As 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 have sung their praise as one might praise the Shaper, he who is full with the Maruts—I have sung them worthy of soma, even as one praises the fair for their comeliness.
In their brightness, the young lords have adorned themselves through the long watches of night, even as they made the Shaper rich in Maruts. Heaven’s sons take their stations like fleet antelope; like the sons of Aditi, they have grown in strength as colts fresh from the field.
They stretch beyond the heavens of their own power, and beyond the bounds of earth as well, as the sun breaks beyond the clouds. They stir wonder like heroes of great stature, leaping skyward like young men who guard the wanderer.
At your coming, the earth itself seems to slacken, as if resting upon waters, or stepping with uncertain foot. Yet near at hand is a rite full of every good thing—set for you. Like bringers of joy in the holy work, draw nigh to those who fix their thoughts on you.
With your reins—or with rays—you are like steeds yoked to the chariot’s beam, like flame at dawn casting forth its light, like falcons bright in their own glory, watchful of the wayfarer. At your rising, ye are as water birds loosing drops round about.
When ye hasten from afar, O Maruts, ye come as those who know the great store of treasures kept unseen, the wealth to be made manifest, O fair ones. Keep afar all spite and wrath, even from far away.
The child of Manu, who, like Agni rising at the rite, shall serve the Maruts when the song is lifted up—he shall win strong life, teeming with noble sons. Let the gods set him beneath their guard.
For they are the ready helpers, meet to receive the gift at the altar, bringers of fortune under the name of the Ādityas. Let them uphold our breath of song, as a swift horse outstrips the chariots, taking joy in the march of their mighty host and in the rite itself.