Rig Veda

Though, Indra, thou art called by men frcHxx east and west, from north and south, Come hither quickly with fleet steeds ; 2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, than takest joy, Or in the sea in Soma juice. 3 With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to profit us, Indra, to drink the Soma-draugbt. 4 Hither, O ludra, let thy Bay^ bear up and bring upon thy car Thy glory, God 1 and majesty. 5 Thou, Indra. woiildst be sung and praised as great, strong, lordly in thy deeds : Come hither, drink our Soma juice. 6 We whj have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are call- ing thee To sit on this our sacred grass. 10 Among the PHrus : among men, or among Kings named Pdnie. — Sftjana. 1 1 Sushomd : apparently a river which cannot now be identified. ArjtMya : probably n country or district Saryan^vdn is said to be a lake in the district of Kuruk^hetra See Vol. I., Index. For conjectures regarding Su8hoiu& and Arjiktya see Zimmer, Altindischet Lebtn, pp. 12, 13. Cf. VIII. 7. S9. 2 The efluence of heaven : or the place in heavea from 'wYvicVi Wi^^ KshtH^ Hows. In the sea: of air ; the Armament.

3 Js a coto: aa the most useful of all animals. tae 7EE HYMNS OP [BOOK VIll, 7 As, Indra^ thou art evermore the commoQ Lord of all alike. As such we invocate thee now. 8 The men with stones have milked for thee this neotar of the Soma juice : Indra, be pleased with it, and drink. 9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song : come hither- ward With speed, and give us high renown. 10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me spotted kine, Kinc decked with golden ornaments. 11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold. Pure, brilliant, and exceeding great. 12 Durgaha's grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munifioeat^ Have won renown among the Gk)ds.

Loup singing at the sacred rite where Soma flows we priests invoke With haste, that he may help, as the bard's Cherisher, Indra who fin^eth wealth for you. 2 Whom with fair helm, in rapture of the juice, the firm resistless slayers hinder not : Giver of glorious wealth to him who sing his praise, honouring him who toils and pours : Z Sakra, who like a curry-comb for horses or a golden goad, Indra, the Vritra-slayer, urges eagerly the opening of the stall of kine : 9 4tt J9101W m&n, : all other worshippers. 10 The King : who instituted the sacrifice. According to SAyana, Indra is meant ; but this is impossible. 12 Durgaha'8 grandsons : Sftynna explains durgdhasya by duhkhatu jgdhamdnasya met o^ n^e phmged in grief, and napitaktjxe^i^ as araJc$hitat^ unprotected : * Unprotected as I am, and plunged in sorrow (my dependents) by the favour of the gods obtain food, and are blessed with abundance in a thousand cattle.' See Wilson's Translation, and Cowell's note. 1 We priests invoke : the construction is difficult. I follow Ludwig, and taloe hmCf an infinitive, as equivalent to the first person plural. 3 Curry-comb for horses : the purifier of his worshippers and well-skilled ill horses, According to Sdyana. GoldAn goad: wonderful and golden-bodied, According to Sdyana, The meaning oi Hja^, aa ^^ «a oi mvxk^IujLK^ U UIIQ0^ ^a«i/ but both setim to signify iastrumAnta coxmooWi V\\Xi Vw^^i^*

jrr jry 55.1 tee rjo veda . 4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even. though buried, piled iu heaps : May ludra, Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed Thunderer, act at his pleasure, as he lists. 5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, even of old, from meu. All that we offer unto thee, 0 Indra, now, sacrifice, laud, effectual speech. 6 To Soma, Much-invoked, Bolt-armed ! for thy carouse. Celestial, Soma-drinker! come. Thou to the man who prays and pours the juioe hast been best giver of delightful wealth. 7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder-wielder drink his fill. So iu like manner offer him the juice to*duy. Now range you by the Glorious Que. 8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees. So graciously accepting, Indra, this our praise, with wondrous thought come forth to us. 9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath Who hath not heard his glorious title and his fame, the Vritraslayer from his birth 1 10 How great his power resistless ! how invincible the Vritraslayer's matchless might ! Indra excels all usurers who see the day, excels all traffickers in strength.

110 Indra, Vritra-slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers. Bring prayers ne'er heard before to thee, 0 Muoh-iuvoked, O Thunder-armed, to be thy meed. 12 0 thou of mighty acts, the aids that are iu thee call forward many an enger hope. Past the drink-offerings, Vasu, even of the good, hear my call. Strongest God, and come. 13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. For there is none but only thou to show us grace, O Maghavan, 4 Buried : as gold, precious stones, etc. 8 TAcW/; according to Sftyapa, the robber. The reason of mentioning^ either in this place is not obvious. 10 Who see the dap : who live. According to S&yM^i^ ^\kO VwV '^v^^'^ Sun in their present life, but will he sunk in darknesa att«c ^caXVi, 14 210 THE HYMm OP [BOOK Vlll. 14 From this oiir misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us. Succour us with tliiue help and with thy woudroas thought. Most Mighty, finder of the way. 15 Now let your Soma juice be poured : be not afraid, 0 Kali^s son9. This darkening sorrow goes away ; yea, of itself it vanishes.

Now pray we to these Kshatriyas, to the Adity/is for their aid. These who are gracious to assist. ,2 May Milra hear ns o'er distress, and Varnna and Aryamari, Yea, the Adityas, as they know. 3 For wonderful and meet for praise is these Adityas' saving help To him who offers and prepares. 4 The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, We claim to be our sure^ defence. 5 Guard us, Adityas. still alive, before the deadly weapon'strike : Are ye not they who hear our call ? 6 What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in pouring gifts, Graciously bless ye us therewith. 7 Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom, for the sinless, wealth, O ye in whom no fault is seen. 8 Let not this fetter bind us fast : may he release us for success ; For strong is Indra and renowned. 9 0 Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy ' Your enemies who go astray. 10 And thee too, 0 Great Aditi, thee also. Goddess, I address. Thee very gracious to assist. 11 Save us in depth and shallow from the f(^e, thou Mother of

Strong Sons : Let no one of our seed be harmed. 12 Far-spread ! wide-ruling! grant thut we, unharmed by envy/ may expand : Grant that our progeny may live. 14 From this our misery : the hymn was ' eeen * and employed in a time of •dearth and famine. Finder of the way : to prosperity. J 5 JfTalPs 8on9 : Kali is the Rishi or seer of the hymn. 1 ITshcifripas : royal princes. Ji O/ Strong Sons : the Adibyaa. HMrV 57.] ¥HE RIO tEDA . ' ill »l3 Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, ne'er deceived, Maintain their statutes, void of guile — \\ As such, from mouth of raveuiug wolves, 0 je Adityos, rescue us, Like a bound thief, 0 Adili. 15 Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this malignity depart From us or e'er it strike us dead. 16 For, Bountiful Adityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help. Both now and in the days of old. 17 To every one, 0 ye Most Wise, who turneth even from sin to you, Ye Gods vouchsafe that he may live. 18 May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Adityas, frees like one Bound from his bonds, 0 Aditi.

19 O ye Adityas, this your might is not to be despised by us : So be ye graciously inclined. 20 Let not VivasvjLn's weapon nor the shaft, Adityas, wrought with skill. Destroy us ere old age be nigh 21 On every side dispel all sin, Adityas, all hostility. Indigence, and combined attack.

Even as a car to give us aid, we draw thee hither for our bliss Strong in thy deeds, checking assault, Lord, Mightiest Indra, of the brave ! 2 Great in thy power and wisdom, Strong, with thought that comprehendeth all ! Thou hast filled full with majesty. 3 Thou very Mighty One, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness grasp The golden bolt that breaks its way. 4 Your Lord of might that ne'er hath bent, that ruleth over all mankind, I call, that he, as he is wont, may aid the chariots and the men. 1 7 Who tw*neth even from sin : who cornea to you for forgiveness. 20 VivMvdn's weapon : the deadly bolt of the Sun, or perhaps, mefcaphprcally, of the sacrificer. 21 Combined attack: * the closely drawn net.'— Wilftow. 2 T&auAati/Uledfull: tie umVetteT 812 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK Till. b Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in both the hosts Men call to succour and to help. 6 Indra, the Strong, the measureless, worthy of praise, Most Sole Ruler even over wealth. 7 Him, for his ample bounty, him, this Indra do I urge to drink, Who, as his praise was sung of old, the Dancer, is the Lord of men.

8 Thou Mighty One, whose friendship none of mortals ever bath obtained : None will attain unto thy might. 9 Aided by thee, i^ith thee allied, in frays for water and for snn, fiolt-armed ! may we win ample spoil, 10 So seek we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the Song, As, in our battles, Indra, thou to Furnmajya gavest help. ^ If 0 Thunderer, thou whose friendship and whose onward guidance both are sweety Thy sacrifice must be prepared. ; 12 To us, ourselves, give ample room, give for our dwelling ample room : Give ample room to us to live. 13 We count the banquet of the Gods a spacious pathway for the men. And for the cattle, and the car, 14 Six men, yea, two and two, made glad with Soma juice, come near to me With ofiferings pleasant to the taste. 15 Two brown-hued steeds, Indrota's gift, two bays from Kiksha's son were mine, From Asvauiedha*s son two red. 7 The Dancer : in the dance of war. 10 PWhimdyya : ajccording to Say ana, ' me (the KiBhi) the pOBsessor of much wisdom.' 18^ Sacrifice to the Gods procures freedom and security for us and all who belong to ur«.

16 ' Thtise princes with their respective fathers are the six of V. 14. The '/trous 6{ J^iifgha aiid Atvamedha had origiually commenced the sacrifice, hut ync^o^a and hia father Atithigvo, <SdMk!^ \xi aee \^ vim^ «*i\kdfcd their gifts. The *ODB aJone are mentioned I the son is t\ie iat\iet'% afetoxi^«.^l^'I^VlXvv«-Vv<i.^ ^^^^^-'—CoweJre note in Wilson's TranaUtVou. M 16 From Atithigva good car-steeds, from Arksha reln-bbeying From Asvamedha beauteous ones. 17 Indrota, Atithigva's son, gave me six horses matched with mares : And Putakratu gave besides. 18 Marked above all, amid the brown, is the red mare V^ishanvati, Obedient to the rein and whip. 19 O bound to me by deeds of might, not even the man who loves to blame Hath found a single fault in you.

I SEND you forth the song of praise for Indu, hero-gladdener. With hymn and plenty he invites you to complete the sacrifice. 2 Thou wishest for thy kine a bull, for those who long for his approach, For those who turn away from him, lord of thy cows whom none may kill. 3 The dappled kine who stream with milk prepare his draught of Soma juice : Clans in the birth-place of the Gods, in the three luminous realms of heaven. 4 Praise, even as he is known, with song Indra the guardian of the kine. The Son of Truth, Lord of the brave. 16 Arhaha: the son of Riksha. A^vamedha: the son of Asvamedha. 17 PiUah*atu ; son of Asvamedha. 18 Vrishanvatt : according to von Roth, 'perhaps, that may be found among stallions.' 19 0 bound to me : this stanza is addressed to the prinees who instituted i;he sacrifice and gave the rewards which have been mentioned. 1 The 8ong of praise : trishlfibham : used in a general sense for any hymn of praise. Indu : Soma. According to S^yana. Indra is meant. 2 The stanza is difficult. I adopt Pischel's explanation of naddm and ^dadn^m.

3 Clans : v'sah : possibly the cows are meant. Egg^eling translates : *At his birth the well-like milking, speckled ones mix the Soma (draught), the clans of the gods in the three spheres of the heavens' (Sacred Books of the East, XLI. p. 307). Pischel observes : * The connexion of the first three stanzas is probably this : Soma shall be celebrated by you in your song of praise in order that he may liberally reward you. What thou wishest for thys^f is a bull for the cows, in order that they may be propagated «&.d provide Indra with milk to be mixed with his Boma ^uVce, ^\o\<& >^<&^ %«r^^ tke nee of QodM in kll the three realms oi heaivea.'-^Y«d^KiKt 8ituydM«a«\% p. 19T. tU THE HYMNS OP [BOOK Vllh 5 Hithei* his Bay Steeds have been set)t, red Steeds are on the sacred grass Where we in concert sing our songs« 6 For Indra Thunder-armed the kine have yielded mingled milk and mcath, What time he found them in the vault. 7 When I and Indra mount on high up to the Bright One's place and home, We, having drunk of meath, will reach his seat, whose Friend^ are three times seven.

8 Sing, sing ye forth your s<M3gs of praise, ye Priyamedhag, ung your songs : Yea, let young children sing their lauds : as a strong castle praise ye him. 9 Now loudly let the viol sounds the lute send out its voice with might, Shrill be the music of the string. To Indra is the hynm upraised. 10 When hither speed the dappled cows, unflinching, easy to be milked, Seize quickly, as it bursts away, the Soma juice for Indra'a drink. 1 1 Indra hath drunk, Agni hath drunk : all Deities have drunk their fill. Here Varuna shall have his home, to whom the floods have sung aloud as mother-kine unto their calves. 1 2 Thou, Varuna, to whom belong Seven Rivers, art a glorious God. The waters flow into thy throat as 'twere a pipe with ample mouth. 13 He who hath made the fleet steeds spring, well-harnessed, to 6 In the, tranlt: * in the cavity of the Soma-veasel.* — von Roth; 'on the hoiizou.' — Ludwig ; * near at hand.*— Sftyana. 7 The Bright One*8 place : fche station of the Sun. Whose Friends art three times seven : Indra who is the friend of the Maruta. I follow Ludwig in combining the trih saptd sdkhyuh of the tesit into one compoui^d word. S lyana's explanation is diflTerent : * let us be united in the twenty-first sphere pf the (universal) friend,* — See note in Wilson's Translation.

9 The viol : gdrgarah : * a kind of musical instrument *, says Sftyana. Godhuty originally the leather guard worn by bowmen on the left arm, and jf^n^^ {said to mean bowstring) are also, apparently, names of musical iiuftrujuenta. ; 12 Varuna*a throat, or palate, ia aaid tiO m^u tti^ «R«^ voSo ^\^<^>(kA^fR«L rivers dow,' BTMrr 5».] THE RIG VEDA. SIS He, the swift Guide, is that fair form that loosed the horses near at hand. 14 Indra, the very Mighty, holds his enemies in utter scorn. He, far away, and yet a child, cleft the cloud smitten by his voice. 15 He, yet a boy exceeding small, mounted his newly-fashioned car. He for his Mother and his Sire cooked the wild mighty bufifalo. 1^ Lord of the home, fair-helmeted, ascend thy chariot wrought gold, will attend the Heavenly One, the thousand-footed, red of iue, matchless, who blesses where he goes. th reverence they come hitherward to him as to a Sorran Lord, Aat they may bring him near for tliis man's good success, to prosper and bestow his gifts. 'he Priyamedhas have observed the offering of the men of old, >f ancient custom, while they strewed the sacred grass, and spread their sacrificial food,

Hb who, as Sovran Lor J of men, moves with his chariots unrestrained, The Vritra-slayer, vanquisher of fighting hosts, preemiueufc, is praised with song. 2 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman ! for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of oil The splendid bolt of thunder was deposited, as the great Sun was set in heaven. 3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthenj^ evermore : ^ No, not by sacrifice, to India praised of all, resistless, daring, bold ill might 15 His Mother and his Sire: Earth and Heaven. The buffalo is the dark rAin-chmd which Indra pierces with hia lightning, or peihaps the demon Val* 18 intendtid. 16 The Heavenly One: the Sun, which is Indra'a chariot Thousand -footed: bright with countless rajs of light. 17 This man* 8: who institutes the sacrifice. 2 Puruhanman : the Rishi of the hymn addreaaea YCvcaa^i. Su%ta\.nvA^ t or vidhartafi m&y (with Ludwig) be taken aa a nomiuaiVv^^ ^H\^i^l tj^^vo^^ >2ftA boli of thunder ag a austAiuar (of Order). 816 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK Vlll. 4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war, him at whose birth the Mighty Ones, The Kine who spread afar, sent their loud voices out, heavens, earths sent their loud voices out.

5 0 Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine — No, not a thonHand Suns could match thee at thy birth, not both the worlds, 0 Thunderer. >6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with strength, 0 Strongest One. Maghavan, help us to a stable full of kine, 0 Thimderer, with wondrous aids. 7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, 0 thou whose life is long! But one who yokes the bright-hued steeds, the Etasas, even Indra yoker of the Bays. 8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to bo praised. To be invoked in shallow waters and in depths, to be invoked in deeds of might. S 0 Vasu, 0 thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence. Kaise us to gain of mighty wealth, 0 Maghavan, 0 Indra, to sublime renown. 10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and traraplest down thy slanderers. Guard thyself, valiant Hero, in thy vital parts : strike down the D^sa with thy blows. 11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel, Him let his friend the mountain cast to rapid death, the mountain cast the Dasyu down.

12 0 Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of com Within thine hand, of these their kine, to give away, yea, gather twice as loving us. 13 0 my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara's praise, The liheral princely patron, never to be harmed ? 4 The Kine: the heavens and tlie earths. 7 Etasas : the horses of the Sun. 10 J n thy vital parts : literally, between thy thighs. ' Shelter us between thy thighs.* — Wilson. 1 1 His friend : in which he hopes to find refuge : according to S&yaoa, JParrst/i (znouataiD) is a Rishi, the friend of Indra. ^^ TAeti'kine: the property of the hoatWe ft\)OT\^Tvtft. IS Sara*s praUe : Sara must be the matitutior oi \.\i^ %wsnS^<i^\ w^^R^gsBd^ ^ 9Ayana he ia ludra, ' the destroyer; MTMS CO.} : THB RIOVSDA: til 14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually praised, That thou, O Sara, hast bestowed here one and here another calf. Ill The noble, S^radeva's son, hath brought a calf, led by the ear, to three of 11 s, As a chief brings a goat to milk.

0 AoNi, with thy mighty wealth guard us from all malignity, Yea, from all hate of mortal man. 2 For over thee, 0 Friend from birth, the wrath of man hath no control : Nay, Guardian of the earth art thon. 3 As such, with all the Gods, 0 Son of Strength, auspicious in thy Am me, Give us wealth bringing all things good. 4 Malignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, thou Protectest while he offers gifts. 5 Sage Agni, he whom thou dost urge, in worehip of the Gods, to wealth, With thine assistance winneth kine. 6 Riches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts : Lead thou ns on to higher bliss. 7 Save ns, 0 J^tavedas, nor abandon us to him who sins. Unto the evil-hearted man. 8 O Agni, let no godless man avert thy bounty as a God : Over all treasures thou art Lord. 9 So, Son of Strength, thou aidest us to what is great and excellent, Those, Vasu ! Friend ! who sing thy praise. 10 Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with piercing flame, Our offefinga, with our homage, to the Lord of wealth, to him whom many praise, for help :

14 Here one and Jure another: 4kam-ekam : meaning many. 15 Sdradeva's 8on: Sara. S4yana explains sauradevi/dh as cows won in battle. * May Maghavan, taking them by the ears, lead the cows with their calves from our three (destructive enemies), as the owner leads a goat to drink,' — Wilson. 2 Guardian of the earth : Jeshdpdvdn : * Lord of the Ti\g,bt.* — ^^^^ti^. ^ WinnetA i^ine : literally, ia a goer among cowb \ ^ 'sii«S!k& ^w^ vslcsqa crcfrds 0/ cattle, '—WilaoD, ^ -%» n • -^ «18 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK VlJi' 11 To Agni J4taveda8, to the Son of Streugth, that he may giviD us precious gifts, Immortal, from of old Priest among mortal meu, the most delightful ill the house : 12 Agni, made yours by sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance; Agui, the first in songs, first with the warrior steed ; Agni to win the laud for us. 13 May Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friend- ship sake. Agni we ever seek for seed and progeny, the Vasu who protects our lives. 14 Solicit with your chants, for help, Agni theGod with piercing flame, For riches famous Agni, Puruuiijha and ye men ! Agni to

light our dwelling well. 15 Agni we land that he may keep our foes afar, Agni to give us health and strength. Let him as Unardian be invoked in all the tribes, the lighterup of glowing brands.

Prepare oblation : let him come ; and let the minister serve again Who knows the ordering thereof. 2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, Beside the shoot of active power. 3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man ; • With him for tongue they seize the food. 4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain : life-giving, he hath climbed the wood, And with his tongue hath struck the rock. 12 With the wan'ior steed : arvati : the fierce and rapid fire that clears the jungle for the advance of the Aryan settlerp. 14 To light our dwelling loelt : I folIoW Ludwig's explanation. S4yana tukes tudttaye as a proper name : * a house for (me) Suditi.' — Wilson. 15 The lighter-up of glowing brands : vusturrishUniXni : according to Sftyana, ' the giver of homes to us Rishis.' * The language of the hymn is intentionally obscure, and much of my translation (in which I generally follow Ludwig) must be regarded as conjectural. 1 Let him come: Agni. 2'he minister: or, the Adhvaryu. 2 T/te shoot : Agui, according to Sdyana : the stalks of the Soma-plant, according to vou Roth.

3 TAeif seek: that is, the Gods. ^ yVde two/old plain : the expausea oi e&tOa. wi^\ifta.N^Yv. GlvKibed. W 'ukkk2 ; forest ooudagi-ation is referred to. MTMN 61.] THE RIQVEDA. 21 f 0 Wandoring here the radiant Calf fiuds none to fetter him, aud seeks The Mother to declare his praise. 6 And now that great aud mighty team, the toum of horses that are his, And traces of his car, are seeu. 7 The seven milk a single cow ; tho two set other five to work, On the stream's loud*resoui)diug bunk. 8 Entreated by Vivasvau's ten, Indra cast down the water-jar With threefold hammer from the sky. 9 Three times the newly-kiudled flume proceeds arouud the sacrifice : The priests anoint it with the meath. 10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above, Exhaustle^s, with the mouth below. 11 The pressing-stoues are set at work : the meath is poured iuto the tauk. At the out-shedding of the fount. 12 Ye cows, protect the fount : the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice. The handles twain are wrought of gold. 13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth : Supply the liquid to the Bull.

5 The radiant Calf: Agni in the form of lightning. Here : in the sky above us. TJu Mother : the cloud, which will praise him with a thunder-psalm, 7 The seven : officiating priests, or assistants. See II. 1. 2. A slngh cow : the text has only 6kdM (unam). S&yana supplies, cow, which he explains as the ffkarmaf pitcher or caldron used for heating milk, etc., in the Piavargya cerexuony. Loud-resounding bank : with reference to the sacrificial exclamations, littered by the officiating priests. The two : the Adhvaryu and the Pratiprasth4tar, his Assistant, direct the five others in the performance of the ceremony, - 8 Entreated by Vivaavdn's ten : according to Slyana, the ten ^ fingers »)f the •worshipper. Ten priests are proba»)ly meant. Indra : Agni or Aditya may be meant.— Siyana. The water-jar : the rainy cloud. Hummer: meaning, probably, the zigzag lightning. SSyana explains it by rasmind, with his ray. 10 The fount : avatdm : the gharnia ur mahdvtraf the contents of which are poured into the fire. Jts wheel : apparently, the ciroular rim on which it usuiiUy staud-^ and which is now inverted that all the liquid may flow out. According to Hillebraudt ( VedUche Mythologies I. 325) the fount is the Moon.

12 The two Mighty Ones : Heaven and £arth. But as the meaning of rapsitdd is unknown, the sentence can be only oonjecturally translated : * (The two kinds of milk) in the sacrifice are plentiful and fruit-giving.' — Wilson. JS TAe arnameiU : the milk which is mlDgied Nvit\i lV\e ^v^wva^. To \.\\a. B\)i)i\.\ to Agai, 14 These know their own abiding-place : like calves beside the mother cows They meet together with their kin. 15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven, To Indra, Agni light and prayer. 16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in por- tions seven, Together with the Sun's seven rays. 17 1 took some Soma when the Sun rose up, 0 Nfitra, Varuijia, That is the sick man's medicine. 18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Weli-belovWs home. He with his tongue hath compassed heaven.

Rouse ye for him who keeps the Law, yoke your steeds, Asvins, to your car : Let your protecting help be near. 2 Come, Asvins, with your car more swift than is the twinkling of an eye : Let your protecting help be near. 3 Asvins, ye overlaid with cold the fiery pit for Atri's sake : Let your protecting help be near. 4 Where are ye? whither are ye gone? whither, like falcons, have ye flown ? Let your protecting help be near. 5 If ye at any time this day are listening to this my call. Let your protecting help be near. 6 The Asvins, first to hear our prayer, for closest kinship I approach : Let your protecting help be near. 7 For Atri ye, 0 Asvins, made a dwelling-place to shield him well. Let your protecting help be near. 14 These know: the cowa know, and come to, the place where they are to be milked for sacrificial purposes as well as tliey know their own stable. 15 Devouring : perhaps the flames ; but the stanza is obscure. 1 6 The Pious One : Agni. Dealt in portions seven : one for each priest. 1 8 This Well-beloved's hom^e : ' the place which I, the eager offerer, choose.* ^^WilaoD. Baryatdf * the well-beloved/ is perhaps the Soma.

/ JVAo keeps the Law : which enjouiB awiiAce. TVifeT^v^oim^waXsaaaifiA. ^ /^otAiri'$ sake: see L 116. 8. MTMHf »1 THE RIQVEDA. 221 8 Te warded off the fervent heat for Atri when he sweetly spake : Let your protecting help be near. 9 Erst Saptavadhri by his prayer obtained the trenchant edge of fire : Let your protecting help be near. JO Gome hither, 0 ye Lords of wealth, and listen to this call of mine : Let your protecting help be near. 11 What is this praise told forth of you as Elders in the ancient way 1 Let your protecting help be near. 12 One common brotherhood is yours, Asvins, your kindred is the same : Let your protecting help be near. 13 This is your chariot, Asvins, which speeds through the regions, earth and heaven : Let your protecting aid be near. 14 Approach ye hither ward to us with thousands both of steeds and kine : Let your protecting help be near. 15 Pass us not by, remember us with thousands both of kine and steeds : Let your protecting help be near. 16 The purple tinted Dawn hath risen, and true to Law hath made

the light : Let your protecting help be near. 17 He looked upon the Asvins, as an axe-armed man upon a tree : Let your protecting help be near, 18 By the black band encompassed round, break it down, bold one, like a fort. Let your protecting help be near. 9 Saptavadhri : see V. 78. 6. His reloAse seems to have been efifeoted by employing fire. But see Myriantheus, Dit A^vinSf pp. 88, 90. 11 * Why is this (repeated invocation) addressed to you as if you were decrepit like old men ? ' — Wilson. 12 One common brotherhood : as twin children of the consort of Viyasyftn, the Sun. 17 The meaning is obscure. * Asvins, the splendidly -brilliant (sun cleaves the darkness) as the woodman with his axe a tree.' — WUson. * He [the demon] looked at the A§vins.* — Qrassmann. 18 The first line is said by Siyana to be addresaed to ^v^lv^^Vixv. W , aeeme to exprosB self-encoiirAgement before an attiucV u^Xi «i \^%isia. «&sasc^< Bat see Mjrrlantheua, Die J^vins, p. 90. t^ THE HYMNS OP [^OOK Vtll

Exerting all our strength with thoughts of power we glorify in speech Agui your dear familiar Friend, the darling Guest in every 2 Whom, served with sacrificial oil like Mitra, men presenting gifts Eulogize with their songs of praise ; 3 Much -lauded Jatavedas, him who bears oblations up to heaven Prepared in service of the Gods. 4 To noblest Agni, Friend of man, best Vritra-slayer, are we come, Him in whose presence Kiksha's son, mighty Srutarvan, waxes 5 To deathless Jatavedas, meet for praise, adored with sacred oil, Visible through the gloom of night ; 6 Even Agni whom these priestly men worship with sacrificial gifts. With lifted ladles oflfering them. 7 0 Agni, this our newest hymn hath been addressed from us to thee, 0 cheerful Guest, well-bom, most wise, worker of wonders, ne'er deceived. 8 Agui, may it be dear to thee, most grateful, and exceeding sweet : Grow mightier, eulogized therewith. 9 Splendid with splendours may it be, and in the battle with the foe Add loftier glory to thy fame. 10 Steed, cow, a lord of heroes, bright like Indra, who shall fill the car. Whose high renown ye celebrate, and people praise each glorious deed,

11 Thou whom Gopavana made glad with song, 0 Agni Angiras, Hear this my call, thou Holy One. 12 Thou whom the priestly folk implore to aid the gathering of the spoil, Such be thou in the fight with foes. 1 I follow Ludwig in his interpretation of this stanza, the construction of which is difficult. 2 Lvke Mitra : or as a friend ; or like the Sun. — Sftyana. 10 Steed, cow: there is no verb to govern these accusatives. Perhaps, let H, that L% the hymUf give, may te underatood. ^^a\i% ^^^Woa g&m, cow, by n^antdranif goer, * (Worship) ye men, t\\ft\>T\^^ V,i^^v^ ''^^^ V^^*SS» v woe and mia our chariots (with apoUV— \V'\\aoii. ATMireL] THE RIGVEDA, ^ii 13 I, called to him who reels with joy, SrutaiTiin, Riksha's sou, shall stroke The heads of four presented steeds, like the long wool of fleecy rams. 14 Four coursers with a splendid car, Savisth.Vs horses, fleet of foot, Shall bring me to the sacred feast, as flying steeds brought 15 The very truth do I declare to thee, Puruabn*, mighty flood. Watera ! no man is there who gives more hordes than Savish-

Yoke, Agui, as a charioteer, thy steeds who best invite the Gods : As ancient Hemld seat thyself. 2 And, God, as skilfullest of all, call for us hitherward the Gods : Give all our wishes sure effect. 3 For thou, Most Youthful, Son of Strength, thou to whom sacrifice is paid. Art holy, faithful to the Law. 4 This Agui, Lord of wealth and spoil hundredfold, thousand- fold, is head Aud chief of riches and a Sage. 5 As craftsmen bend the felly, so bend at our general call : come nigh, Angiras, to the sacrifice. 6 Now, 0 Virupa, rouse for him, Strong God who shines at early morn, Fair praise with voice that ceases not. 7 With missile of this Agni, his who looks afar, will we lay low The thief in combat fur the kine. 8 Let not the Companies of Gods full us, like Dawns that float away, Like cows who leave the niggardly. 14 Tugra's son : Bhujyu. See Vol. I., ludex. 15 Parushni: uow the RAvl, the river on whose bank Srutarvan offered bis sacrifice. 1 Ancient Herald: or, chief Invoker. 6 Vii'Upa : the Rishi of the hymn who addresses himself. Who shines at early morn : or, aspiring heavenward.

7 The thief: the hymn is a prayer for aid in an expedition for the recovery of stolen cattle. 8 Like J)a(tns that/ocU away: * like cows that bathe \.\i«>\iv\\i >jBft ^Vc«^\sw; Mooording to the explnaation given in the St. Petersburg \aiC\qio\:l. VOm. c^>n% m^Aa leape the niggardlif : ' the kine abandon not a Utt\e VcaXiV — "^'^aoa.* %U THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Vim 9 Let not the sinful tyranny of any fiercely-hating foe Smite us, as billows smite a ship. 10 0 Agni, God, the people sing reverent praise to thee for strength : With terrors trouble thou the foe. 11 Wilt thou not, Agni, lend us aid in winning oattle, winning wealth % Maker of room, make room for us. 1 2 In this great battle cast us not aside as one who bears a load : Snatch up tbe wealth and win it all. 13 0 Agni, let this plague pursue and frii^ht another and not us : Make our impetuous strength more strong. 14 The reverent or unwearied man whose holy labour he accepts. Him Agui favours with success. 15 Abandoning the foeman's host pass hither to this company: Assist the meu with whom 1 stand.

16 As we have known thy gracious help, as of a Father, long ago, So now we pray to thee for bliss.

Not to forsake me, I invoke this Indra girt by Mafuts, Lord 0/ magic power who rules with might. 2 This Indra with his Marut Friends clave into pieces VritraX head With hundred-knotted thunderbolt. 3 Indra, with Marut Friends, grown strong, hath rent asunder Vritra, and Released the waters of the sea. 4 This is that Indra who, begirt by Maruts, won the light of heaven That he might drink the Soma juice. 6 Mighty, impetuous, begirt by Maruts, him who loudly roars, Indra we invocate with songs. 6 Indra begirt by Maruts we invoke after the ancient plan. That he may drink the Soma juice, 7 0 liberal Indra, Marut-girt, much-lauded Satakratu, drink The Soma at this sacrifice. 8 To thee, 0 Indra, Marut-girt, these Soma juices, Thunderer! Ate offeved from the heart with Uuda. 3 O/lAe tea : oi the firmament or ocean oi bat. mrmr$m the riqveda. sis .9 Driuk, ludra, with thy Marut Friends, pressed Soma at the morning rites, Whetting thy thunderbolt with strength. 10 ArUing in thy might, thyjawd thou shookest, Indra, having quaffed The Soma which the mortar pressed. 11 Indra, both worlds complained to thee when uttering thy fearful ro^ir, What time thou smotest Dasjus dead.

12 From Indra have I measured out a song eight-footed with nine parts, Delicate, faithful to jbhe Law.

ScABGELT was Sata^.^ratu born wheu of his Mother he inquired. Who are the mighty 1 Who are famed % 2 Then Savasi declared to him Aumavabha, Ahisuva : Sou, th^ue be they thou must o'er throw. 3 The Yritra-slayer smote them all as spokes are hammered in- to naves : The Dasyu-killer waxed in might. 4 Then Indra at a single draught drank the contents of thirty pails, Pails that were filled with Soma juice. 5 Indra in groundless realms of space pierced the Gandharva through, that he Might make the Brahmans' strength increase. 11 Complained to thee : in terror. W/ien uttenng thy fearful roar : the meaning of krdkshamdnam, rendered thus conjecturally, is uncertain. 12 Eight-footed with nine parts: the hyiun consists of triplets, each of which contaius nine Pftdas, parts or Iialf-liues, of eight feet or syllables each. That is, the metre is octosyllabic (8 x 3), and the triplet contains three stanzas in that metre, or nine octosyllabic P4dac>. From Indra : originating in him as its subject or inspirer. Faithful to the Law: closely connected with sacrifice. — 1 Cp. VIII. 45. 4. 2 Savast: or, the Mighty One, Indra's Mother. AurnavAhha: or tjrnavdbha's son. See VIII. 32. 26. These: and other fiends, as t€y these, is plural.

4 Paila : or bowls ; literally, lakes. The me ming of the word kdnuM in this istanza is uncertain. It appears to be an adjective qualifying sardnsi pails or lakes. See note in Wilson's Translation. 5 The Gandharva : a heavenly being who dwells in the region of the air and guards the celestial Soma, that is, the raiu. See I. 22. 14, and 163. 2. According to SAyaiia, the Gandharva is the raiQ-clovxdil&e\l)>N\i\c^l\\l•\x^HS(A^• tered, and tio releaned the fertiliziDg water. 226 TttE HYMS3 OP [BOOK VIII, 6 Down from the mountains Indra shot hither his well-directed shaft : He gained the ready brew of rice. 7 One only is that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hund- red barbs, Which, Indra, thou hast made thy friend. 8 Strong as the Ribhus at thy birth, therewith to those who praise thee, men And women, bring thou food to eat. 9 By thee these exploits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, abundantly : Firm in thy heart thou settest them. 10 All these things Vishnu brought, the Lord of ample stride whom thou hadst sent — A hundred buffalo3s, a brew of rice and milk : and Indra slew the ravening boar.

11 Most deadly is thy bow, successful, fashioned well ; good is thin 3 a -row, decked with gold. Warlike and well equipi>ed thine arms are, which increase sweetness for him who drinks the sweet.

Bring us a thousand, Indra, as our guerdon for the Soma juice : Hundreds of kine, 0 Hero, bring. 2 Bring cattle, bring us ornament, bring us embellishment aud steeds, Give us, besides, two rings of gold. 6 The stanza is similarly explained by SAyana. Intlra smate the raiu from the clouds, aud oVjtained food for Men. 7 One onlt/ : Indra alone is the wielder of the thunderbolt. 10 All these things: the buffaloes or dark clouHs, and the rice and milk or fertilizing? rain. Slew : tlie Terb is supplied by Sdjana. The rareniruf boar: Viitra. Cf. I. 61. 7, where tlie deed is similarly related. See Prof. A. A. Macdonell, Journal R. A. Society, 1895, p. 186. 11 Which increase sweetness for him who dHnlrs the sweet : this is Lud wig's interpretation of two very difficult words which mean according to Wilson's Translation, * destructively overthrowing, destructively piercing ; ' according to the St. Petersburg Lexicon, * like two bees delighting in sweetness ; ' and according to Grassmann, * sweetness loves thy two lips.* 7 J thousand: cows, understood. 2 2'iffo 7'inr/s : the meanijiof of niand here is somewhat uncertain. See Max Miiller. ZnMa, What can it teach us 1 pp \'iiD.\'i^\ N^^Ni^v, EpU^iXwW^tdttvJ*?/^ Hittial, p, 30 ; and Ziinmer, AUinditcliU Lebcu,"^^. ^^,^\.

MtMIf 68.] TUB RIG VEDA . til 3 And, Bold One, bring in ample store rich jewels to adoru the ear, For thou, Good Lord, art far renowned. 4 None other is there for the priest. Hero ! but thou, to give him gifts, To win much spoil and prosper him. 6 India can never be brought low, Sakra can never be subdued : He heareth and beholdeth all. 6 He spieth out the wrath of man, he who can never be deceived : £re blame can come he marketh it. 7 He hath his stomach full of might, the Vritra-slayer, Conqueror, The Soma-drinker, ordering all. 8 In thee all treasures are combined. Soma ! all blessed things in thee. Uninjured, easy to bestow. 9 To thee speeds forth my hope that craves the gift of com, and kine and gold, Yea, craving horses, speeds to thee. 10 Indra, through hope in thee alone even this sickle do I grasp. Fill my hand, Maghavau, with all that it can hold of barley cut or gathered up. This here is Soma, ne'er restrained, active, all-conqueriug, bursting forth, Rishi and Sage by sapience. 2 All that is bare he covers o'er, all that is sick he medicines : The blind man sees, the cripple walks.

3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men, Hatreds that waste and weaken us. 4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth Drivest the sinner's enmity, 5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace, Aud satisfy his wish who thirsts. 8 Soma : here said to mean Indra himself. 10 ' It would appear as if the field were a b.arren one and the poet sought from Indra a harvest which he had not sown.' — Wilson. 1 Bursting forth : according to Stlya^a, causing (fruit) to spring forth. 4 I/npetttous One: rijUhin : according to Sftyana, 'possessed of the remains or dregs of the Soma juice offered iu the third savana.' ' 5 TA^fy.' the priests, Tke Oiver'9 : bountiful liidr&'«. UU uv^; \u^2»k\ longing for iSoma-IibAtiona, 888 THE HYMm OF [BOOK VIIl. 6 So may he Had what erst was lost, so may he speed the pious man, And lengthen his remaining life. 7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts. Be sweet, 0 Soma, to our heart. 8 0 Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King : Wound not our heart with dazzliug flame.

9 When in my dwelling-place I see the wicked enemies of Gods, King, chase their hatred far away, thou Bounteous Que,

0 Satakratd, truly I have made none else my Comforter. Indra, be gracious unto us. 2 Thou who hast ever aided us kindly of old to win the spoil. As such, 0 Indra, favour us. 3 What uow 1 As proiupter of the poor thou helpest him who sheds the juice. Wilt thou not, Indra, strengthen us 1 4 0 Indra, help our chariot on, yea, Thunderer, though it lag behind : Give this my car the foremost place. 5 Ho there ! why sittest thou at ease ? Make thou my chariot to be first : And bring the fame of victory near. 6 Assist our car that seeks the prize. What can be easier for thee? So make thou us victorious. 7 Indra, be firm : a fort art thou. To thine appointed place proceeds The auspicious hymn in season due. 8 Let not our portion be disgrace. Broad is the course, the prize is set, The barriers are opened wide. 9 This thing we wish, that thou mayst take thy fourth, thy sacrificial name. So art thou held to be our Lord. 9 The wicked enemies : or, the enmities ; that is, when I see that the Qodi

are displeased with me. 4 The hymn is a prajer for success in a coming chariot race. Z To thine appointed place : * to thee t\ie Te^VVer (,oi ttuemiea).* — Wilson. ^ 9 TA2^f(^rth, thy saaHfifiiaLname : the otViex t\itefe, a.c<ic.\^\w^\.ci ^W^vc^^ it^ oouatellation-ufime, the •ecret name, and \\ie Te^e%\fe^\».\sife. 10 JSkftdyd hath ezaUed you, Immortals : both Goddeases and Gk>d8 hath he delighted. Bestow upon him bouuty meet for praises. May he, enriched with pmyer, come soon and early.

Indba, Ood of the mighty arm, gather for us with thy right band Manifold and nutritious spoil. 2 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty wealth, Mighty in measure, prompt to aid. 3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men Restrain thee like a fearful Bull. 4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self- ruling King : In bounty may he harm us not. 5 Let prelude sound and following chant : so let him hear the S&inan sung, And with his bounty answer us. 6 O Indra, with thy right hand bring, and with thy left remem- ber us: Let us not lose our share of wealth. 7 Come nigh, 0 Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of the churl Who giveth least of all the folk. 8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive, Even that booty win with us. 9 Indra, thy swiftly-coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all, Souudti quick in concert with our hopes.

Hastb forward to us from afar, or, Vyitra slayer, from anear. To meet the offering of the meath. 10 The Gods in general are the deities of this stanza. EkadyH is the seer of the hymn. He^ en'in>ched with prayer : Indra, exalted by our hymn. 5 Let prelude sound : prd stoshad upag/isishat : let the prastotar and the ud' gAtar, two of the officiating priests at the chanting of a S^man, discharge their functions : the former singing the prelude and the latter the accompaniment. 8 Win with U8 : make us thy allies. 9 Sounds in<oncert with our hopes : answeira to our expectation. Perhaps BB Jjudwig tbinka, the word 'sounds ' refers to the herd q1 ^\A^<ft ^Xs^O^"^^* babJf cooMtituUd the spoil thtkt iM apok^tk (ft 2 Strong are the Soma-draughta ; come nigh : the juices fill thee with delight : Drink boldly even as thou art wont. 3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food : let it content thy wish and thought, And be delightful to thine heart. 4 Come to us thou who hast no foe : we call thee down to hymns of praise, In heaven's sublirnest realm of light. 5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk

for thy carouse, ludra, is offered up to thee. 6 Graciously, ludra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, and sate Thyself with juices blent with milk. 7 The Soma, ludra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee, Driuk thou, fur thou art Lord thereof. 8 Tlie Soma seen within the vats, as in the flood the Moon is seen, Driuk thou, for thou art Lord thereof. 9 Tbat which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to thee, Diink thou, for thou art Lord thereof.

Wb choose unto ourselves that high protection of the Mighty Gods That it may help and succour us. 2 May they be ever our allies, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Far-seeing Gods who prosper us. 3 Ye furtherers of holy Law, transport us safe o'er many woes, As over water-floods in ships. 4 Dear wealth be Aryaman to us, Varuna dear wealth meet for praise : Dear wealth we choose unto ourselves. 5 For Sovrans of dear wealth are ye, Adityas, not of sinner's wealth. Ye sapient Gods who slay the foe. 6 We in our homes, ye Bounteous Ones, and while we journey on the road, Invoke you, Gods, to prosper us. . 8 TAe Jfoon : in allusion to the double moamTi^ oi ^oms., tke ^laut and its r'alce, aad the Moon. 9 TAe Ifawk : aee I. 80. 2, and 98. tt. STMN 74.] THE RIO VEDA. Ssl 7 Regard ns, Indra, Yishuu, here, ye Aavios and the Marut host, Us who are kith and kin to yon. 8 Ye Bounteons Ones, from time of old we here set forth our brotherhood, Our kinship in the Mother's womb. 9 Then come with Indra for yonr chief, at early day, ye Boun-

teons Gods : Yea, I address you now for this,

Agni, yonr dearest Guest, I laud, him who is loving as a frienJ, . Who hrings ns riches like a car. S Wliom as a far-foreseeing Sage the Gods have, from the olden time, Kstablished among mortal men. 3 Do thou, Most Youthful God, protect the men who offer, hear their songs, And of thyself preserve their seed. 4 What is the praise wherewith, 0 God, Angiras, Agni, Son of Strenj?th, We, after thine own wish and thou^^ht, 5 May serve thee, 0 thou Child of Power, and with what sacri- fice's phui f What pi-ayer shall I now speak to thee 1 6 Our God, make all of us to dwell in happy habitations, and Reward our songs with spoil and wealth. 7 Lord of the house, what plenty fills the songs which thou ins- pi rest now, Thou whose hymn helps to win the kine 1 8 Him Wise and Strong they glorify, the foremost Champion iii the fray. And mighty in his dwelling-place. 9 Agni) he dwells in rest and peace who smites and no one smite« again : With hero sons he prospers well.

. To this mine invocation, 0 ye Asvins, ye Nasatyas, come, 'io drink the savoury Soma juice. 8 In the Mother's womb : as common children of Aditi tbe General Mother of all Hviug beings. Z Jmdo/ th//gelf preserve their seed : or, and gaaxd out ofta^vm^ ^Vi^ ^>\\%i^'^«k, 9 ^e: the faithful wonhipper. 9S2 THE HYMNS OF [SOOK VlII. 2 This ]aud of noioe, ye Asvius Twain, and this mine invitatioti hear, To drink the savoury Soma juice. 3 Here Krishna is invoking you, 0 Asvins, Lords of ample wealth, To drink the savoury Soma juice. 4 List, Heroes, to the singer's call, the call of Krishna lauding To drink the savoury Soma juice. 5 Chiefs, to the sage who sings your praise grant an inviolable home, To drink the savoury Soma juice, 6 Come to the worshipper's abode, Asvins, who here is lauding yon, To drink the savoury Soma juice. 7 Yoke to the firmly jointed car the ass which draws you, Lorda of wealth, To driuk the savoury Soma juice. 8 Come hither, Asvius, on your car of triple form with triple seat. To drink the savoury Soma juice. 9 0 Asvius, 0 Nasatyas, now accept with favouring grace mj

8ong.s, To drink the savoury Soma juice.

Ye Twain are wondrous strong, well-skilled in arts that heal, both bringers of delight, ye both won Daksha's praise. Visvaka calls on yon as such to save his life. Break ye not off our friendship, come and set me free. 2 How shall he praise you now who is distraught in mind? Yo Twain give wisdom for the gain of what is good. Visvaka calls on you as such to save his life. Break ye not off our friendship, come and set me free. 5 To drink : so tbat ye may drink. 7 TU ass: cf. I. 34. 9 ; 116. 2 ; and 162. 21. 8 Of triple form with triple seat: see I. 34. 2, 9. The Rishi is Visvaka son of Krishna. 1 Daksha's praise : on the occasion mentioned in I. 116. 2 ; or when the Asvins won Suryi for their bride, 1. 116. 17. To save his life: according to Sftyana^ *for the sake of his son.' Come and set me free: * flying loose (your rains and gallop hither).* — Wilson. * Unyoke your horses.* — Grassmann. ^ Distraugiht in mind : referring either to VisN^iika himself, or the man for whom be invokes tbe Asvins* aid. AccorO^ftto ^^.^«^^^»N*\iXi^TiSi^yV^Sa^»\»^^ au'adj here is the name of a RUhi.

3 Afready have ye Twain, possessors of great wealth, prospered Yitthnapu thus for gain of what is good. Tisvaka calls on you as such to save his life. Break ye not off our friendship, come aud set me free. 4 Aud that Impetuous Hero, winner of the spoil, though he is far away, we call to sitccour ns, Whose gracious favour, like a father's, is most sweet. Break ye not ofif our friendship, come and set me free. 5 About the holy Law toils Savitar the God : the horn of holy L>iw hath he spread far and wide. The holy Law hath quelled even mighty men of war. Break ye not otf our friendship, come and set me free.

Splendid, 0 Asvins, is your praise. Come, fountain-like, to pour the stream. Of the sweet juice effused — dear is it. Chiefs, in heaven — drink like two wild bulls at a pool, 2 Drink the libation rieh in sweets, 0 As?ins Twain : sit, Heroes, on the sacred grass. Do ye with joyful heart in the abode of man preserve his life by means of wealth. 3 The Priyamedhasbidyoucomewithallthesuccoursthatareyours. Come to his house whose holy grass is trimmed, to dear sacrifice at the morning rites. 4 Drink ye the Soma rich in nieath, ye Asvins Twain : sit gladly on the sacred grass. So, waxen mighty, to out eulogy from heaven come ye as wildbulls to the pool. 5 Come to us, 0 ye Asvins, now with steeds of many a varied hue. Ye Lords of splendour, wondrous, borne on paths of gold, drink Soma, ye who strengthen Law. 6 For we the priestly singers, fain to hymn your praise, invoke you for the gain of strength. So, wondrous, fair, and famed for great deeds come to us, through our hymn, Asvins, when ye hear. 8 ViskndpH : the Ivishi's son or grandson. 4 That Impetuous Hero : Indra. * These two verses,* says Grassmann, * are taken from another hymn. Verse 5 is addressed to Savitar, and verse 4, as it appears, to Indra. The refrain, which is altogether unsuitable here, has been added in order to connect the verses with the preceding hymn.'

2 The libation : gharmdm : the heated milk or other beverage, or the veea^ in which it ia heated, 3 TAc JPri^amedAoi : Pjriyamedha and his family.

Ab cows low to their calves in stalls, so with our songs we glorify This ludra, even your Wondrous God who checks attack, who joys in the delicious juice. 2 Celestial, bounteous Giver, girt about with might, rich, moun- tain-like, ill precious things, Him swift we seek for foodfal booty rich in kine, brought hundredfold and thousandfold. 3 Indra, the strong and lofty hills are powerless to bar thy way. None stay that act of thine when thou wouldst fain give wealth to one like me who sings thy praise. 4 A Warrior thou by strength, wisdom, and wondrous deed, in might excellest all that is. Hither may this our hymn attract thee to our help, the hymn which Gotamas have made. 5 For in thy might thou stretch est out beyond the boundaries of heaven. The earthly region, Indra, comprehends thee not. After thy Godhead hast thou waxed. 6 When, Maghavan, thou honourest the worshipper, no one is there to stay thy wealth. Most liberal Giver thou, do thou inspire our song of praise, that we may win the spoil.

To Indra sing the lofty hymn, Maruts ! that slays the Vritras best» Whereby the Holy Ones created for the God the light divine that ever wakes. 2 Indra who quells the curse blew curses far away, and then in splendour came to us. Indra, refulgent with thy Marut host ! the Gods strove eagerly to win thy l<»ve. 3 Sing to your lofty Indra, sing, Maruts, a holy hymn of praise. Let Satakratu, Vritra-slayer, kill the foe with hundred-knotted 1 As C0108 : the cows who are milked for sacrificial purposes, whose calvei are shut up during the ceremony. 5 The earthly region : the rajas region, middle air, or firmament is frequently divided into two, one fialf belonging to the earth and the other to the sky. See Wallis, Cosmology of the Hiyveda, pp. 114, 115. 1 Jfaruts : here meaning the singers oi \\ie\i^'mTioi^w8e. 'Priesta.'— Wilson. The li^ht divine : the Sun, which the \\sse^e;N^^ ^^u^\^\.^$y. qt ^\i^\«A V Indra, 4t Aim and fetch boldly forth, 0 thou whose heart is bold : great glory will be thine thereby. In rapid torrent let the mother waters spread. Slay Vritra, win the light of heaven. 5 When thou, unequalled Maghavan, wast born to smite the

y Vitras dead, Thou spreadest out the spacious earth and didst support and prop the heavens. 6 Then was the sacrifice produced for thee, the laud, and song of joy, Thou in thy might surpassest all, all that now is and yet shall be. 7 Raw kine thou fiUedst with ripe milk. Thou madest Surya rise to heaven. Heat him as milk is heated with pure Sama hymns, great joy to him who loves the song.

May Indra, who in every fight must be invoked, be near to us. May the most mighty Vritra-slayer, meet for praise, come ta libations and to hymns. 2 Thou art the best of all in sending bounteous gifts, true art thou, lordly in thine act. We claim alliance with the very Glorious One, yea, with the Mighty Son of Strength. 3 Prayers unsurpassed are oflfered up to thee the Lover of the Song. Indra, Lord of Bay Steeds, accept these fitting hymns, hymns which we have thought out for thee. 4 For thou, 0 Maghavan, art truthful, ne'er subdued, and bringest many a Vritra low. As such, 0 Mightiest Lord, Wielder of Thunder, send wealth hither to the worshipper. 7 Raw kine: cf. I. 62 9 ; 180. 8 ; II. 40. 2 ; IV 3. 9 ; VI. 72. 4 ; 17. 6 ; 44. 24 ; VIII. 32. 25. Thou madest SHrya me to heaven : S4yana relates a legend that when the Panis had carried off the cowa of the Angirases and placed them in a mountain enveloped in darkness, Indra, at the prayer of the Rishis, set the Bun in heaven in order that he might see and recover their cattle. If eat him as milk is heated : this Hue is difficult. * (PHests) excite (Indra) with your praises as men heat the Qharma with SdrMtn-ixyvunB.* — Wildou. Gharma meaus either the hot milk or other beverage offered in the Pravargya ceremony, or the vessel in which it is heated. Great joy to him who loves the song: or perhaps the meaning is, the Brihat-S4man (one of the most important Sdma hymns^ the first and aecond verses of R. V, YI 4ft), ift dew to V5\\sx '^Vi Vv*»i% Monff^ L.

^ ^/;r/V ^S^fnn^ '• y<fjana : see WUson's TranalalioTi Wk^i uoX.^. ^^ fffJS ffYMl^S OF [bOOR Vttf. 6 0 Indra, thou art far-renowned, impetuous, 0 Lord of Strength. Alone thou slayest with the guardian of mankind resistless never-oonquered foes. 6 As such we seek thee now, 0 Asura, thee most wise, craving thy bounty as our share* Thy sheltering defence is like a mighty cloak. So may thy glories reach to us.

Down to the stream a maiden came, and found the Soma by the way. Bearing it to her home she said, For Indra will I press thee out, for Sakra will I press thee out 2 Thou roaming yonder, little man, beholding every house in turn, Drink thou this Soma pressed with teeth, accompanied with grain and curds, with cake of meal and song of praise. 3 Fain would we learn to know thee well, nor yet can we attain to thee. Still slowly and in gradual drops, 0 Indu, unto Indra flow. 4 Will he not help and work for us ? Will he not make us wealthier ? Shall we not, hostile to our lord, unite ourselves to Indra now? 0 0 Indra, c luse to sprout again three places, these which I declare, — My father's head, his cultured field, and this the part below my waist. 6 Make all of these grow crops of hair, yon cultivated field of ours. My body, and my father's head. 7 Cleansing Apala, Indra ! thrice, thou gavest sunlike skin to her, Drawn, Satakiatu ! through the hole of car, of wagon, and of yoke. 5 The guardian of mankind : lodra'a thunderbolt with which he slays tl^o demous of drought.

The Ilishi is Ap41& of the family of Atri. 1 A maiden : Apd.l&. 2 Little man : vtrakah : according to S&yaua, hero. Indra is intended, perhaps as Surya the Suu-God. 3 Indu : Soma. 4 He : Indra. Hostile to our lord : Ap&U, it is said, was afflicted with t cutaneous diseaae and was consequently repudiated by her husband. 7 Sunlike : bright and clear. * S&yana aaya tWV. bxdta. dragged her through ^Ae wide bole of hia chariot, the narrower hoVe ol \\ie> Ciw\. ^xi^ >iJQft ^tcveJ^ \it3« of the yoke, and ahe cast off three »kiiv9. 'I^i^ ^tuX. ^Vm Xwrwssa ^ V^Ajt^os^

Invite ye Indra with a song to drink your draught of Soma juice, Ali-oonquering Satakratu, most munificent of all who live. 2 Lauded by many, much-invoked, leader of song, renowned of old : His name is Indra, tell it forth. 3 Indra the Dancer be to us the giver of abundant strength : May he, the mighty, bring it near. 4 Indra whose jaws are strong hath drunk of worshipping Sudaksha's draught, The Soma juice with barley mixt. 5 Call Indra loudly with your songs of praise to drink the Soma juice. For this is what augments his strength. 6 When he hath drunk its gladdening drops the God with vigour of a God Hath far surpassed all things that are. 7 Thou speedest down to succour us this ever-conquering God of yours, Him who is drawn to all our songs ; 8 The Warrior not to be restrained, the Soma-drinker ne'er overthrown, The Chieftain of resistless might. 9 0 Indra, send us riches, thou Omniscient, worthy of our praise : Help us in the decisive fray. the second an alligator, the third a chameleon. I suppose, with Prof. Aufrecht, that the hole or space of the cliariot and cart represents the opening between the four wheels ; the hole of the yoke seems to me to mean the opening

through which the animars head passed, corresponding to Homer's ^evyX?!, II. 19. 406.'— Cowell. For the legend from the Sityftyana Bi&hmana, founded on the hints contained in this hymn and re|>e<ited by Sdyana iu his Commentary, see also Wilson's Translation, Vol. V. Prof. Aufrecht has published the text and commentary of this hymn in Jndiscke Studien, IV. p. 1 sqq. See M. Miiller's Ilig-veda SamhitA, Vol. III., 2ud edition, p. 33 sqq. 3 The Dancer : active in battle, dancer of the war dance. Near : ahhijnii : or, up to our knees. 4 Sudaksfia*8 draught : offered by a Rishi of that name. 7 According to Sftjana this stanza is addressed by tb^ YajamAtvOi «t %,vstv Scer to the Siotar or praiaing priest, and he glvea an Vm^ewAlv^fe ^^\ai^ \ft 'CtA indicative, thou speedest down ; ' Bring hither.' — ^\\i\*oii. ^^ THE HYMNS OF [BOOK Vllh 10 Even thence, 0 Indra, come to us with food tha,t'giveaa hundred powers, With food that gives a thousand powers. 11 We sought the wisdom of the wise. Sakra, Kiue-giver^ Thunder-armed ! May we with steeds o'ercome in fight. 12 We make thee, Satakratu, find enjoyment in the songs we sing. Like cattle in the pasture lands.

13 For, Satakratu, Thunder-armed, all that we craved, as meu are wont, All that we hoped, have we attained. 14 Those, Son of Strength, are come to thee who cherish wishes in their hearts : 0 Indra, none excelleth thee. 15 So, Hero, guard us with thy care, with thy most liberal providence, Speedy, and terrible to foes. 16 0 Satakratu Indra, now rejoice with that carouse of thine Which is most splendid of them all; 17 Even, Indra, that carouse which slays the Vritras best, most widely famed, Best giver of thy power and might. 18 For that which is thy gift we know, true Soma-driuker, Thunder-armed, Mighty One, amid all the folk. 19 For Indra, Lover of Carouse, loud be our songs about the juice : Let poets sing the song of praise. 20 We summon Indra to the draught, in whom all glories rest> in whom The seven communities rejoice. 21 At the Trikadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stira the mind : Let our soi^gs aid and prosper it. 10 Even thence: from where thou art ; from heaven. 11 0/ the wise: ludra. Kine-giver : fjodare : perhaps, * burster open of the cow-stall ;' * cleaver of mountains.' — Wilson.

12 Like cattle: as the cowherd refreshes his cattle. — SAyapa. 18 Thy gift : the wealth which thou givest. Amid all the folk : among all the worahippeTQ who offer thee Soma. — Sftyana. * 20 Seven communities : aapta ianzadAsiK : ptobtibly = all the folk, in staiUA JS; 'the seven associated priests.' — ^W^lVon. ^J At the Trikadruhoi : see YIII. 13. IS, and notfi. STMir 8il THE RIQ VEDA. 28d 12 Let the drops pass within thee as the rivers flow into the sea : O Indra, naught excelleth thee. 23 Thou, wakeful Hero, by thy might hast taken food of Soma juice, Which, Indra, is within thee now. 24 O Indm, Vritra-slayer, let Soma be ready for thy maw. The drops be ready for thy forms. 25 Now Srutakaksha sings his song that cattle and the steed may come. That Indra's very self may come. 2% Here, Indra, thou art ready by our Soma juices shed for thee, Sakra, at hand that thou mayst give. 27 Even from far away our songs reach thee, 0 Caster of the Stone : May we come very close to thee. 28 For so thou art the hero's Friend, a Hero, too, art thou, and

strong : So may thine heart be won to us. 29 So hath the oflTering, wealthiest Lord, been paid by all the worshippers : So dwell thou, Indra, even with me. 30 Be not thou like a slothful priest, 0 Lord of spoil and wealth : rejoice In the pressed Soma blent with milk. 31 0 Indra, let not ill designs surround us in the sunbeams' light : This may we gain with thee for Friend. 32 With thee to help us, ludra, let us answer all our enemies : For thou art ours and we are thine. 33 Indra, the poets and thy friends, faithful to thee, shall loudly sing Thy praises as they follow thee.

SuRTA, thou mountest up to meet the Hero famous for his wealth, Who hurls the bolt and works for man : 2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine-aud-ninety castles down, Slew Vritra and smote Ahi dead. 24 Thy forms : thy various bodies or splendours. — SAyana. ^5 Srutakaksha : the Rishi of the hymn. 30 Priest : bi'ahm^ : Brahman or praying priest. 31 In the sunbeams* light : as Indra stands in the closest relationship to the Sun. 2^rine-and-ntnetjfeastUi: cloud-castles of the demoti ^wcB^iW%». 240 TM£ EYMNS OF [BOOK Vlif, 3 This Indra ifi our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full broad stream Riches in horses, kine, and com. 4 Whatever, Vritra-^ayer ! thou, Siirya, hast risen upon to-day, That, ludra, all is in thy power. 5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, I shall not die, That thought of thine is true indeed. 6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee, Both far away and near at hand. 7 We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vritra dead: A vigorous Hero shall he be. 8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o*er the joyouB

draught, Bright, meet for Soma, famed in song. 9 By song as 'twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared : Lofty, invincible he grew. 1 0 Indra, Song-lover, lauded; make even in the wilds fairways for us, Whenever, Maghavan, thou wilt. 1 1 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none disregards, Neither audacious man nor God. 12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beau- teous helm ! revere Thy might which no one may resist. 1 3 Thou in the black cows and the red and in the cows with spot- ted skin This white milk hast deposited. 14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon's furious might, Fear of the monster fell on them. 15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not. The Vritra-slayer showed his might. 16 Him your best Viitra-slayer, him the famous Champion of mankind I urge to great munificence, 8 Was made : was created by PrajApafci. — SAyana. 12 Lord of the beauteous helm: or, 'deity of the liaudsome jaw.* — Wilson. 13 In the black cows: cf I. 62. 9. 1 4 The Ih'agons furious might : the fierce attack of the demon Ahi. Qf ♦ Me monster : or, of the wild beast, Ahi.

16 CAampion: Ijcdnprd to sdrdhami aa suggested mXAi^^X) "te^ftY^xa^ljssMfioii* 17 To oome, Much-lauded ! Many-named ! with this same thought that longs for milk, Whene'er the Soma juice is shed. 18 Much-honoured by libations, may the Yritra-slayer wake for us : May Sakra listen to our prayers. 19 O Hero, with what aid dost thou delight us, with what suc- cour bring Biches to those who worship thee ? 20 With whose libation joys tUe Strong, the Hero with his team who quells The foe, to drink the Soma juice? 21 Rejoicing in thy spirit bring thousandfold opulence to us : Eiirioh thy votary with gifts. 23 These juices with their wedded wives flow to enjoyment lovingly : To waters speeds the restless one. 23 Presented streugtheuing gifts have sent ludra away at sacri- fice. With might, unto the cleansing bath. 24 These two who share his feast, Bay Steeds with golden manes, shall bring him to The banquet that is laid for him. 25 For thee, 0 Lord of Light, are shed these Soma-drops, and grass is strewn : Bring ludra to his worshippers. 26 May Indra give thee skill and lights of heaven, wealth to bis votary And priests who praise him : laud ye him.

27 0 Satakratu, wondrous strength and all our lauds I bring to thee: Be gracious to thy worshippers. \T To come : that is, that thou, Indra, mayst come. This abrupt change of person is not uucommon in the Veda. 22 The wedded wives : of the Soma juices are said to be the two waters called vasatlvaryaK and ekadhandli, used in the Soma ceremonies. To enjoyment : to be drunk by Indra. To waiera speeds the restless one : or, with Grassmann, * The lover of the waters speeds.' The exact meaning of nichumpundh is uncertain, T^ska deriving it from chanty to eat, and Mahidhara from chup, to creep or move slowly. The meaning of the sentence is, according to the Scholiast, that, at the time of the concluding purificatory ceremony which is to atone for errors and omissions in the principal sacrifice, the stale Soma is thrown into the w&tera. See Cowell'a note in ^\\%oiC%^^TkS^^\A!cr(x. £S TAe deaming bath : the avahhr'itha.^ here, app&texiVX^) \)aft\j!^'CcL w MB which the Soma phuita were rinsed and purlwi. 16 U2 MB BTMNS OF [BOOK YtlU 28 Bring to ns all things exoelieut, 0 Satakratu, food aud Btreugtii: For, ludra, thou art kiud to us.

29 0 SatakratU) briug to us all blessiuga, all felicity : For, ludra, thou art kiud to us. 30 Bearing the Soma juice we call, best Yfitra-slayer, auto tbee ; For, Indi*a, thou art kiud to us. 31 Come, Lord of rapturous joys, to our libatioii urith tby Bay Steeds, come To our libation with thy Steeds. 32 Known as best Vritra-slajer erst, as ludra Satakratn, come With Bay Steeds to the juice we shed. 33 0 Yriti-a-slayer, thou art he who driuks these drops of Soma : come With Bay Steeds to the juice we shed. 34 May ludra give, to aid us, wealth handy that rulev the Skilful Ones : Yea, may the Stroug give potent wealth.

The Cow, the famous Mother of the wealthy Maruts, poum her milk : Both horses of the cars are yoked, — 2 She in whose bosom all the Gods, aud Sun and Moou for nieii to see, Maiutaia their everlasting Laws. 3 This all the pious sing to us, aud sacred poets evermore : The Maruts to the Soma-draught ! 4 Here is the Soma ready pi*essed : of this the Manits drink, of this Self-luminous the Asvins driuk. Zi Handy: rihhkm. That rula ike Skilful Onei : ribhukthanam» Tk€ Strong : vdjt These words are u&ed as plays upon tlir names of the Ribhua, ur as Grassruaun saya, the verse may have been taken from a hymn addressed to the Ribhus. ' May Indra bring to us the bounteous Bibbu Ribhukibapa to partake of our sacrificial viands ; may he, the mighty,' bring 'the mighty (Voja) .* — Wilson. Cowe.l remarks : * Ribhukdha;a was the eldest andVifja the youngest of the three brothers. The Ribhus have a share in the evoiin^ libation between Piaj&pati, and Savitri, see Ait. BiiChm. iii. 30. This venm Js addressed to the Ribhus in the evening libation on the ninth day of th« JJwddasdha ceremony (id. v. 21).*

J TAe Cow: Prisni. ^ y>i wAoae bosom: *ia whose presence.* — "Wilsoii* -2% Jfaruis: are to be invoked, underatood. - 5 Of this, moreover, purified, set ia three places, procreaut, Drink Yaruna, Mitra, Arjamau. 6 And Iiidra, like the Herald Priest, desirous of the Diilky juice, At early morn will quaff thereof. 7 When have the Princes gleamed and shone through waters as through troops of foes? When hasten they whose might is pure ? 8 Wbaft favour do I claim this day of you great Deities, you who are Wondrously splendid in yourselves ? 9 I call, to drink the Soma, those Maruts who spread all realms of earth And luminous regions of the sky. 10 You, even such, pure iu your might, you, 0 ye Maruts, I in- voke From heaven to drink this Soma juice. 11 The Maruts, those who have sustained and propped the heaveus and earth apart, I call to drink this Soma juice. 12 That vigorous baud of Maruts that abideth in the mountains, I Invoke to drink this Soma juice.

SoNQ-LOVBB ! like a charioteer come songs to thee when Soma flows. O Indra, they have called to thee as mother-kine unto their 3 Bright juices hitherward have sped thee, Indra, Lover of the Song. Drink, Indra, of this flowing sap : in every house *tis set for thea 3 Drink Soma to inspirit thee, juice, Indra, which the Falcon brought : For thou art King and Sovran Lord of all the families of men. 4 0 Indra, hear Tir;ischi's call, the call of him who servetb thee. Satisfy him with wealth of kine and valiant ofl'bpring : Great • art thou. 5 Set in three places: first, in a trough ; then in a straining-cloth ; then in a third trough or vessel called PHtabhrit, Proereant : granting progeny to 6 The Herald Priest : Agni. J ^/ir a ehartoteer: straight and swift to their o\>^QcX. 8 nhich the falcon brought : see L 80. 2, aad ^a. ft. 5 For he, 0 Indra, hath produced for thee the newest gladden- ing song, A hymn that springs from careful thought, ancient, and full of sacred truth. 6 That Indra will we laud whom songs and hymns of praise have

magnified. Striving to win, we celebrate his many deeds of hero might. 7 Come now and let us glorify pure Indra with pure S^ma hymn. Let the pure milky draught delight him strengthened by pure 8 0 Indra, come then pure to us, with pure assistance, pure thy- self. Pure, send thou riches down to us, and, meet for Soma, pure, be glad. 9 0 Indra, pnre, vouchsafe us wealth, and, pure, enrich the worshipper. Pure, thou dost strike the Vritras dead, and strivest, pure, to win the spoil.

For him the Mornings made their courses longer, and Nights with pleasant voices spake to Indra. For him the Floods stood still, the Seven Mothers, Streams easy for the heroes to pass over. 2 The Darter penetrated, though in trouble, thrice-seven close- pressed ridges of the mountains. Neither might God nor mortal man accomplish what the Strong Hero wrought in full-grown vigour. 3 The mightiest force is Indra's bolt of iron when firmly grasped in both the arms of Indra. His head and mouth have powers that pass all others, and all his people hasten near to listen. 5 Nevotst ancient: recent in form and expression, but ancient in substance. See Muir, 0. S, Texts, III. 238, 239. 7 Pure Indira with pure Sdma kymna : according to S&yana, * Indra. purified iBvith pure S&ma-hymns/ from the pollution he had incurred by killing the Br&hman Vritra. See Wilson's Translation, note. 1 The heroes : perhapB Turva^a and Tadu— Ludwig. 2 The Darter : of the thunderbolt ; Indra. Though in trouble : because h* had none to aid him. What the thince-aeven close-pi'eased ridges of themounUam Are, ia uncertain. See Wilson's Translation, note, Lxidwig thinks that tha tattle of the Sun with the demons of winteT ma^ \>e i£l««xl\>.

^ To lliten : to th« <K>mmanda which itaue U*oia\n& uiOM^. fffMKS$.^ THE RIQ VEDA. 34$ 4t t ooont thee as the l^oliest of the Holy, the caster-down of what Jiath ne'er been shaken. I count thee as the Banner of the heroes, I count thee as the Chief of all men living. 6 What time, O Indra, in thine arras thou tookest thy wildly rushing bolt to slay the Dragon, The mountains roared, the cattle loudly bellowed, the Brahmans with their hymns drew nigh to Indra. 6 Let us praise him who made these worlds and creatures, all things that after him sprang into being. May we win Mitra with our songs, and Indra, and wait upon our Lord with adoration. 7 Flying in terror from the snort of Vritra, all Deities who were thy friends forsook thee. So, Indra, be thy friendship with the Maruts : in all these battles thou shalt be the victor. 8 Thrioe-sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles of beaming light, worthy of worship. We come to thee : grant us a happy portion. Let us adore thy might with this oblation. 9 A sharpened weapon is the host of Maruts. Who, Indra, dares withstand thy bolt of thunder ?

Weaponless are the Asuras, the godless : scatter them with thy wheel. Impetuous Hero. 10 To him the Strong and Mighty, most auspicious, send up the beauteous hymn for sake of cattle. Lay on his body many songs for Indra invoked with song, for will not he regard them ? 11 To him, the Mighty, who accepts laudation, send forth thy thought as by a boat o'er rivers, Stir with thy hymn the body of the Famous and Dearest One, for will not he regard it % 12 Serve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes : praise with fair praise, invite him with thine homage. 5 Wildly I'usking : this is M. MuUer'e translation of madachyiUam. It might be rendered also * sped in tby rapturous joy.* * Rauschbeschleunigten.' — Ludwig. The Di-agon: ihi. 7 With the Maruts : as they alone stood by him in the conflict. 8 Thriee-sixty : or sixty-three, according to Sftynna, nine companies consisting of seven each. See Coweirs note in Wilson's translation. Like piles of bediming light : * like cows gathered together.' — Wilson ; * like morning stars.' — Oraasmaun. J have ioUowed Lndw'ifi, 9 JFM tAy wAea : or diaeue, a sharp-edged quoit \xftWL ui^ «b ^Titiv^tya «i ^^v

d46 fm EtTMIfS OP t^OOK Vtlt. Draw near, 0 singer, and refrain from outcry. Make thy voice heard, for will not he regard it ? 13 The 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. 14 1 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. 15 And thou 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. 16 Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival. The hidden Pair, the Heaven and Earth, thou foundest, and to the mighty worlds thou gavest pleasure. 17 So, 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. 18 Then wast thou, Chieftain of all living mortals, the very

mighty slayer of the Vritras. Then didst thou set the obstructed rivers flowing, and win the floods that were enthralled by Dasas. 19 Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resist- less in his anger. He only doth great deeds, the only Hero, sole Vritra-slayer he, with none beside him. 12 Ih*aw nea/i\ 0 singer ^ and refrain from outcry : * 0 priest, adorn thyself grieve not (for poverty).* — Wilson. 13 The Black Drop : the darkened Moon. Amumati: a mystical river q/i the air into which the Moon dips to recover its vanished light. T'en thousand : probably, demons of darkness ; the numerals are without a substantive. A&il panted : while striving against its assailants. Laid aside his weapons : after conquering the demons and restoiing the darkened Moon. ] 4 Indra addresses the Maruts. S&yana explains stanzas 13 — 15 diflferently, in accordance with a legend which was probably suggested by this passage. He takes drapsah IcrlshnaK, black drop, to mean * the swift moving Krishnah,' an Asura or demon who with ten thousand of his kind had occupied the banks of the river Ansumat^ wbhb, he aaya, ia the Famuu^ or Jumna, and was there defeated by* Indrfti Sfihaapati, and the Maruts. See CowelYs not© m^V\ftoxi'a^tii>s»V\:vOTL, /» ^^ seven ; KrUhna, Vritra, i^amuchi, ^«km\Wit«i, wi^ o^a\L?»t^o-^Mw^

MTMN.Bfi.] THE RIQ VEDA, 247 20 Indra is Yritra's slayer, man's sustainer : he must be called ; with fair praise let us call him. Maghavan is our Helper, our Protector, giver of spoil and wealth to make us famous. 81 This Indra, Vritra-slayer, this Ribhukshan, even at his birth, was meet for invocation. Doer of many deeds for man's advautage, like Soma quaffed, for friends we must invoke him.

O Indra, Lord of Light, what joys thou broughtest from the Asuras, Prosper therewith, 0 Maghavan, him who lauds that deed, and those whose grass is trimmed for thee. 2 The unwasting share of steeds and kine which, Indra, thou hast fast secured. Grant to the worshipper who presses Soma and gives guerdon, not unto the churl. 3 The riteless, godless man who sleeps, 0 Indra, his unbroken sleep, — May he by following his own devices die. Hide from him wealth that nourishes. 4 Whether, 0 Sakra, thou be far, or, Vritra-slayer, near at hand, Thence by heaven-reaching songs he who hath pressed the juice invites thee with thy long-maned Steeds. 5 Whether thou art in heaven's bright sphere, or in the basin of the sea ; Whether, chief Vritra-slayer, in some place on earth, or in the firmament, approach. 6 Thou Soma-drinker, Lord of Strength, beside our flowing Soma juice Delight us with thy bounty rich in pleasantness, 0 Indra, with abundant wealth. 7 0 Indra, turn us not away : be the companion of our feast. For thou art our protecticm, yea, thou art our kin ; 0 Indra, turn us not away. 8 Sit down with us, 0 Indra, sit beside the juice to drink the meath. Show forth great favour to the singer, Maghavan ; Indra, with

us, beside the j uice. 21 Ribhukshan: or, Lord of Rlbhus. 1 Joyt : riches. — S4yana. From the Asuras : from the powerful R&kehasai. — fiayana. 2 c/tves guerdon : liberally rewards the prleaii. 248 TSE HYMNS OP [SOOK vnt. 9 0 Caster of the Stone, nor Gkxls nor mortals have attamed to thee. Thou in thy might surpassest all that hath been made : the Gods have not attained to thee. 10 Of one accord they made and formed for kingship Indra, the Hero who in all encounters overcometh, Most eminent for power, destroyer in the conflict, fierce and exceeding strong, stalwart and ful] of vigour. 11 Bards joined in song to Indra so that he might drink the Soma juice. The Lord of Light, that he whose laws stand fast might aid with power and with the help he gives. 12 The holy sages form a ring, looking and singing to the Ham. Inciters, full of vigour, not to be deceived, are with the chant^ ers, nigh to hear. 13 Loudly I call that Indra, Maghavan the Mighty, who evermore possesses power, ever resistless. Holy, most liberal, may he lead us on to riches, and. Thunderarmed, make all our pathways pleasant for us.

14 Thou knowest well, 0 Sakra, thou Most Potent, with thy strength, Indra, to destroy these castles. Before thee, Thunder-armed ! all beings tremble : the heavens and earth before thee shake with terror, 1 5 May thy truth, Indra, Wondrous Hero 1 be ray guard : bear me o'er much woe, Thunderer ! as over floods. When, Indra, wilt thou honour us with opulence, all-nourishing and much- to-be-desired, 0 King % To Indra sing a S^ma hymn, a lofty song to Lofty Sage, To him who guards the Law, inspired, and fain for praise. 2 Thou, Indra, art the Conqueror: thou gavest splendour to the Sun. Maker of all things, thou art Mighty and All-God. 3 Radiant with light thou wentest to the sky, the luminous realm of heaven. The Deities, Indra, strove to win thee for their Friend. 4 Cojne unto us, O Indra, dear, still conquering, unconcealable, Vast as a. mountain spread on all sides, Lord of Heaven. 12 The Ram: Indra. See I. 61. 1, and VIII. 2. 40. Inciters: apparently, the Qods themselves. ^ J/l-^od: vi'svadevah: * the lord of aW the ^oAa"— "WWaou. ^ lyhconcealabie : aa the Sun-God. BtUif 88.1 THE lttGV£l)A, 240

6 O tratfafal Soma-drinker, thou art mightier than both the worlds. Thou Btrengthenest him who pours libation, Lord of Heaven. 6 For thou art he, 0 Indra, who stormeth all castles of the foei . Slayer of Dasyus, man's Supporter, Lord of Heaven. 7 Now have we, Indra, Friend of Song, sent our great wishes forth to thee, Coming like floods that follow floods. 8 As rivers swell the ocean, so, Hero,our prayers increase thy might. Though of thyself, 0 Thunderer, waxing day by day. 9 With holy song they bind to the broad wide-yoked car the Bay Steeds of the rapid God, Bearers of ludra, yoked by word. 10 O ludra, bring great strength to us, bring valour, Satakratu, thou most active, bring A hero conquering in war. 1 1 For, gracious Satakratu, thou hast ever been a Mother and a Sire to us, So now for bliss we pray to thee. .12 To thee. Strong, Much-invoked, who showest forth thy strength, 0 Satakratu, do I speak : So grant thou us heroic strength. O THUNDERER, zealous worshippers gave thee drink this ttme yesterday. Sj, Indra, listen here to those who bring the laud : come near 3 Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed, rejoice thee : this we crave. Here the disposers wait on thee. Thy loftiest glories claim our lauds beside the juice, 0 ludra, Lover of the Song.

8 Turning, as 'twere, to meet the Sun, enjoy from ladra all good things. When he who will be born is born with power we look to treasures as our heritage. 7 Comintj like floods : in crowds. But the half -line is very obscure. * As men going by water (splash their friends) with handfuls.' — Wilson. 10 A hero : an heroic son. 2 Disposers : the priests who order religious ceremonies. 3 This stanza is difficult and obscure. Mahtdhara's explanation is : * The gathering (rays) proceeding to the sun distribute all Indra's treasures (to living beings, sc. as rain, com, etc.) ; may we too by our pov:er le^N^ ^iW^"^ treasures a^ an inheritance to him who has been or N^\\\ \)^ ^iQtt\i,* ^%%^Q^^% note in Wilson's Tj-anslAtioD, 4 Praise him who sends us wealth, whose bounties injure none : goud are the gifts which Indra grants. He is not wroth with one who satisfies his wish : he turns his mind to giving l)bons. 5 Thou in thy battles, Indra, art subduer of all hostile bands. Father art thon, all-conqaering, cancelling the curse, thou victor of the vanqnisher. 6 The Earth and Heaven clung close to thy victorious might, as

to their calf two mother-cows. When thou attackest Vritra all the hostile bands shrink and faint, Indra, at thy wrath. 7 Bring to your aid the Eternal One, who shoots and none may shoot at him, Inciter, swift, victorious, best of Charioteers, Tngrya*s unvanquished Strengtheuer ; 8 Arranger of things unarrauged, e'en Satakratu, source of might, Indra, the Friend of all, for succour we invoke, Guardian of treasure, sending wealth.

I MOVE before thee here present in person, and all the Deities follow behind me. When, Indra, thou securest me my portion, with me thou shalt perform heroic actions. 2 The food of meatii in foremost place I give thee, thy Soma shall be pressed, thy share appointed. Thou on my right shalt be my friend and comrade : then shall we two smite dead full many a foeman. 3 Striving for strength bring forth a laud to Indra, a truthful hymn if he in truth existeth. One and another say, There is no Indra. Who hath beheld him ? Whom then shall we honour 1 6 As to their calf: or the translation may be, as sire and mother to their child. 7 Tugrya is Bhujyu, the son of Tngra. See Vol. I., Index. 8 Arranger of things unai'rangtd : * the consecrator of others but himself consecrated by none.' — Wilson. 1 This stanza is spoken by Agni. 3 Addressed to the priests. One and another : nima : but according to Sdyaaa, Nema is the uame of the Riabi. *]Seui3k aski^a, "NetVVj tAiftre is no Indra. " '— VVilaon, BYMN Stf .] TBE RIO VEDA . 251

4 Here am I, look upon me here, 0 singer. All that existeth I surpass in greatness. The Holy Law's commandments make roe mighty. Rending with strength I rend the worlds asunder. 5 When the Law's lovers mounted and approached me as I sate lone upon the dear sky's summit, Then spake my spirit to the heart within me, My friends have cried unto me with their children. 6 All these thy deeds must be declared at Soma-feasts, wrought, Indra, Bounteous Lord, for him who sheds the juice. When thou didst open wealth heaped up by many, brought from far away to Sarabha, the Rishi's kin. 7 Now run ye forth your several ways : he is not here who kept you back. For hath not Indra sunk his bolt deep down in Vritra's vital part? 8 On-rushing with the speed of thought within the iron fort he The Falcon went to heaven and brought the Soma to the Thunderer. 9 Deep in the ocean lies the bolt with waters compassed round about, And in continuous onward flow the floods their tribute bring to it. 10 When, uttering words which no one comprehended, Vslk, Queen of Gods, the Gladdener, was seated,

The heaven's four regions drew forth drink and vigour : now whither hath her noblest portion vanished ? 4 Indra speaks this and the following stanza. 5 The Laio's lovers : the priests who in sacrifioe ascend to Indra. According to Hillebrandb (F. Mytkoloyie^ L 354), the Maruts ; iimmantah meaning not * with their children,' but * with the Infant (Soma).' 6 The priest addresses Indra. Sirabha: a Rishi of that name.— -Sftyana. The original bymn appears to end with this stanza. 7 Addressed to the waters of heaven after Indra's battle with Vritra. 8 Ife: the Falcon. The iron fort : the stronghold or cloud in which th* Soma or ambrosial rain was imprisoned. Of. IV. 27. 2. 9 In the ooean : as produced naturally in the sea of air. 10 This and the following stanza have no apparent connexion with what precedes. Vdk : or V&ch, vox, voice, or Speech personified. Her unintel' ligible words are the thunder. Her noblest portion : according to S&yana, the rain which follows thunder. Or the thunder itaeli msiTf Vi^ \\i\.^\3L^<5A.. %^fc Cowell^a note in TFx/soa 's Translation. PFo8 seated: «A. \iVft ^wscv^^ ^^Sss?^ 262 fBM MYMN8 OF [BOOK VIII.

11 The Deities generated V&k the Goddess, and animals of every figure speak her. May she, the Gladdener, yielding food and vigonri the Milchcow Vak, approach us meetly lauded. 12 Step forth with wider stride, my comrade Vi^h^iii^l&Bke room, Dyaus, for the leaping of the lightuiug. Let us slay Vritra, let us free the rivers : let them flow loosed at the command of Indra.

Yea, specially that mortal roan hath toiled for service of the Gods, Who quickly hath brought near Mitra and Varuna to share 2 Supreme in sovran power, far-sighted, Chiefs and Kings, most swift to hear from far away. Both, wondrously, set them in motion as with arms, in company with Siirya's beams. 3 The rapid mcRsenger who runs before you, Mitra-Yaru^a, with iron head, swift to the draught, 4 He whom no man may question, none may summon back, who stands not still for colloquy, — From hostile clash with him keep ye us safe this day; keep us in safety with your arms. 5 To Aryaman and Mitra sing a reverent song, 0 pious one, A pleasant hymn that shall protect to Yarui^a : sing forth a laud unto the Kings. 6 The true, Red Treasure they have sent, one only Son bom of They, the Immortal Ones, never deceived, survey the families of mortal men. 7 My songs are lifted up, and acts most splendid are to be per- Come hither, ye Nasatyas, with accordant mind, to meet and to enjoy my gifts. 11 Speak her : articulately-speakiug men and lower animals all derive their voices from her.

12 This stanza, which is out of place here, is spoken by Indra when he is about to attack Vritra. See IV. 18. 11. S TA^ rapid messenger : the lightning, aa one oi t\ie toxma of Agni. C TAe erue, Hed Treasure : the Sun. Tht Three : \ievtw,m\^-^vc, wi^wsfCou 8 Lords of great wealth, when we invoke your bounty which no demon checks, Both of you, furthering our eastward-offered praise, come, Chiefs whom Jamadagni lauds ! 9 Come, V&yu, drawn by fair hymns, to our sacrifice that reaches heaven. Poured on the middle of the straining-cloth, and cooked, this bright drink hath been offered thee. 10 He comes by straightest paths, as ministering Priest, to taste the sacrificial gifts. Then, Lord of harnessed teams ! drink of the twofold draught, bright Soma mingled with the milk. 11 Verily, Sdrya, thou art great; truly, Aditya, thou art great. As thou art great iudeed, thy greatness is admired : yea, verily, thou, God, art great. 12 Yea, Surya, thou art great in fame : thou evermore, 0 God, art great. Thou by thy greatness art the Gods' High Priest, divine, farspread unconquerable light. 13 She yooder, bending lowly down, clothed in red hues and rich

iu rays. Is seeu, advancing as it were with various tints, amid the ten surrounding arms. 14 Past and gone are three mortal generations : the fourth and last into the Sun hath entered. He mid the worlds his lofty place hath taken. Into green plants is gone the Purifying. 15 The Rudras' Mother, Daughter of the Vasus, centre of nectar, the Adityas' Sister — To folk who understand will I proclaim it — injure not Adit*, the Cow, the sinless. 13 She yonder: Ushaa or Dawn. The ten surrounding arms: the ten regions of the world. 14 Three mortal generations : according to the legend, PrajApati produced in succession three kinds of creatures who all died. The fourth generation lived and enjoyed the light and warmth of the Sun. See Cowell's note in Wilson's Translation, or iSfotopatAo- i^rd^mana, II. 5. 1. 1 — 4. Into green plants : SAyana explains haritah as the quarters of the sky, and pdvamdnah (the Purifying) as y&yu or the Wind. Grassmann takes pdvamdnah to be the Soma, and haritaf^ to be the horses of the Sun. I have followed Lud wig's interpretation ; but J find the stanza almost unintelligible. 16 Centre of neotar: or, of amrit, or immortality, or the world of the immortal Gods. The Cow ; the earthly cow, aa t\xe t^"^ ol K'^\\I\«t\wivqvsw»iw Nature, must not be offended. The stanza Is awi\«iv\>^ ^'ft Y'^v^^ ''^iV^ "^^^^ received the cow ub bis reward.

254 TBE HYMNS OP [BOOK W/f. 16 Weak-minded men have as a cow adopted me who came hither from the Gods, a Goddess, Who, skilled in eloquence, her voice uplifteth, who staodeth near at hand with all devotions.

Lord of the house, Sage, ever young, high power of life, 0 Agni, God, Thou givest to thy worshipper. 2 So with our song that prays and serves, attentive, Lord of spreading light, Agni, bring hitherward the Gods. 3 For, Ever- Youthful One, with thee, best Furtherer, as our ally, We overcome, to win the spoil. 4 As Aurva Bhrigu used, as Apnavana used, I call the pure Agni who clothes him with the sea. 5 I call the Sage who sounds like wind, the Might that like Parjauya roars, Agni who clothes him with the sea. 6 As Sa vitar's productive Power, as him who sends down bliss, I call Agni who clothes him with the sea. 7 Hither, for powerful kinship, I call Agni, him who prospers you, Most frequent at our solemn rites ; 8 That through this famed One's power, he may stand by us even as Tvashtar comes Unto the forms that must be shaped. 9 This k^xii is the Lord supreme aTjove all glories mid the Gods : May he come nigh to us with strength. y) Here praise ye him the most renowned of all the ministering Priests, Agni, the Chief at sacrifice ;

1 1 Piercing, with purifying flame, enkindled in our homes, most high, Swiftest to hear from far away. 16 Weak-minded men : ' Men are too feeble in their intellect to comprehend me in my true form and my real nature : they can only understand my worth iu the shape of a cow.' — See Ludwig, R. F., IV. 245, 246. The concluding stanza is spoken by Aditi as a cow. 4 Aui'va Bhngu : or, perhaps, Aurva and Bhrigu. The ancient Rishi Aurva is said to have been the grandson of Bhrigu. Apnavdna: another ancient Rishi, mentioned in connexion with Wift 'Sktv^M^ wA \Jafc «».\U«at worship of Agni, in Book IV. 7. 1. ll rarjfdl.] THE RIOySDA. 265 li Sage, laud the Mighty One who wins the spoil of victory like a steed, And, Mitra-like, unites the folk. }3 Still turning to their aim in thee, the oblation-bearer's sister hymns Have come to thee before the wind. U The waters find their place in him, for whom the threefold sacred grass Is spread unbound, unlimited. 15 The station of the Bounteous God hath, through his aid which none impair, A pleasant aspect like the Sun. 16 Blazing with splendour, Agni, God, through pious gifts of sacred oil,

Bring thou the Gods and worship them. 17 The Gods as mothers brought thee forth, the Immortal Sage, O Angiras, The bearer of our gifts to heaven. 18 Wise Agni, Gods established thee, the Seer, noblest messenger, As bearer of our sacred gifts. 19 No cow have I to call mine own, no axe at hand wherewith to work, Yet what is here I bring to thee. 20 O Agni, whatsoever be the fuel that we lay for thee, Be pleased therewith, Most Youthful God. 21 That which the white-ant eats away^ that over which the emmet crawls — May all of this be oil to thee. 22 When he enkindles Agni, man should with his heart attend the song : I with the priests have kindled him. 12 Sage: the piiest is addressed. 13 Before the wind: or, in froub of the wiud, with which the flame is lauued. 14 * The waters rest in Agni, who abides as h'ghtning in the firmament.' Note in Wilson's Translation which I have followed closely in this stunza. 15 Or, a comma being substituted for the full stop at the end of the preceding stanza, and paddm (station) taken as in apposition to pcwi?rfm.( place) in 14 : * The station of the bounteous : he hath, through hi* aid which none impair, A pleasant aspect like the Sun.'