Note [1:147:3:2]2. Considering the construction of the whole verse from the grammatical point of view only, one will scarcely be tempted to translate otherwise than we have done. But it is rather strange that Agni is represented here as saving those very guardians by the aid of whom he has saved Mamateya. The meaning which one should expect to find expressed, is rather that Agni, as he has saved Mamateya by his guardians, has saved also, and will save, all pious worshippers. This meaning may be established

if we consider the construction of the verse as similar, for instance, to that of I, 37, 12 (vol. xxxii, p. 64): marutah yat ha vah balam ganan akukyavitana, 'O Maruts, with such strength as yours, you have caused men to tremble.' Thus we may, I believe, translate here, 'Agni! With such guardians as thine who have seen and saved the blind son of Mamata from distress, he, the possessor of all wealth (i. e. Agni), has saved all those who have done good deeds.' Bergaigne (III, 191) understands the verse in the same way.

Verse 4.

Note [1:147:4:1]1. The Vedic idea of the evil deeds recoiling on the evil-doer himself has been treated of by Bergaigne, III, 190 seq.