HYMN XCIX

A prayer for protection in battle

Indra, before affliction comes, I call thee from the wide expanse.
The mighty guardian, born alone, wearer of many names, I call.
Whatever deadly missile launched to-day flies forth to slaughter
us.
We take both arms of Indra to encompass us on every side.
We draw about us both the arms of Indra, our deliverer. May
they protect us thoroughly.
O Savitar, thou God, O royal Soma, make thou me pious-
minded for my welfare.