Atharva Veda · 381 of 724

HYMN LXXIII

An invitation to the Asvins 1. Inflamed is Agni, Heroes! charioteer of heaven. The caldron    boils: the meath is drained to be your food.   For we, O Asvins, singers sprung from many a house, invite you    to be present at our banquetings. 2. Asvins, the fire is all aglow: your caldron hath been heated;.    come!   Here, even now, O Heroes, are the milch-kine milked. The    priests, ye mighty ones! rejoice. 3. Pure with the Gods is sacrifice with cry of Hail! That is the   Asvins' cup whence Gods are wont to drink.   Yea, the Immortal Ones accept it, one and all, and come to kiss    that cup with the Gandharva's mouth. 4. Milk, molten butter offered when the mornings break,—this is    your portion, Asvins! Come ye hitherward.   Lords of the brave, balm-lovers, guards of sacrifice, drink ye the    warm libation in the light of heaven. 5. Let the warm drink approach you with its Hotar-priest: let the   Adhvaryu come to you with store of milk.   Come, O ye Asvins, taste the meath that hath been drained,    drink of the milk provided by this radiant cow. 6. Come hither, quickly come, thou milker of the kine; into the    caldron pour milk of the radiant cow.   Most precious Savitar hath looked upon the heaven. After   Dawn's going-forth he sends his light abroad. 7. I invocate this milch-cow good for milking, so that the milker,    deft of hand, may milk her.   May Savitar give goodliest stimulation. The caldron hath been    warmed. Let him proclaim it. 8. She, sovran of all treasures, is come hither yearning in spirit for    her calf, and lowing.   May this cow yield her milk for both the Asvins, and may she    prosper to our great advantage. 9. As dear house-friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our    sacrifice come thou who knowest.   And, Agni, having scattered all assailants, bring to us the posses-    sions of our foemen. 10. Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, O Agni! Most excellent be    thine effulgent splendours!   Make easy to maintain our household lordship, and overcome    the might of those who hate us. 11. Fortunate mayst thou be with goodly pasture, and may we also    be exceeding wealthy.   Feed on the grass, O Cow, at every season, and, coming hither,    drink the limpid water.