Rig Veda

Book 5, Hymn LXXIV. Aśvins

1. WHERE in the heavens are ye to-day, Gods, Aśvins, rich in constancy?
Hear this, ye excellent as Steers: Atri inviteth you to come.

2 Where are they now? Where are the Twain, the famed Nāsatyas, Gods in heaven?
Who is the man ye strive to reach? Who of your suppliants is with you?

3 Whom do ye visit, whom approach? to whom direct your harnessed car?
With whose devotions are ye pleased? We long for you to further us.

4 Ye, Strengtheners, for Paura stir the filler swimming in the flood,
Advancing to be captured like a lion to the ambuscade.

5 Ye from cyavana worn with age removed his skin as ’twere a robe.
So, when ye made him young again, he stirred the longing of a dame.

6 Here is the man who lauds you both: to see your glory are we here.
Now bear me, come with saving help, ye who are rich in store of wealth.

7 Who among many mortal men this day hath won you to himself?
What bard, accepters of the bard? Who, rich in wealth! with sacrifice?

8 O Aśvins, may your car approach, most excellent of cars for speed.
Through many regions may our praise pass onward among mortal men.

9 May our laudation of you Twain, lovers of meath! be sweet to you.
Fly hitherward, ye wise of heart, like falcons with your winged steeds.

10 O Aśvins, when at any time ye listen to this call of mine,
For you is dainty food prepared: they mix refreshing food for you.