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As when a charioteer with whip his horses strikes, So drives he to the fore his messengers of rain; Afar a lion's roar is raised abroad, whene'er Parjanya doth create the rain-containing cloud. Now forward rush the winds, now gleaming lightnings fall; Up spring the plants, and thick becomes the shining sky. For every living thing refreshment is begot, Whene'er Parjanya's seed makes quick the womb of earth.
Beneath whose course the earth hath bent and bowed her, Beneath whose course the (kine) behoofed bestir them, Beneath whose course the plants stand multifarious, He-thou, Parjanya-grant us great protection! Bestow Dyaus' rain upon us, O ye Maruts! Make thick the stream that comes from that strong stallion! With this thy thunder come thou onward, hither, Thy waters pouring, a spirit and our father.[30] Roar forth and thunder! Give the seed of increase! Drive with thy chariot full of water round us; The water-bag drag forward, loosed, turned downward; Let hills and valleys equal be before thee! Up with the mighty keg! then pour it under! Let all the loosened streams flow swiftly forward; Wet heaven and earth with this thy holy fluid;[31] And fair drink may it be for all our cattle!
When thou with rattle and with roar, Parjanya, thundering, sinners slayest, Then all before thee do rejoice, Whatever creatures live on earth.
