Atharva Veda · 30 of 724

HYMN XXX

A benediction on a King at his consecration 1. Guard and protect this man, all Gods and Vasus. Over him keep-    ye watch and ward, Ādityas.   Let not death reach him from the hands of brothers from hands    of aliens, or of human beings. 2. Listen, one-minded, to the word I, utter, the sons, O Gods,    among you, and the fathers!   I trust this man to all of you: preserve him happily, and to    length of days conduct him. 3. All Gods who dwell on earth or in the heavens, in air, within.    the plants, the beasts, the waters,   Grant this man life to full old age, and let him escape the    hundred other ways of dying. 4. You, claiming Anuyājas or Prayājas, sharers, or not consumers,    of oblation,   You, to whom heaven’s five regions are apportioned, I make    companions at his sacred sessions.