. To us such interpretation often seems
fatuous. No less unconvincing is the claim that one of the Acvins
represents the fire of heaven and the other the fire of the altar. The
Twins are called _n[=a]saty[=a],_ the 'savers' (or 'not untrue
ones[113]'); explained by some as meaning 'gods with good noses[114].'

HYMN TO THE HORSEMEN.

Whether ye rest on far-extended earth, or on the sea in house upon it
made, 'come hither thence, O ye that ride the steeds. If ever for man
ye mix the sacrifice, then notice now the Kanva [poet who sings]. I
call upon the gods [Indra, Vishnu[115]] and the swift-going
Horsemen[116]. These Horsemen I call now that they work wonders, to
seize the works (of sacrifice), whose friendship is preeminently ours,
and relationship among all the gods; in reference to whom arise
sacrifices ... If, to-day, O Horsemen, West or East ye stand, ye of
good steeds, whether at Druhyu's, Anu's, Turvaca's, or Yadu's, I call
ye; come to me. If ye fly in the air, O givers of great joy; or if
through the two worlds; or if, according to your pleasure, ye mount
the car,--thence come hither, O Horsemen.

From the hymn preceding this, the following verses[117]:

Whatever manliness is in the aether, in the sky, and among
the five peoples, grant us that, O Horsemen ... this hot
_soma_-drink of yours with laudation is poured out; this
_soma_ sweet through which ye discovered Vritra ... Ascend
the swift-rolling chariot, O Horsemen; hither let these my
praises bring ye, like a cloud ... Come as guardians of
homes; guardians of our bodies. Come to the house for (to
give) children and offspring. Whether ye ride on the same
car with Indra, or be in the same house with the Wind;
whether united with the Sons of Boundlessness or the Ribhus,
or stand on Vishnu's wide steps (come to us). This is the
best help of the horsemen, if to-day I should entice them to
get booty, or call them as my strength to conquer in
battle.... Whatever medicine (ye have) far or near, with
this now, O wise ones, grant protection.... Awake, O Dawn,
the Horsemen, goddess, kind and great.... When, O Dawn, thou
goest in light and shinest with the Sun, then hither comes
the Horsemen's chariot, to the house men have to protect.
When the swollen _soma_-stalks are milked like cows with
udders, and when the choric songs are sung, then they that
adore the