This (_soma_'s) swift (streams) preserve the man that purifies them, and wisely ascend to the back of the sky." In this, as in many hymns, the drink _soma_ is clearly addressed; yet expressions are used which, if detached, easily might be thought to imply the moon (or the sun, as with Bergaigne)--a fact that should make one employ other expressions of the same sort with great circumspection.
Or, let one compare, with the preparation by the ten fingers, 85.

7: "Ten fingers rub clean (prepare) the steed in the vessels; uprise the songs of the priests.

The intoxicating drops, as they purify themselves, meet the song of praise and enter Indra." Exactly the same images as are found above may be noted in IX.

87, where not the moon, but the plant, is conspicuously the subject of the hymn: "Run into the pail, purified by men go unto booty.

They lead thee like a swift horse with reins to the sacrificial straw, preparing (or rubbing) thee.