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There is, at times, so close a resemblance between Dawn-hymns and Sun-hymns that the imagery employed in one is used in the other. Thus the hymn VI. 64 begins: "The beams of Dawn have arisen, shining as shine the waters' gleaming waves. She makes good paths, ... she banishes darkness as a warrior drives away a foe (so of the sun, IV. 13.2; X. 37.4; 170.2). Beautiful are thy paths upon the mountains, and across the waters thou shinest, self-gleaming" (also of the sun). With the last expression may be compared that in VI. 65. 5: "Dawn, whose seat is upon the hills."
Dawn is intimately connected not only with Agni but with the Twin Horsemen, the Açvins (equites)—if not so intimately connected as is Helen with the Dioskouroi, who, pace Pischel, are the Açvins of Hellas. This relationship is more emphasized in the hymns to the latter gods, but occasionally occurs in Dawn-hymns, of which another is here translated in full.
TO DAWN (IV.52).
The Daughter of Heaven, this beauteous maid, Resplendent leaves her sister (Night), And now before (our sight) appears.
Red glows she like a shining mare, Mother of kine, who timely comesThe Horsemen's friend Aurora is.
Both friend art thou of the Horsemen twain, And mother art thou of the kine, And thou, Aurora, rulest wealth.
We wake thee with our praise as one Who foes removes; such thought is ours, O thou that art possesst of joy.