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400
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA VIII, HYMN 20.
ASHTAKA VI, ADHYAYA 1, VARGA 36-40.
TO THE MARUTS (THE STORM-GODS).
1. Come hither, do not fail, when you march forward! Do not stay away, O united friends, you who can bend even what is firm.
2. O Maruts, Ribhukshans, come hither on your flaming strong fellies 1, O Rudras, come to us to-day with food, you much-desired ones, come to the sacrifice, you friends of the Sobharis 2.
3. For we know indeed the terrible strength of the sons of Rudra, of the vigorous Maruts, the liberal givers' of Soma 2 (rain).
4. The islands (clouds) were scattered, but the monster remained', heaven and earth were joined together. O you who are armed with bright rings, the tracts (of the sky) expanded, whenever you stir, radiant with your own splendour.
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5. Even things that cannot be thrown down resound at your race, the mountains, the lord of the forest, the earth quivers on your marches.
6. The upper sky makes wide room, to let your violence pass, O Maruts, when these strong-armed heroes display their energies in their own bodies.
7. According to their wont these men, exceeding terrible, impetuous, with strong and unbending forms, bring with them beautiful light 2.
8. The arrow of the Sobharis is shot from the bowstrings at the golden chest on the chariot of the Maruts. They, the kindred of the cow (Prisni),
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