Rig Veda

Book 9, Hymn X. Soma Pavamana

1. LIKE cars that thunder on their way, like coursers eager for renown,
Have Soma-drops flowed forth for wealth.

2 Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariots that are urged to speed,
Like joyful songs of singing-men.

3 The Somas deck themselves with milk, as Kings are graced with eulogies,
And, with seven priests, the sacrifice.

4 Pressed for the gladdening draught, the drops flow forth abundantly with song,
The Soma juices in a stream.

5 Winning Vivasvān's glory and producing Morning's light, the Suns
Pass through the openings of the cloth.

6 The singing-men of ancient time open the doors of sacred songs,—
Men, for the mighty to accept.

7 Combined in close society sit the seven priests, the brother-hood,
Filling the station of the One.

8 He gives us kinship with the Gods, and with the Sun unites our eye:
The Sage's offspring hath appeared.

9 The Sun with his dear eye beholds that quarter of the heavens which priests
Have placed within the sacred cell.