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of the gods); how brides are provided by them; how they rescued Bhujyu and others from the dangers of the deep (as in the classical legends); how they replaced a woman's leg with an iron one; restored a saint's eye-sight; drew a seer out of a well, etc, etc. Many scholars follow Bergaigne in imagining all these miracles to be anthropomorphized forms of solar phenomena, the healing of the blind representing the bringing out of the sun from darkness, etc. To us such interpretation often seems fatuous. No less unconvincing is the claim that one of the Açvins represents the fire of heaven and the other the fire of the altar. The Twins are called n[=a/saty[=a), the 'savers' (or 'not untrue ones[113]'); explained by some as meaning 'gods with good noses[114].'
HYMN TO THE HORSEMEN.
Whether ye rest on far-extended earth, or on the sea in house upon it made, 'come hither thence, Oye that ride the steeds. If ever for man ye mix the sacrifice, then notice now the Kanva (poet who sings]. I call upon the gods [Indra, Vishnu[115]] and the swiftgoing Horsemen[116]. These Horsemen I call now that they work wonders, to seize the works (of sacrifice), whose friendship is preëminently ours, and relationship among all the gods; in reference to whom arise sacrifices ... If, to-day, O Horsemen, West or East ye stand, ye of good steeds, whether at Druhyu's, Anu's, Turvaça's, or Yadu's, I call ye; come to me. If ye fly in the air, O givers of great joy; or if through the two worlds; or if, according to your pleasure, ye mount the car,—thence come hither, O Horsemen.
From the hymn preceding this, the following verses[117]:
Whatever manliness is in the aether, in the sky, and among the five peoples, grant us that, O Horsemen ... this hot soma drink of yours with laudation is poured out; this soma sweet through which ye discovered Vritra ... Ascend the swift-rolling chariot, O Horsemen; hither let these my praises bring ye, like a cloud ... Come as guardians of homes; guardians of our bodies. Come to the house for (to give) children and offspring.