Page:History of India Vol 1.djvu/86

56 "Let the paths by which our friends go in quest of a maiden for marriage be easy and free of thorns. May Aryaman and Bhaga lead us well. O gods! may the husband and wife be well united.

"O maiden! the graceful sun had fastened thee with ties (of maidenhood), we release thee now of those ties. We place thee with thy husband in a place which is the home of truth and the abode of righteous actions.

"We release this maiden from this place (her father's house), but not from that place (her husband's house). We unite her well with that place. O Indra! may she be fortunate and the mother of worthy sons.

"May Pushan lead thee by the hand from this place. May the two Asvins lead thee in a chariot. Go to thy (husband's) house and be the mistress of the house. Be the mistress of all and exercise thine authority over all in that house.

"Let children be born unto thee, and blessings attend thee here. Perform the duties of thy household with care. Unite thy person with the person of this thy husband; exercise thy authority in this thy house until old age.

"First Soma accepts thee; then Gandharva accepts thee; Agni is thy third lord; the child of man is the fourth to accept thee.

"Soma bestowed this maiden on Gandharva, Gandharva gave her to Agni, Agni has given her to me with wealth and progeny.

"O bridegroom and bride! do ye remain here together; do not be separated. Enjoy food of various