deserves to possess this whole earth.

Subtract from the Brahminism of the Institutes, the importance assigned
to caste; substitute for the Euhemerism of the Epics, an _elemental
religion_, and we ascend to the religion of the Vedas; the nominal, but
only the nominal basis, of all Hinduism. In the following Vedaic hymns,
_Agni_ is _fire_; _Indra_, the _sky_, _firmament_, or _atmosphere_; and
_Marut_, the _cloud_.

RIGVEDA SANHITA.

_Wilson's Translation._

I.

1. I glorify AGNI, the high priest of the sacrifice, the divine, the
ministrant, who presents the oblation (to the gods), and is the
possessor of great wealth.

2. May that AGNI, who is to be celebrated by both ancient and modern
sages, conduct the gods hither.

3. Through AGNI the worshipper obtains that affluence, which
increases day by day, which is the source of fame and the multiplier
of mankind.

4. AGNI, the unobstructed sacrifice of which thou art on every side
the protector, assuredly reaches the gods.

5. May AGNI, the presenter of oblations, the attainer of knowledge;
he who is true, renowned, and divine, come hither with the gods!

6. Whatever good thou mayest, AGNI, bestow upon the giver (of the
oblation), that verily, ANGIRAS, shall revert to thee.

7. We approach thee, AGNI, with reverential homage in our thoughts,
daily, both morning and evening.

8. Thee, the radiant, the protector of sacrifices, the constant
illuminator of truth, increasing in thine own dwelling!

9. AGNI, be unto us easy of access, as is a father to a son; be ever
present with us for our good!

II.

1. A['S]WINS, cherishers of pious acts, long-armed, accept with
outstretched hands the sacrificial viands!

2. A['S]WINS, abounding in mighty acts, guides (of devotion),
endowed with fortitude, listen with unaverted minds to our praises!

3. A['S]WINS, destroyers of foes, exempt from untruth, leaders in
the van of heroes, come to the mixed libations sprinkled on the
lopped sacred grass!

4. INDRA, of wonderful splendour, come hither; these libations, ever
pure, expressed by the fingers (of the priests), are desirous of
thee!

5. INDRA, apprehended by the understanding and appreciated by the
wise, approach and accept the prayers (of the priest), as he offers
the libation!

6. Fleet INDRA with the tawny cou