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the rain after long drought forms the subject matter of another lyric (less an hymn than a poem), which serves to illustrate the position of the priests at the end of this Vedic collection. The frogs are jocosely compared to priests that have fulfilled their vow of silence; and their quacking is likened to the noise of students learning the Veda. Parjanya is the god that, in distinction from Indra as the first cause, actually pours down the rain-drops.
THE FROGS.[22]
As priests that have their vows fulfilled,
Reposing for a year complete, The frogs have now begun to talk,Parjanya has their voice aroused.
When down the heavenly waters come upon him,
Who like a dry bag lay within the river, Then, like the cows' loud lowing (cows that calves have), The vocal sound of frogs comes all together.
When on the longing, thirsty ones it raineth,
(The rainy season having come upon them), Then akkala![23] they cry; and one the other Greets with his speech, as sons address a father.
The one the other welcomes, and together
They both rejoice at falling of the waters; The spotted frog hops when the rain has wet him, And with his yellow comrade joins his utterance.
When one of these the other's voice repeateth,
Just as a student imitates his teacher,