HYMN CLXXXVII. Praise of Food.

1. Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength,

By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vrtra limb frorn limb.

2 O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own,

So be our kind protector thou.

3 Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help,

Health-bringing, not unkind, a dear and guileless friend.

4 These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused.

like winds they have their place in heaven.

5 These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste,

These savours of thy juices work like creatures that have mighty necks.

6 In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods.

Under thy flag brave deeds were done he slew the Dragon with thy help.

7 If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds,

Even from thence, O Food of meath, prepared for our enjoyment, come.

8 Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby.

9 What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley-brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.

10 O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.

11 O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts,

From thee who banquetest with Gods, from thee who banquetest with us.