Classic Poem

1

V ARUNA , Indra, Gods of battle!
Foemen came for spoil and cattle,
Battle-axes in their hand,
Eastward came the armed band; —
By your grace Sudas arose,
Smote the dark and Aryan foes!

2

Gathered nations lifted high
Banners floating in the sky,
Warriors turned their anxious gaze
From the earth to sky's dark haze; —
None but you, our help and stay,
Saved Sudas on that dark day!

3

To the dazed, bewildered eye
Broad earth mingled with the sky,
And the deafening shout arose
From our men and circling foes; —
You then heard our priestly call,
Helped Sudas to conquer all!

4

Banded nations ye have quelled,
Bheda in the battle felled,
Ye were king Sudas's stay,
Saved him in the dubious fray; —
For ye heard our holy lay,
Tritsus' service won the day!

5

Wily was the foeman's heart,
And resistless was his dart;
Ye are Lords of earth and heaven,
To our king your aid was given; —
For ye heard our holy lay
Tritsus' prayers won the day!

6

Foemen called on you in vain,
For ye hear not impious men;
Foemen longed in vain for lands,
Impious hearts make feeble hands;
Ten great kings their warriors brought, —
You beside our monarch fought!

7

Ten great kings who knew no rite
Vainly did their troops unite,
And their useless weapons bring,
For they conquered not our king;
Fruitful was our warriors' boast,
And ye helped our conquering host!

8

With their long and braided hair
White-robed Tritsu priests appear,
And with hymn and holy song
Sacrificial rites prolong;
Gods have heard! Against the ten,
They have helped our king and men!

9

Indra rends the cloud's dark folds,
King Varuna law upholds,
To their glory, in their praise
Tritsus chant their pious lays;
Grant us, Lords, your sweet protection,
Blessings rich and benediction!

10

King Varuna, Indra strong,
Listen to the Tritsus' song;
Aryaman and Mitra bright,
Grant us shelter, Sons of Light;
Fair Aditi, primal ray,
Bright Savitri hear this lay!