances and spotted deer, combined as priests, with serpents' fury through their might. 9 Heroes who march in companies, befriending man, with serpents' ire through strength, ye greet the earth and heaven. Upon the seats, O Maruts, of your chariots, upon the cars stands lightning visible as light. 10 Lords of all riches, dwelling in the home of wealth, endowed with mighty vigour, singers loud of voice, Heroes, of powers infinite, armed with strong men's rings, the archers, they have laid the arrow on their arms. 11 They who with golden fellies make the rain increase drive forward the big clouds like wanderers on the way. Self-moving, brisk, unwearied, they o'erthrow the firm; the Maruts with bright lances make all things to reel. 12 The progeny of Rudra we invoke with prayer, the brisk, the bright, the worshipful, the active Ones To the strong band of Maruts cleave for happiness, the chasers of the sky, impetuous, vigorous. 13 Maruts, the man whom ye have guarded with your help, he verily in strength surpasseth all mankind. Spoil with his steeds he gaineth, treasure with his men; he winneth honourable strength and prospereth. 14 O Maruts, to the worshippers give glorious strength invincible in battle, brilliant, bringing wealth, Praiseworthy, known to all men. May we foster well, during a hundred winters, son and progeny.

Praiseworthy, known to all men. May we foster well, during a hundred winters, son and progeny. 15 Will ye then, O ye Maruts, grant us riches, durable, rich in men, defying onslaught. A hundred, thousandfold, ever increasing? May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early. HYMN LXV. Agni. 1 ONE-MINDED, wise, they tracked thee like a thief lurking in dark cave with a stolen cow: Thee claiming worship, bearing it to Gods -. there nigh to thee sate all the Holy Ones. 2 The Gods approached the ways of holy Law; there was a gathering vast as heaven itself. The waters feed with praise the growing Babe, born nobly in the womb, the seat of Law. 3 Like grateful food, like some wide dwelling place, like a fruit-bearing hill, a wholesome stream. Like a steed urged to run in swift career, rushing like Sindhu, who may check his course? 4 Kin as a brother to his sister floods, he cats the woods as a King eats the rich. When through the forest, urged by wind, he spreads, verily Agni shears the hair of earth. 5 Like a swan sitting in the floods he pants wisest in mind mid men he wakes at morn. A Sage like Soma, sprung from Law, he grew like some young creature, mighty, shining far. HYMN LXVI. Agni. 1. LIKE the Sun's glance, like wealth of varied sort, like breath which is the life, like one's own son, Like a swift bird, a cow who yields her milk, pure and refulgent to the wood he speeds. 2 He offers safety like a pleasant home, like ripened corn, the Conqueror of men.

2 He offers safety like a pleasant home, like ripened corn, the Conqueror of men. Like a Seer lauding, famed among the folk; like a steed friendly he vouchsafes us power. 3 With flame insatiate, like eternal might; caring for each one like a dame at home; Bright when he shines forth, whitish mid the folk, like a car, gold-decked, thundering to the fight. 4 He strikes with terror like a dart shot forth, e'en like an archer's arrow tipped with flame; Master of present and of future life, the maidens' lover and the matrons' Lord. 5 To him lead all your ways: may we attain the kindled God as cows their home at eve. He drives the flames below as floods their swell: the rays rise up to the fair place of heaven. HYMN LXVII. Agni. 1. VICTORIOUS in the wood, Friend among men, ever he claims obedience as a King. Gracious like peace, blessing like mental power, Priest was he, offering-bearer, full of thought. 2 He, bearing in his hand all manly might, crouched in the cavern, struck the Gods with fear. Men filled with understanding find him there, when they have sting prayers formed within their heart. 3 He, like the Unborn, holds the broad earth up; and with effective utterance fixed the sky. O Agni, guard the spots which cattle love: thou, life of all, hast gone from lair to lair. 4 Whoso hath known him dwelling in his lair, and hath approached the stream of holy Law,- They who release him, paying sacred rites, -truly to such doth he announce great wealth.