This translation exists because of Patrick Olivelle, who, some fifteen years ago or so at the annual meeting of the American Oriental Society in New Orleans in 1998, approached the two of us with proposition: that we should undertake a quick translation of the Rigveda for a general audience.  Patrick's persuasive powers are well known, and we were intrigued and easily persuaded.  Although the quick element of the proposition was not exactly fulfilled, we wish to thank Patrick Abundantly for starting us on this path, which has provided both of us with the most sustained and satisfying intellectual experience of our lives, and for his constant encouragement and sage advice along the way.