Like an arrow drawn upon the string, so is my thought aimed forth— and loosed as a calf to the teats of its dam.

As a broad-uddered cow pours forth her stream, so cometh it leading the way.
At the bidding of this one—Soma—the draught is sent along.

As my thought swelleth, the honey is poured; the tongue, that merry goad, stirreth in the mouth.

The self-cleansing one thundereth, even as the beaters that drive the herd.
The honeyed draught danceth round the woollen veil.

Yearning for his brides, he cleanseth himself in fleece and hide; the child of Aditi looseth her gown for him who seeketh the true.

The tawny one, held close, neigheth with joy—he, the draught of the rite.
He whetteth his manhood like a wild ox and decketh himself in beauty.

The bull loweth, and the milk-cows draw near.
The goddesses haste to their tryst with the god.
He hath stepped beyond the white-fleeced shroud— Soma hath robed himself in milk as in a garment newly washed.

Now clad in splendour, the deathless tawny one hath wrapped himself in a shining robe never worn.

With his might he hath made heaven’s back his mantle, and the undercloud he hath spread in the twin bowls.

As sunbeams stir the sleepers from their rest, so leap the gladsome draughts from slumber all at once.

They surge swift round the strained line of cloth— yet without Indra, Soma purifieth no land of his.

As rivers plunge headlong into the deep, so rush the heady draughts, stirred by bulls, to their mark.

Be it well with our two-footed and our four-footed at their returning home.
Stand by us, O Soma, with spoils and with folk.

Cleanse thyself and bring us wealth—gold, kine, steeds and grain in heaps, and heroes stout of heart.

For ye, O Soma-drops, are my fathers, high in the heavens, begetters of my strength.

These self-cleansing draughts have gone unto Indra, as chariots speed unto the prize.

Pressed forth, the tawny ones break past the sheep’s white veil, their covers cast off, they hasten toward the rain.

O drop, purify thyself for mighty Indra, for thou art full of grace, unblamed, and kind to the far-off.

Bring shining gifts to the singer.
O Heaven and Earth, with all the gods—uphold us.