Atharva Veda · 85 of 724

HYMN XVIII

A jealous wife’s incantation against a rival 1. From out the earth I dig this Plant, and herb of most effectual    power,   Wherewith one quells the rival wife and gains the husband for    one’s self. 2. Auspicious, with expanded leaves, sent by the Gods, victorious   Plant,   Drive thou, the rival wife away, and make my husband only    mine. 3. Indeed he hath not named her name: thou with this husband    dalliest not,   Far into distance most remote we drive the rival wife away. 4. Stronger am I, O stronger one, yea, mightier than the mightier;   Beneath me be my rival wife, down, lower than the lowest    dames! 5. I am the conqueror, and thou, thou also art victorious:   As victory attends us both we will subdue my fellowwife. 6. I’ve girt thee with the conquering Plant, beneath thee laid the    mightiest one.   As a cow hastens to her calf, so let thy spirit speed to me,    hasten like water on its way.