HYMN XXIII. Soma and Others.

STRONG are the Somas; come thou nigh; these offerings have been mixt with milk: Drink, Soma, the presented draughts.

Both Deities who touch the Heaven, Indra and Soma we invoke to drink of this our Soma juice.

The singers' for their aid, invoke Indra and Soma, swift as mind, the thousand-eyed, the Lords of thought.

Mitra and Indra, renowned as Devas of consecrated might, We call juice.

Those who by Law uphold the Law, Lords of the shining light of Law, Mitra I call, and Indra.

Let Indra be our chief defence, let Mitra guard us with all aids Both make us rich exceedingly.

Indra, by Devas girt, we call juice. May he Sate him in union with his troop.

Devas, hosts whom Indra leads, distributers of Pūṣan's gifts. Hearken ye all unto my cry.

With conquering Indra for ally, strike Vṛtra down, ye bounteous Devas Let not the wicked master us.

We call the Universal Devas, and DevasH, for passing strong are Pṛśni's Sons.

Fierce comes the Devas’ thundering voice, like that of conquerors, when ye go Forward to victory, O Men.

Born of the laughing lightning. May the Devas guard us everywhere May they be gracious unto Us.

Like some lost animal, drive to us, bright Pūṣan, him who bears up Heaven, Resting on many-coloured grass.

Pūṣan the Bright has found the King, concealed and hidden in a cave, who rests on grass of many hues.

An. May he. duly bring to me the six bound closely, through these drops, as one who ploughs with steers brings corn.

Along their paths the Mothers go, Sisters of priestly ministrants, Mingling their sweetness with the milk.

May Waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined. Speed forth this offering of ours.

I call the Waters wherein our cattle quench their thirst; Oblations to the Streams be given.

Amrit is in the Waters. In the Waters there is healing balm be swift to give them praise.

Within the Waters—Soma thus hath told me—dwell all balms that heal. The Waters hold all medicines.

O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm. So that I lon. May see the Sun.

Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought.

If I have lied or falsely sworn, Waters, remove it far from me.

The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: O Agni, rich in milk, come thou, and with thy splendour cover me.

Fill me with splendour, give offspring and length of days. Know me even as I am, and Indra with the Ṛṣis, know.