Atharva Veda · 593 of 724

HYMN XII

HYMN XII 1. Prayers have been offered up through love of glory: Vasishtha,    honour Indra in the battle.   He who with might extends through all existence hears words    which I, his faithful servant, utter. 2. A cry was raised which reached the Gods, O Indra, a cry to    them to send us strength in combat.   None among men knows his own life’s duration: bear us in    safety over these our troubles. 3. The Bays, the booty-seeking car I harness: my prayers have    reached him who accepts them gladly.   Indra, when he had slain resistless Vritras, forced with his might    the two world-halves asunder. 4. Like barren cows, moreover, swelled the waters: the singers    sought thy holy rite, O Indra.   Come unto us as with his team comes Vāyu: thou, through our    solemn hymns, bestowest booty. 5. So may these gladdening draughts rejoice thee, Indra, the Mighty,    very bounteous to the singer.   Alone among the Gods thou pitiest mortals: O Hero, make thee    glad at this libation. 6. Thus the Vasishthas glorify with praises Indra, the Mighty One,    whose arm wields thunder.   Praised, may he guard our wealth in kine and heroes. Ye Gods,.    preserve us evermore with blessings. 7. Impetuous, Thunderer, strong, quelling the mighty, King, potent,   Vritra-slayer, Soma-drinker,   May he come hither with his yoked bay horses. May Indra glad-    den him at noon libation.