Religion
Rig Veda 7.88: PRESENT to Varuna thine hymn…
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1896) · From The Hymns of the Rigveda (1896)
PRESENT to Varuna thine hymn, Vasistha, bright, most delightful to the Bounteous Giver,
Who bringeth on to us the Bull, the lofty, the Holy, laden with a thousand treasures.
And now, as I am come before his presence, I take the face of Varuna for Agni's.
So might he bring-Lord also of the darkness-the light in heaven that I may see its beauty!
When Varuna and I embark together and urge our boat into the midst of ocean,
We, when we ride o'er ridges of the waters, will swing within that swing and there be happy.
Varuna placed Vasistha in the vessel, and deftly with his night made him a Rsi.
When days shone bright the Sage made him a singer, while the heavens broadened and the Dawns were lengthened.
What hath become of those our ancient friendships, when without enmity we walked together?
I, Varuna, thou glorious Lord, have entered thy lofty home, thine house with thousand portals.
If he, thy true ally, hath sinned against thee, still, Varuna, he is the friend thou lovest.
Let us not, Living One, as sinners I know thee: give shelter, as a Sage, to him who lauds thee.
While we abide in these fixed habitations, and from the lap of Aditi win favour,
May Varuna untie the bond that binds us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 7.88: PRESENT to Varuna thine hymn….” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/602/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 7.88: PRESENT to Varuna thine hymn….” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/602/.
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