|
1. DRAUGHTS of this sweet juice have been
drunk for rapture, of the wise Soma-presser's offered dainty,
Wherein, grown mighty in the days aforetime, Indra hath
found delight, and men who worship.
2 Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand
wields thunder, rent piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters,
So that the quickening currents of the rivers flowed forth
like birds unto their resting-places.
3 Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon's
slayer, sent forth the flood of waters to the ocean.
He gave the Sun his life, he found the cattle, and with the
night the works of days completed.
4 To him who worshippeth hath Indra given
many and matchless gifts. He slayeth Vrtra.
Straight was he to be sought with supplications by men who
struggled to obtain the sunlight.
5 To him who poured him gifts he gave up
Surya,-Indra, the God, the Mighty, to the mortal;
For Etasa with worship brought him riches that keep distress
afar, as 'twere his portion.
6 Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa,
he gave up greedy Surya, plague of harvest;
And Indra, for the sake of Divodasa demolished Sambara's
nine-and-ninety castles.
7 So have we brought our hymn to thee, O
Indra, strengthening thee and fain ourselves for glory.
May we with best endeavours gain this friendship, and mayst
thou bend the godless scorner's weapons.
8 Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, O Hero,
have wrought their hymn and task as seeking favour.
May they who worship thee afresh, O Indra, gain food and
strength, bliss, and a happy dwelling.
9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O
Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee,
Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we
speak, with heroes, in assembly.
|