HYMN LIII
A charm to recover a sick man at the point of death
As thou, Brihaspati, from the curse hast saved us, from dwel-
ling yonder in the realm of Yama,
The Asvins, leeches of the Gods, O Agni, have chased Death
far from us with mighty powers.
Move both together; do not leave the body. Let both the
breathings stay for thee united.
Waxing in strength live thou a hundred autumns. Thy noblest
guardian and thy lord is Agni.
Return, thy life now vanished into distance! Return, the breath
thou drawest and exhalest!
Agni hath snatched it from Destruction's bosom: into thyself
again I introduce it.
Let not the vital breath he draws forsake him, let not his
expiration part and leave him.
I give him over to the Seven Rishis: let them conduct him to
old age in safety.
Enter him, both ye breaths, like two draught-oxen entering their
stall.
Let him, the treasure of old age, still wax in strength, uninjured,.
here.
I send thee back thy vital breath; I drive Consumption far from
thee,
May Agni here, most excellent, sustain our life on every side.
From out the depth of darkness, we, ascending to the highest
heaven,
Have come to the sublimest light, to Sūrya, God among the.
Gods.
