Atharva Veda

The Hymns of the Atharvaveda

Translation by Ralph T.H. Griffith

BOOK I

HYMN XVII

A charm to be used at venesection

1          Those maidens there, the veins, who run their course in robes of ruddy hue,
            Must now stand quiet, reft of power, like sisters who are brother-less.

2          Stay still, thou upper vein, stay still, thou lower, stay, thou midmost one,
            The smallest one of all stands still: let the great vessel e'en be still.

3          Among a thousand vessels charged with blood, among a thousand veins,
            Even these the middlemost stand still and their extremities have rest.

4          A mighty rampart built of sand hath circled and encompassed you:
            Be still, and quietly take rest.

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