to the vague conceptions which we form to ourselves of the
ancient Vedic poets and their surroundings. The rivers invoked are, as
we shall see, the real rivers of the Punjab, and the poem shows a much
wider geographical horizon than we should expect from a mere
village-bard.[195]

1. "Let the poet declare, O Waters, your exceeding greatness,
here in the seat of Vivasvat.[196] By seven and seven they
have come forth in three courses, but the Sindhu (the Indus)
exceeds all the other wandering rivers by her strength.

2. "Varu_n_a dug out paths for thee to walk on, when thou
rannest to the race.[197] Thou proceedest on a precipitous
ridge of the earth, when thou art lord in the van of all the
moving streams.

3. "The sound rises up to heaven above the earth; she stirs
up with splendor her endless power.[198] As from a cloud, the
showers thunder forth, when the Sindhu comes, roaring like a
bull.

4. "To thee, O Sindhu, they (the other rivers) come as lowing
mother-cows (run) to their young with their milk.[199] Like a
king in battle thou leadest the two wings, when thou reachest
the front of these down-rushing rivers.

5. "Accept, O Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna (Jumna), Sarasvati
(Sursuti), _S_utudri (Sutlej), Parush_n_i (Iravati, Ravi),
my praise![200] With the Asikni (Akesines) listen, O
Marudv_ri_dha,[201] and with the Vitasta (Hydaspes, Behat); O
Ar_g_ikiya,[202] listen with the Sushoma.[203]

6. "First thou goest united with the T_ri_sh_t_ama on thy
journey, with the Susartu, the Rasa (Ra_m_ha, Araxes?[204]),
and the _S_veti--O Sindhu, with the Kubha (Kophen, Cabul
river) to the Gomati (Gomal), with the Mehatnu to the Krumu
(Kurum)--with whom thou proceedest together.

7. "Sparkling, bright, with mighty splendor she carries the
waters across the plains--the unconquered Sindhu, the
quickest of the quick, like a beautiful mare--a sight to see.

8. "Rich in horses, in chariots, in garments, in gold, in
booty,[205] in wool,[206] and in straw,[207] the Sindhu,
handsome and young, clothes herself in sweet flowers.[208]

9. "The Sindhu has yoked her easy chariot with horses; may
she conquer prizes for us in the race. The greatness of her
chariot is praised as truly great--that chariot which is
irresistible, which has its own glory, and abundant
strength."[209]

This hymn