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1. THE three
times seven Milch-kine in the eastern heaven have for this Soma poured the
genuine milky draught.
Four other beauteous Creatures
hath he made for his adornment, when he waxed in strength through holy rites.
2 Longing for
lovely Amrta, by his wisdom he divided, each apart from other, earth and
heaven.
He gladly wrapped himself in
the most lucid floods, when through their glory they found the God's
resting-place.
3 May those
his brilliant rays he ever free from death, inviolate, for both classes of
created things, -
Rays wherewith powers of men
and Gods are purified. Yea, even for this have sageswelcomed him as King.
4 He, while he
is adorned by the ten skilful ones, that he too in the Midmost Mothers may
create,
While he is watching o'er the
lovely Amrta's ways, looks on both races as Beholder of mankind.
5 He, while he
is adorned to stream forth mighty strength, rejoices in his place between the
earth and heaven.
The Steer dispels the
evil-hearted with his might, aiming at offerings as an archer at the game.
6 Beholding,
as it were, Two Mother Cows, the Steer goes roaring on his way even as the
Maruts roar.
Knowing Eternal Law, the
earliest light of heaven, he, passing wise, was chosen out to tell it forth.
7 The fearful
Bull is bellowing with violent might, far-sighted, sharpening his
yellowcoloured horns.
Soma assumes his seat in the well-fashioned
place: the cowhide and the sheepskin are his ornament.
8 Bright,
making pure his body free from spot and stain, on the sheep's back the
Golden-coloured hath flowed down.
Acceptable to Mitra, Vayu,
Varuna, he is prepared as threefold meal by skilful men.
9 Flow on for
the God's banquet, Soma, as a Steer, and enter Indra's heart, the Soma's
reservoir.
Bear us beyond misfortune ere
we be oppres. sed. the man who knows the land directs the man who asks.
10 Urged like
a car-steed flow to strength, O Soma: Indu, flow onward to the throat of Indra.
Skilled, bear us past, as in a
boat o'er water: as battling Hero save us from the foeman.
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