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 3. O Soma ! the leaves covered thee, a creeper on all sides, and you flourished in all seasons.

7. O Soma ! you have been crushed, you flow as a stream to Indra, scattering joy on all sides, as you bestow immortal food.

8. Seven women stir thee with their fingers blending their voices in a song to thee, you remind the sacrificer of his duties at the sacrifice."

Another :—
 * "Thou Soma art the real Lord,
 * Thou King and Vrita slayer too.
 * Thou art strength that gives success ;
 * And Soma let it be thy will
 * For us to live, nor let us die,
 * Thou lord of plants, who lovest praise."

"Of all the drinks that Indra have, you are the most pleasant and intoxicating" (IX. 96).

"This is Soma, who flows wine, who is strength giving........." (IX. 55).

About the intoxicating properties of this juice there are sufficient evidence in the Vedas. The poet of the Rig-Veda goes into ecstacy on the virtues and exhilarating powers of Soma. The chosen few, who partook it, gave most vivid expression to the