not a question so much of _aut—aut_, as of _et—et_. They were all this, only from different points of view, and this comprehensiveness is one of the most important features of ancient mythological thought. However startling this may sound to those who form their theories without any reference to historical facts, it is really one of the most important keys for unlocking the riddles of the most ancient periods of mythology, and should be carefully distinguished from what is meant by the syncretism of much later times. Hymn to Ushas, Dawn. Next follows Ushas, the Dawn, identical in name, _pace_ M. Reinach, with the Greek Eos. She is represented as the most beautiful heavenly apparition among the gods in their procession from East to West. She is called the daughter of Dyaus, the sister of Agni, also his beloved, according to the changing aspects in which the sun of the morning and the dawn presented themselves to the fancy, of the Vedic poets. I subjoin the translation of a hymn addressed to Ushas from the first Ma_nd_ala, hymn 123. 1. Dakshi_n_â’s[22] roomy chariot has been harnessed, And the immortal gods have mounted on it, The growing Dawn, free from the dark oppressor, Stepped forth to spy for the abode of mortals. 2. The mighty woke before all other creatures, She wins the race, and always conquers riches; The Dawn looks out, young and reviving ever, She came the first here to our morning prayers. 3. When thou, O Dawn, to-day dividest treasures, Thou goddess, nobly born, among all mortals, May Savit_ri_[23], the god, the friend of homesteads, Proclaim us innocent before the sun-god! 4. To every house is Ahanâ[24] approaching, Giving to every day its name and being, Dyotanâ[24] came, for ever bent on conquest, She gets the best of all the splendid treasures. 5. Varu_n_a’s sister, sister thou of Bhaga, O Sûn_ri_tâ[24], O Dawn, sing first at daybreak; May he fall back, the man that plotteth mischief, With Dakshi_n_â and car let us subdue him. 6. Let hymns rise up, let pray’rs rise up together, The fires have risen, clad in flaring splendour, The brilliant Dawn displays the lovely treasures Which had been hidden by the night and darkness. 7. The one departeth and the other cometh[25], Unlike in hue the two march close together; One secretly brought night to earth and heaven, Dawn sparkled forth on her refulgent chariot. 8. Alike to-day, alike to-morrow also, They ever follow Varu_n_a’s[26] commandment; They one by one achieve their thirty Yogans[27], And without fail achieve their lord’s (Varu_n_a’s) commandment[28].