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1. Two perfect springs of heat
pervade the Threefold, and come for their delight is Matarisvan.
Craving the milk of heaven the Gods are
present: well do they know the praisesong and the Saman.
2 The priests beard far away,
as they are ordered, serve the three Nirrtis, for well they know them.
Sages have traced the cause that first produced
them, dwelling in distant and mysterious chambers.
3 The Youthful One,
well-shaped, with four locks braided, brightened with oil, puts on the
ordinances.
Two Birds of mighty power are seated near her,
there where the Deities receive their portion.
4 One of these Birds hath
passed into the sea of air: thence he looks round and views this universal
world.
With simple heart I have beheld him from anear:
his Mother kisses him and he returns her kiss.
5 Him with fair wings though
only One in nature, wise singers shape, with songs, in many figures.
While they at sacrifices fix the metres, they
measure out twelve chalices of Soma.
6 While they arrange the four
and six-and-thirty, and duly order, up to twelve, the measures,
Having disposed the sacrifice thoughtful sages
send the Car forward with the Rc and Saman.
7 The Chariot's majesties are
fourteen others: seven sages lead it onward with their Voices.
Who will declare to us the ford Apnana, the
path whereby they drink first draughts of Soma?
8 The fifteen lauds are in a
thousand places that is as vast as heaven and earth in measure.
A thousand spots contain the mighty thousand.
Vak spreadeth forth as far as Prayer extendeth.
9 What sage hath learned the
metres' application? Who hath gained Vak, the spirit's aim and object?
Which ministering priest is called eighth Hero?
Who then hath tracked the two Bay Steeds of Indra?
10 Yoked to his chariot-pole there
stood the Coursers: they only travel round earth's farthest limits.
These, when their driver in his home is
settled, receive the allotted meed of their exertion.
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