A charm to recover a sick man at the point of death

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

HYMN LIII

A charm to recover a sick man at the point of death

1As thou, Brihaspati, from the curse hast saved us, from dwel-
   ling yonder in the realm of Yama,
  The Asvins, leeches of the Gods, O Agni, have chased Death
   far from us with mighty powers.
2Move both together; do not leave the body. Let both the
   breathings stay for thee united.
  Waxing in strength live thou a hundred autumns. Thy noblest
   guardian and thy lord is Agni. p. a292
3Return, thy life now vanished into distance! Return, the breath
   thou drawest and exhalest!
  Agni hath snatched it from Destruction's bosom: into thyself
   again I introduce it.
4Let not the vital breath he draws forsake him, let not his
   expiration part and leave him.
  I give him over to the Seven Rishis: let them conduct him to
   old age in safety.
5Enter him, both ye breaths, like two draught-oxen entering their
   stall.
  Let him, the treasure of old age, still wax in strength, uninjured,.
   here.
6I send thee back thy vital breath; I drive Consumption far from
   thee,
  May Agni here, most excellent, sustain our life on every side.
7From out the depth of darkness, we, ascending to the highest
   heaven,
  Have come to the sublimest light, to Sūrya, God among the.
  Gods.