HYMN CLXII. Agni

1. MAY Agni, yielding to our prayer, the Raksas-slayer, drive away

The malady of evil name that hath beset thy labouring womb.

2 Agni, concurring in the prayer, drive off the eater of the flesh,

The malady of evil name that hath attacked thy babe and womb.

3 That which destroys the sinking germ, the settled, moving embryo,

That which will kill the babe at birth,even this will we drive far away.

4 That which divides thy legs that it may lie between the married pair,

That penetrates and licks thy side,-even this will we exterminate.

5 What rests by thee in borrowed form of brother, lover, or of lord,

And would destroy thy Progeny,-even this will we exterminate.

6 That which through sleep or darkness hath deceived thee and lies down by thee,

And will destroy thy progeny,--even this will we exterminate.