The Rig Veda/Mandala 8/Hymn 56

1. Now pray we to these Ksatriyas, to the Adityas for their aid, These who are gracious to assist. 2. May Mitra bear us oer distress, and Varuna and Aryaman, Yea, the Adityas, as they know. 3. For wonderful and meet for praise is these Adityas' saving help To him who offers and prepares. 4. The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varuna, Mitra, Aryarnan, We claim to be our sure defence. 5. Guard us, Adityas, still alive, before the deadly weapon strike: Are ye not they who hear our call? 6. What sheltering defense ye have for him who toils in pouring gifts, Graciously bless ye us therewith. 7. Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom; for the sinless, wealth, O ye in whom no fault is seen. 8. Let not this fetter bind us fast: may he release us for success; For strong is Indra and renowned. 9. O Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy Your enemies who go astray. 10. And thee too, O Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address, Thee very gracious to assist. 11. Save us in depth and shallow from the foe, thbu Mother of Strong Sons Let no one of our seed be harmed. 12. Far-spread! wide-ruling! grant that we, unharmed by envy, may expand Grant that our progeny may live. 13. Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, ne'er deceived, Maintain their statutes, void of guilt- 14. As such, from mouth of ravening wolves, O ye Adityas, rescue us, Like a bound thief, O Aditi. 15. Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this malignity depart From us or e'er it strike us dead. 16. Fori Bountiful Adityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help, Both now and in die days of old. 17. To every one, O ye Most Wise, who turneth even from sin to you, Ye Gods vouchsafe that he may live. 18. May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Adityas, frees like one, Bound from his bonds, O Aditi. 19. O ye Adityas, this your might is not to be despised by us: So be ye graciously inclined. 20. Let not Vivasvan's weapon nor the shaft, Adityas, wrought with skill, Destroy us ere old age be nigh. 21. On every side dispel all sin, Adityas, all hostility, Indigence, and combined attack.