_Rigveda_, iv, 24. 2-6. The Aryans, who were as notorious cattle lifters as the Gauls and the Scottish Highlanders, were wont to invoke the god ere they set out on a raid, chanting with loud voices: Indra, whose riches are boundless, O grant us Thousands of beautiful cows and horses: Destroy, thou mighty one, all who despise us, Visit with death all those who would harm us, and Indra, whose riches are boundless, O grant us, Thousands of beautiful cows and horses. _Wilson's translation._ In other hymns the Thor-like character of Indra, the war god, is naively depicted. A sceptic is supposed to say: “Many men declare that there is no Indra. Who ever saw him? Why should we adore him?” The god makes answer: “O singer, I _am_: behold me! I am here now, and I am greater than any living being. I delight in the performance of holy rites. I am also the Destroyer; I can hurl creation to ruin.” _Rigveda_, viii, 89. I never knew a man to speak so to me, When all his enemies are safely conquered; Yea, when they see how fierce the battle rages, They even promise me a pair of bullocks. When I am absent in far distant places, Then all with open hands their gifts would bring me ... Lo! I will make the wealthy niggard needy, Seize by the foot and on the hard rock dash him. _Rigveda_, x, 27. The lord of both the worlds hates all the haughty, He cares for those who feel themselves but human. _Rigveda_, vi, 47.[63] [63] Arrowsmith's translation. These verses recall: “Silence, thou evil one,” roared Thor, “or else with my hammer shall I strike thy head off and end thy life.” Then did Loke answer humbly: “Silent indeed I shall be now, O Thor, for I know full well thou wilt strike.”[64] [64] _Teutonic Myth and Legend_, p. 173. [Illustration: THE PARADISE OF INDRA _From a Rock Sculpture at Mâmallapuram_ 6] The human qualities of Indra are illustrated in epic narrative. Arjuna, the Indian Achilles, is his son, and pays a visit to the brilliant Celestial city on the summit of Mount Meru, where flowers are ever blooming, and pretty nymphs dance to pleasure battle-slain warriors.