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Rig Veda
Book 7, Hymn LXXXVI. Varuṇa
1. WISE, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed ever, spacious heaven and earth asunder;
Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of old, and spread the earth before him.
2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuṇa and I may be united.
What gift of mine will he accept unangered? When may I calmly look and find him gracious?
3 Fain to know this is my sin I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuṇa, and ask them.
This one same answer even the sages gave me, "Surely this Varuṇa is angry with thee."
4 What, Varuṇa, hath been my chief transgression, that thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises?
Tell me, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I approach thee with mine homage.
5 Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended.
O King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set free Vasiṣṭha.
6 Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuṇa wine, dice, or anger.
The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removeth not all evil-doing.
7 Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger.
This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches.
8 O Lord, O Varuṇa, may this laudation come close to thee and lie within thy spirit.
May it be well with us in rest and labour. Preserve us ever-more, ye Gods, with blessings.
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