The Rig Veda/Mandala 9/Hymn 87

18576The Rig VedaMandala 9, Hymn 87
1. RUN onward to the reservoir and seat thee: cleansed by the men speed forward to the battle.
     Making thee beauteous like an able courser, forth to the sacred grass with reins they lead thee.
2. Indu, the well-armed God, is flowing onward, who quells the curse and guards from treacherous onslaught,
     Father, begetter of the Gods, most skillful, the buttress of the heavens and earth's supporter.
3. Rsi and Sage, the Champion of the people, cleft and sagacious, Usana in wisdom,
     He hath discovered even their hidden nature, the Cows' concealed and most mysterious title.
4. This thine own Soma rich in meath, O Indra, Steer for the Steer, hath flowed into the filter.
     The strong Free-giver, winning hundreds, thousands, hath reached the holy grass that never fails him.
5. These Somas are for wealth of countless cattle, renown therefor, and mighty strength immortal.
     These have been sent forth, purified by strainers, like steeds who rush to battle fain for glory.
6. He, while he cleanses him, invoked of many, hath flowed to give the people all enjoyment.
     Thou whom the Falcon brought, bring, dainty viands, bestir thyself and send us wealth and booty.
7. This Soma, pressed into the cleansing filter, hath run as 'twere a host let loose, the Courser;
     Like a strong bull who whets his horns pen-pointed, like a brave warrior in the fray for cattle.
8. He issued forth from out the loftiest mountain, and found kine hidden somewhere in a stable.
     Soma's stream clears itself for thee, O Indra, like lightning thundering through the clouds of heaven,
9. Cleansing thyself, and borne along with Indra, Soma, thou goest round the herd of cattle.
     May thy praise help us, Mighty One, prompt Giver, to the full ample food which thou bestowest.