Book 4: Hymn 40: A charm against rival worshippers

HYMN XL

A charm against rival worshippers

1O Jātavedas, eastward sacrificers, as foes assail us from the
eastern quarter.
May they, turned back, be pained for harming Agni. I drive
them backward with mine incantation.
2O Jātavedas, southward sacrificers as foes assail us from the
southern quarter.
May they, turned back, be pained for harming Yama. I smite
them backward with mine incantation.
3O Jātavedas, westward sacrificers as foes assail us from the
western quarter.
For harming Varuna be they turned and troubled! I smite them
backward with mine incantation.
4Jātavedas, northward sacrificers as foes assail us from the
northern quarter.
For harming Soma be they turned and troubled! I smite them
backward with mine incantation.
5O Jātavedas, nether sacrificers, as foes assail us from the stead-
fast quarter.
For harming Earth let them be turned and troubled. I smite
them backward with mine incantation.
6Those who pay sacrifice, O Jātavedas, from air assail us from
the midway quarter.
For harming Vāyu be they turned and troubled! I smite them
backward with mine incantation.
7The sacrificers from above assail us, O Jātavedas, from the lofty
quarter.
For wronging Sūrya be they turned and troubled! I smite them
backward with mine incantation.
8Those from all points assail us, Jātavedas, who sacrifice from
intermediate regions.
For wronging Prayer let them be turned and troubled, I smite
them backward with mine incantation.