Plain text of Rig Veda - Book The Tenth · Hymn XLVIII. God the Mighty Speaks
1 I was the first possessor of all precious gear: the wealth of every man I win and gather up.
On me as on a Protector living creatures call; I deal enjoyment to the man who offers gifts.
2 I am the stay and firm support of Atharvan: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon's grasp.
I stripped the wrongdoers of their manly might, and gave the cattle-stalls to my servants.
3 For me hath the Maker forged the iron thunderbolt: in me the angels have centred intellectual power.
My sheen is like the sun's insufferably bright: men honour me as Lord for past and future deeds.
4 I won myself these herds of cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt.
I give full many a thousand to the worshipper, what time the offerings and the lauds have made me glad.
5 I am the Mighty: none ever wins my wealth from me; never at any time am I a thrall to death.
Pressing the offering, ask riches from me alone: ye, Purus, in my friendship shall not suffer harm.
6 These, breathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused the bolt of thunder to be brought to the fray,
The challengers, I struck with deadly weapon down: firm stand what words the Lord speaks to his worshippers.
7 This one by stronger might I conquered singly; yea, also two: shall three prevail against me?
Like many sheaves upon the floor I thrash them. How can my foes revile me?
8 Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him mid the folk like a conquering strength,
When I won glory in the great foe-slaying fight, in battle where Karanja fell, and Parnaya.
9 With food for mine enjoyment Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine.
As I bestowed on him an arrow for the fight I made him worthy of the song and hymn of praise.
10 One of the two hath seen the offering within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other.
He, fain to fight the Bull whose horns were sharpened, stood fettered in the demon's ample region.
11 I never violate my own decree: those who serve me have been formed for auspicious vigour,
Unconquered and invincible for ever.