BOOK V

HYMN I

A glorification of Trita and Varuna

1He who with special plans and deathless spirit, waxing, well-
   born, hath come unto his birth-place,
  As he who shines upholds the days, thus Trita, of pure life,
   bears the Three as their supporter.
2He who, the first, approached the holy statutes makes, after,
   many beauteous forms and figures.
  Eager to drink, his birth-place first he entered who understands
   the word when yet unspoken.
3He who—the fluid gold, with radiant kinsmen—to fervent glow
   delivered up thy body,
  On him both set names, that shall live for ever: to him the regions
   shall send robes to clothe him,
4As these have gone to their primeval station, each gaining an
   imperishable dwelling,
  May kissing mothers of the bards' beloved bring the pole-draw-
   ing husband to the sister.
5By holy wisdom I a sage, Far-Strider! offer to thee this lofty
   adoration.
  This worship both the mighty eddying rivers, coming together
   to this station, heighten.
6Seven are the pathways which the wise have fashioned: to one
   of these may come the troubled mortal.
  On sure ground where the ways are parted standeth Life's Pillar
   in the dwelling of the Highest.
7Working, I go my way with deathless spirit: life, spirit, bodies
   have gone gladly thither.
  Aye, Sakra also gives his gift of treasure as when the sacrificer
   meets with power.
8Yea, the son asks dominion of his father: this they declared the
   noblest path to welfare.
  Varuna, let them see thy revelations: display the wondrous
   shapes of times to follow. p. a154
9Halt with the milk, its other half, thou minglest and with that
   half, strong! unbeguiled! increasest.
  Let us exalt the gracious friend, the mighty, Varuna son of-
  Aditi, strength-giver.
  We have told him the marvels sung by poets. The utterance of
  Heaven and Earth is truthful.

Next: Hymn 2: A glorification of Indra