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1. I WAS the first possessor of all
precious gear: the wealth of every man I win and gather up.
On me as on a Father living creatures call; I
deal enjoyment to tho. man who offers gifts.
2 I, Indra, am Atharvan's stay
and firm support: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon's grasp.
I stripped the Dasyus of their manly might, and
gave the cattle-stalls to Matarigvan and Dadhyac.
3 For me hath Tvastar forged
the iron thunderbolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power.
My sheen is like the Sun's insufferably bright:
men honour me as Lord for past and future deeds.
4 I won myself these herdi of
cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt.
I give full many a thousand to the worshipper,
what time the Somas and the lauds have made me glad.
5 Indra am I none ever wins my
wealth from me never at any time am I a thrall to death.
Pressing the Soma, ask riches from me alone:
ye, Purus, in my friendship shall not suffer harm.
6 These, breathing loud in
fury, two and two, who caused Indra to bring his bolt of thunder to the fray,
The challengers, I struck with deadly weapon
down: firm stand what words the God speaks to his worshippers.
This One by stronger might I conquered singly;
yea, also two: shall three prevail against me?
Like many sheaves upon the floor I thrash them.
How can my foes, the Indraless, revile me?
8 Against the Gungus I made Atithigva
strong, and kept him mid the folk like Vrtra-conquering strength,
When I won glory in the great foe-slaying
fight, in battle where Karanja fell, and Parnaya.
9 With food for mine enjoyment
Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine.
As I bestowed on him an arrow for the fight I
made him worthy of the song apd hymn of praise.
10 One of the two hath Soma,
seen within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other.
He, fain to fight the Bull whose horns were
sharpened, stood fettered in the demon's ample region.
11 I, as a God, ne'er violate
the statutes of Gods, of Vasus, Rudriyas, Adityas.
These Gods have formed me for auspicious
vigour, unconquered and invincible for ever.
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