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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 March 2011
The following paper contains a translation of a Hymn to the Earth, from the Atharva-Veda, followed by some remarks on the structure of the original composition, whichthe translator conceivesto be made up of verses (in different metres) drawn from different quarters and thrown together by the compiler. The translator then proceeds to explain the conception of the earth which the hymn exhibits, and to compare therewith some representations of ancient Greek writers on the same subject.
page 321 note 3 The reading madhyatasis here suggested in place of badhyatas.
page 322 note 1 See v. 43.
page 322 note 2 Agnihere as elsewhere comprehends both the divinity and the material representant.
page 322 note 3 The uniform distribution of the waters is here considered, by which they neither fall short of, nor exceed their mark and bound. See Eig-Veda, v. 85, 6.
page 323 note 1 Vadhena, lit. weapon.
page 323 note 2 Púrvakrtvari, παξ λεϒόμενον. The translation is here rendered in accordance with the reading, suggested by Professor Roth, púrvakṛvarí (the accent thus analogously with púrvagátvan).
page 323 note 3 The figure is rather obscurely expressed; the comparison seems tobe to a swarthy person, in a mantle of bright colour (i.e. the sunlight), which only discovers from the knees downwards.
page 324 note 1 Savitarhad givenhis daughter Suryáin marriage to Soma; for the legend, which is often alluded to, see Rig-Veda, 10, 85, 9, and 99. Aitareya Bráhmana, iv. 7.
page 324 note 2 The text reads sandhrtá, perhaps sambhrtá.
page 324 note 3 That this very unpleasant habit prevailed is unfortunately confirmed in other places.
page 324 note 4 Or the murderer.
page 325 note 1 Saddiavirdháne havirdhána appears to have been an ark or chest on wheels, to receive rice or other offerings; sadas a hut erected in the consecrated ground for sacrificial purposes.
page 326 note 1 Dhenuranapasphurantí, a cow that does not kick against the milker.
page 326 note 2 We should convey something of the idea by translating these names, “the sprite, the faery, and the elf.”
page 329 note 1 Abhandlung über den Atharva Veda. Tübingen, 1856. Page 8.
page 330 note 1 The principal works which have been consulted on this subject are: Preller's Griechische Mythologie, Welcker's Griechische Götterlehre, and Gerhardt's Griechische Mythologie.
page 332 note 1 See an essay “über den mythus von den fünf menschengeschlechtern bei Hesiod.” Both. Tübingen, 1860.
page 335 note 1 For instances in the Veda where the watchful providence of the gods ia fully recognised, see the Essay on the five ages mentioned above, page 18.