But THAT ONE breathed calmly[41] alone with Nature, her who is sustained within him.

Other than Him, nothing existed [which] since [has been].

Darkness there was; [for] this universe was enveloped with darkness, and was indistinguishable waters; but that mass, which was covered by the husk, was [at length] produced by the power of contemplation.

First desire[42] was formed in his mind; and that became the original productive seed; which the wise, recognizing it by the intellect in their hearts, distinguish as the bond of non-entity with entity.
"Did the luminous ray of these [creative acts] expand in the middle, or above, or below?
That productive energy became providence [or sentient souls], and matter [or the elements]; Nature, who is sustained within, was inferior; and he who sustains was above.
"Who knows exactly, and who shall in this world declare, whence and why this creation took place?
The gods are subsequent to the production of this world: then who can know whence it proceeded, or whence this varied world arose, or whether it upholds [itself] or not?
He who in the highest heaven is the ruler of this universe,--he knows, or does not know." If the following hymn, says Mueller, were addressed only to the Almighty, omitting the word "Varuna," it would not disturb us in a Christian Liturgy:-- 1.

"Let me not yet, O Varuna, enter into the house of clay; have mercy, almighty, have mercy.
2.