The Sama Veda

DECADE I Agni

1Agni we choose as envoy, P holy rite, 4 £££ bright, throngh love of song may 'Agni, bent On riches, smite the Vritras dead

2I laud your most beloved guest like a ear > 0 Agni, him Who, like a chariot, wins us wealth

3Do thou, O Agni, with great might guard us fr all malignity, Yea, from the hate of mortal man ! especially tluvHntar^lTv^^ tec sound of his flames and presenting to them the oblations l* ic oc | trimmed grass : Kusa or Dari, ha grass .(Poa Cynosuro.des), Cippc Unmm d and strewn on the floor of the sacrificial chamber a. a seat for he Gods and for the sacVificers. This stanza, seen by, or revealed to, the R« or* inspired sage o* seer Blwmdvija, is the tenth vc.se of Hymn X . of Book VI. of the Rigveda.

4O come ; far other songs of praise will I sing forth to thee. Wax mighty with these Soma-drops !

5May Vatsa draw thy mind away even fj*om thy loft- iest dwelling-place ! Agni, I yearrrfor thee with song.

6Agnj, Atharvan brought thee forih by rubbing from the sky, the head , Of all who offer sacrifice.

7O Agni, bring us radiant light to be our mighty succour, for Thou art our visible deity !

DECADE II. Agni

8I seek with song your messenger, oblation-bearer, lord of wealth, Immortal, best at sacrifice,

9Still turning to their aim in thee the1' sacrifice's sister hymns Have come to thee before the wind,

10To thee, illumJner of night, 0 Agni, day by day with prayer, Bringing thee reverence, we come.

11Help, thou who knowest lauds, this work, a lovely hymn jn Rudra’s praise, Adorable in every house !

12To this fair sacrifice to drink the milky draught art thou called forth : 0 Aghi, with <the Maruts came !

13With homage will I reverence thee, Agni, like a long-tailed steed, Imperialjtard of holy rites.

DECADE III. Agni.

14Agni, be gracious ; thou art great : thou hast ap- proached the pious man, Hast come to sit on sacred grass.

15Agni, preserve us from distress : consume our ene- mies, 0 God, Eternal, with thy hottest flames !

16Harness, 0 Agni, 0 thou God, thy steeds which are most excellent ! The fleet ones bring thee rapidly.

17Lord of the tribes, whom all must seek, we, worship- ped Agni ! set thee down, Refulgent, rich in valiant men. '7 Agni is head and height of heaven, the master of the earth is he : , He quickeneth the waters’ seed.

18O Agni, graciously announce this our good fortune to the Gods, And this our.newest hymn of praise 1

19B/ song, 0 Agni, Angiras! Gopavana hath brought • Jhee forth : H'ear thou my call, refulgent one !

DECADE IV. Agni.

20Agni, protect thou us by one, protect us by the second song, Protect us by three hymns, O Lord of powef and might, bright God, by four hymns guard us well !

21O Agni, with thy lofty beams, with thy pure brilli- ancy, O God, Kindled, most youthful one ! , by Bharadvaja’s hand, shine on us richly, holy Lord !

22Agni, praise-singer ! Lord of men, God ! burning up the Rakshasas, Mighty art thou, the ever-present, household-lord! home-friend and guarcljan from the sky.

23Immortal J&tavedas, thou bright-hued refulgent gift of Dawn, Agni, this day to him who pays oblations bring the ’ Gods who waken with the morn !

24Wonderful, with thy favouring help, send us thy bounties, gracious Lord. Thou art the charioteer, Agni, of earthly wealth : find rest and'safety for our seed1!

25Famed art thou, Agni, far and wide, preserver, righteous, and a Sage. The holy singers, 0 enkindled radiant oAe, ordainers, call on thee to come.

26O holy Agni, give us wealth famed among men and strengthening life [

27Rigvcda VIII. 49. 19. Ascribed to Bharga (see note on 2), but in the Commentary An the Samavefla to Rharadv&ja. Rdkshasas : fiends or ogres who wander about, especially a? night, disturbing sacri- fices and pious men, and showing general hostility to the human Pace.

28Rigvcda I. 44. 1. Ascribed to Praskanva. Jdtavedas : the wise or omniscient ; a frequently-occurring appellative of Agni. Gift %of 4 5 6 7 8 9 Dawn : f reality kindled and given to men at break of day.

DECADE V. Agni

29He hath appeared, best'prosperer, in whom men lay • their holy jicts : . „ So may our songs of, praise come nigh* to Agni who was born to give the Ary a strength ! - s . —

30Chief Priest is Agni at the laud, as stones and grass « at sacrifice. Gods ! Maruts ! Brahmanaspati ! I crave with song the help that is most excellent.

31Pray Agni of the piercing flame, with sacred songs, to be our help ; For wealth, famed Agni, Purufnllha and ye men ! rfe is Sudlti’s sure deftnce.

32Hear, Agni who hast ears to hear, with all thy train of escort Gods ! With those who come at dawn let Mitra, Aryaman sit on the grass at sacrifice. #

33Agni of Divod&sa, God, comes forth like Indra in his might. Rapidly hath he moved along his mother dearth : he stands in high heavens dwelling-place.

34Whether thou come from earth or from the lofty lucid realm of heaven, < ' Wax stronger in thy body through my song of praise: fill full *11 creatures, O most wise !

35If, loving well the forests, thou we'ntest to. thy maternal floods, Not to be scornbd, Agni, is that return of thino when, from afar, thou now art here., 10 0 Agni, Manu stablished thee a light for all the race of men: With Kanva hast thou blazed, Law-born and waxen strong, thou whom the people reverence.

CHAPTER II.

36Let Brahmanaspati come forth, let Sftnrit& the God- dess come, Asad Gods bring to our rite which yields a fivefold gift the hero, lover of mankind !

37Stand up* erect to lend us aid, stand up like Savitar the God, Erect as strength-bestower when we call on thee with p/iests who balm our offerings !

38The man who bringeth gffts to thee, bright God who fain wouldst lead to wealth, Winneth himself a brave son, Agni I skilled in lauds, - one prospering in a thousand ways.

39With hymns and holy eulogies we supplicate your Agni, Lord Of many families who duly serve the Gods, yea, him whom others too inflame. '

40This Agni is the Lord of great prosperity and hero strength, Of wealth with noble offspring and with store of kine, the Lord of battles with the foe. t <2 , . ^ ^

41Thou, Agni, art the homestead’s Lord, our Hotar- priest at sacrifice. Lord of all boons, thou art the Potar, passing 'wise. Pay worship, and enjoy the good !

42We as thy friends have chosen thee, mortals a God, to be our help, • The Waters’ Civ Id, the blessed, the most mighty one, swift conqueror, and without a peer.

DECADE II. Agni.

43Verily wondrous is the tender youngling’s growth whomever dravveth nigh to drink his mothers’ milk. As soon as she nho hath no udder bore him, he, faring on his great errand, suddenly grew strong.

44Idiis stanza t is not found in *the Jtigveda. The Home's Lord: grikapnti , Lord of the House, Home, or Homestead, is a common name • of #Agni. Where they pour libations : of g\ritam or clarified butter on Agni or the sacrificial fire.

45Here is one light for thee, another yonder : enter the third and be therewith united. Beautiful be thy union with the body, beloved in the Gods’ sublimest birthplace !

46For Jfttav.edas, worthy of our praise, will we frame with our mind this eulogy as ’twere a car ; For good, in his* assembly, is this care of ours. Let us not, in thy friendship, Agni, buffer harm !

47Agnf Vaisr&nara, born id course of Order, the messenger of earth, the head of heaven, The Sage, the sovran, guest of men, our vessel fit for their mouth, the Gods have generated.

48Even as the waters from the mountain ridges, so sprang the Gods, through lauds, from thee, 0 Agni. To thee speed hymns and eulogies, as horses haste, bearing him who loves the song, to battl*.

49Win, to protect you, Rudra, lord of worship, priest of both worlds, effectual sacrifices Agni, invested with his golden colours, before the thunder strike and lay you senseless !

50The King whose face is decked with oil is kindled with homage offered by his faithful servant. The men, the priests adore him with oblations. Agni hath shone forth at the flush of morning.

51Agni advanceth with his lofty bannei : through earth and heaven the Bull hath loudly bellowed. He hath come nigh from the sky's farthest limit: the Steer, hath waxen in the waters’ bosom. 1

DECADE III. Agni.

52Set forth the gleaming one, the gong-inspirer, not foolish with the foolish, f^rt-desfroyer, Who leadetfi with his hymns to thought of conquest, gold-bearded, richly splendid with his armour.

53Tl\ou art like heaven : one form is bright, one holy, like Day and Night dissimilar in colour. All magic powers thou aidest, self-dependent ! Auspicious be thy bounty here, 0 Pftshan !

54As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give health in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels ! • To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will4;o us- ward ! Tfco metre is Trishtup.

55Qigveda X. 46. 5. Ascribed to Vatsapri. There arc many variations in the Rigveda stanza : — ‘ The foolish [that is, human priests weak and foolish in comparison with the wise Agni] brought £ho ne’er-bewildered forward, great, victor, song-inspircr, fort-destrdyter. Leading the youth gold-bearded, like a courser gleaming with wealth, they turned their hymn to profit.’ See Prof. LAd wig’s interpretation of tl*e Samaveda text in his Commentary on tho Rigveda stanza.

56Siablished to fill the juice with vital vigour,, giver of wealth, guard of his servant’s body, The great Priest, born, who knows the clouds/abider with men, is seated in the waters’ edjly.

57Let the song, honouring the best, with Iongino honour the ^.sura’s most famous sovran, The deeds of hhn the ^nighty, deeds like Indra’s, the manly one in whom the folk must triumph !

58In the two kindling-blocks lies Jutavcdas like the well-cherished germ in pregnant women, — Agni who day by day must be entreated by men who watch provided with oblations.

59Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons : never shall Iiakshasas in fight o’ercome thee. Burn up the foolish ones, raw flesh dovourer.s : let none of them escape thine heavenly arrow '

60Itigrcda *X. 46. 1. Ascribed to Vatsapri. Tt Jill the juice: of tlio Soma plant. 4Thc Ri^edit roads sn te instead of sute ‘ to lend thee vital vigour.’ Who knows the, clouds : from which he (Agni) comes in the form of lightning. In the. waters' eddy : where the waters of the firmament separate and descend. ®

DECADE IV. Agm.

61May the bravehnan, if full of zeal he serve and kindle Agnis flame, Duly presenting sacred gifts, enjoy the Gods* protect- ing help.

62Thy bright smoke lifts itself aloft, and far-extended , shines in heaven, For, Purifier ! like the Sun thou beamest with thy radiant glow.

63Thou, Agni, even as Mitra, hast a princely glory of thine own. Bright, active God, thou makest f^me increase like means of nourishment.

64At dawn let Agni, much-beloved, guest of the house, be glorified, # Jn whom, the everlasting one, all mortals make their offerings blaze. G Most moving song be Agni’s : shine on high, 0 rich in radiant light ! Like the chief consort of a King riches and strength proceed from th Se. divisions.

65Rigveda, V. 10. 1. Ascribed to Gaya. Th<* Rigveda verse varies slightly : — ‘ With overflowing store of wealth prepare for us a path to strength.’ • *

66Thins stanza is not found in the Rigveda. The Risbt is V amadeva.

67Exerting all our strength with thoughts of potoer we glorify in speech Agni yoyr dear familiar friend, the darling guest in every house.

68His beam hath lofty power of life : sing praise to Agni, to the Gocl Whom men have set in foremost place, like Mitra for their eulogy !

69To noblest Agni, friend of man, chief Vritra-slayer, have we come — Who with Srutarvan, Riksha’s son, in lofty presence is jnflamed.

70Born as the loftiest Law commands, comrade of those who grew with him, Agni, «the sire of Kasyapa by faith, the mother, Manu, Sag(*,

DECADE V. Agni.

71This stanza is not found in the Rigveda. Those who grew with him : his own flames. Kasyapa : a celebrated Rishi of ancient time. By faith: I follow Prof. Ludwig in taking sraddhd as an insfemmcntal #cate. ‘He, too, is the father of Kasyapa* the all-faithful, the mother of the human race, the supreme law-giver, the all wise. ’-V Stevenson. The metre is Anuslitup as in Decade IV. •

72Hence have these men gone up on high and mount- ed to the heights of heaven : On ! ccfhquer on the path by which Angirasas travelled to* the skies!

73That thou mayst send us ampfc wealth, 0 Agni, we will kindle thee : * So, for the great oblation, Steer, pray Heaven and Earth to come to us !

74Jle runs when one calls after him, This is the prayer of him who prays. He holds all knowledge in his grasp even as the felly rounds the wheel.

75Shoot forth, O Agni, with thy fhyne : demolish them on every side ! Break down the Yatudlyina’s strength, the vigour of the Rakshasa ! and Agni with our songs and hymns, The Adityas, etc.’ The Aditya : or son of Aditi, is especially "Vanina. Brahman-priest: Brihasputi is regarded as the type of the sacerdotal order and High Priest of the Gods. •

76Stanzas 2 and 3 are not found in the Rigveda. Stanza 2 has no apparent connexion either with the preceding or the succeeding verse. regarded aiyi race <Jf higher beings between G^ds and men, the typical first sacrificers whose ritual is the pattern wffich later priests must follow.

77Steer : strong and imyetuods Agni. According to Say ana,' f raiuer of blessings.’

78Rigvec^i II. 5. 3. Ascribed to Somahuti, or to Gritsamada. *It is difficult to make sense of the first line in either Veda. ‘ What my soul utters, Agni lays to heart ; he knows where sacrificial viands aro served up.’ — Stovcnson.

79Worship the Vasus, Agni ! here, the Rudras and Adityas, all Who know fair sacrifices, sprung from Manu,^ scat- tering blessings down ! O O

DECADE I. Agni.

80Te Agni, to the Hotar-priest offer your best, your •lofty speech, To him ordaiuer-like who bears the light of ^bngs. 3 0 Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine*, thou Son of Strength, Bestow on us, 0 Jatamlas, high renown !

81Most skilled in sacrifice, bring the Gods, 0 Agni, to the pious man : A joyful Priest, thy splentlour drives our#foes afar!

82Taught by seven mothers at, his bir^h was he, for glory of the wise. He, firm and sure, hath set his mind on glorious wealth. syllables each and one l‘ada of twelve syllables.

83Rigveda HI. 10. 5. Ascribed to Visvamiira.* Bears the light of songs: brightens and inspires our hvnnis.

84And in the day our prayer is this : May Aditi come nigh to help, With loving-kindness bring us weal and chase otir foes!

85Worship thou Jdtavedas, pray to him who willingly accepts, Whose smoke wanders at will, and none may grasp his flame ! »

86No mortal man can e*er prevail by arts 6f magic over him * Who hath served Agni well, the oblation-giving God.

87Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil-htearted thief away, Far* far, Lord of the brave ! and give us easy paths ! 40 0 hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine, Burn clown the R&kshasas, enchanters, with thy flame !

DECADE II. Agni.

88Rigvela VIII. 23. 14. Ascribed to Visvamanas, who is the • Jgishi of stanza 8 also. in stanzas 1-7, and Ushnih (8 + 8 + 12) in stanza 8. *

89Agui, he conquers by thine aid that brings him store of valiant sons and does great deeds, Whose bond of friendship is thy choice.

90Sing praise to him the Lord of lights The Gods have mfide the God to be their messenger, To bear oblation to the Gods.

91Anger not him who is our guest ! *He is the bright Gad Agni, praised by many a ihan, Good Hotar, skilled in sacrifice.

92May Agni, worshipped, bring us bliss: may the gift, blessed one ! and sacrifice bring bliss, Y£a, may our eulogies bring bliss !

93Thee have we chosen skilfullest in sacrifice, immortal Priest among the Gods, Wise finisher of this holy rite.

94Bring us that splendour, Agni, which may’ overcome each greedy fiend in our abode, And the malicious wrath of men !

95Soon as the eager Lord* of men is friendly unto Manu’s race 'Agi\i averteth from us all tjie BAkshafeas,

DECADE III. India.

96Ye cows, protect the fount : the two mighty ones bless the sacrifice. The handles twain are wrought of gold.

97Sing praises that the Jiorse may come ; sing, Sruta- kaksha, that the cow May come, that India’s might may come !

98We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vritra dead : A vigorous hero shall he be.

99Basejl upon strength and victory and power, 0 Indra, • is thy birth : .Thoh, mighty one ! art strong indeed.

DECADE IV. India.

100Whatever, Vritra-slayer ! thou, S6rya, hast risen upon to-day, That, Indra, all is in thy power.

101That. India is our youthful friend, who with liis trusty guidance led Turvasa, Yadu from afar. 4 0 Indra, let not ill designs surround us in the sun- beams* light : e This may we gain with thee for friend !

102Indra, bring wealth that gives delight, the victors ever-conquering wealth, Most excellent, to be our aid !

103In mighty battle we invoke Indra, Indra in lesser fight. The friend who bends his bolt at fiends.

104In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank KadriVs. Soma juice : There he displayed his manly might.

105Rigfcda VIII. 45. 20. The Rtahi is Trisoka. In battle of a thousand arms: according to Say ana,, ‘in the sacrifice conducted by a thousand performers.’ ‘ In the full assembly.’— Styjvenson. KadriVs Soma juic# : the meaning is somewhat uncertain. Kadru was cele- brated in later times as a daughter of Daksha and mother of the Nagas or serpent race.H S^yana in his Commentary on the Rigveda stanza explains kadruvah by, of a Rishi named Kadru. The St. THE SlMAVEDA. ii. i. 5,] 2<f

106Faithful to thee, we sing aloud, heroic Indra, songs to thee : Mark, 0 good Lord, this act of ours !

DECADE V. Indra and others.

107Indra, these friends o£ ours, supplied witfi Soma, wait and look to thee As men with fodder to the herd.

108Before his hot displeasure’ all the peoples, all the ^men bow down, As rivers bow them to the s*?a. ~

109We choose unto ourselves that high protection of the mighty Gods, • That it may help and succour us.

110Rigveda \MIl. 45. *40. The metre is Gayatri. ,

111Much honoured with libations may the Vritra-slayer watch for us : May Sakra listen to our prayer'!

112Send us this, day, #God Savitar, prosperity with progeny : Drive thou the evil dream away !

113Where is that ever-youthful Steer, strong-necked and never yet bent down ? What Brahman ministers to him ?

114There where the mountains downward slope, there at the meeting of the streams The Sage was manifest by song. 3O&I3

DECADE I. Indra and others.

115Then straight they recognized the mystic name of the creative Steer, There in the mansion of the Moon.

116When Indra, strongest hero, brougtit the streams, the mighty waters down, * Pti, shan was standing by his side.

117Uigveda VIII. 16. 1. Ascribed* to Irimbitln. The deity is Indra. The metre is Gayatri.

118Uigveda VIII. SI. 4. Ascribed to Srntakaksha or Sukakfdia. The deity is Indra. Whose jaws are strong: siyn: ‘ Per srhonej ‘The beaut Rul. : ’---Benfey. — ‘ Whose features have a #divine# gracefulness.’ — Stevenson.

119Uigveda VJ. 4a. Ascribed to Samvu in ihe Uigveda Index, but to Medhatithi in Say ana’s Commentary on the Samaveda. The deity is Indra.

120Uigveda I. 84. 15. Ascribed to (lotama or Gautama.* The deity is Indra. The mystic name, df the creative Steer appeal's to he a forceij , expression for tlfe Sun. The purport of the verse may be that when, after the periodical rains, the bright moonlight nights eame, men recognized the fact that the light was borrowed from the Sun.

121Uigveda VI. 57. 4. Ascribed to Bhanulvaja. The deities aro Indra and Pushan. [PART 1 3i THE HYMNS OF

122The Cow, the streaming mother of the liberal Maruts, pours her milk, Harnessed to draw their chariots on.

123Come, Lord of rapturous joys, to our^ libation with thy bay steeds, come With bay steeds to the flowing juice !

124Presented strengthening gifts have sent Indira away at sacrifice, With might, unto the cleansing bath.

125I from my Father have received deep knowledge of eterndl Law : I was born like unto the Sun.

126With Indra splendid feasts be ours, rich in all strengthening things, wherewith, Wealthy in food, we may 'rejoice !

127Soma and Pushan, kind to him who travels to the Gods, provide Dwelliflgs all happy and secure.

DECADE II. Indra.

128Sing ye a song, to make him glad, to Indra, Lord of tawny steeds, * TJie Soma-drinker, 0 my friends !

129This, even this, 0 Indra, we implore : as thy de- voted friends, Tlje Kaijvas praise thee with their hymns !

130For Indra, lover of carouse, loud be’ our songs about the juice : Let poets sing the song of praise.

131Here, Indra, is thy Soma draught, made $ure upon the sacred grass : Run hither, come and drink thereofl

132As a good cow to him who milks, we call the doer of good deeds To our assistance day by day..

133Hero, the Soma being sh«d,#I pouf the juice for thee to drink : Sate thee and finish thy carouse !

134The Soma, Indra, which is shed in saucers and in cups for thee, • * Drink thou, for thou art lord thereof! ■ . • 5 : — The metre is Anushtup, consisting of four octosyllabic Padas, in stanza 1, and CJayatri iif the rest. * •

135Higveda VIII. 81. 1. Ascribed to Srutakaksha or Sukaksha.

136Higveda VII. 31. 1. Ascribed to Vasishtha.

137Higveda VIII. 2. 16. Ascribed to Medhatithi of tlfc family of Kaiiva. Kanvas : members ^)f the same family as the Rishi of the original hymn. $

138Higveda VIII. 81. 19.

139Higveda VIII. 17. 11. Ascribed to Iriiubithi or Irimithi.

140Higveda I. 4. 1. Ascribed to Madhuclfchhandus.

141Higveda VIII. 45. 22. Ascribed to Trisoka.

142Higveda VIII. 71. 7. Ascribed to Kustdin. 3* THE HYMNS OF [PART 1.

DECADE IV. Indra and others.

143Rigveda* VIII. 83.4. Ascribed to Vihdu, or Putadaksha, or Sukaksha, Self-luminous: ‘ the royal beverage.’ — Stevenson. Aevins : two deities, tho earliest briifgers of light in the mornfrig sky. See Rigveda, General Index, The metre is G&yatri.

144Never, 0 Gods, do we offend, nor are we ever obsti- nate : We walk as holy texts command.

145Evening is come : sing loudly thou Atharvan’s nobly singing son : Give praise to Savitar the God ! >

146Now Morning with her earliest light shines forth, dear daughter of the Sky : High, Asvins, I extol your praise.

147Armed with the bones of dead Hadliyaeh, Indra with unresisted might The nine-,and-ninety Vritras slew. G Come, Indra, and delight thee with the juice at all our Soma feasts, Protector, mighty in thy strength !

148O thou who slayest Vritras. come, 0 Indra, hither to our side,'1 Mighty one, with thy mighty aids !

149That might of his shone brightly forth when India brought together, like A skin, the Worlds of heaven and earth.

150This is thine own. Thou dravvest near, as turns a pigeon to his mate : Thou earest, too, for this our prayer.

151Itigveda X. 134. 7. Ascribed to Godha. .3 Not found i ip the Itigveda. Ascribed in Vainadeva.

152Itigveda T. 46. 1. Ascribed to Pmskanva. M anting : Ushas or Dawn personified. ,

153Itigveda I. 84. 13. Ascribed to Gotama. Dadhyach : a Itishi, son of Atharvan. With his bones converted into a thunderbolt Indra is said to have itlain the host of Vritras eflr demons who withheld the rain. See Itigveda, General Index.

154Itigveda 1. 9. 1. Ascribed to Madhuohchhandas.

DECADE V. Fndra and others.

155According to our wish for kine, for steeds and chariots, as of old, Bp gracious to our wealthy chiefs !

156Itfd'ra, these spotted cows yield thee their butter and the milky draught, Aiders, thereby, of sacrifice.

157That thou, much-lauded ! many-named ! nfcyst, with this thought that lotigs for milk, % Come to each Soma sacrifice.

158May bright Sarasvati, endowed with plenteous wealth and spoil, enriched With prayer, desire the sacrifice.

159Never, 0 Gods, do we offend, nor arc we ever, obsti- nate : We walk as holy texts command.

160Evening 4s come : sing loudly thou Atharvan’s nobly singing son : Give praise to Savitar the God ! o

161Now Morning with her earliest light shines forth, dear daughter of the Sky : High, Asvins, I extol your praise.

162Armed with the bones of dead Dadhyach, Indra with unresisted might The nine^and-ninety Vritras slew.

163Come, Indra, and delight thee with the juice at all our Soma feasts, Protector, mighty in thy strength ! 7 0 thou who slayest Vritras, come, 0 Indra, hither to our side,0 Mighty one, with thy mighty aids !

DECADE V. Tlidra and others.

164According to our wish for kine, for steeds and chariots, as of old, Bp gracious to our wealthy chiefs !

165Iild’ra, these spotted cows yield thee their butter and the milky draught, Aiders, thereby, of sacrifice.

166That thou, much-lauded ! many-named ! ntavst, with this thought that lohgs for milk, (t Come to each Soma sacrifice.

167May bright Sarasvatl, endowed with plenteous wealth and spoil, enriched With prayer, desire the sacrifice.

168Itigveda 1? 3. 10. Ascribed to Madhuchchhandas. Sarasvatl: a sacred river and a deity identified in later times with Vak the Goddess of Speech. Sec Rigveda, Vol. 1. pp. G, J. Endowed with plenteous wealth : vdjintvatt : according to Savaiia, 1 rich in food or sacrifices according to others, ‘ possessed of, or rich in, swift horses or mares.’ [PART L

169Who 'mid the Nahusha tribes shall sate this Indra with his Soma juice ? He shall bring precious things to us.

170Come, We have pressed the juice for thee ; 0 Indra, drink this Soma here : Sit thou on this my sacred grass •!

171Great, unassailable must be the heavenly favour of the Three, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman.

172We, Indra, Lord of ample wealth, our guide, depend on one like thee, Thou driver of the tawny steeds !

173Not found in the Rigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva. Nahusha tribes : poopf,» apparently distinct from the five great Aryan tribes, and dwellers on or near the Indus. Indra, says the Rishi, pares not for the offerings of the alien Nahushas, but will reward his own Aryan worshippers.

DECADE I. Indra.

174Drink our libation, Lord of hymns ! with streams of meath thou art bedewed : Yea, Indra, glory is thy gift.

175Indra hath ever thought of you and tended you with care. The God, Heroic Indra, is not checked.

176Let the drops pass within, thee as thfe rivers flow into the sea : O Indra, naught excelleth thee f

177Indra the singers with high praise, Indra reciters with their lauds, Indra the choirs have glorified. stanza Sh

178Not found the Rigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva.

179THE HYMNS OF [rART I.

180May Indra give, to aid us, wealth handy that rules the skilful ones : Yea, may the Strong give potent wealth !

181Verily Jndra, conquering all, drives even mighty fear away, For firm is he and swift to act.

182These songs wjth every draught we pour come, lover of the song,* to thee As milch-kine hasten to their calves.

183Indra and Pftshan will we call for friendship and prosperity, And for, the winning of the spoil. 10 0 Indra, Vritra-slayer, naught is better, mightier than thou : Verily there is none like thee ! ’ DECADE II. . Indra. Him have I magnified, our Lord in common, guardian of your folk, Discloser of great wealth in kine. words are used as plays upon the names of two of tike three deified mortals who are collectively called JRibhus, or, as Professor Grassmann says, the verse may originally have been taken from a hymn addressed to the Ribhus, the eldest of whom was Aibhukshan and the youngest} Vaja. Professor 4Wilsoij, following S&yana, translates the verse i n the Rigveda differently : — * May Indra bring to us the bounteous Ribhu Ribhukshana to j>artyike of ouP sacrificial viands ; may he, the mighty, bring the migh+y (VajaJ.’

DECADE III. Indra and others.

184The new-born Vritra-slayer asked his mother, as he seized his shaft, Who are thei fierce and famous ones ? to a later legend. See Muir, Original Sanskrit Texts, Vol. V. p. 91. Indra. .

185Not found in the Rigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva.

186Rigvedd VIII. 45. 4. Ascribed to Trisoka. The new-born Vritra- slayer : as soon as ho was bom Indra showed his warlike disposition, and asked his mother the mighty Aditi what worthy opponents he should have. iii, i. 3.] THE SAMAVEDA . 43

187Let. us call him to aid whose hands stretch far, the highly-lauded, who . Fulfils the work to favour us !

188Mitra who knoweth leadeth us, and Varuna who guideth 'straight, And Aryaman iri accord with Gods.

189When, even as she were present* here, red Dawn hath shone from far away, She spreadeth light on every side.

190Varuna, Mitra, sapient pair, pour fatness on our pastures, pour Meath on the regions of the air !

191And, ai our sacrifices, these, sons, singers, have enlarged their bounds, So that the cows must .walk knee-deep.

DECADE IV. Indra.

192What is the word addressed to him, God great and excellently wise ? For this is what exalteth him.

193His wealth who hath no store of kine hath* ne'er found out recited laud, Nor song of praises that is sung.

194Lord of each thing that giveth strength, Indra de- ligfiteth most in lauds, Borne by ba (j steeds, libations’ friend.

195Kigveda VIII. 32. 21. Ascribed to Medhatithi. Tn the Kigveda three words of the stanza are different : — ‘ Pass ‘him whq pours libations, out in angry mood or after sin ; Here drink the juice wo offer thee.’

196Not found in the Kigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva.

197Kigveda VIII. 2. 14. Ascribed to' Medhatithi. The Kigveda has. pgor arir instead of ndgo rayir ‘ Foe (ff the man who pours no milk he heedeth not etc.’ The meaning of both texts is that Indra will not accept worship without oblation. His wealth who hath no store of kine is a periphrasis for, tty} poor man who is unable to offer libations, of milk.

198Not found in the Kigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva. iii. i. 4.] THE SAMAVEDA.

199With* wealth to our libation conic, be not thou angry with us, like A great man with a youthful bride.

200When, Vasu, wilt thou love the laud ? Now let the channel bring the stream. The juice is ready to ferment.

201AfteiUhe Seasons, Indra, drink the Soma from the Brdh man’s gift : Thy friendship is invincible ! 8 0 Indra, lover of the song, we are the singers of thy praise : 0 Soma-drinker, quicken us !

DECADE V. Indra.

202That we may win us wealth and power we poets, verily, call on thee : In war men call on thee, Indra, the hero's Lord, in the stead’s race-course call on thee.

203To you will I sing Indra’s praise who gives good gifts^as well we know ; The praise of Maghavan who, rich in treasure, aids bis singers with wealth thousandfold.

204As cows low to their calves in stalls, so with our songs we glorify This Indra, even your wondrous God who checks attack, who takes delight in precious juice.

205Not found in the Kh'vcdg. Ascribed to \Tamadcva.

206Higveda Valakhilya I. 1. Ascribed to Praskanva by the Higveda Index, but to Vamadeva by Siiyana’s Commentary, Maykavan : tho rich and liberal one ; a common name of Indra.

207Loud singing at the sacred rite where Soma flows • we priests invoke With haste, that he may help, as the bards che- risher, Indra who findetli wealth for you.

208With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the spoil. • Your Indra, much-invoked, I bend with song, as beTids a wright his wheel of solid wood.

209Drink, Indra, of the savoury juice, and cheer thee with our milky draught ! Be% for our weal, our friend and sharer of the feast, and let thy wisdom guard us well !

210For thou — come to the worshipper! — wilt find great wealth to make us rich. Fill thyself full, O Maghavan, for gain of kjne, full, Indra, for the gain of. steeds!

211Vasishtlia will not overlook the lowliest one among you all. Beside our Soma juice effused to-day let all the Maruts drink with eager haste !

212Glorify naught besides, O friends ; so shall no sor- row trouble you ! Praise only mighty Indra when the juice is shed, and say your lauds repeatedly !

DECADE I. Indra.

213He without ligature, before making incision in •the neck, Closed up the wound again, most wealthy Maghavan, who healeth the dissevered parts.

214A thousand and a hundred steeds are harnessed to thy golden car : Yoked by devotion, Indra, let the long-maned bays bring thee to drink the Soma juice !

215Comejhither, Indra, with bay steeds, joyous, with tails like peacocks' plumjes ! Let no men 0heck thy course as fowlers stay the bird : pass o’er them as o’er desert lands ! h

216Thou as a God, 0 mightiest, verily blessest mortal man. 0 Maghavan, there, is no comforter but thou : Indra, I speak fhy words Jo thee. The metre is Brihati.

217Indra for Vorship of the Gods, Indra while sacrifice proceeds, Indra, as warriors in the battle-shock, we call, Indra that we may win the spoil.

218May these my songs of praise exalt thee, Lord, who hast abundant wealth ! Men skilled in holy hymns, pure, with the hues of fire, have sung them with their lauds to thee.

219Those songs of ours exceeding sweet, these hymns of praise ascend to thee, Like ever-conquering chariots that display their strength, gain wealtji and give unfailing help.

220IJigveda VI 11. 3. 5. Ascribed to Medhyatithi, or Medhatithi.

221Kigvcda Virf. 3. in.

DECADE II. Indra and others.

222To Aryaman and Mitra sing a reverent sqjig, O pious one, A pleasant hymn to Varuna who shelters us : sing ye laud unto the Kings!

223Men with their lauds are urging thee, Indra, to drink the Soma first. The Ribhus in accord have lifted up their voice, and Rudras sung thee as the first. The metre is Brihati. I

224Sing to your lofty Indra, sing, Maruts, a holy hymn of praise ! Let Satakratu, Vritra-slayer, slay the foe with hundred-knotted thunderbolt!

225To Indra sin# the lofty hymn, Maruts! that slays the Vritras b£st, Whereby the holy ones created for the God the light divine that ever wakes. 7 0 Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sous ! Q*uide us, 0 much-invoked, in this oi\r way : may 'we still live and look upon the light! 8 0 Indra, turn us not away: be present with us at our feast! For thou art our protection, yea, thou art our kin : O Indra, turn us not away ! %

226We compass thee like waters, we whose grass is trimmed and Soma pressed. Here where the filter pours its stream, thy worship- pers round thee, 0 Vritra-slayer, sft.

227All strength and valour that is found, Indra, in tribes of Nahushas, And all the splendid fame that the Five Tribes enjoy* bring, yea, all manly powers at once!

DECADE lit lu dm.

228Whether, 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.

229In the wild raptures of the juice sing to your hero witli high laud, to him the wise,

230Uigveda VI II. 8G. 4. Ascribed to Rebba.

231Turning, as ’twere, to meet the* Sun enjoy from Indra all good things ! When he who will be born is born with power we look to treasures as our heritage. G TJie godless mortal gaineth not this food, 0 thou whose life is long ! But one who yokes the bright-hued horses, Etasas ; then Indra yokes his tawny steeds.

232Draw near unto our Indra who must be invoked in every fight ! Come, thou most mighty Vritra-fclaycr, meet for praise, come to libations and to hymns !

233Kigveda VI. 40. 9. Ascribed to Sarny u. Our r^eh lords : the Manila vans, or wealthy institutors of sacrifices.

234Kigveda V I FT. 79. 1. Ascribed to Nrimcdha and Punimcdha. • 5f THE HYMNS OF [PART L

235Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou clierishest the midmost wealth, Thou ever rulest all the highest : in the fray for cattlemone resisteth thee.

236Where art thou ? Whither art thou gone? For many a place attracts thy mind. Haste, warrior^ fort-destroyer, Lord of battle’s din I haste, holy songs have sounded forth !

237Here, verily, yesterday wo let the thunder-wielder drink his till. Bring him the juice poured forth in saorifice to-day. Now range you by the glorious one!

DECADE IV. Indra.

238Indra, give us security from that whereof we are afraid ! Help us, OtMaghatfan, let thy favour aid us thus : drive away foes ana enemies ! instead of fr/tdshatci, Vritrahd instead of Vritrahan , and richUhamah instead of richishama : — ‘ May Indra, who in every fight must ho invoked, be near to us. May the most mighty Vritra-slaycr, meet for praise, come to libations and to hymns.’

239Kigveda VI f. 32. 16. Ascribed to Vasishtha. Indra is lord of all treasures, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

240Kigve&a VIII. 55. 7. Ascribed to Kali, the son of Pragatha. The metre is Brihatt. Rigveda VIII. 59. 1. Ascribed to Puruhanman. Preeminent: Benfey’s text has jt/eshthanfi which must be taken as meaning the best or noblest thing, The Kigveda reading is jyeshtho .

241Kigveda VIII. 50. 13. Ascribed to Bharga, iii. ii. 4.] THE SAMAVEDA. lb ,

242Strong pillar thou, Lord of the home ! armour of Soma-offerers ! . The drop of Soma breaketh all the strongholds down, and Indra is the TCishis’ friend.

243Verily, SRrya, thou art great ; truly, Aditya, thou art great ! O most admired for greatness of thy majesty, God, by thy greatness thou art great !

244Indra! thy friend, when fair of form and rich in chariots, steeds, and kine, Hath ever vital power that gives him strength, and joins the company with radiant men. 6 0 Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine, — No, not a hundred suns could match thfce at thy birth, not both the (vorlds, 0 Thunderer !

245Though, Indra, thou art called by men eastward and westward, north and south, Thou chiefly art with Anaya and Turvasa, brave champion ! urged by men te come.*

246Rigveda -VI II. 59. 5. Ascribed to Puruhanman.

247Indra whose wealth is in thyself, what morvtal will attack this man ? The strong will win the spoil on the decisive day through faith in thee, 0 Maghavan 1

DECADE V. 11dm.

248Rigveda LI. 32. 14. Ascribed to Vasishtha,* Whose wealth is in thyself: the Rigveda reads tvAvamm : — ‘ Indra, what mortal will attack the man who hafh his wealth in thee?’ Through faith: srcnhlhd: here an old form of the instrumental case.

249Let,none, no, not thy worshippers, delay thee far away from us ! Even from far away come thou unto our feast, or listen if already here !

250For Indrif Soma-drinker, armed with thunder, press the Soma juice ! Make ready your dressed meats : cause him to favour uxi The giver blesses him who gives.

251We call upon that India who, most active, ever slays the foe : With boundless spirit, Lord of heroes, manliest one, ^ielp thou and prosper us in fight !

252Ye rich in strength, through your great power vouchsafe us blessings day and night ! The offerings which we bring to you shall never fail, gifts brought by us shall never fail. G Whenever mortal worshipper will ^ing a bounteous givers praise, Let him with song inspired laud Varuna who sup- ports the folk who follow varied rites. •

253Drink milk to Indra in th<J joy irt Soma juice, Medhyatithi ! To golden Indra ever, close to his bay steeds, the thunder-armed, the golden one ! the descendants of that chief in general. The Kfcvcda has tuyryd - v rid ham instead of t wjri ydvridha m . ‘ The increaser of the waters,’ according to Siyana. •

254Rigvcda VII. 32. 1. Ascribed to Vaxishtfla.

255Rii'veda VI. 4G. 3. Ascribed to Samyu. r» Ri^veda T. # 139. f>. Ascribed to l’aruehchhepa. The stanza is addressed to the Asvins.

256Not. found in the Kigveda. Ascribed ^o Vamadeva.

257Rijjjveda VIII. 33. 4. Ascribed to Medhyatithi by the Ri^veda Index, but to Vatsa by Siyana’s Commentary. The Rijveda text is

258THE SlSfAVEDA. [PART /.

259Both boons, — may Indra, hitherward turned listen to this prayer of ours, And mightiest Maghavan with thought inclined to us come near to drink the Soma juice!

CHAPTER I.

260Indra, these Somas with their lauds have been pre- pared for thy delight. Drink of the pleasant juice and listen to our songs; lover of song, reward the hymn ! %

261I call on thee, Sabardugha, this day> inspirer of the psalm, Indra! the richly-yielding milch-cow who provides unfailing food in ample stream.

262Indra, the strong and lofty hills art* powerless to bar thy way. None stays that*act of tjhine when thou wouldstfain give wealth to oue like me who sings thy praise. The jnetro is Brihati.

263Hi^veda VII. 32. 4. Ascribed to Vasishtha.

264Nut found^iu tho ttigveda. Ascribed to Vaiyadeva. With their lauds : ‘ accompanied with sacred hymns.’ — Stevenson.

265Who knows what vital power he wins, drinking beside the flowing juice ? This is the fair-cheeked God who, joying in the draught, breaks down the castles in his strength. 0 What time thou castest from his seat'ancl punishcst the riteless man, Strengthen fVr opulence, 0 Indra Maghavan, our plant desired by many a one ! *-•

266Let Tvaslitar, Brahma naspati, Parjanya guard our heavenly word, Aditi with her sons, the brothers, guard for us the invincible, the saving word!

267Ne’er art thou fruitless, Indra, ne’er dost thou desert the worshipper : But now, 0 Maghavan, thy bounty as a God is poured forth ever more, and more.

268Best slayer*of the Vritras, yoke thy bay steeds, Indra, far away ! 4 Come with the high ones hither, Maghavan, to us, mighty, to drink, the Soma juice ! cloud-east les of the demons of drought who withhold the nun, or the strongholds of the non-Aryan inhabitants of the land. libations of Soma juice.

269Not found in the TSii'ced’a. Ascribed to fI Vasli tar. # Tvashtar : the Hcphaistos or Vulcan o ft! ic Indian pantheon, the ideal artist, the divine artisan, the most skilful of workftien, versed in all wonderful contri- vances. Parjanya . the rain-cloud personified and regarded as a deity.

270Ttigveda Valakhilya, 3. 7. Ascribe 1 to 1’ushtigu by the Jiigveda Tmlex, hut to Vamadeva by Suyana’s Commentary.

271Uigveda VIII. 3. 17. *rlhc llishi is Medhyatithi, or, according to- Sa} ana, Medhatithi. The hhjh ones: In Ira’s companions the Man its. are probably intended. iv. i. 2. THE S Am A VEDA. 61 , 10 0 Thunderer, zealous worshippers gave thee drink this time yesterday : So, Indra, listen here to him who offers lauds : come near unto our dwelling-place !

DECADE II. Indra ami others.

272These morning sacrifices call you, Asvins, at the +>reak of day. For help, have I invoked you rich in power and might: for, house by house, ye visit all.

273Where are ye, Gods? What mortal man, 0 Asvins, glows with zeal for you, * Urging you with the* crushing stqpc and with the stalk of Soma thus or otherwise?

274This sweetest Soma juice hath been expressed for you at morning rites. Asvins, drink this prepared are yesterday and give treasures to him who offers itl

275Rigvoda VI 11. 88. 1. Ascribed to Nyimcdha. To him who offers lands: stomavdhasa : the Rigvela reals stomavdluisdm : ‘to those who bring the laud.’ Tho'fliot re is Rrihatl

276Rigvoda VII. 81. 1. Ascribed to Vasishtlia. The deity is Fslms or Dawn, daughter of Dyaiis or Heaven. Tlu^ Rigvcda version differs in the first, part of the second line: — ‘ Uncovering, that we may see, the mighty gloom.’ % s

277Rigvoda VII. 71.1. Ascribed to Vasishlha. The Asvins are the deities of this utyl the two billowing stanzas.

278Not found in the Rigvoda. Ascribed to Asvina. Tdie stanza is obscure, and some words of the text seem corrupt.

279Let me not, still beseeching thee with might and sound of Soma drops, Anger at sacrifice a fierce wild creature 1 Who would not beseech the almighty one?

280Adhvaryu, let the Soma flow, for lndra longs to drink thereof. He even nowthath yoked his vigorous bay steeds: the Vritra-slayer hath come nigh.

281Bring thou all this unto the good, 0 lndra, to the old and young ! For, Maghavan, thou art rich in treasures from of old, to be invoked in every fight.

282If I, 0 lndra, were the lord of riches ample as thine own, I would support the singer, God who scatterest wealth ! and not abandon him to woe.

283Thou in th/battles, India, art subduer of all hostile bands. * Father art thou, all-conquering, cancelling the curse, thou victor of tl,ie vanquisher !

284For in tlty might .thou stretchest out beyond the mansions of the sky. The earthly region, lndra, comprehends thee not. Thou hast waxed mighty over all.

DECADE III. Indra.

285A home is made for thee to dwell in, Indra : 0 much-invoked one, with the men go thither ! Thou, that thou mayest guard us and increase us, givest us wealth and joyest in the Somas.

286Tlje well thou clavest, settest free the fountains, and gavest rest to floods that were obstructed. Thou, Iridra, laying the great mountain open, slay- ing the Danava, didst loose the torrents.

287When we have pressed the juice we laud thee, Indra, most valorous! eveirabout to win ^he booty. Bring us prosperity, and by thy great wisdom, under thine own protection, may we conquer !

288Thy right hand have we grasped in ours, 0 Indra, longing, thou very Lord of wealth, for treasures. Because we know thee, hero, Lord of cattle : vouch- safe us mighty and resplendent riches! The metre is Trishtup. * 1 Rigveda VII. 21. 1. Ascribed to Vasishtha.

289Mon call on Indrn in the armed encounter /that he may make the hymns they sing decisive. Hero in combat and in love of glory, give us a por- tion of the stall of cattle !

290Like birds of beauteous wing the cPriyamedhas, Tiishis, imploring, have come nigh to Indra. Dispel the darkness and fill full our vision : deliver us as men whom snares entangle 1 # '

291They gaze on thee with longing in their spirit, as on a strong-winged bird that inounteth sky-ward ; On thee with wings of gold, Varuna’s envoy, the Bird that luxsteneth to the home of Yama. . D First in the ancient time was Prayer engendered : Vena disclosed the bright ones from the summit, Laid ,bare this world’s lowest and highest regions, womb of the existent and the non-existent.

292They have prepared and fashioned for this hero words never matched, most plentiful, most auspicious, For him the ancient, great, strong, energetic, tho very mighty wielder of the thunder. «. ^ 0 Ui^vuda VII. 27. 1. ‘Ascribe! I to Vasishtha. And in love of glory : the Uij'veda bus sarasasv hnhhw, ‘ vojoicin;' in tliv ! ’ instead of Bravnmw'ha hlnia, Give us a portion, etc. ; aid us to capture the cattle of the enemy.

293Itinvoda X. 73. 11. Ascribed to Cauriv it i. Priyamedhas : meiA- hers of the famfty of fhe Kishi IViyamcdha. addressed to \ en.i, meaning a]»))arently the Sun ns he rises in the mist and dew of morning. Yama : the Cod of the Departed. His home means the dark region of the west.

294Not found in the ltijrveda. Ascribed to Naknla. Vena : the Sun. j he Kriffht ones: his brilliant rays. From the summit from the loftiest point of the universe. Non existent : what does not yet actually oxist, but yet has in itself the latent potentiality of existence.

295Rit'veda VI. .32. 1. Ascribed to Suhotra. They have, prepared and fashioned for this hro: according to the Rii'veda I with my lips have fashioned for this hero/ C iv. i. 4.] THE S AM A VEDA.

DECADE IV. Tndra.

296Flying in terror from the snort of "Vritra all deities who were thy friends forsook thee. So, Indra, with the Maruts bo thy friendship : in all these battles thou shalt be the victor.

297The old hath waked the young Moon from his slumber who runs his circling course with many round him. Behold the God’s high wisdom in its greatness : he who died yesterday to-day is living. of three instead of four Padas of eleven syllables each.

298Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival. The hidden pair, heaven and tin* earth, thou found- est. and to the mighty worlds thou gavest pleasure*

299A friend we count thee, sharp-edged, thflnder*wielder, Steer strong of body, ovei throwing many. Thou, helping* causost pious tribes to conquer : Indra, I laud the heavenly Yyitra-slayer. *

300Bring to the wise, the great, who waxeth mighty your offerings, and make ready your devotion! Go forth to many tribes as man's controller!

301Call we« on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, beffthero in this fight where spoil is gathered, - Strong, listening to give us aid in battles, who slays the Vritras, wins and gathers riches!

302Prayers have been offered up through love of glory: Vasishtha/honour Indra in the battle! He who with fame extends through all existence hears words which I, his faithful servant, utter.

303May the sweet Soma juices make him happy to cast his quoit that li*,s jn depth of waters! Thou from the udder which o'er earth is fastened hast poured the milk iqto the kine and herbage.

304Rig verb VIII. 85. 16. The seven: Krishna, Vfitra, Sambara, Namucln and others, according to Sayanh.

305Not found in the Rigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva. A friend : medim : the exact meaning of the word is uncertain. Sharp-edged : * who wearest the crown.’ — Stevenson.

306Rigvcda VII. 31. fO. Ascribed to Vasishtha.

307Rigvcda II I. 30. 22. Ascritad to Visvamitra. The stanza is the concluding verse of many other hymns of the Rigveda ascribed to the Visvamitras. « • •

DECADE V. In lra and others.

308Imlra the rescuer, Indra the helper,, hero who listens attach invocation, Sakra I call, Indra invoked of many. May Indra Maghavan accept our presents!

309Indra whose right hand wields the bolt we worship, •driver of bay steeds seeking sundered courses. Shaking his beard with might he hath arisen, terrible with his weapons, with his bounty.

310The ever-slaying, bold and furious Indra, the bright bolts Lord, the strong, the great, the bcfundless, Who slayeth Vritra and acquiretlj booty, giver of blessings, Maghavan the bounteous.

311The man who lies in wait and fights against us, deeming himself a giant or a hero, — The metre is Trishtup.

312Not found in the Rigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva., Giant : the meaning of vgand here is uncertain, and the translation is conjectural. slays us and bestows our goods on others, and who, though a murderous wretch, boasts of his liberality/ 6% [PART I. By battle or with strength destroy him, Jndra! With thy help, manly-soulcd ! may we be victors!

313He whom men call when striving with their foemen, or speeding onward in array of battle Whom bards incite where heroes win the booty, or in the way to waters, He is Indra.

314On a high car, 0 Parvata and Indra, bring 'pleasant viands, with brave heroes, hither ! Enjoy our presents, Gods, at sacrifices: wax strong by hymns, rejoice in our oblation !

315In ceaseless flow hath he poured forth his praises, as waters from the oceans depth, to Indra, Who to his car on both its sides securely hath fixed the earth and heaven as with an axle.

316May our fritfids turn thee hitherward to friendship! Mayst thou approach us even o’er many rivers*! May the Disposer, radiant in this mansion with special lijstre, brjng the father’s offspring! « G Not found in the Rigveda. Ascribed to Vainadeva.

DECADE I. India.

317All sacro.d songs have magnified Indra expansive as the sea, Best of all warriors borne on cars, the Lord of heroes, Lord of strength. % * > —

318This poured libation, Indra, drink, immortal, gladden- ing, excellent : Streams of the bright have flowed to thee here at the seat of holy Law.

319Stone-darting Indra, wondrous God, Svhat wealth thou hast not given me here, That bounty, treasure -finder ! bring, filling full both thy hands, to us ! 5 0 Indra, hear Tirasclii’s call, the call of him who serveth thee ! Satisfy him with wealth of kine and valiant offspring ! Great art thou.

320This Soma hath been pressed for thee, 0 Indra: bold one, mightiest, come ! May Indra-vigour fill thee full, as Sftrya fills mid-air with3 4 5 6 7 rays !

321Come hi thciy. Indra, with thy bays, come thou to Kanva’s eulogy ! * Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.

322Rig veda V. 39. 1. Ascribed to Atri. , What wealth thou hast not given me here: according to the Rigveda: — ‘What wealth is richly’ given from thee.’ •

323Song-lover ! like a charioteer come songs to thee when Soma flows. Together, they have called to thee as mother-kine unto their calves. ,

324Come no'#' and let us glorify pure Indra with pure Sam a hymn ! Let milk-blent juice delight him made stronger with pure, pure songs of praise !

DECADE II. Indra. Dadhikivnn.

325To us the mighty, lying in all vital power, who resteth in the deep, who standeth in the cast. Drive thou the awful word atyay.

326Rigvcda VIII. 84. 1. Ascribed to Tiraachi. Like a charioteer: straight and swift to their object.*

327Rigvoda vt. 42. 1. Ascribed to Bharadvilj.i. The hero: in the Rigveda text nare instead of mrah is in apposition tfijagmaye, the wanderer : — ‘ the hero ever in, the van.’ f

328This very obscure stanza, ascribed to Vamadcva, is not found in the Rigveda. To us : wo call, or something similar, must be supplied. [PART I. 7$ THE HYMNS OF

329Even as a car to give us aid, we draw thee nigh to favour us, Strong in thy deeds, quelling attack, Indra, Lord, mightiest! of the brave.

330With powers of mighty ones hath he, tfie friend, the ancient, been equipped, Through whom our father Manu made prayers efficacious with the Gods. •

331What time the swift and shining steeds, yoked to the chariots, draw them on, Drinking the sweet delightful juice, there men per- form their glorious acts.

332Him for your sake I glorify as Lord bf Strength who wrongeth none, Indra /,he hero, mightiest, all-conquering and omni- scient.

333I with my pi&ise have glorified strong Dadhikr&iian, conquering steed. Sweet may he make our mouths : may he prolong the days we have to^'ive !

334Rig veda VIII. 57. 1. Ascribed to Priyamcdha.

335Not found in the Rigveda. Ascribed to Vamadeva.

DECADE III. India and others.

336Those whom they call the attendant pair of Kasyapa • who knows the light, Lords of each holy duty when the wise have honour- ed sacHfice. bably, like Tarkshya was regarded as a personification of the morning sun, being invoked together with Agni, Ushas, and the Asvins. It seems probable that Dadhikravan may have be^i originally only a most distinguished race-horse, glorified and deified by the exaggerated praises of the bards of a people who were passionately fond of chariot racing.

337Higveda I. 11.4. Ascribed to Jet&r. Render of forts : cleaver or destroyer of the cloud-castles wliicil withhold tffe rain, the strong- holds of Vritra and other hostile powers of the air. The metre is Anushtup.

338Higveda VIII. 58. 1. Ascribed to Priyamcdha or Priyamedhas. finite verb in the first person singular, ‘ I send forth,’ and takes trishlubham tg mean tfie hymn which accompanies the Soma libation. according to Benfey ; having hcroei who worship him, according to Ludwig. The reading of the Higveda is mandadvirdya , ‘hero-gladdener.’

339This obscure stanza, ^scribed to Kasyapa, is not found in the^ Higveda. The attendant pair: probably meaning Heaven and Earth. tended. ‘ Indra’s pair of courageous horses arc said to belong to the creation of the all-wise Kasyapa.’ — Stevenson. Praiso ye, or some- thing similar, must be supplied. n THE HYMNS OF [PART A

340Sing, sing ye forth your songs of praise, men, Priya- medlias, sing your songs : Yea, let }roung children sing their lauds: yea, glorify our firm stronghold !

341To India must a laud be said, a jo f to him who freely gives, That Sakra may be joyful in our friendship and the juice we pour.

342Your 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.

343Even he who is thine own, through* thought of Heaven, of mortal man who toils, He with the help of lofty Dyaus comes safe through straits of enmity.

344Wide, IndratfSatakratu, spreads the bounty of tjiine ample grace : So, good and liberal giver, known to all men, send us splendid wealth!.

345Bright Usftas, when thy times return, all quadrupeds and bipeds stir* And round about flock ‘winged birds from all the boundaries of heaven.

DECADE IV. Indra.

346I trust in thy first wrathful deed, 0 Indra, when thou slewest Vritra and didst work to profit man When the two world-halves fled for refuge unto thee, # and earth even trembled at thy strength, 0 Thunder-armed ! «

347Come all with might together to the Lord of heaven, the only on# who is indeed the guest of men. He is the first: to him who fain would cqme to us all pathways turn ; he is in truth the only one.

348Thine, Indra, praised of many, excellently rich, are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee. For none but thou, song-lover, shall receivb our lauds : as Earth loves all her creatures, welcome this our hymn !

349High hymns have sounded forth the praise of Magha- vari1, supporter of mankind, of Indra meet for lauds ; ^ Him who hath waxen mighty, much-invokted with prayers, immortal one whose praise each day is sung aloud. formed for kingship (or splendour) Indra the hero.’ In the field : of battle; but it is difficult, if not impossible, to find a satisfactory explanation of vare here. Instead of kratve vare sthemanydmurini the Kigveda has kratvd varishtham vara' dmurim, ‘Most eminent by- strength, destroyer in the conflict;’ but the meaning of vara, that is vare is still uncertain. According to Professor Grassmann the Kigveda text should be translated: ‘Most widely extended in |K>\ver in ample space, and the destroyin’ ‘den ausgedehntesten an Kraft im weiten Kamn und den Vertilger.’ %

350Kigveda X. 147. 1. Ascribed to Shvedas by the Kigveda Index, ^ but to Sumedhas by S&yana’s < Commentary. ‘ 3 Not found in the Kigveda. Ascribed to Vamadcva.

351Kigveda III. 51. 1. Ascribed to VisvAmitra. THE SlMAVEDA. n iv. ii. 4.]

352In perfect unison have all your longing hymns that find the light of heaven sounded forth Indra’s praise. As wives embrace their lord, the comely bridegroom, so they compass Maghavan about that lie may help.

353Make glacl with songs that Iiarn whom many men invoke, worthy of hymns of praise, Indra the sea of wealth ; Whose boons spread like the heavens, the lover of mankind : sing praise to him the Sage, most liberal for our good !

354I # glorify that Ram who finds the light of heaven, * whose hundred strong and mighty onfcs go forth with him. With prayers may I turn hither Indra to mine aid • — the car which like a swift steed hasteth to the call !

DECADE Y. In Am.

355Sing 4forth to him whom many men invoke, to him whom many laud : Invite the jr>tent Indra with your songs of praise !

356We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which conquers in the fray, Which, Caster of the Stone! gives room and shines like gold,

357Whether thou drink the Soma by Vishnu’s or Trita Aptya’s side, Or with the Maruts, Indra. ! quaff the flowing drops.

358Come, priest, and of the savoury juice pwur forth a yet mord gladdening draught : So is the hero praised who ever prospers us. <5 Pour out the drops for Indra; let him drink the me&th of Soma juice! He through his majesty sends forth his bounteous gifts.

359Come, sing we praise to Indra, friends! the hero who deserves the laud, Him who with none to aid o’ercomes all tribes of men.

360Sing ye a psalm to Indra, sing a great song to the lofty Sage, To him who maketh prayer, inspired, who loveth laud!

361He who alone bestoweth wealth on mortal man who offereth gifts Is Indra only, potent Lord whom no n« resist.

362Companions, let us learn a prayer to Indra, to the Thunderer, • To glorify your bold and most heroic friend !

DECADE I. Indra. Adityas.

363For thee this Soma hath been pressed, in whose wild joy thou madest once Sambara Divodasa’s prey: 0 Indra, drink! .

364Come unto us, 0 Indra, dear, still conquering, unconcealable ! • Wide as a mountain spread on all sides. Lord of heaven !

365Joy, mightiest Indra, that perceives, sprung from deep Soma draughts, whereby Thou smitest down the greedy fiend, — that joy we crave ! • The metre is Viraj (11 x 3) In stanza 8, and Uahnili in the rest of the hymn.

366Adityas, very mighty ones, grant to our children and our seed This lengthened term of life that they may live long days t { > Thou knowest, Indra, Thunder-armed! how to avoid destructive powers, As one secure from pitfalls each returning day.

367Drive ye disease and strife away, drive yc away malignity: Adityas, keep us far removed from sore distress !

368Drink Soma, Indra, Lord of bays! and let it'cheer thee: the stone, like a well-guided courser, ‘ Directed by the pressers arms hath pressed it.

DECADE II. Indra

369Him who of old hath brought to us this and that blessing® him I magnify for you, Even Indra, O my friends, for help.

370Fail ’toot when marching onward : come hither, like- • . spirited, stay not far away Ye who can tame even what is firm !

371Come hither to the dropping juice, 0 Lord of corn- land, Lord of horses, Lord of kine : Drink thou the Soma, Soma’s Lord!

372Hero, may we, witli thee for friend* withstand the marf who pants against us in his wrath, In fight with people rich in kine!

373Yea, kin by common ancestry, the Maruts, even the oxen, close united friends! Arc licking one another’s back. 7 0 India, 'bring great strength to us, bring valour, Satakratu, thou most active, bring A hero conquering in war! »

374So, India, friend of song, do we draw nigh to thee with longing; we have streamed to thee Coming like floods that follow floods.

DECADE III. Indra.

375Thus hath the Soma, gladdening draught, produced the prayer that giveth joy : Thou, miglrtiesfc, Thunder-armed, hast driven by force the Dragon from the earth, lauding thine own supremacy.

376By ftien hath Indra been advanced, the Vritra-slayer, to joy and strength. Him only we invoke for help in battles whether great or small : be he our aid in deeds of might !

377Unconque&d strength is only thine, Indra, Stone- caster, Thunder-armed ! When thou with thy surpassing, power smotest to death that guileful beast, lauding thine own supremacy.

378Go forward, meet the foe, be bold ; thy bolt of thunder is not checked ! Manliness, Indra, is thy strength. Slay Vritra, make the waters thine, lauding thine own supremacy !

379When war and battles are on foot, booty is offered to the bold. Yoke thou thy wildly-rushing bays. Whom wilt thou slay, and whom enrich? Dojthou, O Indra, make us rich !

380Well have they eaten and rejoiced; the friends have risen and passed away : The sages luminous in thomgebes have praised thee with their latest hymn. Now, Indra, yoke thy two bay steeds !

381Rigvcda I. 80. 7. Ascribed to Gotama, or Gautama. Stone-caster : wiclder of the thunderbolt. That guileful beasti the den) on or monster Vritra. . %

382Rigvcda T. 80. 3. The waters : the rain which Vritra has obs- tructed.

383Rigvcda I. 81. 3. Ascribed to Gotama, or Gautama.

DECADE IV. Agni and others.

384Witfi offerings of our own we choose thee, Agni, as our Hotar priest, Piercing and brightly shining— at your glad carouse — served with trimmed grass at sacrifice. Thoa waxest great. 3 0 heavenly Dawn, awaken us to ample opulence* to-day, • Even1 as thou didst waken us with Satyasraras, Vay- ya's son, high-born ! delightful with thy steeds !

385Send us a mind that brings delight, send energy and . mental power. Then — at your glad carouse — let men* joy in thy love, sweet juice! as kine in pasturage. Tliour waxest great.

386Great, as his nature is, through power, terrible,, he hath waxed in strength. Lord of bay steeds, strong-jawed, •sublime, he in- joined hands for glory’s sake hath grasped his iron thunderbolt. • • •

387Het Indra, verily will mount the powerful oar that finds the kine, Who thinks upon the well-filled bowl, the tawny coursers' harnesses Now, Indra, yoke thy two bay steeds I *

388I think of Agni who is kind, whom, as their home, the milch-kine seek : Whom fleet-fuot coursers seek as home, and strong enduring steeds as home. Bring food to those who sing thy praise!

389No peril, no severe distress, ye Gods, affects the mortal man Whom Aryaman and Mitra lead, and Varuna, of one accord, beyond his foes. , DECADE V. Soma Pavamaiia. Flow forth, 0 Soma, flow thou onward, sweet to Indra’s, Mitra’s, P&shan’s, Bhaga’s taste.

DECADE I. IncTra.

390This Brahitian, comer at due time, named Indra, is renowned and praised.

391The stanza *is not found in the Rigveda. The strong youths : appa- rently the Maruts. God Savitar's quiche n ing* energy : to aid the pro- ductive power of the Sun. *

392This Brahman : Indra* regarded as a priest who possesses sacred knowledge: ‘The Brahman who accepts the prayer.’ — Rjgvoda VI. 45,7. ‘Indra is priest and Rishi.’ — Rigveda VIII. 16. 7. THE SIMA VEDA. v. ii. 2.]

393Thfe Brahmans with their hymns exalting Indra in- creased his strength that he might slaughter Ahi.

394Anavas wrought a chariot for thy courser, and Tva- shtar, much-invoked! the bolt that glitters :

395Rest, wealth to him who longs for wealth! the rite- less stirs not his love nor wins his way to riches.

396The cows are ever pure and all-sujJporting, the Gods ar'e ever free from stain and blemish.

397With all thy beauty come! The kine approaching with full udders follow on thy path.

398May we, inhabiting a meath-rich dwelling, increase 5our wealth, and think of thee, 0 Indra !

399The Maruts with fair hymns chant out their praise- song : this Indra, famed and youthful, shouts accordant.

400Sing to your Indra, mightiest Vritra- slayer, sing to the Sage the song that lie accepteih !

DECADE II. Agni. India.

401Rigvcda V. 31. 4. Ascribed to Avasyu.

402Taken from the same stanza as the preceding. Anavas; de- scendants of the eponymuq Ann ; the Bhrigus are probably meant. Cf. Rigvcda IV. 16. 20.

403The riteless stirs not his love : the man who neglects the worship of the Gods does not move Indra to show him affection.

404The cows : gdvah :: meaning, according to Sa»yana, the sunbeams, or waters, or the three Vedas. The connexion of the line with what precedes or with what follows is not apparent.

405Kigvcda X. 172. 1. Ascribed to Samvarta. The hymn in the Rigveda is addressed to yshas or Dawn. in 2 and 5 it is Dvipada Viraj ; in 6 and 8 Dvipada Trishtup ; in 3 Quindecasyllabic Gayatri ; 7 consists of two Padas of Gayatri ; 10 of one Pada of Gayatri ; 4 and 9 are irregular.

406Rigveda, Yaiakhilya 8. 5. Ascribed to Prishadra. h THE HYMNS OF [PART I. 2 0 Agni, be our nearest friend, yea, our protector and our kind deliverer!

407Like wondrous Bhaga, Agni deals treasure among the mighty. f

408Far off, or present even now, send forth thy shouting first of all!

409Dawn drives away her sister’s gloom, and. through her excellence makes her retrace her path.

410May we, with Indra and the Gods to aid us, bring these existing worlds to full completion !

411Like streams of water on their way, let bounties, Indra, flow from thee! 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

412With this may we obtain strength god-appointed, hapfpy with brave sons through a hundred winters!

413With strength let Mitra, Varuna swell oblations; do thou prepare for us rich food, 0 Indra !

414Indra is King of all the world.

415Rigvcda, V.,24. 1. A&rihed to the Gaupayanas or Laupayanas.

DECADE III. Indra and others.

416This God who sees for thousands of mankind, the light, the thought of poets, and the Law, The brilliant one, hath sent forth hither all the Dawns: spotless, one-minded, zealous in their home they dwell, with thought upon the Steer.

417Come to us, Indra, from afar, conducting us, as, to the gatherings, a Lord of heroes, as an aroher King, the heroes’ Lord ! We come with gifts of pleasant foo'3, with flowing juice, invoking thee, as sons invite a sire, that we may win the spoil, thee, bounteousest, for gain of spoil. The metro is Ashti (16x4=64 syllables) in stanzas 1 and 10; Atyashti (17 x 4 = 68) in 3, 5, 9 ; Atijagati (13 x 4) in 4 and 6 ; and irregular in 2 and 8.

418Not found in the Rigveda. Who sees for thousands of mankind : sahasranidnavo drisah 1- Say ana’s division of the first word is sahasra - mdnavo , but it seems impossible to construe this. Sjjotlessj one-minded , zealous : apparently referring to the* sunbeams. The Steer : the Sun.

419Loudly I call that Indra Maghavan, the Eighty, resistless, evermore possessing many glories. Holy, most liberal, may he lead us on to riches, through songs, and, thunder-armed, make all our pathways pleasant ! 1

420Heard be our prayer ! In thought I honour Agni first: now 'straightway we elect this heavenly company, Indra and Viyu we elect. For when our latest thought is raised and on Vivas- van centred well, then do our holy songs go forward on their way, our songs as ’twere unto the Gqjds. • 6 To Vishnu, to the mighty whom the Ma^uts follow, let your hymns born in song go forth, Evay&rnarut ! To the strong, very holy band adorned with bracelets, tliafr rushes on in joy and ever roars for vigour!

421With this his golden splendour purifying him, he with his own allies subdues all enemies, as Sfira with his own allies.

422I praise this God, parent of heaven and earth, exceeding wise, possessed of real energy, giver of treasure, thinker dear to all, * WhoSe splendour is sublime, whose light shone bril- liant in creation, who, wise and golden-handed, in his beauty made the sky.

423Agni I deem our Hotar-priest, munificent wealth- giver, Son of Strength, who knoweth all that is, even as* the Sage who knoweth all. Lord of fair rites, a God with form erected turning to the Gods, he, when the flame hath sprung forth from the holy oil, the offered fatness, longs for it as it glows bright.

424This, Iridra! dancer! was thy hero deed, thy first and ancient work, worthy to be told forth in heaven, Even thine who furtheredst life with a Gods own power, freeing the floods. * All that is godless may he conquer with his might, and, Lord of Hundred Powers, find for us strength and food!

DECADE IV. Soma PAvamina.

425In sweetest and most gladdening stream flow pure, 0 Soma, on thy way, pressed out for Indra, for his drink!

426Flow onward mighty with thy stream, inspiriting the Maruts’ Lord, winning all riches with thy power!

427Flow onward with that juice of thine most excellent, that brings delight, slaying the wicked, dear to Gods!

428Three several words are uttered : kine. are lftwing, cows who give the milk: the tawny-hued goes bellowing on.

429For Iadra girt by Maruts, flow, thou Indu, very rich in meath, to seat thee in the place of song !

430Strong, mountain-born, the stalk hath been pressed in the streams for rapturous joy. Hawk-like he settles in his home. The metre is G&yatri.

431Soma, the» dweller on the hills, effused, liath flowed into the sieve. All-bounteous art thou in carouse.

432The Sage of heaven whose heart is* wise, when laid betjveen both hands, with roars, gives us delightful powers of life.

DECADE V. Soma Pavamana.

433The Somas, skilled in song, the waves, have led the water forward, like buffaloes speeding to the woods.

434Indu, flow on, a mighty juice ; glorify us among the folk : drive all our enemies away !

435For thou art strong by splendour : we, O Pavamana, call on thee, the brilliant looker on the light.

436Hymn 32. 1. Ascribed t6 Syivvasva. Our liberal lords: the institutors of sacrifices.

437Hymn 33. 1. Ascribed to Trita Aptya. The Rigveda has na yanti instead of nayanta: — ‘Like waves of water, skilled nn song the juices of the Soma go onward like buffaloes to woods.’

438Hymn 61. 28. Ascribed to Amahiyu.

439Hymn 65. 4. Ascribed to Bhrigu or to Jamadagni. Pavamdna : Soma undergoing purification for sacrificial purposes. THE SAMAVEDA. [PART l

440Indu, enlightener, dear, the thought of poe^s, hath flowed clearly, like a charioteer who starts the steed.

441Through our desire of heroes, kine* and horses, potent Soma drops, brilliant and swift, have been effused.

442God, working with mankind, flow on; to Indra go thy gladdening juice: to Vayu mount as Law commands !

443From heaven hath Pavamdna made, as ’twere, the marvellous thunder, and the lofty light of all mankind.

444Pressed for the gladdening draught the drops flow forth abundantly with song, flow onward with the stream of meath.

DECADE I. Soma Pavamana.

445Active,, while being purified, he hath assailed all enemies : they deck the Sage with holy hymns.

446Pouring all glories hither, he, effused, hath passed within the jar : Indu on Indra is bestowed.

447From the two press-boards is the juice sent, like a car-horse, to the sieve : the steed ^teps forward to the goal.

448Impetuous, bright, have they come forth, unwearied in their speed, like bulls, driving the black skin far away. Rigveda.

449Hymn 61. 13. Ascribed to Amahiyu. Well-descended: literally, well-born, or well produced.

450Hymn 40. 1. Ascribed to Brihanmati.

451Hymn 62. 19. ^scribed to Jamadagni. The jar : the Jcalam , beaker or vase into which the Soma juice fV>ws! Indu on Indra is bestowed : instead of this, the Rigveda lias, ‘(he) stands like a hero ‘mid the kine,* that is, among the enemy’s cattle for which he fights.

452Hymn 36. 1. Ascribed to Prabhuvasu. Press-boards : two planks, between which ?he stalks hi the Soma plant, after they have been bruised by the pressing-stones, are thoroughly squeezed sq that all the juice may be extracted.

453Hymn 41. 1. Ascribed to Medhyatithi! The black skin: meaning, apparently, both the black pall or covering of night and the Rakshasas or dark-skinned Dasyus, the non- Aryan inhabitants of the country. loo tiie hymns of [part /.

454Soma, thou floweat chasing foes, finder of ‘wisdom and delight : drive thou the godless folk afar 1

455Flow onward with that stream wherewith thou gavest splendour to the Sun, speeding the waters kind to man !

456Flow onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter Vritra who compassed and stayed the mighty floods !

457Flow onward, Indu, with this food for him who in thy wild delights battered the nine-and-ninety down !

458Flow, pressed, into the filter, speed the heavenly one who winneth wealth, who bringeth booty through our juice !

DECADE II. Soma Pavamftna.

459We choose to-day that chariot-steed of thine, the strong, that brings us bliss, the guardian, the desire of all.

460Hymn 63. 24. Ascribed to Nidhruvi.

461Hymn 63. 7. **

462Hymn 61. 22. Ascribed to Amahiyu.

463Hymn 61. 1. The nine-and-ninety :'the countless cloud-castles of the demons of drought.

464Hymn 52. *1. Ascribed to Uchathya. The heavenly one: dyub sham: this and the following epithet are in thef nominative case in the Rigveda. They refer tef the juice regarded as distinct from Soma who is addressed. « Rigveda.

465Hymn 65. 28. Ascribed to Bhrigu or Jamadagni. That chariot- steed of thine : that is, Soma itself, which is frequently called vahnit vi. i. 2.] THE SAMAVEDA. lol

466Ad^varyu, to the filter lead the Soma juice expressed with stones : make thou it pure for Indra’s drink.

467Swift runs this giver of delight, even the stream of flowing juice: swift runs this giver of delight.

468Pour hitherward, O Soma, wealth in thousands and heroic strength, and keep renown secure for us!

469The ancient living ones have come unto a newer resting-place. They made the Sun that he might shine.

470Soma, flow on exceeding bright with loud roar to the reservoirs, resting in wooden vats, thy home ! 8 0 Soma, thou art strong and bright, potent, 0 God, with potent sway : thou, mighty one, ordainest laws.

471For food, flow onward with thy stream, cleansed and made bright by sapient men: Indu, with sheen approach the milk!

DECADE III. Soma Pavamana.

472Hencd sprinkle forth the juice effused, Soma, the best of sayred gifts, who, friend of man, hath run amid the water-streams! He hath pressed Soma out with stones.

473Hymn 47. fc Ascribtd to Kavi. In the Rigveda, ‘Soma* is in the nominative case, and the verbs are in the third person. Actest like a bull : roarest.

474Hymn 61. 25. Ascribed to Amahiyu. The godless; ardvnah; those who present no sacrificial offerings. Settled place : nishkritam ; the vessel set apart for the Soma Juice that is to be offered to him. < The whole of the hymn is taken from the Rigveda, Book IX. 107, which is ascribed to the Seven Rishis Bharadvaja, K*asyapa, Gotama, Atri, Visvanritra, Jamadagni, and Vasishtha. The metre is Brihati.

475Stanza 4. In the place of Law ; in the placo of Law-ordained sacrifice.

476Stanza 1. He: the priest. Or sushdva may be the first person. THE SAMAVEDA. vi. i. &]

477Expressed by stones, O Soma, and urged through the long wool of the sheep, thou, entering the press-boards even as men a fort, gold-hued hast settled in the vats. 4 0 Soma, — for the feast of Gods, river-like he hath swelled with surge, sweet with the liquor of the stalk, as one who wakes, into the vat that drops with meath.

478Pressed out by pressers, Soma goes over the fleecy backs of sheep, goes, even as with a mare, in tawny-coloured stream, goes in a sweetly-sounding stream. 6 0 Soma, Indu, every day thy friendship hath been my delight. Many fiends follow me ; heljp me, thou tawny-hued : pass on beyond these barriers !

479Deft-handed ! thou when purified lfftest thy voice amid the sea. Thou, Pavandna, makest riches flow to us, yellow, abundant, much desired.

480Stanza 12.. 0 Soma.*...Jte : a sort of periphrasis for Soma in the nominative case. ' ,

481Stanza 8. As with a mare : as swift as* if he were carried by a race-horse. *

DECADE IV. Soma Pavamana.

482Stanza 14. The sea : of air, or the vessel into which the juice flows. Dropping meaih : or, givingtrapture. The Rigvcda his svar- vidah, finding light or heaven.

483Stanza 6. Most like to Angiras { ahgirastmna : most richly endowed with the qualities of Angiras, the representative of the great family of priestly fathers or typical first sacrifices, frequently men- tioned in the Rigvcda. Mead : or, rain.

484Stanza 17. The Jfreece : the woollen strainer.

485Stanza 23. The Ttigveda differs : — ‘Flow on to win the spoil, flow on to lofty lore of every kind. TJiou, Soma, as exhilarator wast the first to spread the sea abroad for Gods.’

486Hymn 87. 1. Ascribed to Usana Kavya. Battle: or, booty. vi. i. 4.] THE SlMAVEDA. m Making thee glossy like an able courser, forth to the sacred grass with reins they lead thee.

487The God declares the deities’ generations, like Usand, proclaiming lofty wisdom. With briliiant kin, far-ruling, sanctifying, the wild boar, singing with his foot, advances.

488Three are the voices that the caissteed utters : he speaks the lore of prayer, the thought of Order. To the cows’ master come the cows inquiring : the hymns with eager longing come to Soma.

489Made pure by this man’s urgent zeal and impulse, the God hath with his juice the Gods pervaded. Pressed, pinging, to the sieve he goes, as passes the Hofcar to enclosures holding cattle.

490Father of holy hymns Soma flows onward, the father of the earth, father of heaven ; ' Father of Agni, SOrya’s generator, the father who begat Indra and Vishnu.

491To him, praiseworthy, sacred tones have sounded, Steer of the triple height, the life-bestower. Dwelling in wood, like Variina, a rjver, lavishing treasure, he distributes blessings.

492Hymn 97. 7. Ascribed to ,*V rishagana, son of Vasishtha. The wild boar : Soma. Singing with his foot : sending out a sound as his drops flow down.

493Hymn 96. 5. Ascribed to Pratardana.

DECADE I. Soma Pavamana.

494As Pflshtfh, Fortune, Bhaga, comes this Soma while they make him pure. He, Lord of all the multitude, hath looked upon the earth and heaven.

495The Sonias, very rich in sweets, for which the sieve is destined, flow Effused, the source of Indras joy : may your strong juices reach the Gods !

496For us the Soma juices flow, the dibps best fur- thered of weal, Effused as friends, without a spot, benevolent, finders of the light.

497Stream on us riches that are craved by hundreds, best at winning spoil,

498Hvmn 95. 3. Ascribed to Praskanva. •» r i • , The metre is Anushtup. All the references are to Book IX. of the Rigveda.

499Hymn 101. 1. Ascribed to Andhigu. Drive ye away : prevent dogs, Rakshasas or fiends who disturb and defile sacrifices, from drinking the Soma juice.

500Hymn 101. 7. Ascribed to Nahusha.

501Hymn 101. 4. Ascribed to Yayati.

502Hymn 101. 10. Ascribed to Mann Samvarana.

503Hymn 98. 1. Ascribed to Ambarisha and Rijifvan. [PART /. Riches, 0 Indu, thousandfold, most splendid, that surpass the light !

504The guileless ones are singing praise to Indra’s well- beloVfed friend, , As, in the morning of its life, the mothers lick the new-born calf.

505They for the bold and lovely one ply manly vigour like a bow : * Bright, glad, in front of songs they spread to form a vesture for the Lord.

506Him with the fleece they purify, brown, golden-hued, beloved of all, . Who with exhilarating juice goes forth to all the deities.

507Let Ivm, as mortal, crave this speech, for him who presses, of the juice, As Bhrigu^s sons chased Makha, so drive ye the niggard hound away 1

508Hymn 100. 1. Ascribed to the two Rebhasunus, sons of Rebha. the Sonia juice. ,

DECADE II. Soma Pavamana.

509Spontaneous let our drops of Sonja juice flow on, pressed out and tawny-coloured, mightily, to the Gods ! Still let our enemies, the godless, be in want, though filled with food; and let our prayers obtain success !

510Most beauteous of the beauteous, Indra’s thunderbolt, this Sopia, rich in sweets, hath clamoured in the vat. Dropping with oil, abundant, streams of sacrifice flow unto him, and milch-kine, lowing, with their milk.

511Indu hath started forth for Indra’s settled place, and slights not, as a friend, the promise* of his friend. Soma comes onward like a youth with youthful maids, and gains the beaker by a course of hundred paths. Rigveda.

512Hymn 75. 1. Ascribed to Xhvi of the family of Bhrigu. O'er which : that is, the fresh and strong Soma exceeds in greatness even the high titles which he wins. by his gracious deeds.

513Hymn 79. 1. Ascribed to Kavi. The second line is conjecturally translated, the meaning of ishayo being unknown. The corresponding line in the Rigveda lyis vi cha nasan tui isko ardtayo Wyo na santa, meaning, perhaps, : — i Perish among us they who give no gifts of food: perish the godless ! ’

514Hymn 77. 1. Ascribed ,to Kavi. As India's thunderbolt: as mighty in operation as the bolt in Indra’s hands. And milch-kine : the Rigveda has warlike, instead of cha , and.

515On flows the potent juice, sustainer of the heavens, the strength of Gods, whom men must hail with shouts of joy. Thou, gold-hued, started like a courser by brave men, art lightly showing forth thy splendour in the streams.

516Far-seeing Soma flows, the Steer, the Lord of hymns, the furtherer of days, of mornings, and of heaven. Breath of the rivers, he hath roared into the jars, and with the help of sages entered Ir^dra’s heart.

517The three-times seven milch-kine in the loftiest heaven have for this Soma poured the genuine milky draught. Four other beauteous creatures hath he made for his adornment when he waxed in strength through holy rites.

518Flow on to Indra, Soma, carefully effused: let sick- ness stay afar together with the fiend ! Let not the double-tongued delight them with thy juice : here be thy flowing drops laden with opulence !

519Hymn 76, 1.‘ Ascribed to Kavi. Lightly : or, spontaneously.

520Hymn 86. 19. Breath: or, life: the Rigveda has krdnd , mixt, instead of prdnd.

521Hymn 85. 1. Ascribed to Vena, of the family of Bhrigu. THE SlMAVEDA. vb 11. \] \

DECADE III. Soma Pavamna.

522Flow vigilant for Indra, thou Soma, yea, Indu, run thou forth : Bring hither splendid strength that finds the light of heaven !

523Sit down, 0 friends, and sing aloud to him who purifies himself : Deck him for glory, like a child, with holy rites 1

524Friends, hymn your Lord who makes him pure for rapturous carouse : let them Sweeten him, as a child, with lauds and sacred gifts!

525Breath of t]ie mighty Dames, the Child, speeding the plan of sacrifice, Surpasses all things that are dear, yea, from of old !

526In might, 0 Indu, with thy streams flow for the banquet,of the ‘.Cods : Rich in meath, Soma, in our heaker take thy seat ! - ~e — 1 The metre is Ushnih (8 + 8 + 12). The references are to Book IX. of the Rigveda.

527Hymn 106. 1. Ascribed to Agni Chakshusha. As Law prescribes: srushte : the Rigveda has srushti , rapidly.

528Hymn 106. 4. Ascribed to Chakshus Manava.

529Hymn 104. 1.* Ascribed to Parvata and frarada of the family of Kanva, or to the two Sikhandinis, Apsarases, daughters of Kasyapa.

530Hymn 105. 1. Ascribed to Parvata and N&rada. The hymn from which the stanza is taken is a sort of rifaccimento of hymn 104.

531Mighty Dames: mahtndm, magnarum, without a substantive, meaning the rivers. Froip of old : or dvitd may be merely a particle of affirmation = the Greek 8»>a, verily, especially.

532Hymn 106. 7. Ascribed to Manu Apsava. vi. ii. \] THE SlMAVEDA.

533Soma, while filtered, with his wave flows through the long wool of the sheep, Roaring, while purified, before the voice of song.

534The speech is uttered for the Sage, for Soma being purified : Bring meed as ’twere to one who makes thee glad with hymns !

535Flow to us, Indu, very strong, effused, with wealth of kine and steeds, And do thou lav above the milk thy radiant hue !

DECADE iy. t Soma Pa v. i man a.

536Hymn 10G. 10. Ascribed to Agni Ch:\kshusha.

537Hymn 103. 1. Ascribed to Dvita ^ptya.

538Hymn 105. 4. Ascribed to Parvata and Narad a’. Do thou lay : dhdraya : the Rigved^has dldharam , ‘ I have laid.’

539Hymn >04. 4. »

540Hymn 106. 13. Ascribed to A^ni Chakslmsha. Stream forth : tho Rigveda has the present participle instead of the imperative abhyarsha.

541Ilymn 103. 3. Sevenfold quire: sajtfa vdnih : literally, seven voices or tones, •meaning, according to tho Scholiast, the seven generic metres of the Veda. . i The metro is Kakup (8 + 12 + 8), except in stanza 8 where it is Satobrihati (12 + 8 + 12 + 8) with tho last Pa da lengthened and repeat- ed. The references are all to hymn 108 of Book IX. of the Kigvcdu.

542Hymn 108. 1. Ascribed to Gauriviti. THE IIYMNS OF [P/HT L

543Make high and splendid glory shine hitherward, Lord of food, God, on the friend of Gods : Unclose the cask of middle air !

544Press ye and pour him, like a steed, o laud -worthy, speeding through the region and the flood, Who swims in water, dwells in wood !

545Him, even this Steer who milks the heavens, him with a thousand streams, distilling rapturous joy, Him who brings all things excellent.

546Effused is he who brings good things, who brings us store of wealth and sweet refreshing food, u Soma who brings us quiet homes.

547For, verily, PavamAna, thou, divine ! endued with brightest splendour calling all Creatures to immortality.

548Effused, hd floweth in a stream, best rapture-giver, in the long wool of the sheep, Sporting, as ’twere the waters’ wave.

549Stanza 9. Ascribed' to Urdhvasadman Angirasa. On the friend of Gods : the pious worshipper. TVe Rigvcda has devaynh , tljfc nomi- native case, ‘ as the friend of Cods,’ instead of devayum.

550Stanza 7. Ascribed to Rijisvan Rharadvaja. Laud-worthy: sto - mam, laud, hymn, here meaning subject, or worthy of, the hymn. in the tub or vat.

CHAPTER I.

551Together with thy pleasant juice the Atharvans have commingled milk, Divine, God-loving, for the God.

552Bring health to cattle with thy flow, health to the people, health to steeds, Health, 0 thou King, to growing plants f II. Soma Pavam&na. Bright are these Somas blent with milk, with light that flashes brilliantly,, And form that shouteth all around..

553Roused by his drivers and sent forth* the strong Steed hath come nigh for spoil, As warriors when they stand arrayed. * * The triplet is taken from Kigvecty IX. 11. 1. — 3, ascribed to Asita or Dovala. Tho metre is Gayatri.

554The Atharvans : the priests who perform the duties of the Adhvaryus. * *

555King : the usual designation of Soma in the Bralm^ana. Kasyapa. The metre is Gayatri.

556Form : kripd : stream, according to Sayapa.. \PAfT II.

557Specially, Soma, Sage, by day, coming together for our weal, Like Stirya, flow for us to see ! III. ,Soma Pavamana. The streams of Pavam&na, thine, Sage, mighty one, have poured them forth, Like coursers eager for renown.

558They have been poured upon the fleece towards the meath-distilling vat : The holy songs have rung aloud.

559Like milch-kine coming home, the drops of Soma juice have reached the lake, , Have reached the shrine of sacrifice. IV. Agni. Come, Agni, praised with song to feast and sacrificial offerings :> sit As Hotar on the holy grass !

560So, Angiras, we make thee strong with fuel and with holy oil. _ . Blaze high; thou youngest of the Gods !

561For us thou winhest, Agni, God, heroic strength exceeding great, * 1 Far-spreading and of high renown.

562Specially : ridhak : said by Yaska to be the Vedic form of prithak, and to be used iv the sense of prospering. ‘ Zum Scgcu.’— Benfey. the vocative. By day ,* divd : the Rigvcda has diveth , frpm heaven. hundred VaikhUnasas, said to have been a raco of saintly hermits- The metre is Gayatri.

563The lake : samudram • meaning the drbnakahm, flr reservoir. repetition of I. i. i. 1. 1.

564Anyiras : a name of Agni. i. L tffi THE SAMAVEDA. V • Mi tm- Vanina. Varuna, Mitra, sapient pair, pour fatness on our pastures, pour Meath oi\the regions of the air!

565Gladdened by homage, ruling far, ye reign by majesty of might, Pure in your ways, for evermore.

CHAPTER II.

566Lauded by many, much-invoked, leader of song, renowned of old : His name is Indra, tell it forth !

567Indra, the dancer, be to us the giver of abundant wealth : The mighty bring it us knee-deep ! II. Indra. Sing ye a dong, to make him glad, to Indra, Lord of tawny steeds, The Soma-drinker, 0 my friends !

568To him, tlyj bounteous, say the laud, and let us glorify, as men May do, the giver of true gifts ! 3 0 Indra, Lord of boundless might, for Us thou seek- est spoil and kine, Thou seekest gold for us, good Lord ! 1, and Gayatri in 2 and 3.

569The dancer: active in battle, dancer cf the war-dxncc. Knee-deep: abhijhu : or,t close to us, into our la}). liigveda VII. 31. 1 — 3. Ascribed lo Vasishtha. The metre is Gayatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. ii. ii. 2. 2.

570Good Lord : or, Vasu. i. ii. 4.] THE SAM A VEDA. HI* Indra. This, even this, 0 Indra, we implore: as thy devoted friends, The Kansas praise thee with their hymns1.

571Naught else, O Thunderer, have I praised in the skilled singers eulogy : On thy laud only have I thought.

572The Gods seek him who presses out the Soma; they desire not sleep : They punish sloth unweariedly. . IV. Indra. For Indrd, lover of carouse, loud be our songs about the juice : Let poets sing the song of praise !

573We summon Indra to the draught, in whom all glories rest, in whom * The seven communities rejoice.

574At the Trikadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirs the mind : * t Let our songs aid and prosper it I Higvoda VIII. 2. 16 — 18. Ascribed to Medhatithi and Priyamedhas.

575Strong-rayed! adored with earnest hymns! this juice is shed for thy delight : Thou art invoked, Akhaijdala!

576To Kundap&yya, grandson's son, grandson of Srin- gavrish ! to thee, To him have I addressed my thought. VI. Indra. Indra, as one with mighty arm, gather for us with thy right hand Manifold and nutritious spoil ! Gayatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. ii. ii. 2. 5.

CHAPTER I.

577Do thou as leader of the song, stirring the waters of the sea, Flow onward, known to all mankind ! 3 0 Soma, O thou Sage, these worlds stand ready to enhance thy might : The milch-kine run for thy behoof. II. Soma PavamAna. Indu, flow on, a mighty juice; glorify us among the folk : Drive all our enemies away ! * » ,

578And in thy friendship, Indu* most sublime and glorious, may we Subdue all those who war with us !

579T1 lose awful weapons which thou hast, sharpened at point to strike men down — Guard us therewith from every foe ! , Rigvcda IX. 62. 25—27. Ascribed to Japiauhgni. The metre is Oayatri.

580Holy lore : or, sage-like thoughts.

581Known to all mankind : viwacharshane : the Rigvcda has visva- mejaya, ‘thou who movcst'aH.'

582The milch-kine : which supply the milk which is lnixcd with the Soma juice. The Rigvcda has sindhavah , ‘ the rivers.' Rigveda IX. 61. 28 — 30. Ascribed to Amahiyu. The metre is Gayatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. v. ii. 5. 3. [PAETll Ui III. Soma Pavamfcna. O SosfA, thou art strong and bright, potent, 0 God, with potent sway, Thou, mighty one, ordainest laws.

583Steer-strong thy might is like a steer’s, steer-strong the wood, steer-strong the juice : A steer indeed, 0 Steer, art thou.

584Thou, Indu, as a vigorous horse, hast neighed together steeds and kino : Unbar for us the doors to wealth 1 IV. Soma P/ivamAna, « Fou thou art strong by splendour: we, 0 Pavanulna, call j*u thee, The brilliant looker on the light.

585When thoij art sprinkled with the streams, thou readiest, purified by men, • Thy dwelling in the wooden vat.

586Do thou, rejoicing, nobly-armed! pour upon us heroic strength*: , 0 Indu, come theu hitherward 1 Rigvcda IX* 64. 1 —3. Ascribed to Kasyapa. The metre is Gayatrl. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. vi. i. 2. 8.

587The original is : — vrishnas tc vrishnyam sivo vrishd vanam vrishd sntuh | sa tvam vrishan vrished it si. Some of the Vcdic poets delight in the repetition of the word vrishan , signifying nn\le, masculine, manly, ltero, as well as bull, stallion, etc.

588Neighed together : collected,* through the efficacy of the sound thou makest in dropping through the tilter, and enriched us with steeds and kinc. metre is Gayatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of L v. ii. 5. 4.

589Purified hy men : dyubhih , that is, by the priests. The ltigveda has gahhastyoh, 1 in both fists or hands.’ 7-] TI1E SlMA VEDA. ii. i. V. Soma Pavatnana. We seek to win thy friendly love, even Pavam&na’s flowing o’er The limit, of the cleansing sieve.

590With those same waves which in their stream o’er- flow the purifying sieve, Soma, be gracious unto us !

591O Soma, being purified, bring us from all sides — for thou canst — Riches and food with hero sons 1 • VL Agni. Aoni we choose as envoy, skilled performer of this holy rite, Hotar, possessor of all wealth.

CHAPTER I.

592The beams of Pavamana, sent from earth and heaven, his ensigns who is ever stedfast, travel round. When on the sieve the golden-hued is cleaiiscd he rests within the jars as one who seats him in his place.

593O thou who seest all things, sovran ias thou art and passing strong, thy rays encompass every form. Pervading with thy natural powers thou flowest on, and as the whole world’s Lord, O Soma, thou art King. II. Soma Pavamana. From heaven hath Pavamana made, as ’twere, tile marvellous thunder, and The lofty light of all mankind. Jagati. , w

594The gladdening and auspicious juice of thee, 0 Pava- ni&na, King ! Flows o’er the woollen straining- cloth.

595Thy juice, 0 Pavamuna, sends its rayrf' abroad like splendid skill, Like lustre, all heaven’s light, to see. III. Sonm Pavamana. Impetuous, bright, have -they come forth, unwearied in their speed, like bulls, Driving the black skin far away.

596May we attain the bridge of bliss, leaving the bridge of woe behind : The riteless Dasa may we quell !

597The mighty Pavamana’s roar is heard as ’twere the rush of rain : The lightning-flashes move in heaven.

598Indu, pour out abundant food with store of cattle and of gold, Of heroes, Soma! and of»steeds!

599Flow onward, dear to all mankind! filljull the mighty heaven and earth, As Dawn, as Stirya with his beams I

600On every c side, 0 Soma, flow round us with thy protecting1 stream, As RasA flows around ,the world !

601My translation of the first lino, in which I follow Prof. Ludwig, is somewhat conjectural, as the meaning of durdyyxm is uncertain.

602Rmd : a mythical river which flows round the world ; originally the name of a real river known to the Zjroastrians as Ranha. iii. i. 6.] THE SAMA VEDA. IV. Soma Pavamana. Flow on, 0 thou of lofty thought, flow swift in thy beloved form, Saying, Jjgo where dwell the Gods.

603Preparing what is unprepared, and bringing store of food to man, Make thou the rain descend from heaven!

604Even here is he who, swift of course, hath with the rivers wave flowed down From heaven upon the straining-cloth.

605With might, producing glare, the juice enters the purifying sieve, Far-seeing, sending forth its light.

CHAPTER It

606Thou passest to these worlds as sovran J^ord thereof, 0 Indu, harnessing thy tawny well-winged mares. May thpy pour forth for thee milk and oil rich in sweets : 0 Soma, let the folk abide in thy decree ! II. Soma Pavamana. The streams of Pavamana, thine, finder of all! have been effused, Even as Shryas rays of light.

607Making the light fhat shines from heaven thou flowest on to every form • Soma, thou swellest like a sea. companies of Rishis, Akrishta Mashah, Sikatah, Prishnayah and Ajah. The metre is Jagati.^

608Thou passest to : iyase : the Rigveda has viyate, * thou passest through/ Tawny well-winged mares : swiftly-flowing drops of golden- coloured juice. Rigveda IX. 64. 7 — 9. The Rishi is Kaeyapa. The metre is G&yatri.

609To every form : to quicken all Nature and bring us blessings in every shape. iii. ii. 3.] THE SJMAVEDA.

610Shown forth thou sendest out thy voice, 0 Pava- m&na, with a roar, JLike Sftrya, God,‘ as Law commands. III. Soma Pavamuna. Hitherward have the Somas streamed, the drops while they are purified : When blent, in waters they are rinsed.

611The milk hath run to meet them like floods rushing • down a precipice : They come to lndra, being cleansed. 3 0 Soma Pavamana, thou fluwest as Indra’s glad- dener » The men have seized and lead thee forth.

612Thou, Indu, when, expressed by stones, t&ou runnest to the filter, art Ready for Indra’s high decree. b Victorious, to be hailed with joy, 0 Soma, flow delighting men, As the supporter of mankind.!

613Flow on, best Vritra-slaye? ; flow meet to be hailed with joyful lauds, Pure, purifying, wonderful 1

614Pure, purifying is he called, Soma effused and full ■of sweets, Slayer of sinners, dear to Gods.

615Shown forth : jajndnah : produced or manifested. The Rigveda lias hinvdnah , ‘sent forth* or ‘urged on.’ With a roar: krandan: the Rigveda has akrdn , probably from hr am, ‘ thou hast moved.’ As Law commands: vidharmani: see La ReUyion Vcdique, III. 218, Note. is Gayatri.

616Gladdener: mddanali: the Rigveda has pdtave, ‘for (lndra) to drink.’

617As the supporter of mankind: charshanidhritih : the Rigveda has charshanlsahe , ‘To him who ruleth o’er mankind,’ that is lndra. 176 TllE HYMNS OF. [PA$T If. IV. Soma Pavam&na. The Sage hath robed him in the sheep’s wool for the banquet of the Gods, Subduing all our enemies.

618For he, as Pavamana, sends thousandfold riches in the shape Of cattle to the worshippers.

619Thou graspest all things with thy mind, and purifiest thee with thoughts : As such, 0 Soma, find us fame !

CHAPTER I.

620The Lord of heaven, the vigorous and far-seeing one, flows Shouting to the beaker with his thousand streams. Coloured like gold he rests in seats whereMitra dwells, the Steer made beautiful by rivers and by sheep.

621As Pavamana thou flowest before tho streams : thou goest on before the hymn, before the kino. Thou sharest mighty booty in the van of war: Soma, well-armed, thou art pressed out by men who press. tII. Soma Pavamana. Tiirotoh our desire of heroes, kine, and horses, vigorous Soma-drops, Brilliant and swift, have been effused. and 2 and 3 to the Prisms or Ajas. The metre is Jagati.

622By rivers and by sheep : by the purifying wallers and the woollen filter.

623As Pavam&na thou flowest : o>*„ ‘Thou flowest, being purified.* The ltigvcda has arshati instead of arshasi : — ‘ In forefront of the rivers Pavam&na flows.’ Thou goest : the Rigveda has gaehehhati , ‘ho goes.’ In the *second line the verbs in the Rigvcda arc in the third person, and instead of Soma sdyase , ‘ Soma, thou art pressed out,’ the reading is pHyate vrishd , * the steer is purified.* Rigveda IX. 64. 4 — 6. The Rishi is Kasyapa. The metre is Gayatrl. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. v. ii. 5. 6. 188 THE HYMNS OF [PART II

624They, beautified by holy men and purified in both the hands, Are flowing through the fleecy cloth.

625These Soma juices shall pour forth all treasures for the worshipper, From heaven and earth and firmament. III. Soma Puvamana. Flow, Soma, Indu, dear to Gods, swift through the purifying sieve, And enter Indra in thy strength !

626As mighty food speed hitherward, Indu, as *a most splendid steer : * Sit in thy place as one with power !

627The well-loved meath was made to flow, the stream of the creative juice : The Sage dcew waters to himself.

628The mighty waters, yea, the floods accompany thee mighty one, When thou wilt clothe thee with the milk.

629The lake is brightened in the floods^ Soma, our friend, heaven’s prop and stay, Falls on the purifying cloth.

630The tawny Bull hath bellowed, fair as mighty Mitra to behold : He gleams and flashes with the Sun. of I. vi. i. 2. 1.

631Creative: vedhasah: or, sapient. The Sage: Soma. Waters: with which the stalks of the plant are sprinkled and washed.

632Songs, Indra, active in their might, are beautified for thee, wherewith Thou deckest thee for rapturous joy.

CHAPTER I.

633Light-winner, Rishi-minded, Rishi-maker, hymned in a thousand hymns, leader of sages, Eager to gain his third form, mighty, Soma is, *like Viraj, resplendent as a singer.

634Hawk seated in the press, bird wide-extended, the banner seeking kine and ‘wielding weapons, Uniting with the sea, the wave of waters, the mighty tells his fourth form and declares it. Trishtup.

635The Maruts : meaning, perhaps, the priosfs.

636Laid in the press and flowing pure to V&yu and the Asvins, may These give us great heroic strength.

637Soma, as thou art purified, incite to bounty Indra’s heart, To seat him in the shrine of Gods !

638The ten swift fingers deck thee forth, seven ministers impel thee on : The sages have rejoiced in thee.

639When through the filter thou art poured we clothe thee with a robe of milk To be a rapturous feast for Gods.

640When purified within the jars, Soma bright-red and golden-hued Hath veiled him in a milky dress.

641Flow onward to ou* wealthy lords. Drive all our enemies away : O Indu, pass into thy friend !

642May we obtain thee, Indra’s drink, who viewesfc men and findest light, Gaiu thee and progeny and food !

643Send down the rain from heaven and make splendour upon the earth! Give us, 0 Soma, victory in war ! is Gayatri.

644Of Godt : the Rigvela has ritasya , ‘of Law’ or ‘sacrifice/ instead of devdndrn.

645Thy friend: Indra.

CHAPTER II.

646Soma, the mighty,' when, the waters’ offspring, he chose the Gods, performed that great achievement. He, Pavam&na, granted strength to Indra : he, Indu, generated strength in Sflrya.

647The cave of Vala : Vala is the brother of Vritra, or Vritra him self, who stole the cows of the Gods and hid them in a cave, that is, kept the waters imprisoped in dark clouds. The Gods: meaning, apparently, the Maruts, as they ^ilone assisted Indra in his battle. differently : — ‘ The Gods, who were beaten away from him who felt no fear [that is, from Vala], encouraged him.’ Rigveda IX. 97. 40— 42. The Rishi is Parasara. The metre is Gayatri. Stanza I is a repetition of I. vi. i. 4. 7, and stanza 3 of I. vi. i. 5. 10.

648As they cleanse thee : while thou art purified by the priests. v. ii. 2.] THE SAMAVEDA. II. Soma Pavamfina. Here present this immortal God flies, like a bird upon her wings, To settle in the vats of wood. •

649Praised by the sacred bards, this God dives into waters, and bestows Rich gifts upon the worshipper.

650He, like a* warrior going forth with heroes, as he flows along Is fain to win all precious boons.

651This God as he is flowing on speeds like a car and gives; his aid : He lets his voice be heard of all.

652This God, while flowing, is adorned, •gold-coloured, for the spoil, by men Devout and skilled in holy songs.

653This God, made ready with the hymn runs swiftly through the winding ways, Inviolable as he flows.

654Away he rushes with his stream, across the regions, into heaven, And roars as he is flowing on.

655While flowing, meet for sacrifice, he hath gone up to heaven, across The regions, never overthrown.

656Vats of wood ; drondni : largo r^oodcn vessels, tubs or troughs, which receive the Soma juice.

657Dives into waters : .Vailed vasattvaryah, with which the stalks of the Soma plant are sprinkled.

658Gives his aid : disasyati : or the meaning may be, as Professor Ludwig suggests, 1 takes his direction.’ The Rigvcda has dasasyati,

659This Lord of many holy laws, even at his birth engendering strength, Effused, flows onward in a stream. III. Soma Pavam&na. Through the fine fingers, with the song, this hero comes with rapid cars, Going to Indra’s settled place. £ In holy thought he ponders much for the great service of the Gods, Where the immortals have their seat.

CHAPTER I.

660O Sage, Tanfinap&t, present our sacrifice to Gods to-day, Sweet to the taste, that they may help,!

661Dear Nar^saiisa, sweet of tongue, presenter of oblations, I Invoke to this our sacrifice.

662TanUnapdt : Son of Thyself ; a frequently occurring name of Agni, so called because fire is sometimes self*genehited, as in the light- ning, or produced by attrition, and not necessarily derived from other fire. Other fanciful explanations of ^he word are given. That they, may help : 4taye : the Rigveda has viUtye , ‘ to be their feast.’

663Nardsahsa : Desire,, or Praise, of Men ; one of Agni’s mystical names.

664Manus-appointed: manurhitah : Manus or Mann is the Man par excellence , or the representative man and father of the human race, regarded as the ffrst institutor of sacrifices and religious ceremonies. [PART II. II, Adityns. So when the Sun hath risen to-day may sinless Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga* and Savitar send us forth ! <

665May this our home bo guarded well : forward, ye bounteous, on the way. Who bear us safely o’er distress !

666Yea, Aditi, and those great Kings whose statute is inviolate, Are sovrans of a vast domain. III. India. Let Soma juices make thee glad ! Display thy bounty, Thunderer : Drive off ‘the enemies of prayer !

667Crush with thy foot the niggard churls who bring no gifts ! jnighty art thou : There is not one to equal thee. "3 Thou art the Lord of Somas pressed, Somas un- pressed are also thine : Thou art the Sovran of the folk.

668Sinless: or andgd (h) may stand for andt/usoh, the accusative plural : — ‘ may Savitar, Mitra, Aryaman, And Bhaga send us sinless forth.’ Savitar: the Sun as the great vivifier or generator. Send us forth : snvdti: the root is su, from which Savitar also is formed. mother Aditi.’— Stevenson. Cha, and, is understood. ‘ A very fre- quent expression is that of adityah aditih without any copula, to signify the Adityas and Aditi.’-*M. Muller, Vedic Hymns, , I. p. 244. ltigvcda VI I r. 53. 1—3. The Rishi is frag&tha. The metre is Oavatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. iii. i. 1. 1.

669Unpressed: in the natural state of the juices in the stalks of the plant. Or, as Professor Ludwig suggests, the Soma juices which Indra drinks in l.eaven may possibly be meant. vi. i. 5.] IV. Soma Pavamana. True object of our hymns, Sage, watchful Soma hath settled in the press as they refine him. Him th£ Adhvaryus, paired and eager, follow, leaders of sacrifice and skilful-handed.

670He, purified and bringing gifts to Stira, hath filled full hcave/i and earth, and hath disclosed them. He by whose dear help heroes gain their wishes will yield the precious meed as to a victor.

671He, being cleansed, the strengthener and increaser, bountiful Soma helped us with his lustre, Wherein our sires of old who knew the footsteps found light and sought the kine within the mountain. V. India. Q • Glorify naught besides, 0 friends ; so shall no sor- row trouble you ! Praise only mighty Indra when the juice is shed, and say your lauds repeatedly.! (layatri.

672Footsteps: or, traces, of the cows^that had been carried off and imprisoned by the Panis, the rays of light which the fiends of darkness had stolen and hidden in ihe mountain or massy cloud. Cf. Rigveda I. 62. 2- 5. in stanza 1, which is a repetition of I. iii. i. 5. 10, and Satobrihati in stanza 2. 244 THE HYMNS OF [PART 1L

CHAPTER II.

673Who from of old, in carnage, when the folk were gathered, hath preserved His household for the worshipper.

674May that most blissful Agn't guard our wealth and all our family, And keep us safe from pain and grief! who is also said to he tin) Rishi. The metre is G&yatri.

675This spotted Bull : Surya or the Sun. The mother : the earth..

676This difficult stanza is variously interpreted. ‘ Its rays move within man, mid from the higher vital air extract and carry down the lower vital air, and the same mighty god enlightens the firmament/ — Stevenson. %

677The Bird: the Sun. II is morning song, representing prayer, is supreme through all .the divisions of the world, or the thirty days of the month. * Stanzas 1, 2, 4 arc taken from Rigveda T. 74. 1 — 3, ascribed to, Gotama, and stanza 3 from Rigveda VII. 1 5. 3, ascribed to Vasishtha. The metre is Oayatri. 248 THE HYMNS OF [PART II,

678Yea, let men say, Agni is born, even he who slayeth Vritra, he Who winneth wealth in every fight! II* Agni. Harness, 0 -Agni, 0 thou God, thy steeds which are most excellent ! The fleet ones bring thee rapidly.

679Come hither, bring the Gods to us to taste the sacrificial feast, To drink the draught of Soma juice ! ? 0 Agni of the Bbaratas, flame splendid with un- fading might : Shine forth and gleam, eternal one ! % hi. Soma Pavam&na. , Let him, as mortal, crave this speech for him who presses, of the juice! As Bhrigu’s sons chased Makha, so drive ye the niggard hound away.

680The kinsman hath endued his robe even as a son is clasped in arms. . He went, as lover to a dame, to take his station suitor-like. The metre is Gayatri.

681The kinsman ; the kinsman of the Gods ; Soma. His robe : the milk which is mixed with the Soma juice. vi. ii. .5 j THE SlMAVEDA . 2i9

682That hero who produces strength, he who hath propped both worlds apart, Gold-hued, hath wrapped him in the sieve to settle, priesfr-like, in his place. IV . Indra. Still, Indra, from all ancient time rivalless ever and companiotiless art thou : Thou seekest friendship but in war.

683Thou findest not the wealthy man to be thy friend : those scorn thee who are flown with wine. What time thou thunderest and gatherest, then thou, even as a father, art invoked. V. Indra. A thousand and a hundred steeds, are harnessed to thy golden car : Yoked by devotion, Indra, let the long-maned bays bring thee to drink the Soma juice !

684Yoked to thy chariot wrought of gold, may thy two bays with peacock tails. Convey thee hither, steeds with their white backs, to quaff sweet juice that makes us eloquent ! stanza 1, which is a repetition from I. v. i!*2. 1, is Kakup, and of stanza 2 Satobrihati.

685Gatherest: the clouds together.' M. Muller. ‘When thou but utterest the inarticulate sound of approbation, then thou bringest (thy wealth) along with thee', and we welcome thee with invitations as we would (the manes of) a father.’ — Stevenson. tithi. The metro is Brihati. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. iii. ii. 1. 3. 2i>0 THE I1YMNS OF [PART IT.

686So drink, thou lover of the song, as the first drinker, of this juice. This the outpouring of the savoury sap prepared is good and meet to gladden thee. VI. Soma Pavatft&na. Press ye and pour him, like a steed, laud-worthy, speeding through the region and the flood. Who swims iu water, dwells in wood f,

CHAPTER III.

687Flow onward with that stream.of thine, whereby the cows have eome to us, The kine of strangers to our home.

688Dearest to Gods in sacred rites, pour on us fatness with thy stream, Pour down on us a flood of rain ! Rigveda I. 175. 1 — 3. The Rislii is Agastya. The metro is Skandhogrivi (8 + 12 + 8 + 8) in stanzas 1, and Anushtup in 2 and 3.

689Thy glory hath been quaffed : thou hast drunk what incites thee to glorious deeds, the Sonia juiee contained in the bowl.

690Wholesome : ayakshmd ; literally, without yakshma, or pulmonary consumption. ' 258 THE HYMNS OF [PART II.

691To give us vigour, with thy stream run through the fleecy straining-cloth ! For verily the Gods will hear.

692Onward hath Pavam&na flowed and beaten off the R&kshasas, 0 Flashing out splendour as of old. IL ' Indra. Bring forth oblations to the God who knoweth all, who fain would drink, The wanderer, lagging not behind the hero, coming nigh with speed !

693With Somas go ye nigh to him chief drinker of the Soma’s'juice : With beakers to the impetuous God, to Indra with the flowing drops!

694What time with Somas, with the drops effused, ye come before the God, Full wise, he knows the hope of each, and, bold one, strikes this foe and that.

695To him, Adhvaryu ! yea, to him give offerings of the juice expressed ! Will he not keep us safely from the spiteful curse of each presumptuous high-bolm foe ?

696Flashing out splendour as of old : or, Making lights shine as erst they shone. Brihati in stanza 4, and Anush tup in 1 — 3.

697Keep us safely : the Rigveda has avasparat for avasvarat . vi. Hi. 4.] THE SlM AV EDA. III. Soma Pavamana. Sing ye a song to Soma brown of hue, of independ- ent might, The R,e(^ who reaches up to heaven !

698Purify Soma when effused with stones which hands move rapidly, And pour the sweet milk in the meath !

699With humble homage draw ye nigh; blend the liba- tion with the curds : To Indra offer Indu up !

CHAPTER I.

700Hither have his bay steeds been sent, red steeds are on the sacred grass Where* we in concert sing our songs.

701For Indra, thunder-armed, the kine have yielded mingled milk and meath, What time he found them in the vault. II. Indra. Draw near unto our Indra who must be invoked in every fight! Come, thou most mighty Vritra-slayer, meet for praise, come to libations and to hymns.

702Thou 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. (jrayatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. ii. ii. 3. 4.

703Lordly in tfnnc act ; or, giving lordly powers. [PART II. III. Soma Pavam&na. They have drained forth from out the great depth of the sky the old divine primeval milk that claims the Jaud : , They lifted up their voice to Indra at his birth. .

704Then, beautifully radiant, certain heavenly ones pro- claimed their kinship with him as they looked thereon : t Savitar opens, as it were, the fold of heaven.

705And now that thou, 0 Pavam&na, art above this earth and heaven and all existence in thy might, Thou shinest like a bull supreme among the herd. IV. # Agni. 0 Agni, graciously announce this our good fortune to the Gods, And this our newest hymn of praise! i Thou dealest gifts, resplendent one ! nigh, as with wave of Sindhu, thou Swift streamest to the worshipper.

706Give us a share of wealth most high, a share of wealth most near1 to us, A share of wealth that is between.

707They : tho men of old, primeval patriarchs and priests.

708Shinest : vi rdjasi : the Rigveda has vi tishthase , 1 standest.’ Rigveda I. 27. 4, 6, 5. The Rishi is Sunahse'pa. The metre is Gayatri.

709Sindhu : the Indus ; or the word may stand for any river, and the expression mean, ‘ in great abundance.’

710Wealth of all kinds is prayed for, celestial, terrestrial, and that of mid-air in the shape of rain. vii. i. 6.] THE SlMAVEDA. V. Indra. I from my Father have obtained deep knowledge of eternal Law : I was born like unto the Sun.

711After the ancient manner I, like Kanva, beautify my songs, And Indra’s self gains power thereby.

712Whatever IJishis have not praised thee, Indra, or have praised thee, wax Mighty indeed when praised by me ! VI. Agni. Agni, produced by strength, do thou with all thy fires accept our prayer : With those that are with Gods, with those that are with men exalt our songs !

CHAPTER II.

713The. socket: kham: aa aperture, a cavity. The word means also, heaven. wheel. According to the Commentators the word means also, a thun- derbolt. Benfey translates : — ^feuchte die Luft und wirf den Blitz/ moisten the air and cast the lightning. The Rigvcda has panim in- stead of pavim : — ‘ Balm heaven and drive t}io Pani (or niggard) hence.’ RigvedaVlII. 44. 1 6, 18, 17. ThoRishi is Virupa. The metre is Gayatri.

714Honours thee with sacrifice : d&svaclharah : oi\ pays thee fruitful sacrifice! ‘For who else can acceptably oiler thee sacrifice?’ — Stevenson. vii. ii. 3.] THE 8 AM AY EDA. 27.7.

715The kinsman, Agni! of mankind, their well-belovbd friend art thou, A friend whom friends may supplicate.

716Bring Mitra, Yaruna, bring the Gods hither to our • great sacrifice : Bring them, O Agni, to thine home ! Agni. Meet to be worshipped and implored, showing in beauty through the gloom, Agni, the strong, is kindled well.

717Strong Agni is enkindled well, even as the horse that brings the Gods: ’ Men with oblations pray to him.

718We will enkindle thee, the strong, we*, hero ! who are strong ourselves, Thee, Agni, shining mightily. !!!• Agni. Thy mighty flames, O Agni, when thou art en- kindled, rise on high, Thy bright flames, thou refulgent one !

719Beloved! let my ladles full of ’sacred oil come ni^h to thee : * a Agni, accept our offerings !

720I pray to Agni — may he hear!— the Hotar with sweet tones, the Priest Wondrously splendid, rich in light. Gayatri.

721The strong : vrishd : the word originally meant the male, whether applied to men or other animals ; then, specially, a bull or a stallion &e., and afterwards, generally, manly, strong, heroic. Professors Lud- wig and Grassmann translate the word in all three stanzas by Stier, hull. ‘Agni, the bull, is kindled well. We will enkindle thee, the hull, we who are bulls ourselves, 0 bull/ Kigveda VIII. 44. 4-6. The Kishi is Virupa. The metre is Gayatri [PART IP IV. Agnj. Agni, protect thou us with one, protect us by the second song, Protect us by three hymns, O Lord o£ power and might, bright God, by four hymns guard us w6ll !

722Preserve us from each demon who bestows no gift, in battles succour us and save ! For we obtain in thee the nearest friend of all, for the Gods’ service and our weal. V. Agni. r O King, the potent and terrific envoy, kindled for strength, is manifest in beauty. He shines, observant, with his lofty splendour ; chasing black night he comes with wliite-rayed morning. £ Having o’ei«pome the glimmering Black with beauty, and bringing forth the Dame, the great Sire’s daughter, Holding aloft the radiant lights of Sfirya, as mes- senger of heaven, he shines with treasures.

723Attendant on the ‘blessed Dame the blessed hath come : the lover followeth his sister. Agni, far-spreading with conspicuous lustre, hath covered night with whitely-sliining garments. gatha. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. i. i. 4. 2. follows. Professor Ludwig takes rdjan here as the nominative ease. as an instrumental case for rusatydm.

724The glimmering Black : dark night, faintly lighted by stars. The great Sire's daughter : Ushas or Dawn, daughter of Dyaus or Heaven.

725The blessed Dame : Dawn. The blessed : Agni. t 'The lover : Agni, who appears immediately after Dawn, vii. ii. 8.] THE SAMA VEDA . VI. Agni. What is the4" praise wherewith, O God, Angiras, Agni, Son of Strength, We, after thine own wish and thought, 2 !May serve thee, 0 thou Child of Power, and with what sacrifice’s plan ? What reverent word shall I speak here ?

726So then do Ihou prepare for us all happy habitations and Reward our songs with spoil and wealth ! VII. Agfii. Aotti, come hither with thy fires ; we choose thee as our Hotar ; let The proffered ladle filled with offerings balm thee, best of priests, to sit on sacred grass !

727For unto thee, O Angiras, O Son of Strength, move ladles in the sacrifice. We pray to Agni, Child of Force, whose locks drop oil, foremost in sacrificial rites. VIII. # § Agni. Let our songs come anear to him beauteous and bright with piercing flame, Our sacrifices with our homage unto him much-laud- ed, very rich, for help : Rigveda Vfll. 73. 4 — 6. The Rishi is l* Sana KAvya. The metre is Gayatri. ^ Rigveda VIII. 49. 1, 2. The Rishi is Bharga. The metre is Pragatha.

CHAPTER III.

728Indra, »at sacrifice, increased his manly strength, in the wild rapture of this juice : And living men to-day, even as of c/ld, sing forth their praises to his majesty. II. Indra- Agni. Indra and Agni! singers skilled in melody, with lauds, hymn you : I choose you both to bring me food.

729Or, a comma being substituted for the fifll stop at the end of the preceding stanza, and padam (station) being taken as in apposition to pa dam (place) in stanza 2 : — The station of the bounteous : he hath, with unconquerable aids, A pleasant aspect like the Sun. hat-i in stanza 2.

730At sacrifice : vislinavi : or, in tli? Soma draught. Benfey, follow- ing Say ana, takes vislinavi as an adjective, ‘ penetrating/ and applies it to made : — ‘In dieses 'Safts durchdr ingen dem Rausch.’ Rigveda III. 12. 5 — 8. The Rishi is Visvamitra. The metre is Gayatr?.

731Indra and Agni : or, 0 Indra-Agni. The two Gods are addressed conjointly in a dual compound, ImlrAgni, as a double deity. 284 THE HYMNS OF [PART If .

732Indra and Agni ! yc shook down, together, with one mighty dped, The ninety forts which D&sas held.

733To Inc^ra and to Agni prayers go forwarct from the holy task Along the path of sacred Law.

734Indra and Agni, powers are yours, yours are obla- tions and abodes : Good is your zealous energy. III. Indra. Indra, with all thy saving helps assist us, Lord of power and might ! , For after thee we follow even as glorious bliss1, thee, hero, finder-out of wealth !

735Increaser of our steeds and multiplying kine, a golden well, O God, art thou, # For no ond may impair the gift laid up in thee. Bring me whatever thing I ask! IV. India. For thou — come to* the worshipper ! — wilt find great wealth to make us rich. Fill thyself full; O Maghavan, for gain of kine, full, Indra, for the gain of steeds !

736Thou as thy gift bestowest many hundred herds, yea, many thousands dost thou give. With singers’ hymns have we brought the fort- render near*. singing to Indra for his grace.

737Ninety forts : the countless tstrongholds of the barbarians or non- Aryan inhabitants of the country.

738The holy task : sacrifice. gatha. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. iii. ii. 2. 1. gatha. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. iii. i. 5. 8. vii. iii. 7.] TIIE SJMAVEDA. V. Agni. To him who dealeth out all wealth, the sweet-toned Hotar-priest of men, •To him, like the first vessels filled with savoury juice, to Agni let the lauds go forth !

739Votaries, bounteous givers, deck him with their songs, ewen as the steed who draws the car. To both, strong Lord of men ! to kith and kin convey the bounties of our wealthy lords ! , VI. Varuna. Hear this my call, 0 Varuna, and show thy gracious love to-day : Desiring help I long for thee ! VII. Indra. O hero, with what aid dost thou delight us, with what succour bring Riches to those whe worship jfcllce ? in stanza 1, which is a repetition of I. i. i. 4. 10, and Satobrihati in stanza 2.

740With might hath Indra spread out heaven and earth, with power hath Indra lighted up the Sun. In Indra are all creatures closely held ; in him meet the distilling Soma-drops. IX. •Visvakarman. Bring, Visvakarman ! strengthened by oblation, thy- self, thy body — ’tis thine own — for worship ! * Let other men around us live in folly : here let us have a ricii and liberal patron ! Brihati in stanza 1, and Satobrihati in 2.

CHAPTER I.

741WJiate'er, in this perpetual course, we sacrifice to God and God, That gift is offered but in thee.

742May he be our belovtkl King and excellent sweet- toned Hotar : may We with bright fires be dear to him! II. India, For you from every side we call Indra away from other men : Ours, and none others’, may he be !

743Unclose, our manly hero! thou for ever bounteous, yonder cloud' For us, thou irresistible ! ,

744As the strong bull leads on the herds, he stirs the people with his might,. The ruler irresistible. is Gayatri. [PART II. III. Agni. Wonderful, with thy saving help, send us thy boun- ties,. gracious Lord ! Thou art the charioteer, Agni, of earthly wealth : find rest and safety for our seed !

745Prosper our kith and kin with thy protecting powers inviolate, never negligent ! Keep far from us, O Agni, all celestial wrath, and wickedness of godless men ! IV*. Vishnu. What, Vishnu, is the name that thou proclaimest when tl>ou declaredst, I am Sipivishta ? Hide not this form from us, nor keep it secret, since thou didst wear another shape in battle.

746This offering to-day, O Sipivishta, I, skilled in rules, extol, to thee the noble. Yea, I, the poor and weak, praise thee, the mighty, who dwellest in tjie realm beyond this region. Trishtup.

747This offering : the Rigveda has 1 this name.* This region : of air. viii. i. 6.] THE SAMA VEDA.

748O Vishnu, unto thee my lips cry Vashat ! Let, this mine offering, Sipivishta, please th£e ! May these my songs of eulogy exalt thee ! Do ye preserve us evermore with blessings ! * V. Vayu. Indra and Vayu# Vayu, the bright is offered thee, best of the meath, at morning rites. Come thou to drink the Soma juice, God, longed-for on thy team-drawn car ! 2 0 V&yu, thou and Indra are meet drinkers of these Soma draughts, For unto you the drops proceed like waters gather- ing to the vale.

749Vayu and Indra, mighty twain, borne oh one chariot, Lords of strength, Come to our succour with your steeds, that ye nwy drink the Soma juice ! VI. Sonia Pavamana. Then thou, made beautiful by night, enterest into mighty deeds, When prayers impel the golden-ljued to hasten from Vivasvan’s place.

750Vashat : an exclamation- meaning, probably, may lie (Agni) bear it (to the Gods)!— used at the moment of pouring the sacrificial oil or clarified butter on the fire. Ye : Gods. The concluding Mda or half-line is common to many of the hymns ascribed to \ asishtha and his family.

751The bright : juice, understood. - Rigveda IX. 99. 2—4 The Rishis are the two Rcbhasunus, of the family of Kasyapa. The metre is Anushtup.

752Wo cleanse this gladdening drink of his, the juice ,\vhich Iftdra chiefly drinks, That which kine took into their mouths, of old, and . • • princes take it now. ,

753They with the ancient psalm have sung to him as he is purified, And sacred songs which bear the rnames of Gods have supplicated him. VII. Agni. With homage will I reverence thee, Agni, like a long-tailed steed, Imperial Lord of holjr rites.

CHAPTER II.

754The two strong bay steeds, yoked by#praycr, hither shall bring to us our friend, Indra, song-lover, through our songs.

755The Vritra-slayer drinks the juice. May he who gives a hundred aids Approach, nor stay afar from us ! II. Indra. Let the drocps pass within thee as the rivers Aoav into the sea ! O Indra, naught excelleth tliee.

756Thou, wakeful hero., by thy might hast taken food of Soma juice, Which, Indra, i's within thee now.

757O Indra, Vritra-slayer, let Soma be ready for thy maw. The drops be ready for thy forms ! medhas. The metre is Gayatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. ii. i. 3. 9.

758Indra : instead of indram tfae Rigveda has srutam , ‘renowned,’ Rigveda VIII. 81. 22 — 24. The Rishi is* Srutaksha or Sukaksha.

759Thy forms : thy various bodies or splendours, that is, the Gods who abide in thee, according to Say ana’s explanation. Or the meaning may be, thy troops or bands, especially the Maruts. viii. ii. 4.] THE S Am A VEDA. HI* Inclra. Help, thou who knowest lauds, this«work, a loVely hymn in Rudra’s praise, Adorable in every house ! 2 *May this our God, great, limitless, smoke-bannered, excellently bright, Urge us to holy thought and wealth ! S Like some ?ich lord of men, may he, Agni, the ban- ner of the Gods, Refulgent, hear us through our lauds ! IV • Indra. Sing this, beside the flowing juice, to him, your hero, ^ much invoked, To please him as a mighty Rull !

760He, excellent, withholdeth not his bounteous gift of wealth in kine When he hath listened to our songs.

761May he with might unclose for us the cows’ stall, whosesoe’er it be, To which the Dasyu-slayer go#es ! ►Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. i. i. 2. 5.

762The banner of the Gods : who, like a banner, brings the Clods together; or, the herald of the Gods, he who notifies to them, as Sayan a explains. Stanza 1 is a repetition of L ii. i. 3. 1.

763Vishnu, the guardian, he whom none deceiveth, Made three steps, thenceforth Establishing his high decrees.

764Look ye on Vishnu's works whereby the friend of Indra, close-allied, Hath let his holy ways be seen !

765The princes evermore behold that loftiest place of Vishnu, like An eye extended through the heavens.

766This, Vishnu's station most sublime, the sages, ever- vigilant, Lovers of holy song, light up. G May the (rods help and favour us out of the place whence Vishnu strode Over the back and ridge of earth. * r VI. India. Let none, no, jiot' thy worshippers, delay thee far away from us ! Even from far away come thou unto our feast, or listen if already here ! lligveda L. 22. 17 — 21, 1G. The Rishi is Medhatithi. The metre is Gayatrt. Stanza t is a repetition of I. iii. i. 3. 9.

767The princes : the Suris, lords, the wealthy institutors of sacrifice.

CHAPTER III.

768I invocate the Child of Strength, Agni whose glow is bright and pijre, In this well-ordered sacrifice.

769So, Agni, rich'in many friends, with fiery splendour seat thyself With Gods upon our sacred grass !

770Love: kdmah: desire and hope. In his beloved forms : according to Say ana, dhdmasu here — sthd^xeshu^ in places or abodes, that is, in the three worlds.

771Way: janmand : the Rigveda has manmand , ‘with the ancient hymn.*

772Rich in many fiends: mitramahas : ‘ thou who hast Mitras splendour.’— Ludwig. viii. iii. 3.] THE SAMAVEDA. II. Soma Pavamaim. O thou with stones for arms, thy power's, rending the fiends, have raised themselves : Drive off the foes who compass us !

773Hence conquering with might when car meets car, and when the prize is staked, With fearless heart will I sing praise.

774None, evil-minded, may assail this Pavamstna’s Iioly laws : Crush him who fain would fight with thee !

775For Indra, to the streams they urge the tawny rap- ture-dropping steed, Indu, the bringer of delight. III. Indra. Come hither, Indra, with bay steeds, joyous, with tails like peacocks' plumes t Let no men check thy course as fowlers stay the bird : pass o'er them as o'er desert lands !

776Vritra’s devourer, he who bujrst the cloud, brake forts, and dravo the floods, Indra, who mounts his chariot at his bay steeds' cry, shatters e'en things that stand most firm.

777With stones for arms : adrivah : generally an "appellative of Indra, slinger or wicldcr of the stone or thunderbolt ; here, according to Sayan a, meaning grdvavan soma> ‘0 Soma, posifesscdof/ that is, ‘expressed by, the stones.*

778When car meets car:, in battle. When the prize is staked: in tlio chariot-race, or in battle.

779To the streams : into the Vasativari waters. Brihati. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. iii. ii. I. 4. [PART //.

780Like pools of water deep and full, like kine thou cherishest thy might ; Like the milch-cows that go well-guarded to the mead, like water-brooks that reach the lake. IV. Indra. Even as the wild-bull, when he thirsts, goes to the desert’s watery pool, Come hither quickly both at morning and at eve, and with the Kanvas drink thy fill !

781May the drops gladden thee, Lord Indra, and obtain bounty for him who pours the juice ! Soma, shed in the press, thou stolest and 'didst drink, and hence hast won surpassing might. V. Indra. Thou as a God, O migntiest, verily blessest mortal man. O Maghavan, there is no comforter but thou : Indra. I speak my words to thee.

CHAPTER I.

782The singers praise him with their song, and learned priests adorn the steed Born as the light that merits laud.

783These things thou winnest quickly, while men cleanse thee, Soma, nobly rich ! O meet for praise, fill full the sea! II. India. This Brahman, comer at due time, named Indra, is renowned and praised.

784To thee alone, O Lord of Strength, go, as it were, all songs of praise.

785Like streams of water on their way, let bounties, Indra, flow from thee!

786Of power : the Itigveda lias, ‘ with povier.* Waits upon the Gods: or, decorates.

787The steed : the swiftly -flowing Soma.

788These things : the blessings for which the Rishi prays in the following verses of the original hymn. 0 meet for jiraise : the Rigvedn has ukthyam agreeing with samudram, the sea, that is the Soma vat or reservoir, ‘ that claims our praise.* Those lines are not taken from the Itigveda. Each consists of two Padas, or oqe line, of Gayatri. Stanza 1 is a repetition of I. v. ii. 1. 2, and stanza 3 of 1. v. ii. 2. 7, THE I1YMNS OF [PART II. HI- Indra. 3?ven as a car to give us aid, we draw thee nigh to favour us, Strong* in thy deeds, quelling attack, Indfra, Lord, mightiest! of the brave. *

789Great in thy power and wisdom, strong, with thought that comprehendeth all! Wide hast thou spread in majesty.

790Thou very mighty one, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness wield The golden bolt that breaks its way ! IV. ^ Agni. He who hath lighted up the joyous castle, wise courser Kke the steed of cloudy heaven, Bright like the Sun with hundredfold existence : 2« He, doubly bprn, hath spread in his effulgence through the three luminous realms, through all the regions, Best sacrificing Priest where waters gather.

791Priest doubly born, ‘lie through his love of glory hath in his keepir\g all things worth the choosing. The man who brings him gifts hath noble offspring. in stanzas 2 and 3.

792Wide hast thou spread : or, Thou hast filled full (the universe).

793The joyous castle: puram ndr minim : or, the castle Narminl. Ac- cording to S&yana, the northern altar, or the ground where the sacrificial 'assembly is held, is intended; but this is only a conjectural explanation.

794Doubly born: from the fire-drill and again* at consecration. Three luminous realms : tri rochandni : the bright sky, which is spoken of as threefold. Where waters gather : according to Salyana, in the place of sacrifice where water is collected for ceremonial purposes. But the reference is probably to Agni’s appearance, in the form of lightning, in the watery clouds of heaven. ix. i. 7.] THE SAM A VEDA. V. Agni. Agni, with hymns may we now accomplish that which thou lovest, Strength, like a horse, auspicious, with service !

795For, Agni, thou art now the promoter of strength auspicious, Lofty sacrifice, power effective.

796Through those our praises, come thou to meet us> bright as the sunlight, Agni, kindly with all thy faces! VI. Agifi. Immortal Jata vedas, thou bright-hued refulgent gift of Dawn, Agni, this day to him who pays oblatioils bring the Gods who waken with the morn !

CHAPTER II.

797With brilliant, purifying sheen,’ with perfect sheen thou liftest up thyself in light. Thou, visiting both thy mothers, aidest them as son: thou joinest close the earth and heaven.

798Angirasas: a semi-divine priestly family,’ the typical first sacri- ficers, whose ritual is the pattern which later priests must follow.

799Demon foes: Dmhs, or evil am! hostile spirits. From the skilled archer flinches not : not even a strong man armed with his conquering bow can turn him from his course. Uparishtajjyotifjll in 5; and Trishtup in 6.

800Doth thy mothers: heaven and earth. Joinest close : or, * satisfiest J 328 THE HYMNS OF [PART IL

801O J&ta vedas, Son of Strength, rejoice thyself, gra- cious, in aur fair hymns and songs! In thee have they heaped viands various, many- formed ; wealth-born, of wondrous help are they.

802Agni, spread forth, as ruler, over living things : give wealth to us, immortal God ! Thou shinest out from beauty fair to look upon : thou leadest us to beauteous power. r

803I laud the Sage, who orders sacrifice, who hath great riches under his control. Thou givest blest award of good, and plenteous food, thou givest wealth that wins success.

804The men have set before them, for his favour, Agni, strong, visible to all, the holy. Thee, Lord divine, with ears to hear, most famous, mens' generations magnify with praise-songs. II. Agni. Agni, he conquers by thine aid that brings him store of valiant sons and does great deeds, Whose bond of friendship is thy choice.

805Thy spark is black. and crackling; kindled in due time, O bounteous, it is taken up. Thou art the dear friend of the mighty Mornings : thou shinest in glimmerings of the night.

806I laud: or, We praise: not in the text, but apparently necessary to complete the sentence. * Such ellipses are occasionally found in the Veda. hati in stanza 2.

807Thy spark is black : the meanings of drapsah and nilavdn here are uncertain, and the translation of the line, which follows Professor Ludwig’s explanation, is somewhat conjectural. Sfcyana’s interpreta- tion is different: — *0 recipient of divine service, the watery, cart- conveved, spring-produced, shining god is offered up to thee.’ — Stevenson. ix. ii. 6.] THE SAMAVEDA. III. Agni. Him, duly coming, as their germ have plants received : this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life. So, in* like manner, do the forest trees and plants bear him within them and produce him evermore. IV. Agni. Agni growg bright for Indra : he shines far resplen- dent in the sky : He sends forth offspring like a queen. V. Ag*u. The safcred hymns love him who wakes and watches : to him who watches come the holy verses. This Soma saith to him who wakes ’and watches, I rest and have my dwelling in thy friendship. VI. Agni. Agni is watchful, and the Richas love him : Agni is watchful, Sama hymns approach him. Agni is watchful, to him saith this Soma. I rest and have my dwelling in thy friendship. Rigveda X. 91. 6. The Kishi is Aruna. The metre is Jagati.

808Agni is produced in the form of lightning by the waters of the firmament, or the clouds, and descends with the rain into plants and trees, from the wood of which he is brought forth as sacrificial fire by attrition.

809According to Say ana the meaning of the second line is, He pro- duces various sorts of food for the enjoyment of the Gods, like a buffalo-cow : mahishi, great or powerful female, meaning both queen- consort and buffalo-cow.

810Holy vetoes : sdmdni : Samas, hymns, or songs of praise.

811Richas : plural of rich , a verse of praise. S30 [PART II. VII. Gods. Praise to the friends who sit in front ! to those seated* together, praise : I use the hundred-footed speech.

CHAPTER III.

812With him loud-roaring, ever watchful, victor, boM, hard to overthrow, rouser of battle, Indra the strong, whose hand bears arrows, conquer, ye heroes, now, now vanquish in the combat!

813He rules with those who ca^ry shafts and quivers, Indra who with his band brings hosts together, Foe-conquering, strong of arm,' the Soma-drinker, with mighty bow, shooting with well-laid arrows.

814The Gandharva : Vena, the rising Sun.

815Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, niightyand fierce, victorious, all-subduing, The Son of Conquest, passing men aiyd heroes, kine- winner, mount thy conquering car, O Indra!

816Cleaver of stalls, kine-winner, armed with thunder, who quells an army and with might destroys it — Follow him, brothers! quit yourselves like heroes, and like this Indra show your zeal and courage ! III. Indra. Brifcaspati. Pi rrcino with conquering strength the cow-stalls, Indra, pitiless hero with unbounded anger, Victor in fight, unshaken and resistless — may he protect our armies in our battles !

817India guide these : 'Brihaspati, and Soma, the guer- don, and the sacrifice precede them ; And let the banded Maruts march in forefront of heavenly hosts that conquer and demolish!

818Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuna, the Maruts, and Adityas! Uplifted is the shout of Gods who conquer, high- minded Gods who cause the worlds to tremble. are the same. #

819Brihaspati : the Lord of Prayer, frequently addressed together with Indra, appears here as a militant deity. - lligveda X. 103. 7 — 9. A continuation of II. The Rishi and metro are the same. the honorarium bestowed upon the priests who pferform the sacrifice before battle \x. iii. 5i] THE SJMAVEDA. IV. India. Maruts. Bristle thou up, O Maghavan, our weapons : e&cite the spirits of my warring heroes ! Urge*on the strong steed's might, O Vrkra-slayer, and let the din of conquering cars go upward !

820May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered : victorious be the arrows of our army1! May our b*ave men of war prevail in battle. Ye Gods, protect us in the shout of onset !

821That army of the foemen, O ye Maruts, which, striving in its mighty strength, approaches. Hide ye and bury it in pathless darkness that not* a 'man of them may know the other ! V. Agha. Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies and depart, O Agh& !% Attack them, set their hearts on fire with sorrows : so let our foes abide in utter darkness !

822Advance, O heroes, win the day. May Indra be your sure defence ! • * Mighty and awful be your’ arms, that none may wound or injure you ! The Rishi and metre are the same.

823A ghd : Sin, personified. The Rigveda has apve, 0 Apva. [PART II.

824Loosed from the bowstring fly away, thou arrow, r sharpened by our prayer ! * Go to the foemen, strike them home, and let not one be le/t alive ! VI. Indra and others. Let ravens and strong-pinioned birds pursue them : yea, let that army be the food of vultures ! Indra, let none escape, no sin-remover : behind them all let following birds be gathered ! w