Atharva Veda · 657 of 724

HYMN LXXVI

HYMN LXXVI 1. As sits the young bird on the tree rejoicing, ye, swift pair, have    been roused by clear laudation,   Whose Hoter-priest through many days is Indra, earth’s    guardian, friend of men, the best of heroes. 2. May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best    servants, most heroic Hero!   Let the victorious car with triple splendour bring hitherward the    hundred chiefs with Kutsa. 3. What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra?   Speed to our doors, our songs, for thou art mighty.   Why comest thou to me, what gift attracts thee?   Fain would I bring thee food most meet to offer. 4. Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what    plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us?   As a true friend, Wide-Strider! to sustain us, since food absorbs    the thought of each among us. 5. Speed happily those, as Sūrya ends his journey, who meet his    wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses;   Men who support, O Indra strong by nature, with food the    many songs that tell thy praises. 6. Thine are two measures, Indra, wide, well-meted, heaven for thy    majesty, earth for thy wisdom.   Here for thy choice are Somas mixed with butter: may the    sweet meath be pleasant for thy drinking. 7. They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet    juice, for faithful is his bounty.   O’er earth’s expanse hath he grown great by wisdom, the friend    of man, and by heroic exploits. 8. Indra hath conquered in his wars the mighty: men strive in    multitudes to win his friendship.   Ascend thy chariot as it were in battle, which thou shalt drive    to us with gracious favour,