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Hymns of the Atharva Veda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith, [1895], at sacred-texts.com


HYMN XXIX

A charm to avert misfortune foreshown by the coming of a dove and an owl

1On these men yonder fall the winged missile: the screeching of
   the Owl is ineffective,
  And that the Dove beside the fire hath settled. p. a213
2Thine envoys who came hither, O Destruction, sent or not sent
   by thee unto our dwelling,
  The Dove and Owl, effectless be their visit!
3Oft may it fly to us to save our heroes from slaughter, oft perch
   here to bring fair offspring,
  Turn thee and send thy voice afar: cry to the region far away;
  That I may see thee in the home of Yama reft of all thy power,
   that I may see thee impotent.


Next: Hymn 30: A charm to promote the growth of hair