The Rig Veda/Mandala 7/Hymn 86

1. WISE, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed ever, spacious heaven and earth asunder; Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of old, and spread the earth before him. 2. With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuna and I may be united. What gift of mine will he accept unangered? When may I calmly look and find him gracious? 3. Fain to know this in I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuna, and ask them. This one same answer even the sages gave me, "Surely this Varuna is angry with thee." 4. What, Varuna, hath been my chief transgression, that thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises? Tell me, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I approach thee with mine homage. 5. Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended. O King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set free Vasistha. 6. Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuna wine, dice, or anger. The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removeth not all evil-doing. 7. Slave like may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches. 8. O Lord, O Varuna, may this laudation come close to them and lie within thy spirit. May it be well with us in rest and labour. Preserve us ever-more, ye Gods, with blessings.