gih with bhâratî, and point out that the Maruts are called the sons of Bharata, II, 36, 2. But all this leaves us in utter uncertainty, and where a scholar feels the ground so uncertain beneath his feet, he hesitates to speak with papal authority. M. Bergaigne's strong point is that abhigñú means on their knees, not up to their knees. Here again, I ask, does abhi in prepositional compounds ever mean on? If abhigñú is used in the same sense in which we use 'on our knees,' it would in Sanskrit mean only 'bowing up to the knees.' Now in I, 72, 5, abhigñú seems to express a positive expression of reverence. With regard to the other passages where abhigñú occurs, M. Bergaigne has not shown how they ought to be translated so as to give a clear sense. I do not pretend to solve the difficulties, but I think it is better to confess our difficulties than to hide them under the veil of a so-called systematic interpretation. Abhigñú, like mitagñu, may have expressed a position of the knees, expressive of strength, but on such points very little information is to be gained from Indian commentators.

The last sentence expresses the result of this race, viz. the falling of so much rain that the cows had to walk up to their knees in water. This becomes still clearer from the next verse.

Sâyana: These, the producers of speech, have spread water in their courses, they cause the cows to walk up to their knees hi order to drink the water.

Verse 11.

Wilson: They drive before them, in their course, the long, vast, uninjurable, rain-retaining cloud.

Benfey: Dann treiben sie im Sturm heran jenen langen and breiten Spross der Wolke unerschöpflichen.

Ludwig: Sogar disen langen, breiten, das kind der wolke, den unfeindlichen, schleudern auf ihren Zügen sie vorwärts.

Note 1. Rain is called the offspring of the cloud, mihó nápât, and is then treated as a masculine; cf. apâm nápât, &c.

Verse 12.

Wilson: Maruts, as you have vigour, invigorate mankind: give animation to the clouds.

Benfey: O Marut’s! mit der Kraft, die ihr besitzt, werft ihr Geschöpfe um, die Berge werft ihr um sogar.

Ludwig: O Marut, so wie eure kraft ist, warft ihr die leute nieder, warft ihr die berge nieder.

Note 1. In VIII, 72, 8, akukyavît is explained by vyadârayat, he tore open. Akukyavîtana is the Vedic form of the 2nd pers. plur. of the reduplicated aorist.

Verse 13.

Wilson: Wherever the Maruts pass, they fill the way with clamour: every one hears their (noise).

Benfey: Wenn die Marut's des Weges ziehn, dann sprechen mit einander sie und mancher mag sie hören.

Ludwig: Wenn die Marut wandern, sprechen auf dem weg sie mit einander, es höret sie ein jeder.

Note 1. Yânti has to be pronounced as an amphibrachys.

Verse 14.

Wilson: Come quickly, with your swift (vehicles). The offerings of the Kanvas are prepared. Be pleased with them.