Atharva Veda · 168 of 724

HYMN XXXI

A counter-charm against the incantations of an enemy 1. The spell that they have cast for thee on unbaked dish or ming-    led meal,   The witchcraft wrought on undressed meat, this I strike back    again on them. 2. The spell that they have cast for thee on jungle-cock, goat,    horned ram,   The witchcraft wrought upon thy ewe, this I strike back again    on them. 3. The spell that they have cast upon thy beast that hath uncloven    hooves,   The ass with teeth in both his jaws, this I strike back again on    them. 4. The secret spell upon thy plants Amūlā or Narāchi, spell   That they have cast upon thy field, this I strike back again on    them. 5. The spell that wicked men have cast on thine original household-    fire,   And on thy sacrificial hall, this I strike back again on them. 6. The spell that they have cast upon thy public room thy gambl-    ing-board,   Spell they have cast upon thy dice, this I strike back again on    them. 7. The spell that they have cast upon thine army or thy shafts and    arms,   Spell they have cast upon the drum, this I throw back again on    them. 8. Charm they have laid within thy well or buried in the burning-    ground,   Charm they have laid within thy home, this I throw back again    on them. 9. The spell that they have wrought for thee in flickering fire of    human bones,—   Mroka, consuming, cannibal, this I throw back again on them. 10. He brought this by no proper path, by the right path we drive it    back.   The fool in folly brought it to those who observe established    bounds. 11. No power had he who wrought the spell: he hurt his foot, he    broke his toe.   Unlucky for his wealthy lords, he hath wrought happiness for us. 12. May Indra slay with mighty bolt, may Agni with his missible    pierce.   The sorcerer who brings the curse, who deals with roots and    secret spells.