Rig Veda

Book 1, Hymn V. Indra

1 O COME ye hither, sit ye down: to Indra sing ye forth, your song,
companions, bringing hymns of praise.

2 To him the richest of the rich, the Lord of treasures excellent,
Indra, with Soma juice outpoured.

3 May he stand by us in our need and in abundance for our wealth:
May he come nigh us with his strength.

4 Whose pair of tawny horses yoked in battles foemen challenge not:
To him, to Indra sing your song.

5 Nigh to the Soma-drinker come, for his enjoyment, these pure drops,
The Somas mingled with the curd.

6 Thou, grown at once to perfect strength, wast born to drink the Soma juice,
Strong Indra, for preëminence.

7 O Indra, lover of the song, may these quick Somas enter thee:
May they bring bliss to thee the Sage.

8 Our chants of praise have strengthened thee, O Śatakratu, and our lauds
So strengthen thee the songs we sing.

9 Indra, whose succour never fails, accept these viands thousandfold,
Wherein all manly powers abide.

10 O Indra, thou who lovest song, let no man hurt our bodies, keep
Slaughter far from us, for thou canst.