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· MANDALA I, HYMN 72.
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tality. Protect thou the cattle and that which remains steadfast and that which moves.
7. Knowing, O Agni, the established orders of (human) dwellings, distribute in due order gifts2 that they may live. Knowing the ways which the gods go, thou hast become the unwearied messenger, the bearer of oblations.
8. They who knew the right way and were filled with good intentions, beheld from heaven the seven young(rivers) and the doors of riches. Saramå found the strong stable of the cows from which human clans receive their nourishment?
9. The Earth has spread herself far and wide with them who are great in their greatness, the mother Aditi, for the refreshment of the bird', with her sons who have assumed all powers of their own dominion”, preparing (for themselves) the way to immortality.
10. When the immortals created the two eyes of heaven', they placed fair splendour in him (Agni). Then they rush down like streams let loose. The red ones have recognised, O Agni, those which are directed downwards.
NOTES. The same Rishi and metre.-Verse 1 = TS. II, 2, 12, 1. Verse 3 = TB. II, 4, 5, 6. Verses 8-9 = TB. II, 5, 8, 10.
Verse 1. Note 1. The meaning seems to me to be : by his wisdom he excels all human wisdom. Prof. Max Müller translates: *Agni, who holds in his hand all that men desire, conquers
G 2
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