Rig Veda

Book 8, Hymn LXVIII. Soma

1. THIS here is Soma, ne’er restrained, active, all-conquering bursting forth,
Ṛṣi and Sage by sapience,

2 All that is bare he covers o’er, all that is sick he medicines;
The blind man sees, the cripple walks.

3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men,
Hatreds that waste and weaken us.

4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth
Drivest the sinner's enmity.

5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace,
And satisfy his wish who thirsts.

6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man,
And lengthen his remaining life.

7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts,
Be sweet, O Soma, to our heart.

8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King:
Wound not our heart with dazzling flame.

9 When in my dwelling-place I see the wicked enemies of Gods,
King, chase their hatred far away, thou Bounteous One, dispel our foes.