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1. Wno are
these radiant men in serried rank, Rudra's young heroes borne by noble steeds?
2 Verily no
one knoweth whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other's birth.
3 They strew
each other with their blasts, these Hawks: they strove together, roaring like
the wind.
4 A sage was he
who knew these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Prsni bore.
5 Ever
victorious, through the Maruts, be this band of Heroes, nursing manly strength,
6 Most bright
in splendour, flectest on their way, close-knit to glory, strong with varied
power.
7 Yea, mighty
is your power and firm your strength: so, potent, with the Maruts, be the band.
8 Bright is
your spirit, wrathful are your minds: your bold troop's minstrel is like one
inspired.
9 Ever avert
your blazing shaft from us, and let not your displeasure reach us here
10 Your dear
names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud till we are satisfied.
11 Well-armed,
impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves, their forms, with oblations: to
you, the pure, ornaments made of gold.
12 Pure,
Maruts, pure yourselves, are your oblations: to you, the pure, pure sacrifice I
offer.
By Law they came to truth, the
Law's observers, bright by their birth, and pure, and sanctifying.
13 Your rings,
O Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains of gold are twined upon your
bosoms.
Gleaming with drops of rain,
like lightning-flashes, after your wont ye whirl about your weapons.
14 Wide in the
depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most adorable, ye bear your
titles.
Maruts, accept this
thousandfold allotment of household sacrifice and household treasure.
15 If, Maruts,
ye regard the praise recited here at this mighty singer invocation,
Vouchsafe us quickly wealth
with noble heroes, wealth which no man uho hateth us may injure.
16 The Maruts,
fleet as coursers, while they deck them like youths spectators of a festal
meeting,
Linger, like beauteous colts,
about the dwelling, like frisking calves, these who pour down the water.
17 So may the
Maruts help us and be gracious, bringing free room to lovely Earth and Heaven.
Far be your bolt that slayeth men
and cattle. Ye Vasus, turn yourselves to us with blessings.
18 The priest,
when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising in song your universal bounty.
He, Bulls! who hath so much in
his possession, free from duplicity, with hymns invokes you.
19 These
Maruts bring the swift man to a stand-still, and strength with mightier
strength they break and humble
These guard the singer from the
man who hates him and lay their sore displeasure on the wicked.
20 These
Maruts rouse even the poor and needy: the Vasus love him as an active champion.
Drive to a distance, O ye
Bulls, the darkness: give us full store of children and descendants.
21 Never, O Maruts,
may we lose your bounty, nor, car-borne Lords! be hitidmost when ye deal it.
Give us a share in that
delightful treasure, the genuine wealth that, Bulls! is your possession.
22 What time
the men in fury rush together for running streams, for pastures, and for
houses.
Then, O ye Maruts, ye who
spring from Rudra, be our protectors in the strife with foemen.
23 Full many a
deed ye did for our forefathers worthy of lauds which, even of old, they sang
you.
lle strong man, with the
Maruts, wins in battle, the charger, with the Maruts, gains the booty.
24 Ours, O ye
Maruts, be the vigorous Hero, the Lord Divine of men, the strong Sustainer,
With whom to fair lands we may
cross the waters, and dwell in our own home with you beside us.
25 May Indra,
Mitra, Varuna and Agni, Waters, and Plants, and Trees accept our praises.
May we find shelter in the
Marut's bosom. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
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