Page:Atharva-Veda samhita volume 2.djvu/228

xii. 3- 7. Take ye (du.) hold upon each forward direction; to this world they that have faith attach themselves (sac); what of you that is cooked is served up in the fire, combine ye, O husband-and-wife, in order to its guarding.

8. Attaining unto the southern quarter, turn ye (du.) about unto this vessel; in it shall Yama, in concord with the Fathers, assure abundant protection unto your cooked [offering].

9. This western of the quarters verily is a thing to be preferred, in which Soma is over-ruler and favorer; to it resort (çri) ye (du.); attach yourselves to the well-doers; then, O paired ones, shall ye come into being from what is cooked.

10. A superior realm, having superiority by progeny, may the northern of the quarters make our (pl.) apex (? ágra); a five-fold (pā́n̄ta) meter hath the man become; may we come into being together with all, having all their limbs.

11. This fixed [quarter] is virā́j; homage be to it; let it be propitious to [my] sons and to me; do thou, O goddess Aditi, having all choice things, like an active herdsman defend our cooked [offering].

12. Do thou embrace us, as a father his sons; let propitious winds blow here for us on the earth; what rice-dish the two deities cook here, let that know our penance and also truth.