Atharva Veda · 197 of 724

HYMN XXIX

A charm to avert misfortune foreshown by the coming of a dove and an owl 1. On these men yonder fall the winged missile: the screeching of    the Owl is ineffective,   And that the Dove beside the fire hath settled. 2. Thine envoys who came hither, O Destruction, sent or not sent    by thee unto our dwelling,   The Dove and Owl, effectless be their visit! 3. Oft may it fly to us to save our heroes from slaughter, oft perch    here to bring fair offspring,   Turn thee and send thy voice afar: cry to the region far away;   That I may see thee in the home of Yama reft of all thy power,    that I may see thee impotent.