Book 20: Hymn 12

HYMN XII

1Prayers 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.
2A 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.
3The 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.
4Like 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.
5So 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.
6Thus 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.
7Impetuous, 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.