4 Whom those that flow in heaven on sacred grass, His own assistants, nobly-natured, fill full like the sea, beside that Mighty One when He smote down Vrtra stood His helpers, straight in form, mighty, invincible.

5 To Him, as in wild joy He fought with him who stayed the rain, His helpers sped like swift streams down a slope, when the thunder-armed, made bold, as Trta cleaveth Vala's fences, cleft him through.

6 Splendour encompassed Thee, forth shone Thy warrior might: the rain-obstructer lay in mid-air's lowest deep, what time, O Mighty One, Thou didst cast Thy thunder down upon the jaws of Vrtra hard to be restrained.

7 The hymns which magnify Thee reach to Thee even as water-brooks flow down and fill the lake. The Creator-Craftsman gave yet more force to Thine appropriate strength, and forged Thy thunderbolt of overpowering might.

8 When, O Mighty One, whose power is linked with Thy Bay Steeds, Thou hadst smitten Vrtra, causing floods to flow for man, Thou heldst in Thine arms the metal thunderbolt, and settest in the heaven the Sun for all to see.

9 In fear they raised the lofty self-resplendent hymn, praise giving and effectual, leading up to heaven, when the Mighty One's helpers fighting for the good of men, the angels faithful to mankind, joyed in the light.

10 Then Heaven himself, the mighty, at that Dragon's roar reeled back in terror when, O Mighty One, Thy thunderbolt in the wild joy of strength had struck off with might the head of Vrtra, tyrant of the earth and heaven.

11 O Mighty One, were this earth extended forth tenfold, and men who dwell therein multiplied day by day, still here Thy conquering might, O Bountiful, would be famed: it hath waxed vast as heaven in majesty and power.

12 Thou, bold of heart, in Thine own native might, for help, upon the limit of this mid-air and of heaven, hast made the earth to be the pattern of Thy strength: embracing flood and light Thou reachest to the sky.

13 Thou art the counterpart of earth, the Master of lofty heaven with all its mighty Heroes: Thou hast filled all the region with Thy greatness: yea, of a truth there is none other like Thee.

14 Whose amplitude the heaven and earth have not attained, whose bounds the waters of mid-air have never reached, not, when in joy He fights the stayer of the rain: Thou, and none else, hast made all things in order due.

15 The angels sang Thy praise in this encounter, and in Thee all the powers delighted, what time Thou, O Mighty One, with Thy spiky weapon, Thy deadly bolt, smotest the face of Vrtra.

HYMN LIII. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 We will present fair praise unto the Mighty One, our hymns to the Mighty One in the dwelling-place of the Radiant; for He hath never found wealth in those who seem to sleep: those who give wealth to men accept no paltry praise.

2 Giver of horses, giver of kine, giver of barley, Thou art Lord and guard of wealth: man's helper from of old, not disappointing hope, Friend of our friends, to Thee as such we sing this praise.

3 Most splendid, powerful, rich in mighty deeds, this treasure spread around is known to be Thine own. Gather therefrom, O Conqueror, and bring to us: fail not the hope of him who loves and sings to Thee.

4 Well pleased with these bright flames and with these offerings, take Thou away our poverty with seeds and kine. With the Mighty One scattering the Dasyu, freed from their hate may we obtain abundant food.

5 Let us obtain, O Mighty One, plenteous wealth and food, with strength exceeding glorious, shining to the sky: may we obtain Providence, the strength of heroes, special source of cattle, rich in steeds.

6 These our offerings strength-inspiring gladdened Thee in the fight with Vrtra, Hero Lord, what time Thou slewest for the singer with trimmed grass ten thousand Vrtras, Thou resistless in Thy might.

7 Thou goest on from fight to fight intrepidly, destroying castle after castle here with strength. Thou, O Mighty One, with Thy friend who makes the foe bow down, slewest from far away the guileful Namuci.

8 Thou hast struck down in death Karanja, Parnaya, in Atithigva's very glorious going forth. Unyielding, when Rjisvan compassed them with siege, Thou hast destroyed the hundred forts of Vangrida.

9 With all-outstripping chariot-wheel, O far-famed, Thou hast overthrown the twice ten Kings of men, with sixty thousand nine-and-ninety followers, who came in arms to fight with friendless Susravas.

10 Thou hast protected Susravas with succour, and Turvayana with Thine aid. Thou madest Kutsa, Atithigva, Ayu, subject unto this King, the young, the mighty.

11 May we, protected by God hereafter, remain Thy very prosperous friends, O Mighty One. Thee we extol, enjoying through Thy favour life long and joyful and with store of heroes.

HYMN LIV. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 Urge us not, O Bountiful, to this distressful fight, for none may comprehend the limit of Thy strength. Thou with fierce shout hast made the woods and rivers roar: did not men run in crowds together in their fear?

2 Sing hymns of praise to the Powerful, Lord of power and might; laud thou and magnify the Mighty One who heareth thee; who with His daring might, a Bull exceeding strong in strength, maketh Him master of the heaven and earth.

3 Sing forth to the lofty Heaven's Lord a strength-bestowing song, the Bold, whose resolute mind hath independent sway. High glory hath the Lord, compact of strength, drawn on by two Bay Steeds: a Bull, a Car is He.

4 The ridges of the lofty heaven Thou madest shake; Thou, daring, of Thyself smotest through Sambara, when bold with gladdening juice, Thou warredst with Thy bolt, sharp and two-edged, against the banded sorcerers.

5 When with a roar that fills the woods, Thou forcest down upon the wind's head the stores which Susna kept confined, who shall have power to stay Thee firm and eager-souled from doing still this day what Thou of old hast done?

6 Thou helpest Narya, Turvasa, and Yadu, and Vayya's son Turviti, O Lord of a hundred powers! Thou helpest horse and car in final battle; Thou breakest down the nine-and-ninety castles.

7 A hero-lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free gifts and promotes the Law, who with a bounteous guerdon welcomes hymns of praise: for him flows down the abundant stream below the sky.

8 His power is matchless, matchless is his wisdom; chief, through their work, be some who give, those who increase the lordly power, the firm heroic strength of Thee the Giver.

9 Therefore for Thee are these abundant beakers, stone-pressed juices held in ladles. Quaff them and satisfy therewith Thy longing; then fix Thy mind upon bestowing treasure.

10 There darkness stood, the vault that stayed the waters' flow: in Vrtra's hollow side the rain-cloud lay concealed. But the Mighty One smote the rivers which the obstructer stayed, flood following after flood, down steep declivities.

11 So give us, O Mighty One, bliss-increasing glory, give us great sway and strength that conquers people. Preserve our wealthy patrons, save our princes; vouchsafe us wealth and food with noble offspring.

HYMN LV. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 Though even this heaven's wide space and earth have spread them out, nor heaven nor earth may be in greatness the Mighty One's match. Awful and very mighty, causing woe to men, He whets His thunderbolt for sharpness, as a bull.

2 Like as the watery ocean, so doth He receive the rivers spread on all sides in their ample width. He bears Him like a bull, and will, as Warrior from of old, be praised for might.

3 Thou swayest all kinds of great manly power, so as to bend, as it were, even that famed mountain down. Foremost among the powers is He through hero might, set in the van, the Strong One, for each arduous deed.

4 He only in the wood is praised by worshippers, when He shows forth to men His own fair power. A friendly Bull is He, a Bull to be desired when the Bountiful auspiciously sends forth His voice.

5 Yet verily the Warrior in His vigorous strength stirreth up with His might great battles for mankind; and men have faith in the Resplendent One, what time He hurleth down His bolt, His dart of death.

6 Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, He with great might destroys the dwellings made with art, He makes the lights of heaven shine forth secure, He bids, exceeding wise, the floods flow for His worshipper.

7 Let Thy heart incline to give; bring Thy Bays hitherward, O Thou who hearest praise. Those charioteers of Thine, best skilled to draw the rein, the rapid sunbeams, lead Thee not astray.

8 Thou bearest in both hands treasure that never fails; the famed One holds unvanquished might. O Mighty One, in Thy attributes many powers abide, like wells surrounded by the ministering priests.

HYMN LVI. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 For this man's full offerings held in ladles, He hath roused Him, eager, as a horse to meet the mare. He stays His golden car, yoked with Bay Horses, swift, and accepts the gift which strengthens for great deeds.

2 To Him the guidance-following songs of praise flow full, as those who seek gain go in company to the flood. To Him the Lord of power, the holy assembly's might, as to a hill, with speed, ascend the loving ones.

3 Victorious, great is He; in manly battle shines, unstained with dust, His might, as shines a mountain peak, wherewith the iron One, fierce even against the strong, in rapture, fettered wily Susna fast in bonds.

4 When Strength, made more strong for help by Thee, waits upon the Mighty One as the Sun attends the Dawn, then He who with His might unflinching kills the gloom stirs up the dust aloft, with joy and triumphing.

5 When Thou with might, upon the framework of the heaven, didst fix, across, air's region firmly, unremoved, in the light-winning war, O Mighty One, in rapturous joy, Thou smotest Vrtra dead and broughtest floods of rain.

6 Thou with Thy might didst grasp the holder-up of heaven, Thou who art mighty also in the seats of earth. Thou, gladdened by the juice, hast set the waters free, and broken Vrtra's stony fences through and through.

HYMN LVII. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 To Him most liberal, lofty Lord of lofty wealth, verily powerful and strong, I bring my hymn, whose checkless bounty, as of waters down a slope, is spread abroad for all that live, to give them strength.

2 Now all this world, for worship, shall come after Thee, the giver's offerings like floods to the depth, when the well-loved one seems to rest upon the hill, the thunderbolt of the Mighty One, shatterer wrought of gold.

3 To Him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this rite, whose being, for renown, yea, power and light, have been created, like bay steeds, to move with speed.

4 Thine, O praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in Thy help draw near to Thee. Lover of praise, none else but Thou receives our laud: as earth loves all her creatures, love Thou this our hymn.

5 Great is Thy power, O Mighty One, we are Thine. Fulfil, O Bountiful, the wish of this Thy worshipper. After Thee lofty heaven hath measured out its strength: to Thee and to Thy power this earth hath bowed itself.

6 Thou, who hast thunder for Thy weapon, with Thy bolt hast shattered into pieces this broad massive cloud. Thou hast sent down the obstructed floods that they may flow: Thou hast, Thine own for ever, all victorious might.

HYMN LVIII. God the Radiant

1 Never waxeth faint the Immortal, Son of Strength, since He, the Herald, hath become messenger of the Radiant. On paths most excellent He measured out mid-air: He with offering calls to the service of God.

2 Never decaying, seizing His appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry wood He spreads. His back, as He is sprinkled, glistens like a horse: loud hath He roared and shouted like the heights of heaven.

3 Set high in place over all that the Vasus and Healers do, immortal, Lord of riches, seated as High Priest; hastening like a car to men, to those who live, the God without delay gives boons to be desired.

4 Urged by the wind He spreads through dry wood as He lists, armed with His tongues for sickles, with a mighty roar. Black is Thy path, O God, changeless, with glittering waves! when like a bull Thou rushest eager to the trees.

5 With teeth of flame, wind-driven, through the wood He speeds, triumphant like a bull among the herd of cows, with bright strength roaming to the everlasting air: things fixed, things moving quake before Him as He flies.

6 The Bhrgus established Thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; Thee, O God, as a herald and choice-worthy guest, as an auspicious Friend to the celestial race.

7 O God, the seven tongues' deftest Leader of devotion, Him whom the priests elect at solemn worship, the Herald, messenger of all the Vasus, I serve with dainty food, I ask for riches.

8 Grant, Son of Strength, Thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day to us Thy praisers. O God, Son of Strength, with forts of iron preserve Thou from distress the man who lauds Thee.

9 Be Thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to those who worship. Preserve the singer from distress, O God. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

HYMN LIX. God the Radiant

1 The other fires are, verily, Thy branches; the immortals all rejoice in Thee, O God. Centre art Thou, Lord of all peoples, of the people, sustaining men like a deep-founded pillar.

2 The forehead of the sky, earth's centre, He became the messenger of earth and heaven. Lord of all peoples, the angels produced Thee, a God, to be a light unto the noble.

3 As in the Sun firm rays are set for ever, treasures are in Thee, O God. Of all the riches in the hills, the waters, the herbs, among mankind, Thou art the Sovereign.

4 As the great World-halves, so are their Son's praises; skilled, as a man, to act, is He the Herald. The celestial, truly mighty, most manly One, hath many a youthful consort.

5 Even the lofty heaven, O Knower of all that is born, Lord of all peoples, hath not attained Thy greatness. Thou art the King of lands where men are settled, Thou hast brought comfort to the angels in battle.

6 Now will I tell the greatness of the Hero whom Prarti's sons follow as Vrtra's slayer: the Lord of all peoples struck down the Dasyu, cleft Sambara through and shattered down his fences.

7 The Lord of all peoples, dwelling by His might with all men, far-shining, holy among the Bharadvajas, is lauded, excellent, with hundred praises by Purunitha, son of Satavani.

HYMN LX. God the Radiant

1 As 'twere some goodly treasure the wind brought, as a gift, the glorious Priest to Bhrgu, banner of devotion, the good Protector, child of two births, the swiftly moving envoy.

2 Both angels and men obey this Ruler's order, angels who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. As Priest He takes His seat ere break of morning, House-Lord, adorable with men, Ordainer.

3 May our fair praise, heart-born, most recent, reach Him whose tongue, even at His birth, is sweet as honey; whom mortal priests, men, with their strong endeavour, supplied with dainty viands, have created.

4 Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice-worthy. May God be our Friend, Lord of the Household, protector of the riches in the dwelling.

5 As such we Gotamas with hymns extol Thee, O God, as the guardian Lord of riches, decking Thee like a horse, the swift prizewinner. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

HYMN LXI. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 Even to Him, swift, strong and high, exalted, I bring my song of praise as dainty viands, my thought to Him resistless, praise-deserving, prayers offered most especially to the Mighty One.

2 Praise, like an offering, I present, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to the Victor. For the Mighty One, who is Lord of old, the singers have decked their lauds with heart and mind and spirit.

3 To Him then with my lips my adoration, winning heaven's light, most excellent, I offer, to magnify with songs of invocation and with fair hymns the Lord, most bounteous Giver.

4 Even for Him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man who needs it, praises to Him who gladly hears our praises, a hymn well-formed, all-moving, to the wise One.

5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Mighty One, my hymn, as 'twere a horse, through love of glory, to reverence the Hero, bounteous Giver, famed far and wide, destroyer of the castles.

6 Even for Him hath the Creator-Craftsman forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle, wherewith He reached the vital parts of Vrtra, striking the vast, the mighty with the striker.

8 To Him, to the Mighty One, when He slew the Dragon, the dames, too, wove praises. The mighty heaven and earth hath He encompassed: Thy greatness heaven and earth, combined, exceed not.

9 Yea, of a truth, His magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of earth, mid-air, and heaven. The Mighty One, approved by all men, self-resplendent, waxed in His home, loud-voiced and strong for battle.

10 Through His own strength the Mighty One with bolt of thunder cut piece-meal Vrtra, drier up of waters. He let the floods go free, like cows imprisoned, for glory, with a heart inclined to bounty.

11 The rivers played, through His impetuous splendour, since with His bolt He compassed them on all sides. Using His might and favouring him who worshipped, He made a ford, victorious, for Turviti.

12 Vast, with Thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast Thy bolt of thunder. Rend Thou his joints, as of an ox, dissevered, with bolt oblique, that floods of rain may follow.

13 Sing with new lauds His exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds of Him, yea, Him who moveth swiftly, when, hurling forth His weapons in the battle, He with impetuous wrath lays low the foemen.

14 When He, yea, He, comes forth, the firm-set mountains and the whole heaven and earth tremble for terror. May Nodhas, ever praising the protection of that dear Friend, gain quickly strength heroic.

15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what He who rules alone over much, electeth. The Mighty One hath helped Etasa, contending in the race of steeds.

16 Thus to Thee, O Yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have brought their prayers to please Thee. Bestow upon them thought, decked with all beauty. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

HYMN LXII. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 Like Angiras a gladdening laud we ponder to Him who loveth song, exceeding mighty. Let us sing glory to the far-famed Hero who must be praised with fair hymns by the singer.

2 Unto the great bring ye great adoration, a chant with praise to Him exceeding mighty, through whom our sires, the Angirases, singing praises and knowing well the places, found the cattle.

3 When the Mighty One and the Angirases desired it, Sarama found provision for her offspring. The Lord of Prayer cleft the mountain, found the cattle: the heroes shouted with the kine in triumph.

4 Mid shout, loud shout, and roar, with the Navagvas, seven singers, hast Thou, heavenly, rent the mountain; Thou hast, with speeders, with Dasagvas, O Powerful One, with thunder rent obstructive Vala.

5 Praised by the Angirases, Thou, foe-destroyer, hast, with the Dawn, Sun, rays, dispelled the darkness. Thou hast spread out the earth's high ridges, and firmly fixed the region under heaven.

6 This is the deed most worthy of all honour, the fairest marvel of the Wonder-Worker, that, nigh where heaven bends down, He made four rivers flow full with waves that carry down sweet water.

7 Unwearied, won with lauding hymns, He parted of old the ancient Pair, united ever. In highest sky, the doer of marvels set both dames and earth and heaven.

8 Still born afresh, young dames, each in her manner, unlike in hue, the Pair in alternation round heaven and earth from ancient time have travelled, Night with her dark limbs, Dawn with limbs of splendour.

9 Rich in good actions, skilled in operation, the Son with might maintains His perfect friendship. Thou in the raw cows, black of hue or ruddy, storest the ripe milk glossy white in colour.

10 Their paths, of old connected, rest uninjured; they with great might preserve the immortal statutes. For many thousand holy works the sisters wait on the haughty Lord like wives and matrons.

11 Thoughts ancient, seeking wealth, with adoration, with newest lauds have sped to Thee, O Mighty. As yearning wives cleave to their yearning husband, so cleave our hymns to Thee, O Lord most potent.

12 Strong God, the riches which Thy hands have holden from days of old have perished not nor wasted. Splendid art Thou, wise, unbending: strengthen us with might, O Lord of Power.

13 O mighty One, Gotama's son Nodhas hath fashioned this new prayer to Thee Eternal, sure leader, yoker of the Tawny Coursers. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

HYMN LXIII. God the Mighty (Indra)

1 Thou art the Mighty One; when born, O Lord, with power Thou terrifiedst earth and heaven, when, in their fear of Thee, all firm-set mountains and monstrous creatures shook like dust before Thee.

2 When Thy two wandering Bays Thou drawest hither, Thy praiser laid within Thine arms the thunder, wherewith, O Much-invoked, in will resistless, Thou smitest foemen down and many a castle.

3 Faithful art Thou, these Thou defiest; Thou art Lord of the skilled craftsmen, heroic, victor. Thou, by his side, for young and glorious Kutsa, with steed and car in battle slewest Susna.

4 That, as a friend, Thou furtheredst, when, Thunderer, strong in act, Thou crushedst Vrtra; when, Hero, Thou, great-souled, with easy conquest didst rend the Dasyus in their distant dwelling.

5 This doest Thou, and art not harmed, even in the anger of the strongest mortal. Lay Thou the race-course open for our horses: as with a club, slay, Thunder-armed, our foemen.

6 Hence men invoke Thee in the tumult of battle, in the light-bestowing conflict. This aid of Thine was ever to be implored in deeds of might in combat.

7 Warring for Purukutsa Thou, Thunder-armed, breakest down the seven castles; easily, for Sudas, like grass didst rend them, and out of need, O King, broughtest gain to Puru.

8 O God who movest round about us, feed us with varied food plenteous as water, food wherewithal, O Hero, Thou bestowest vigour itself to flow to us for ever.

9 Prayers have been made by Gotamas, addressed to Thee, with laud for Thy Bay Horses. Bring us in noble shape abundant riches. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.

HYMN LXIV. The Angels of the Tempest

1 Bring for the manly host, wise and majestical, O Nodhas, for the angels bring thou a pure gift. I deck my songs as one deft-handed, wise in mind, prepares the water that hath power in solemn rites.

2 They spring to being, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the servants of the Healer, free from spot and stain; the purifiers, shining brightly even as suns, awful of form like giants, scattering rain-drops down.

3 Young servants, demon-slayers, never growing old, they have waxed, even as mountains, irresistible. They make all beings tremble with their mighty strength, even the very strongest, both of earth and heaven.

4 With glittering ornaments they deck them forth for show; for beauty on their breasts they bind their chains of gold. The lances on their shoulders pound to pieces; they were created together, the men of heaven.

5 Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they make the winds, they make the lightnings with their powers. The restless shakers drain the udders of the sky, and ever wandering round fill the earth full with milk.

6 The bounteous angels with the fatness dropping milk fill full the waters which avail in solemn rites. They lead, as 'twere, the Strong Horse forth, that it may rain: they milk the thundering, the never-failing spring.

7 Mighty, with wondrous power and marvellously bright, self-strong like mountains, ye glide swiftly on your way. Like the wild elephants ye eat the forests up when ye assume your strength among the bright red flames.

8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all-possessing, are beauteous as antelopes; stirring the darkness with lances and spotted deer, combined, with serpents' fury through their might.