Book 3: Hymn 15: A merchant's prayer for success in his business

HYMN XV

A merchant's prayer for success in his business

1I stir and animate the merchant Indra; may he approach and
be our guide and leader. p. a83
Chasing ill-will, wild beast, and highway robber, may he who
hath the power give me riches.
2The many paths which Gods are wont to travel, the paths which
go between the earth and heaven,
May they rejoice with me in milk and fatness that I may make
rich profit by my purchase.
3With fuel. Agni! and with butter, longing, mine offering I
present for strength and conquest;
With prayer, so far as I have strength, adoring—this holy hymn
to gain a hundred treasures.
4Pardon this stubbornness of ours. O Agni, the distant pathway
which our feet have trodden.
Propitious unto us be sale and barter, may interchange of mer-
chandise enrich me.
Accept, ye twain, accordant, this libation! Prosperous be our
ventures and incomings.
5The wealth wherewith I carry on my traffic, seeking, ye Gods!
wealth with the wealth I offer,
May this grow more for me, not less: O Agni, through sacrifice
chase those who hinder profit!
6The wealth wherewith I carry on my traffic, seeking, ye Gods!
wealth with the wealth I offer,
Herein may Indra, Savitar, and Soma, Prajāpati, and Agni give
me splendour.
7With reverence we sign thy praise, O Hotar-priest Vaisvānara.
Over our children keep thou watch, over our bodies, kine, and
lives.
8Still to thee ever will we bring oblation, as to a stabled horse, O
Jātavedas.
Joying in food and in the growth of riches may we thy servants,
Agni, never suffer.