Rig Veda

Book 8, Hymn XXIX Viśvedevas

1. ONE is a youth brown, active, manifold he decks the golden one with ornament.

2 Another, luminous, occupies the place of sacritice, Sage, among the Gods.

3 One brandishes in his hand an iron knife, firm, in his seat amid the Deities.

4 Another holds the thunderbolt, wherewith he slays the Vṛtras, resting in his hand.

5 Another bears a pointed weapon: bright is he, and strong, with healing medicines.

6 Another, thief-like, watches well the ways, and knows the places where the treasures lie.

7 Another with his mighty stride hath made his three steps thither where the Gods rejoice.

8 Two with one Dame ride on with winged steeds, and journey forth like travellers on their way.

9 Two, highest, in the heavens have set their seat, worshipped with holy oil, imperial Kings.

10 Some, singing lauds, conceived the Sāma-hymn, great hymn whereby they caused the Sun to shine.