Wednesday, March 4, 2026 · 天火 · tianmu.org
Mandala 10
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FolkreadingTime and again, O Agni, thou mighty bull, thou drawest all things together from the stranger's hand.X.1At the fore of each morning he standeth upright, lifted on high. From the veil of night he goeth forth, bearing the new day’s light. With his shining beam, Agni—fair of form and limb— filleth every se...X.2Please the gods, O youngest flame, for they long for the offering. Thou, who knowest the steps of the rite, O lord of holy order—perform the sacrifice here.X.3Behold—the mighty wheel with many spokes, now newly kindled, doth show itself forth. He cometh to ply his craft—he who is wild as Rudra, yet gently born, O king. Watchful he glareth, casting his great...X.4I begin the holy work with thee in mind, and I send forth my thought toward thee, that thou mayest be the one praised when we call upon the gods.X.5The sea is but one, the deep ground of wealth, yet he—born again and again—looketh forth from within us, out of our heart. He draweth nigh to the udder that lieth in the lap of the hidden two. The pat...X.6Behold him—Agni, in whose ward, whose keeping, and by whose strength the singer flourisheth— the far-shining flame, who ever circling, is ringed about with beams peerless and bright as the dawn's own...X.7Grant unto us well-being, O Agni, from the heights of heaven and from the broad earth beneath, that we might offer duly for the span of our days.X.8With his high flame shining, Agni driveth forth— the great bull belloweth to the twin realms above and below.X.9Since ye Waters are pure refreshment, ordain us then to be well-fed and to behold great gladness.X.10Yama spoke, watching the world about him: "They stand not still, nor do they blink—these spies of the gods, who wander abroad upon the earth. Turn thyself aside, O wanton one; find thee another than m...X.11The bull hath poured out his draughts of milk for the bull, Soma for Indra, by the milking of the heavens.X.12Heaven and Earth, who speak what is true, are the first to harken in accord with truth, when the god, setting mortals to their rite, taketh his seat as Hotar, facing them, coming into the fullness of...X.13With reverence I yoke for you twain the holy word of old. Let the cry of the rite’s patron go forth far—like a path it goeth. Let all the sons of the deathless—ye who dwell in the starry halls— hearke...X.14To him who hath gone forth along the mighty slopes, who hath looked upon the path for many— the son of Vivasvant, gatherer of the tribes—to Yama the king be favor shown with offering.X.15Let them rise—the nearer ones, the farther, and those betwixt— the forefathers who are worthy of soma’s draught.X.16Burn him not through, O Agni; scorch him not, nor sear his flesh nor frame. When thou hast brought him to ripeness, O Jātavedas, then speed him forth to the fathers who came before.X.17“Tvaṣṭar prepareth a wedding for his daughter”— at this saying, lo, the whole world hearkens and gathers.X.18Depart, O Death, take thou the farther road, thine own path— not the way that leadeth unto the gods.X.19Turn thee back—go no further. Dwell awhile in our fellowship, ye richly laden. O Agni and Soma, bringers of the bounty returned, keep fast our wealth within your keeping.X.20Let auspicious thought draw nigh, and become as one of our own—our hearthmate, our guide.X.21As though with songs each bearing its own winding, we choose thee, Agni, to be our Hotar, for this our offering where the sacred grass is laid. Thou art keen of flame and pure. In the height of my gla...X.22Where is Indra now renowned? Among what folk is he today held dear, as a trusted friend among men— he who, whether dwelling among seers or hidden from sight, is ever exalted in song?X.23We lift our song and sacrifice to Indra, who holdeth the mace in his right hand, the driver of the pale steeds, each obeying its own command.X.24O Indra, drink thou this soma, sweet as honey, pressed into the cup. Lay thou for us a deep foundation of wealth, rich in thousands, thou who holdest countless gifts.X.25Let fair thought, skillful hand, and steadfast will be ever near to us. Then shall we rejoice in thy fellowship, O Soma, even as kine do gladly graze in open field.X.26Because our soul-born thoughts—the well-loved bands of song— go forth toward them as steeds to a call, let the two wondrous ones lend aid: Vāyu, lord of the wind-drawn cart, and Pūṣan, strong and sure...X.27I shall indeed boil over, said Indra, when I bring my might to bear for him who presses and pours, the one who sacrifices with truth. Yet I smite the dry-handed—the one who brings no milk and no blend...X.28While every other stranger hath come unto this place, my husband’s father alone hath not appeared.X.29Though he taketh not delight in the wood, yet is he set therein— Agni, placed as priest upon the hearth or hidden in the timber.X.30Let the course of our sacred song be sent forth unto the waters that dwell among the gods— as if drawn along by the reins of the mind— to the great wellspring of Mitra and Varuṇa. There shall I make t...X.31Let the praise of the gods, the pathway of sacrifice, seek us out and lend its strength— alongside all the mighty ones who overcome. May we find fair fellowship among them; may we be they who pass uns...X.32Lo, the twain are come—the steeds beneath his will, called forth by our seeing, by our spell-born thought.X.33The forerunners of the folk did yoke me at the fore, and as ever, I bore Pūṣan close within.X.34The hanging fruit of the high tree gladden my heart— they that were born in the wind’s wild play, forever spinning in the gaming pit.X.35They are awakened—the fires that walk with Indra, bringing forth the light at the break of dawn.X.36Dawn and Night, ye lofty ones, richly adorned— Heaven and Earth, Varuṇa the binder, Mitra the friend, Aryaman the noble—X.37Homage be to the eye of Mitra and of Varuna. Let this true song be rightly sung in the god’s great honor. To Him who is seen from afar, the sign set by the gods, Heaven’s own son—to the Sun—lift up th...X.38At this bright and dreadful call to arms, O Indra, when the war-cry rings out full loud, come to our aid.X.39Thy chariot, O ye whose wheels roll smooth and round the bounds of earth, called upon at dusk and in the dawning hour by him who tenders offerings— that holy chariot do we now call down, we, the most...X.40Whither driveth your chariot, and who, among men, doth tend the gleaming one, guiding it well upon its path?X.41This, your three-wheeled car, well known to men, so oft-invoked and praiseworthy, that rideth again and again to the pressings of soma, that circlest the broad earth and deserveth the rite— we call it...X.42Like an archer hidden in wait, who sendeth his shaft far off, like a servant full of care and swiftness, bring thou the song of praise for him.X.43My thoughts, keen and sun-seeking, all drawn to one end, have roared out unto Indra in yearning.X.44Let Indra, our own lord and mighty one, draw near for joy and stirring. He, strong and forward-driving by his own law, sendeth forth his strength over all powers, with great and boundless bull-force.X.45From heaven was Agni first begotten; from our midst was he born again, as Jātavedas. A third birth he took in the waters, the unwithering one— he whom men of steadfast mind awaken, kindling him in car...X.46Forth he goeth, newly born—the Hotar, great seeker of the stormy veil. Among mortal men he taketh his seat, settling in the bosom of the waters. He that was set in place now setteth in place your brea...X.47We have taken hold of thy right hand, O Indra, seeking gifts, for thou art the lord of goods, the giver of bounty.X.48I was the foremost among lords of plenty. Ever do I win the wager, again and again. Upon me do all creatures cry, as children call their sire. I mete out meat and bread unto the godly man.X.49I gave the choicest gift unto the singer, and made the sacred speech a might for mine own use.X.50Sing forth now to the mighty one, he who taketh joy from the stalk of soma, who is near to every man and shared among all folk— to Indra, whose bold strength in battle, broad renown, and manly might a...X.51Great was the veil, and strong it was, wherein thou didst descend into the waters. All thy shapes and manifold forms, O Agni Jātavedas, were beheld by one god alone.X.52Agni, newly seated, lifted his voice unto the heavens. “O ye gods, who have set me here as Hotar, show me the way of this work ye have laid upon me.X.53The one whom we sought with our hearts, lo—he is come, knowing well the holy rite, he heedeth its measure and speech.X.54To thy mighty name, O bounteous one, the two world-halves in fear did cry. Thou didst uphold the gods, thou didst lay low the might of the Dāsa, as likewise thou didst work thy strength for the kin of...X.55Far off in the unseen bounds is that hidden Name, which the twain, in fear, did call upon thee by— to grant them strength. Thou didst uphold Earth and Heaven in that fateful hour, when thou didst rous...X.56Here is one light of thine, and yonder afar another; fuse thou with the third flame.X.57Let us not stray from the way, nor from the offering made to him who holdeth the soma—Indra. Let there be no enmity set betwixt us.X.58If thy mind hath wandered unto Yama, son of Vivasvat, far beyond, we shall call it back to thee, hither to dwell and bide.X.59His days are stretched afresh, for the twain who mount the wain have with steadfast word and might lengthened the life of Cyavana. And now, as Cyavana did, he setteth his strength to his task. Let Dis...X.60To the man of the Māhīnas, whose brightness glittereth, who is hailed with songs of praise, we are come in homage, our heads bowed low.X.61Lo, a Rudrian word, straight and stark, he uttereth— even he whose tongue is sweet in men's ears, who by thought alone contendeth in skill. This word, made ready to yield, shall lead him aright o’er f...X.62Ye who, anointed with sacrifice and the sacred gift, found fellowship with Indra and were made deathless, for you, O Aṅgirases, may good fortune abound.X.63They that come from far to make fast the bonds of friendship, they who, gladdened by Manu, would set firm the lines of Vivasvant— let the gods, who sit upon the holy grass of Yayāti Nahuṣya, speak for...X.64How shall we muse? Which god shall we lift up in name—whose name is meet for musing—as they hearken unto my cry? Who shall show mercy? Who shall grant us joy? Who shall turn this way with help in hand...X.65Agni, Indra, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Vayu, Pushan, and Sarasvati—of one accord they stand, The Adityas, Vishnu, the storming Maruts, the Sun on high, Soma rich with sweetness, Rudra fierce, Aditi broa...X.66I call upon the gods of high renown, for our good and thriving—ye bringers of light, heedful of the rite, who, possessing all things, have waxed in strength, ye deathless ones with Indra as your head,...X.67This seven-crowned, keen-witted thought, begotten of truth and high of reach, our father found in days of eld.X.68Ever murmuring, like waterfowl that call one to another, like the voice of thunder that breaketh from the cloud, and lifting up their joy as waves whose crests stand high as hills, the songs rose up i...X.69Auspicious is the flame of Vadhryaśva's line; his leading is of worth, and reverent nearness bringeth delight.X.70Take joy, O Agni, in this kindling wood of mine; delight in the ghee-soaked ladle set where refreshment hath trod. Upon earth’s high place, on the fairest day of all days, stand upright, O steadfast f...X.71O Br̥haspati, this was the first birthing of Speech—when the seers came forth and gave name unto all things. What was their fairest, what was without spot—that name, kept hid in hush, was shown to the...X.72Now with loud praise shall we speak forth the birth of the gods, that one in time to come may behold them as the songs are sung.X.73Thou wast born strong, a might unto might, the gladdening one, most mighty, rich in craft and cunning.X.74Seeking their favour, I bring gifts to the Vasus, or to the two world-halves, with breath of thought or fire-fed rite; or to the steeds made wealthy in the hour of striving; or to the gods of sharpest...X.75At the seat of Vivasvant shall the bard declare thy highest worth, O waters, for ye strode forth in threefold march, seven at each step;X.76I stretch me forth toward thee in the first flush of dawn’s feeding light. Anoint Indra, the Storm-Lords, and the twin world-halves, that day and night, handfast in league, may make each dwelling wide...X.77As the Maruts thunder down their rain from the cloud, so too shall I pour forth blessings with my voice. The offerings of a poet who sees clearly are no less than those borne with hands of fire. I hav...X.78Rich in their aim, as poets stirred by heaven-born thought; rich in reward, as those who serve the gods with holy gifts; fair to behold, as kings in glory clad; pure and unmarked, as youths of well-bo...X.79I have beheld the greatness of him—the mighty one— the deathless midst the tribes of men.X.80Agni bestoweth a team that bringeth reward; Agni giveth a hero, famed and worthy, whose renown springeth from deed and toil. Through both halves of the world he wandereth, anointing all with holy fire...X.81The seer, who stood as Hotar at the hearth, poured forth all breathing kindreds in offering—our father.X.82The father of the eye, for wise is he in mind, brought forth the ghee and twain that rise and fall again— the heaven and the earth, or ladles twinned in rite. Only when the eldest bounds were set and...X.83Who hath shown thee honour, O Battle Fury—thou mace, thou dart—he flourisheth rightly in all strength and triumph. May we, with thee as yoke-fellow, o’erthrow both Dāsa and Ārya with conquering force,...X.84Let them ride forth to the fray on one wain with thee, O Battle Fury, thou friend of the Storm-Kin—doing harm, hair-standing, bold with wrath, bearing sharp shafts, weapons whetted fine—those men of m...X.85By that which is, is the earth upheld; by the sun is the heaven borne aloft. By truth stand the sons of Aditi, and Soma is fixed upon the firmament.X.86Indra spoketh: For they have ceased from pressing the soma, and left off the worship of Indra as a god, in those places where my fellow Vṛṣākapi was gladdened with the stranger’s dainties.X.87The smiter of fiends—I cast holy water upon him as victor of the spoil; I call upon him as one doth a faithful friend, that he may stretch wide his sheltering wing. Agni, whetted and waked, kindled fu...X.88The draught, unwithering and sweet, hath been poured unto Agni, he who seeketh out the sun and reacheth the height of heaven.X.89I shall uplift the praise of Indra, most manful and strong, who by his greatness did sunder the realms of light and stretch the ends of earth apart—who set bounds in their places and filled the vastne...X.90The Man hath a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet. Encompassing the earth on every side, he reached beyond it ten finger-breadths.X.91Awakening, he is kindled by the watchful, master of the hearth within the house, refreshed where refreshment last did tread, the chosen Hotar of every gift, far-striding, far-shining, a true companion...X.92I call upon thee, charioteer of the rite, chief of kindreds, flame that serveth at the feast, guest of the night, shining in splendor. Thou who blazest in the dry sticks, and glimmerest 'midst golden...X.93Grow vast, O Heaven and Earth, ye mighty halves of the world; ye are as gladsome maidens unto us. With these gods, shield us from the mightier foe; with their aid defend us when he swelleth with stren...X.94Let them speak forth; yea, let us all speak. Speak ye a word unto the pressing-stones, which speak themselves, when ye, O stones, O mountains, swift and strong, filled with soma, do bear aloft your ca...X.95Purūravas lamenteth: Alas, my wife! Stay thy steps, O dread woman—tarry but a while, That we may yet trade words before all is lost.X.96I proclaim thy twain golden steeds at the high rite of giving. I master the heart-cheering draught for thee who thirsteth for it, the draught that, like fresh-churned fat, droppeth with golden sweetne...X.97The plants that were born ere the gods arose, those elder sprouts of the third foretime— their one hundred and seven forms I now call to mind, those brown-clad healers of old.X.98Br̥haspati, stand before the rightful god for me, and say: “Whether thou be Mitra or Varuṇa, or Pūṣan the wanderer, Or art thou he who rideth with the storm-lords, Or dwellest with the Ādityas or the...X.99Which bright thunderer among our kin dost thou behold, and send abroad o’er the broad earth to give strength? What strength hath he in the waking of dawn? He forged the smiting-staff that breaketh all...X.100O Indra, stand firm, thou bounteous lord. A thing such as thee is a joy to behold. Praised be thou as the drinker of soma—come forth to give us strength. Let Savitar, with all the heavenly host, furth...X.101Awake in one mind, O fellows of the hearth. Together kindle the flame, ye many, sprung from a single nest. I call down Dadhikrā, Agni, and the fair Dawn, each in the train of Indra, to stand at your s...X.102Let Indra drive thy chariot forth, though it be ill-shaped or oddly yoked. In this race for renown, in this drawing of lots and spoil, aid us, thou oft-called.X.103Swift he came, whetting himself like a dread bull with sharpened horns, smiting again and again, stirrer of all the stead-bound tribes, making them wail as one, the lone hero who never sleepeth— he wh...X.104The soma hath been pressed for thee, O oft-invoked one. With thy pair of dusky bays, speed swiftly to the holy feast. The songs, whose heroes are the poets, hasten unto thee, O Indra. Drink of the pre...X.105When, O noble one, for thee who yearnest for song, shall thy beard fall upon the waters, unto the soma long pressed for thee, whose friendship is sought, thy breath carried by the wandering wind?X.106Now let this be your aim alone: ye stretch forth insight as workmen stretch their cloth. It hath stirred you both to strive toward one end. Ye draw nigh with the stores of day, as ye do with the brigh...X.107Their great largess hath been made known. All living things are loosed from the dark; the great light, gift of the forefathers, hath arisen. The broad way for the holy offering is now seen.X.108What seekest thou, Saramā, that thou art come this far? The road is long, and the far reach devoureth the wanderer. What errand draweth thee to our dark door? By what craft didst thou cross the black...X.109They were the first to speak at the wrong done unto the Brahmin: the endless Sea, Mātariśvan the wind-bearer, the mighty Flame of Fervor, grim in wrath yet joy in his essence, and the divine Waters, b...X.110Kindled this day in the house of Manu, thou, O Jātavedas, as god among gods dost make offering. Being watchful, draw them hither, thou who bear’st the might of Mitra. Messenger art thou, seer of foret...X.111Inspired ones, bring forth an inspired thought, in what wise soever the thoughts of men arise. Let us awaken Indra here with deeds made true in song—for he is a champion who longeth after praise.X.112Indra, drink of the pressed soma at thy pleasure, for the draught at dawn is thine by right.X.113Heaven and Earth, of one accord with all the gods, lent strength to his stormy might. As he journeyed, forging his greatness and the power that is Indra's own, he waxed strong upon the draught of soma...X.114The twain that bear the heat—be it flame and sun, be it chant and tune—have stretched their reach o’er the threefold world. Mātariśvan hath come unto their joy. The gods, desiring the milk of the heav...X.115Brilliant is the waxing of the tender babe, though he draweth not nigh to his twin mothers for suck. Though the udderless hath begotten him, yet he hath waxed full-grown in a breath, setting forth upo...X.116Drink thou the soma for thy might, O Indra. Drink, great smiter of Vr̥tra, most stalwart of all. Drink for wealth and for strength while thy name is called. Drink of the honeyed draught—soak thyself i...X.117Truly, the gods gave not hunger alone as death’s sharp edge, for many shapes of ending come even upon him who is full-fed.X.118O Agni, thou layest low the devourer as thou shinest forth among men, in thine own house, thou of the burning word and blazing will.X.119Yea, saith my soul—cattle and steed are mine to claim— Have I drunk of the soma? Yea!X.120This was the first among all that breathe, whence was born the mighty one of ringing, manful soul. New-born, he melteth down his foes, while all his friends lift voice in cheer.X.121The golden seed stirred in the first beginning. Born was the lord of all that came to be—he alone was. He upholdeth earth and the heavens alike. Who is the god to whom we should bring our gift and hon...X.122Him of radiant might, like a Vasu, I shall hymn— the precious guest, gracious and worthy, not to be slighted.X.123This Seeker stirreth the wombéd ones, whose seed is the dapple-born— he whose birth-lining is naught but light— when the airy bounds are marked and meted. Where water meeteth sun, the soul-fired singe...X.124Come thou forth to our sacrifice, O Agni, where five paths stretch, three rings encircle, and seven threads are drawn. Be thou our bearer of gifts, our forerunner on the path. Long hast thou lain shro...X.125I wander with the Rudras and the Vasus, with the Ādityas and all the Gods. I bear Mitra and Varuṇa upon me, I bear Indra and Agni, and the twin Aśvins too.X.126O gods, no strait so narrow nor way so hard may touch that soul whom Aryaman, Mitra, and Varuna, in one mind, do lead—beyond all hatreds.X.127Goddess Night, drawing nigh, hath cast her gaze on many a place with roving eyes.X.128Mine be the shining at the call of strife, O Agni. May we wax strong in the flesh, even as we kindle thee in thine own flame. Let the four quarters bow themselves unto me. With thee as our watcher and...X.129The Unbeing was not, nor yet the Being. The airy vastness was not spread, nor the heavens set above. What stirred, what moved? And whence? Beneath whose watch? Did waters lie, deep-folded in the dark?X.130The offering, which is stretched forth on all sides by its warp-threads, and spread wide through a hundred and one deeds of the gods—X.131O all-mighty Indra, drive afar thine eastern foes, away with them that rise in the west, send off the northern host, O shield-bearer, and thrust the southern throng to naught— that we may dwell in joy...X.132He that hath offered for his own soul— Heaven itself with its hallowed gifts doth minister unto him; Earth likewise bendeth her care toward the one who hath poured his own offering.X.133Chant ye aloud a foremost song, a chariot of praise, a stronghold of hymn to Indra. As one who maketh room where none is found, a smiter of the serpent in battle and strife—be thou our goad, our stirr...X.134When thou, O Indra, didst fill the twin world-halves— as Dawn filleth the sky with her golden breath— then was thy begetting wrought by She Who Beareth, by the fair and fateful Begetter wast thou born...X.135The leafy bough where Yama holds his feast with the gods— thither our father, the lord of our house, did follow the path of the fore-elders.X.136The long-haired one beareth fire, the long-haired one poison, the long-haired one upholdeth the twain-fold world. He beareth the sun for all eyes to behold; lo, this shining one is named the Light.X.137O ye gods, the lowly ye raise again; he that hath sinned, ye breathe once more to life.X.138With thee, Indra, these bearers of song, in the knowing of truth, did cleave the cave of Vala in twain. When thou didst show favour unto the Dawns and loosed the waters’ flow, thy might went forth in...X.139With the beams of the sun, with hair of gold, Savitar hath lifted the undying light from the east. By his bidding doth Pūṣan fare forth—the watchful herdsman, beholding all that liveth.X.140O Agni, thine are renown and life; thy beams shine out full greatly, thou bearer of radiant treasure. Thou of high-shining glory, with might thou ordainest a worthy reward for the devout, O wise and g...X.141O Agni, draw nigh and turn thy face toward us; be kindly-minded, and make thy dwelling with us.X.142O Agni, this song-weaver draweth nigh to dwell in thee, for no truer friendship is found elsewhere, O Son of Strength— thy shelter is a blessed one, a shield thrice-fold. Turn thou aside the wounding...X.143Make also this Atri, grown grey in truth, new again— as a steed rouseth to run his course.X.144Because this deathless draught, like a charger in his prime, showeth his craft and rule— a life-long art to thee, O wise one in the rites.X.145This plant I pluck, O strongest sprout, by which a wife doth cast her rival down, by which she bindeth her goodman fast unto her.X.146O Lady of the Wilderness, Lady of the Waste, thou yonder who seemest lost, just ahead— How is it thou askest not for the hamlet? Doth no fear find thee, not at all?X.147I place my trust in thy foremost wrath of war— for thou didst shatter Vṛtra and toil at the work of men; for unto thee the twin world-halves do bow, and even Earth doth quake beneath thy storm,X.148After the soma is pressed, we lift thy praise, O Indra, and again when the prize is won, thou man of stalwart might.X.149Savitar hath stilled the earth with cords of binding; in the place where naught upholdeth, there did he set fast the heaven.X.150Even when thou art kindled, still art thou kindled anew, O bearer of the offering for the gods.X.151With trust is the flame awakened; with trust is the offering cast. We, standing at fortune’s fore, proclaim our trust aloud.X.152As war-chief, thy greatness is shown in this: thou art the sure devourer of foes. Thy fellow falleth not, nor is he ever overcome.X.153Rocking him gently, the busy dames tend unto the new-born Indra, taking him as their portion from the plenty of heroes.X.154Soma doth cleanse himself for some, while others draw nigh with ghee in hand. For those to whom the honey floweth freely—unto them let him go now.X.155Thou one-eyed, misshapen she-fiend, hie thee unto the hills—thou Sadānvā! With the war-host of Śirimbiṭha at our side, we cast thee forth and drive thee hence.X.156Let our thoughts drive Agni forth, as a fleet yoke in the games of strength; with him may we gain prize upon prize, unwearied in our striving.X.157Let us bring these living worlds unto their thriving— we, with Indra and all the gods beside us.X.158Let the Sun watch over us from the heights of heaven; let the Wind shield us from the realms between; let Agni guard us here below, among the folk of earth.X.159Up hath gone yon sun; and up with it my own fair fortune. Lo, I, a cunning dame, have won the day o’er my lord, and stand now in triumph.X.160Drink thou of this keen and life-giving draught— Here loose thy two pale bays, with chariot entire.X.161I release thee, with an offering, unto life—from the shadow of the unknown ill, from the sickness that striketh kings. Or if some Seizer hath laid hold of him indeed, then from her grasp, O Indra and...X.162In union with holy speech, let Agni, smiter of fiends, drive hence all ill-named blight that lieth upon thy seed, within thy womb.X.163From thine eyes, thy nostrils, thine ears, and thy chin, I pluck the sickness of the head from thee— from thy brain, yea, even from thy tongue.X.164Go hence, O Lord of Thought—depart thou; take thy leave and wander far. And when thou art gone afar, cry out unto Dissolving: “Many are the stirrings of mind among the quick.”X.165O gods, when the dove, sent as herald of Unmaking, cometh to seek its lot, we shall lift our voices in song, and cast it out with rite.X.166Make me a bull above my peers, far-winner o’er my foes, striker of mine enemies, wide-ruling lord of kine.X.167This honey-sweet draught is poured forth for thee, O Indra, for thou art master o’er the bowl wherein the soma is pressed.X.168Now shall I speak the greatness of the Wind, and of his chariot: shattering in his course, and with a thunderous cry. He rideth touching the heights of heaven, reddening the air, casting up dust from...X.169Let the wind, joy itself, blow upon the ruddy kine; let them graze the green shoots full of strength and sap.X.170Let the high flame, shining bright, drink the honey of Soma, granting an unerring span of years to the master of the rite—X.171Thou, Indra—thou didst speed the wain of Iṭat, the soma-presser. Thou didst hearken to the cry of him who held the draught divine.X.172Drive hither borne on thy longing; the kine do follow thy path, their udders spent with milk, they tread where thou hast gone.X.173I have brought thee hither—abide among us. Stand fast, and do not waver. Let all the kindreds seek thee; let thy kingship not be loosed nor fall away.X.174The over-rolling gift, wherewith Indra once did cast his foes beneath him— with that same might, O Brahman-spirit, roll thou us unto kingship.X.175Let god Savitar send you onward in the path he hath laid, O stones that press. Set yourselves to the yoke, fasten to the pole—press ye!X.176The sons of the R̥bhus, flaming ones, their rounds resound aloft with bellowing cry— they who draw forth all sustenance, and feast upon the earth and sky as one would milk a mother cow.X.177The bird, anointed with the might of the Lord, is beheld by those whose hearts are tuned to song. They see it not with eye alone, but with inward sight and mind made still. The seers mark it moving o’...X.178This prize-won by godspeed, he who overtaketh the chariot-host, whose wheel’s rim none may break, the fleet one who driveth unto war— we call on Tārkṣya to come hither for our well-being.X.179Stand ye, priests—lift up your eyes unto Indra’s rightful share. If it be boiled and ready, then pour it forth! If it be not yet done, then tarry and wait.X.180O thou oft-called, thou hast smitten thine adversaries. Thy storm-born might standeth above all others. Let thy bounty now be poured out in this place— Indra, bring forth good things with the gift bor...X.181Whose name is Spread and Broadly Spread, the gift of gifts, measured in the verse of anuṣṭubh: From the shining Founder, and from Savitar, and from Viṣṇu, Vasiṣṭha hath borne hither the Rathaṃtara.X.182Let Br̥haspati bear our thought across the deep and perilous flood; yet the speaker of wickedness, he turneth back upon himself. He casteth forth the curse, and striketh down all spite; then bringeth...X.183I beheld thee in my mind, as thou didst grow ever more aware in thine own; thou born of fervent fire, formed by heat and longing.X.184Let Viṣṇu set the womb in order; let Tvaṣṭar shape the frame. Let Prajāpati pour forth the seed; let He who setteth all in place lay the embryo within thee.X.185Great is the heaven-born aid of the Three—of Mitra, of Aryaman, and of Varuṇa— aid not lightly broken nor withstood.X.186Let the wind blow hither a balm—fortune itself, joy itself—for our weary hearts. He shall stretch forth the thread of our days and make them long.X.187Awaken speech for Agni, the bull of homely steadings— he shall bear us beyond all hatreds.X.188Spur forth now, O Jātavedas, thou steed of prize and fame, and take thy seat upon this holy grass of ours.X.189This mottled cow hath come and taken her place before her mother and her sire, as she goeth forth unto the sun.X.190Both truth and being were brought forth when heat was kindled, and from that burning came the dark of night, and thence was born the rolling sea.