HYMN LXXXVI. Varuna.

1. WISE, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed ever, spacious heaven and earth asunder;

Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of old, and spread the earth before him.

2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna and I may be united.

What gift of mine will he accept unangered? When may I calmly look and find him gracious?

3 Fain to know this in in I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuna, and ask them.

This one same answer even the sages gave me, "Surely this Varuna is angry with thee."

4 What, Varuna, hath been my chief transgression, ihat thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises?

Tell me, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I approach thee with mine homage.

5 Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended.

O King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set free Vasistha.

6 Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuna wine, dice, or anger.

The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removeth not all evil-doing.

7 Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger.

This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches.

8 O Lord, O Varuna, may this laudation come close to thed and lie within thy spirit.

May it be well with us in rest and labour. Preserve us ever-more, ye Gods, with blessings.