HYMN XVIII. Brahmanaspati.

1 O BRAHMANAPSATI, make him who presses Soma glorious,

Even Kaksivan Ausija.

2 The rich, the healer of disease, who giveth wealth, increaseth store,

The prompt,-may he be with us still.

3 Let not the foeman's curse, let not a mortal's onslaught fall on us

Preserve us, Brahmanaspati.

4 Ne'er is the mortal hero harmed whom Indra, Brahmanaspati,

And Soma graciously inspire.

5 Do, thou, O Brahmanaspati, and Indra, Soma, Daksina,

Preserve that mortal from distress.

6 To the Assembly's wondrous Lord, to Indra's lovely Friend who gives

Wisdom, have I drawn near in prayer.

7 He without whom no sacrifice, e'en of the wise man, prospers; he

Stirs up the series of thoughts.

8 He makes the oblation prosper, he promotes the course of sacrifice:

Our voice of praise goes to the Gods.

9 I have seen Narasamsa, him most resolute, most widely famed,

As 'twere the Household Priest of heaven.