Atharva Veda · 358 of 724

HYMN L

A gambler's prayer for success in gaming 1. As evermore the lightning flash strikes, irresistible, the tree,   So, irresistible, may I conquer the gamblers with the dice. 2. From every side, from hale and sick, impotent to defend them-    selves,   May all the fortune of the folk as winnings pass into my hands. 3. I pray to Agni, him who guards his treasure: here, won by    homage, may he pile our winnings.   As 'twere with racing cars I bring my presents: duly with    reverence, let me laud the Maruts. 4. With thee to aid us may we win the treasure: do thou assist    our side in every battle.   Give us wide room and easy way, O Indra; break down, O   Maghavan, the foemen's valour. 5. I have completely cleaned thee out, won from thee what thou    keptest back.   As a wolf tears and rends a sheep, so do I tear thy stake away. 6. Yea, by superior play one gains advantage: in time he piles his    spoil as doth a gambler.   He overwhelms with wealth's inherent powers the devotee who    keeps not back his riches. 7. May we all, much-invoked! repel with cattle want that brings    sin, hunger with store of barley.   May we uninjured, first among the princes, obtain possessions    by our own exertions. 8. My right hand holds my winnings fast, and in my left is    victory.   I would that I were winner of cattle and horses, wealth and    gold. 9. Dice, give me play that bringeth fruit as 'twere a cow with    flowing milk!   And, as the bowstring binds, the bow, unite me with a stream of    gains.