Book 1: Hymn 16: A prayer and charm against demons

HYMN XVI

A prayer and charm against demons

1May potent Agni who destroys the demons bless and shelter us.
From greedy fiends who rise in troops at night-time when the
moon is dark.
2Varuna's benison hath blessed the lead, and Agni strengthens it.
Indra hath given me the lead: this verily repels the fiends.
3This overcomes Vishkandha, -this drives the voracious fiends
away:
By means of this have I, o'erthrown all the Pisāchi's demon
brood.
4If thou destroy a cow of ours, a human being, or a steed,
We pierce thee with this piece of lead so that thou mayst not slay
our men.