In ancient times, the wise beheld a mysterious sweetness, honey tightly enclosed as if it were a feeble fish dwelling in the waters, hidden and faint. Then, Bṛhaspati, with a mighty cry, shook the ladle from the tree, breaking open what was concealed. He discovered the sun and fire, and with his hymn, he dispelled the darkness. From Vala, who had taken the form of a cow, Bṛhaspati seized the hidden treasure, drawing it forth as one would take something from the joints. Just as frost strips the leaves from a tree, Bṛhaspati forced Vala to release the imprisoned cows. He restored what could not be imitated, and those who moved together—united in purpose—brought forth the radiant sun. Like a dark horse among slender ones, the ancestors adorned the sky with stars, placing darkness in the night and light in the day. Bṛhaspati split open the mountain and set the cows free. All this was performed for the Unharmed One, with deep reverence—he who follows the ancient paths anew. May Bṛhaspati, accompanied by cows, horses, heroes, and men, grant us a long and prosperous life. Turning now to mighty Indra, all inspired thoughts—knowing the light—move together toward him, shining like rays. As wives embrace their beloved husband, so do the peoples gather around the generous Lord, seeking his help. My mind does not stray from you, O much-invoked one; in you alone is my heart’s desire. Like a great king, come, be seated here on the sacred grass and drink the Soma with us. Indra, the strengthener, drives away want and hunger; he is the generous lord of wealth. For him, the seven rivers flow upon the slopes, and the wings of the mighty bull grow ever stronger. Like joyous birds settling on a leafy tree, the worshippers approach Indra, the drinker of Soma, for the sacred feast. His face, radiant with power, shines forth, and he reveals the light to his devotees. The dog-slaying weapon does not scatter the divine wealth when the generous one wins the sun. None, neither ancient nor new, can match your strength, O generous one. You encompass all peoples; as a bull, you call forth the cows among men. For those whom you favor and delight in their offerings, they endure fierce battles, strengthened by Soma. As waters rush together to form a river, so too do the Somas flow to Indra, just as channels feed a lake. The inspired ones increase his greatness in the seat of might, as divine rain nourishes the barley. Like a furious bull flying through the skies, he drove away the wives of the foe, and for the devoted worshipper who pours Soma, he brought forth the light. May the shining axe rise, gleaming with light; may the ancient cow yield abundant milk of truth. Let the radiant one shine forth in red brilliance; let the good Lord display his pure glory. With cows, drive away hostile thoughts, O much-invoked one; with barley, banish hunger; with all wealth, fulfill our needs. May we, together with our kings, win the first riches by our own strength. May Bṛhaspati protect us from behind, above, and below, guarding us from harm; may Indra shield us in front and in the midst. As a friend with friends, may he make a path for us. Bṛhaspati, you and Indra are the lords of both heavenly and earthly riches; grant wealth to the one who praises you, even to the singer. Always, protect us with your blessings. We, your friends, come to you, Indra, for this very purpose; the Kaṇvas praise you with hymns. Never, O wielder of the thunderbolt, have the waters failed at the new moon; they recognize your praise alone. The gods desire the one who presses Soma; they do not long for sleep, but go tirelessly to the feast. We, your friends, offer you full praise, O Indra; know this, giver of wealth, for our sake. Let not the enemy, near or far, overpower us in battle; may my resolve always rest in you. You are our armor, broad and strong, the foremost fighter and slayer of obstacles; with you as our ally, I speak forth. For the slaying of obstacles and the overcoming of armies, O Indra, we set you in motion. May your mind and vision, O hundred-powered Indra, be turned toward us by our songs. With every hymn, we invoke all your names, O hundred-powered one, for the overcoming of foes. With your hundredfold powers, O much-praised one, we magnify you, Indra, upholder of peoples. To you, much-invoked, I call for the slaying of obstacles and the winning of strength in battles. Be victorious in contests, O hundred-powered one; we call upon you for the destruction of all that obstructs us. In glory, in battles, in contests for fame, O Indra, be present in the midst of our struggles. Protect the most invigorating, glorious, and wakeful Soma for our aid, O Indra, hundred-powered. The powers that are yours among the five peoples, those, O Indra, I choose for you. Accept great fame and unconquerable glory; with your might, may we cross over all difficulties. Come to us from near or far, O mighty one; wherever your realm, O stone-armed Indra, come here from there. Indra sits above all fear and does not waver; he stands steadfast among peoples. May Indra show us mercy; may harm not reach us from behind; may good fortune be before us. May Indra make us fearless in all directions; let him, ever-active among peoples, conquer our enemies. We bring forth speech for the great one, hymns for Indra in the house of the Sun; for just as seekers find treasure, so is praise fruitful among the generous, not among those who are ill-praised. Far is the horse, far the cow for you, Indra; far is the barley, O lord of wealth. O manly one, teach us from the highest, unconstrained; O friend, this we sing to you for your friends. Like power itself, O Indra, doer of much and most glorious, your wealth is watched on every side. Therefore, gather and bring it here, overcoming all obstacles; do not let the singer’s wish go unfulfilled because of you.