HYMN CXTII. Indra.

1
THE Heavens and the Earth accordant with all Gods encouraged graciously that vigorous might of his. When he came showing forth his majesty and power, he drank of Soma juice and waxed exceeding strong.

2
This majesty of his Visnu extols and lauds, making the stalCthat [sic] gives the meath flow forth with might. When Indra Maghavan with those who followed him had smitten Vrtra he deserved the choice of Gods.

3
When, bearing warlike weapons, fain to win thee praise, thou mettest Vrtra, yea, the Dragon, for the fight, Then all the Maruts who were gathered with dice there extolled, O Mighty One, thy powerful majesty.

4
Soon as he sprang to life he forced asunder hosts: forward the Hero looked to manly deed and war. He cleft the rock, he let concurrent streams flow forth, and with his skilful art stablished the heavens' wide vault.

5
Indra hath evermore possessed surpassing power: he forced, far from each other, heaven and earth apart. He hurled impetuous down his iron thunderbolt, a joy to Varuna's and Mitra's worshipper.

6
Then to the mighty powers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce Stormer, loud of voice, they came with speed; What time the Potent One rent Vrtra with his strength, who held the waters back, whom darkness compassed round.

7
Even in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove together came with might to execute, Deep darkness fell upon the slain, and Indra won by victory the right of being first invoked.

8
Then all the Gods extolled, with eloquence inspired by draughts of Soma juice, thy deeds of manly might. As Agni eats the dry food with his tcetlv [sic], he ate Vrtra, the Dragon, maimed by Indra's deadly dart.

9
Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent. Indra, when he subdues Dhuni and Cumuri, lists to Dabhiti for his faithful spirit's sake.

10
Give riches manifold with noble horses, to be remembered while my songs address thee. May we by easy paths pass all our troubles: find us this day a ford wide and extensive.

HYMN CXIV. Visvedevas.

1
Two perfect springs of heat pervade the Threefold, and come for their delight is Matarisvan. Craving the milk of heaven the Gods are present: well do they know the praisesong and the Saman.

2
The priests beard far away, as they are ordered, serve the three Nirrtis, for well they know them. Sages have traced the cause that first produced them, dwelling in distant and mysterious chambers.

3
The Youthful One, well-shaped, with four locks braided, brightened with oil, puts on the ordinances. Two Birds of mighty power are seated near her, there where the Deities receive their portion.

4
One of these Birds hath passed into the sea of air: thence he looks round and views this universal world. With simple heart I have beheld him from anear: his Mother kisses him and he returns her kiss.

5
Him with fair wings though only One in nature, wise singers shape, with songs, in many figures. While they at sacrifices fix the metres, they measure out twelve chalices of Soma.

6
While they arrange the four and six-and-thirty, and duly order, up to twelve, the measures, Having disposed the sacrifice thoughtful sages send the Car forward with the Rc and Saman.

7
The Chariot's majesties are fourteen others: seven sages lead it onward with their Voices. Who will declare to us the ford [sic] Apnana [sic], the path whereby they drink first draughts of Soma?

8
The fifteen lauds are in a thousand places that is as vast as heaven and earth in measure. A thousand spots contain the mighty thousand. Vak spreadeth forth as far as Prayer extendeth.

9
What sage hath learned the metres' application? Who hath gained Vak, the spirit's aim and object? Which ministering priest is called eighth Hero? Who then hath tracked the two Bay Steeds of Indra?

10
Yoked to his chariot-pole there stood the Coursers: they only travel round earth's farthest limits. These, when their driver in his home is settled, receive the allotted meed of their exertion.

HYMN CXV. Agni.

1
VERILY wondrous is the tender Youngling's growth who never draweth nigh to drink his Mothers' milk. As soon as she who hath no udder bore him, he, faring on his great errand, suddenly grew strong.

2
Then Agni was his name, most active to bestow, gathering up the trees with his consuming tooth; Skilled in fair sacrifice, armed with destroying tongue, impetuous as a bull that snorteth in the mead.

3
Praise him, your God who, bird-like, rests upon a tree, scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his flood, Speaking aloud with flame as with his lips a priest, and broadening his paths like one of high command.

4
Thou Everlasting, whom, far-striding fain to burn, the winds, uninterrupted, never overcome, They have approached, as warriors eager for the fight, heroic Trita, guiding him to gain his wish.

5
This Agni is the best of Kanvas, Kanvas' Friend, Conqueror of the foe whether afar or near. May Agni guard the singers, guard the princes well: may Agni grant to us our princes' gracious help.

6
Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of Jatavedas, mightiest of all, Who surely gives a boon even in thirsty land most powerful, prepared to aid us in the wilds.

7
Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded, excellent for conquering strength with chiefs, Men who are well-disposed as friends and true to Law, even as the heavens in majesty surpass mankind.

8
O Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta's most potent voice reveres thee. Blest with brave sons by thee we will extol thee, and lengthen out the days of our existence.

9
Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrstihavya, the Rsis, the Upastutas invoked thee. Protect them, guard the singers and the princes. With Vasat! have they come, with hands uplifted, with their uplifted hands and cries of Glory!

HYMN CXV

1
Indra.

1
DRINK Soma juice for mighty power and vigour, drink, Strongest One, that thou mayst smite down Vrtra. Drink thou, invoked, for strength, and riches: drink thou thy fill of meath and pour it down, O Indra.

2
Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what thou choosest of the flowing Soma. Giver of weal, be joyful in thy spirit, and turn thee hitherward to bless and prosper.

3
Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, O Indra, let that effused among mankind delight thee. Rejoice in that whereby thou gavest freedom, and that whereby thou conquerest thy foemen.

4
Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers. With juices pressed in milk, with meath presented, glut evermore thy bolt, O Foe-destroyer.

5
Dash down, outffaming [sic] their sharp flaming weapons, the strong-holds of the men urged on by demons. I give thee, Mighty One, great strength and conquest: go, meet thy foes and rend them in the battle.

6
Extend afar the votary's fame and glory, as the firm archer's strength drives off the foeman. Ranged on our side, grown strong in might that conquers, never defeated, still increase thy body.

7
To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran Ruler, free from anger. Juice, Maghavan, for thee is pressed and ripened: eat, Indra, drink of that which stirs to meet thee.

8
Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased with food made ready and with Soma. With entertainment we receive thee friendly: effectual be the sacrificer's wishes.

9
I send sweet speech to Indra and to Agni: with hymns I speed it like a boat through waters. Even thus, the Gods seem moving round about me, the fountains and bestowers of our riches.

HYMN CXVII. Liberality.

1
THE Gods have not ordained hunger to be our death: even to the well-fed man comes death in varied shape. The riches of the liberal never waste away, while he who will not give finds none to comfort him.

2
The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, Hardens his heart against him-even when of old he did him service-finds not one to comfort him.

3
Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food and feeble. Success attends him in the shout of battle. He makes a friend of him in future troubles.

4
No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing. Let him depart-no home is that to rest in-, and rather seek a stranger to support him.

5
Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling.

6
The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food -I speak the truth- shall be his ruin. He feeds no trusty friend, no man to love him. All guilt is he who eats with no partaker.

7
The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and with its feet cuts through the path it follows. Better the speaking than the silent Brahman: the liberal friend outvalues him who gives not.

8
He with one foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two-footed catches the three-footed. Four-footed creatures come when bipeds call them, and stand and look where five are met together.

9
The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of sister milch-kine is unequal. Twins even differ in their strength and vigour: two, even kinsmen, differ in their bounty.

HYMN CXVIII. Agni.

1
AGNI, refulgent among men thou slayest the devouring fiend, Bright Ruler in thine own abode.

2
Thou springest up when worshipped well the drops of butter are thy joy When ladies are brought near to thee.

3
Honoured with gifts he shines afar, Agni adorable with song: The dripping ladle balms his face.

4
Agni with honey in his mouth, honoured with gifts, is balmed with oil, Refulgent in his wealth of light.

5
Praised by our hymns thou kindlest thee, Oblation-bearer, for the Gods As such do mortals call on thee.

6
To that Immortal Agni pay worship with oil, ye mortal men,- Lord of the house, whom none deceives.

7
O Agni, burn the Raksasas with thine unconquerable flame Shine guardian of Eternal Law.

8
So, Agni, with thy glowing face burn fierce against the female fiends, Shining among Uruksayas.

9
Uruksayas have kindled thee, Oblation-bearer, thee, with hymns. Best Worshipper among mankind.

HYMN CXIX. Indra.

1
THIS, even this was my resolve, to win a cow, to win a steed: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

2
Like violent gusts of wind the draughts that I have drunk have lifted me Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

3
The draughts I drank have borne me up, as fleet-foot horses draw a car: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

4
The hymn hath reached me, like a cow who lows to meet her darling calf: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

5
As a wright bends a chariot-seat so round my heart I bend the hymn: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

6
Not as a mote within the eye count the Five Tribes of men with me: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

7
The heavens and earth themselves have not grown equal to one half of me Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

8
I in my grandeur have surpassed the heavens and all this spacious earth Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

9
Aha! this spacious earth will I deposit either here or there Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

10
In one short moment will I smite the earth in fury here or there: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

11
One of my flanks is in the sky; I let the other trail below: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

12
1, greatest of the Mighty Ones, am lifted to the firmament: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

13
I seek the worshipper's abode; oblation-bearer to the Gods: Have I not drunk of Soma juice?

HYMN CXX. Indra.

1
IN all the worlds That was the Best and Highest whence sprang the Mighty Gods, of splendid valour. As soon as born he overcomes his foemen, be in whom all who lend him aid are joyful.

2
Grown mighty in his strength, with ample vigour, he as a foe strikes fear into the Dasa, Eager to win the breathing and the breathless. All sang thy praise at banquet and oblation.

3
All concentrate on thee their mental vigour, what time these, twice or thrice, are thine assistants. Blend what is sweeter than the sweet with sweetness: win. quickly with our meath that meath in battle.

4
Therefore in thee too, thou who winnest riches, at every banquet are the sages joyful. With mightier power, Bold God, extend thy firmness: let not malignant Yatudhanas harm thee.

5
Proudly we put our trust in thee in battles, when we behold great wealth the prize of combat. I with my words impel thy weapons onward, and sharpen with my prayer thy vital vigour.

6
Worthy of praises, many-shaped, most skilful, most energetic, Aptya of the Aptyas: He with his might destroys the seven Danus, subduing many who were deemed his equals.

7
Thou in that house which thy protection guardeth bestowest wealth, the higher and the lower. Thou stablishest the two much-wandering Mothers, and bringest many deeds to their completion.

8
Brhaddiva, the foremost of light-winners, repeats these holy prayers, this strength of Indra. He rules the great self-luminous fold of cattle, and all the doors of light hath he thrown open.

9
Thus hath Brhaddiva, the great Atharvan, spoken to Indra as himself in person. The spotless Sisters, they who are his Mothers, with power exalt him and impel him onward.

HYMN CXXI. Ka.

1
IN the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, born Only Lord of all created beings. He fixed and holdeth up this earth and heaven. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

2
Giver of vital breath, of power and vigour, he whose commandments all the Gods acknowledge -. The Lord of death, whose shade is life immortal. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

3
Who by his grandeur hath become Sole Ruler of all the moving world that breathes and slumbers; He who is Lord of men and Lord of cattle. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

4
His, through his might, are these snow-covered mountains, and men call sea and Rasa his possession: His arms are these, his are these heavenly regions. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

5
By him the heavens are strong and earth is stedfast, by him light's realm and sky-vault are supported: By him the regions in mid-air were measured. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

6
To him, supported by his help, two armies embattled look while trembling in their spirit, When over them the risen Sun is shining. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

7
What time the mighty waters came, containing the universal germ, producing Agni, Thence sprang the Gods' one spirit into being. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

8
He in his might surveyed the floods containing productive force and generating Worship. He is the God of gods, and none beside him. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

9
Never may he harm us who is earth's Begetter, nor he whose laws are sure, the heavens' Creator, He who brought forth the great and lucid waters. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

10
Prajapati! thou only comprehendest all these created things, and none beside thee. Grant us our hearts' desire when we invoke thee: may we have store of riches in possession.

HYMN CXXII. Agni.

1
I PRAISE the God of wondrous might like Indra, the lovely pleasant Guest whom all must welcome. May Agni, Priest and Master of the household, give hero strength and all-sustaining riches.

2
O Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing-wise who knowest every ordinance. Enwrapped in holy oil further the course of prayer: the Gods bestow according to thy holy law.

3
Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal Giver, to the pious worshipper, Wealth, Agni, with brave sons and ready for his use: welcome the man who comes with fuel unto thee.

4
The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of sacrifice, The oil-anointed Bull, Agni who hears, who sends as God full hero strength to him who freely gives.

5
First messenger art thou, meet for election: drink thou thy fill invited to the Amrta, The Maruts in the votary's house adorned thee; with lauds the Bhrgus gave thee light and glory.

6
Milking the teeming Cow for all-sustaining food. O Wise One, for the worship-loving worshipper, Thou, Agni, dropping oil, thrice lighting works of Law, showest thy wisdom circling home and sacrifice.

7
They who at flushing of this dawn appointed thee their messenger, these men have paid thee reverence. Gods strengthened thee for work that must be glorified, Agni, while they made butter pure for sacrifice.

8
Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang Vasisistha s sons have called thee down, the Potent One. Maintain the growth of wealth with men who sacrifice. Ye Gods, preserve us with your blessings evermore.

HYMN CXXIII. Vena.

1
SEE, Vena, born in light, hath driven hither, on chariot of the air, the Calves of Prsni. Singers with hymns caress him as an infant there where the waters and the sunlight mingle.

2
Vena draws up his wave from out the ocean. mist-born, the fair one's back is made apparent, Brightly he shone aloft on Order's summit: the hosts sang glory to their common birthplace.

3
Full many, lowing to their joint-possession, dwelling together stood the Darling's Mothers. Ascending to the lofty height of Order, the bands of singers 'sip the sweets of Amrta.

4
Knowing his form, the sages yearned to meet him: they have come nigh to hear the wild Bull's bellow. Performing sacrifice they reached the river: for the Gandharva found the immortal waters.

5
The Apsaras, the Lady, sweetly smiling, supports her Lover in sublimest heaven. In his Friend's dwelling as a Friend he wanders: he, Vena, rests him on his golden pinion.

6
They gaze on thee with longing in their spirit, as on a strong-winged bird that mounteth sky-ward; On thee with wings of gold, Varuna's envoy, the Bird that hasteneth to the home of Yama.

7
Erect, to heaven hath the Gandharva mounted, pointing at us his many-coloured weapons; Clad in sweet raiment beautiful to look on, for he, as light, produceth forms that please us.

8
When as a spark he cometh near the ocean, still looking with a vulture's eye to heaven, His lustre, joying in its own bright splendour, maketh dear glories in the lowest region.

HYMN CXXIV. Agni, Etc.

1
COME to this sacrifice of ours, O Agni, threefold, with seven threads and five divisions. Be our oblation-bearer and preceder: thou hast lain long enough in during darkness.

2
I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality by secret pathways, While I, ungracious one, desert the gracious, leave mine own friends and seek the kin of strangers.

3
1, looking to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a rule of Law and Order. I bid farewell to the Great God, the Father, and, for neglect, obtain my share of worship.

4
I tarried many a year within this altar: I leave the Father, for my choice is Indra. Away pass Agni, Varuna and Soma. Rule ever changes: this I come to favour.

5
These Asuras have lost their powers of magic. But thou, O Varuna, if thou dost love me, O King, discerning truth and right from falsehood, come and be Lord and Ruler of my kingdom.

6
Here is the light of heaven, here all is lovely; here there is radiance, here is air's wide region. Let us two slaughter Vrtra. Forth, O Soma! Thou art oblation: we therewith will serve thee.

7
The Sage hath fixed his form by wisdom in the heavens: Varuna with no violence let the waters flow. Like women-folk, the floods that bring prosperity have eau [sic] lit his hue and colour as they gleamed and shone.

8
These wait upon his loftiest power and vigour: he dwells in these who triumph in their Godhead; And they, like people who elect their ruler, have in abhorrence turned away from Vrtra.

9
They call him Swan, the abhorrent floods' Companion, moving in friendship with celestial Waters. The poets in their thought have looked on Indra swiftly approaching when Anustup calls him.

HYMN CXXV. Vak.

1
I TRAVEL with the Rudras and the Vasus, with the Adityas and All-Gods I wander. I hold aloft both Varuna and Mitra, Indra and Agni, and the Pair of Asvins.

2
I cherish and sustain high-swelling Soma, and Tvastar I support, Pusan, and Bhaga. I load with wealth the zealous sacrificer who pours the juice and offers his oblation

3
I am the Queen, the gatherer-up of treasures, most thoughtful, first of those who merit worship. Thus Gods have stablished me in many places with many homes to enter and abide in.

4
Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them,-each man who sees, breathes, hears the word outspoken They know it not, but yet they dwell beside me. Hear, one and all, the truth as I declare it.

5
1, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods and men alike shall welcome. I make the man I love exceeding mighty, make him a sage, a Rsi, and a Brahman.

6
I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay the hater of devotion. I rouse and order battle for the people, and I have penetrated Earth and Heaven.

7
On the world's summit I bring forth the Father: my home is in the waters, in the ocean. Thence I extend o'er all existing creatures, and touch even yonder heaven with my forehead.

8
I breathe a strong breath like the wind and tempest, the while I hold together all existence. Beyond this wide earth and beyond the heavens I have become so mighty in my grandeur.

HYMN CXXVI. Visvedevas.

1
No peril, no severe distress, ye Gods, affects the mortal man, Whom Aryaman and Mitra lead, and Varima, of one accord, beyond his foes.

2
This very thing do we desire, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Whereby ye guard the mortal man from sore distress, and lead him safe beyond his foes.

3
These are, each one, our present helps, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman. Best leaders, best deliverers to lead us on and bear as safe beyond our foes.

4
Ye compass round and guard each man, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: In your dear keeping may we be, ye who are excellent as guides beyond our foes.

5
Adityas are beyond all foes,-Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: Strong Rudra with the Marut host, Indra, Agni let us call for weal beyond our foes.

6
These lead us safely over all, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, These who are Kings of living men, over all troubles far away beyond our foes.

7
May they give bliss to aid us well, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: May the Adityas, when we pray, grant us wide shelter and defence beyond our foes.

8
As in this place, O Holy Ones, ye Vasus freed even the Gaud when her feet were fettered. So free us now from trouble and affliction: and let our life be lengthened still, O Api.

HYMN CXXVII. Night.

1
WITH all her eyes the Goddess Night looks forth approaching many a spot: She hath put all her glories on.

2
Immortal. she hath filled the waste, the Goddess hath filled height and depth: She conquers darkness with her light.

3
The Goddess as she comes hath set the Dawn her Sister in her place: And then the darkness vanishes.

4
So favour us this night, O thou whose pathways we have visited As birds their nest upon the tree.

5
The villagers have sought their homes, and all that walks and all that flies, Even the falcons fain for prey.

6
Keep off the she-wolf and the wolf, O Urmya, keep the thief away; Easy be thou for us to pass.

7
Clearly hath she come nigh to me who decks the dark with richest hues: O Morning, cancel it like debts.

8
These have I brought to thee like kine. O Night, thou Child of Heaven, accept This laud as for a conqueror.

HYMN CXXVIII. Visvedevas.

1
LET me win glory, Agni, in our battles: enkindling thee, may we support our bodies. May the four regions bend and bow before me: with thee for guardian may we win in combat.

2
May all the Gods be on my side in battle, the Maruts led by Indra, Visnu, Agni. Mine be the middle air's extended region, and may the wind blow favouring these my wishes.

3
May the Gods grant me riches; may the blessing and invocation of the Gods assist me. Foremost in fight be the divine Invokers: may we, unwounded, have brave heroes round us.

4
For me let them present all mine oblations, and let my mind's intention be accomplished. May I he guiltless of the least transgression: and, all ye Go-is, do ye combine to bless us.

5
Ye six divine Expanses, grant us freedom: here, all ye Gods, acquit yourselves like heroes. Let us not lose our children or our bodies: let us not benefit the foe, King Soma!

6
Baffling the wrath of our opponents, Agni, guard us as our infallible Protector. Let these thy foes turn back and seek their houses, and let their thought who watch at home be ruined.

7
Lord of the world, Creator of creators the saviour God who overcomes the foeman. May Gods, Brhaspati, both Asvins shelter from ill this sacrifice and sacrificer.

8
Foodful, and much-invoked, at this our calling mty [sic] the great Bull vouchsafe us wide protection. Lord of Bay Coursers, Indra, blew our children: harm us not, give us riot as prey to others.

9
Let those who are our foemen stay. afar from us: with Indra and with Agni we will drive them off. Vasus, Adityas, Rudras have exalted me, made me far-reaching, mighty, thinker, sovran lord.

HYMN CXXIX. Creation.

1
THEN was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it. What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water?

2
Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign was there, the day's and night's divider. That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature: apart from it was nothing whatsoever.

3
Darkness there was: at first concealed in darkness this All was indiscriminated chaos. All that existed then was void and form less: by the great power of Warmth was born that Unit.

4
Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit. Sages who searched with their heart's thought discovered the existent's kinship in the non-existent.

5
Transversely was their severing line extended: what was above it then, and what below it? There were begetters, there were mighty forces, free action here and energy up yonder

6
Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation? The Gods are later than this world's production. Who knows then whence it first came into being?

7
He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it, Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not.

HYMN CXXX. Creation.

1
THE sacrifice drawn out with threads on every side, stretched by a hundred sacred ministers and one,- This do these Fathers weave who hitherward are come: they sit beside the warp and cry, Weave forth, weave back.

2
The Man extends it and the Man unbinds it: even to this vault of heaven hath he outspun, it. These pegs are fastened to the seat of worship: they made the Sama-hymns their weaving shuttles.

3
What were the rule, the order and the model? What were the wooden fender and the butter? What were the hymn, the chant, the recitation, when to the God all Deities paid worship?

4
Closely was Gayatri conjoined with Agni, and closely Savitar combined with Usnih. Brilliant with Ukthas, Soma joined Anustup: Brhaspati's voice by Brhati was aided.

5
Viraj adhered to Varuna and Mitra: here Tristup day by day was Indra's portion. Jagati entered all the Gods together: so by this knowledge men were raised to Rsis.

6
So by this knowledge men were raised to Rsis, when ancient sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. With the mind's eye I think that I behold them who first performed this sacrificial worship.

7
They who were versed in ritual and metre, in hymns and rules, were the Seven Godlike Rsis. Viewing the path of those of old, the sages have taken up the reins like chariot-drivers.