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HYMNS OF THE ATHARVA-VEDA.
domestic, we pierce thee with the lead, so that thou shalt not slay our heroes.
VI, 2. The soma-oblation directed against
demons (rakshas). 1. Press the soma, ye priests, and rinse it (for renewed pressing), in behalf of Indra who shall listen to the song of the worshipper, and to my call !
2. Do thou, O doughty (Indra), whom the drops of soma enter as birds a tree, beat off the hostile brood of the Rakshas !
3. Press ye the soma for Indra, the soma-drinker, who wields the thunderbolt! A youthful victor and ruler is he, praised by many men.
II, 14. Charm against a variety of female demons,
conceived as hostile to men, cattle, and home.
1. Nissâlâ, the bold, the greedy demon (? dhishana), and (the female demon) with long-drawn howl, the bloodthirsty ; all the daughters of Kanda, the Sadânvàs do we destroy.
2. We drive you out of the stable, out of the axle (of the wagon), and the body of the wagon; we chase you, O ye daughters of Magundi, from the house.
3. In yonder house below, there the grudging demons (arâys) shall exist; there ruin shall prevail, and all the witches !
4. May (Rudra), the lord of beings, and Indra, drive forth from here the Sadânvâs; those that are seated on the foundation of the house Indra shall overcome with his thunderbolt!
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