Page:Atharva-Veda samhita volume 2.djvu/54

viii. 9-

18. Seven [are] the offerings (hóma), the fuels seven, the sweet things (mádhu, n.) seven, the seasons seven; seven sacrificial butters (ā́jya) went about the existent thing (bhūtá); those (f .) are seven-vultured, so have we heard.

19. Seven [are] the meters increasing (-úttara) by four, the one set upon the other: how do the praises (stóma) stand firm in them? how are they set in the praises?

20. How did gāyatrī permeate (vi-āp) the triple [stóma]? how is triṣṭúbh adapted to that of fifteen? how jāgatī to that of thirty-three? how [is] anuṣṭúbh that of twenty-one?

21. Eight [are] born the beings first-born of righteousness; eight, O Indra, are the priests (ṛtvíj) who are of the gods; Aditi has eight wombs (yóni), eight sons; the oblation (havyám) goes unto the eighth night.

22. Thus thinking what is better have I come hither; in your friendship I am auspicious (çéva); being of the same birth, your skill is propitious; it (m.), understanding, goes about to you all (f.).

23. Eight of Indra, six of Yama, seven of the seers, seven-fold; waters, men (manuṣyà), herbs—them five followed (sac) after.