In the sacred dawn, the singers, well aware of the appointed time, gathered with hearts full of devotion. They approached Vayu, the swift god of the winds, offering hymns and the freshly pressed Soma, seeking his presence and favor. To the worshipper, Vayu’s generous and abundant cow came forth, bestowing her rich flow for the drinking of Soma, a gift wide and bountiful. Together, the worshippers called upon Indra and Vayu, presenting the pressed libations, inviting both mighty deities to come with their full powers, for the sacred drops summoned them. Indra and Vayu, discerning the offerings rich in horses and wealth, were urged to arrive swiftly. The priests prayed that these two would come to the one who presses Soma, to the prepared sacrifice, with mindful intent and devotion. Turning their prayers, the worshippers invoked Mitra, pure in skill, and Varuna, the remover of sin, who establish radiant insight among mortals. By the power of truth, Mitra and Varuna had attained vast might. Wise and noble, dwelling in spacious abodes, these two were asked to grant skill and remove all sin from the people. Next, the Ashvins were called—bearers of offerings, swift-handed, lords of beauty, and lovers of delight. The people sought their pleasure, praising their abundant deeds, their strength and wisdom, and beseeched them to accept their songs. The wondrous, youthful, and ever-true Ashvins were invited to the sacrificial ground, with pressed Soma and sacred grass, along the Rudra-paths. Indra, radiant and mighty, was invoked to come to the pressed libations, purified by gentle hands. The wise and inspired worshippers called him to the Soma-offering and their hymns, inviting him with eagerness and golden light to accept their gifts. All the sustaining gods of the people were summoned—each guardian deity—to partake in the pressed Soma, as dawns rush to greet their sisters. They were asked to come, free from deceit, to accept the offering, that the sacred flames might receive it. Sarasvati, radiant river of strength and wisdom, rich in horses and power, was invoked to bless the sacrifice. Inspirer of eloquent speech and perceiver of noble thoughts, Sarasvati established the rite, awakening with her banner and shining forth in every thought. For the purpose of worship, the people offered to the one who shapes beauty, as one milks a cow rich in milk, both in heaven and on earth. They invited the Soma-drinker to their pressings, urging him to partake in the joy and delight that belonged to him. They prayed that they might know the extent of his favor and asked him not to pass them by but to come near. The worshippers were encouraged to surpass all contests and seek from wise Indra the best gifts for their companions. They wished that their enemies would speak of them and then depart elsewhere, seeking Indra’s favor and protection. They prayed that the blessed ones would speak well of them and that they might dwell under Indra’s guardianship. The glory of the sacrifice, the delight of men, was to be brought for the swift one as he descended, bringing joy as a companion. Having drunk the Soma, the wielder of a hundred powers became the slayer of foes, leading the strong in contests. The worshippers urged Indra, champion in battles, for the attainment of wealth and victory, singing to him as the great protector of riches and the friend of the one who presses Soma. The people gathered and sang to Indra, inviting friends to join in praise. Indra, the most generous of the generous, lord of treasures, was called to partake in the Soma at the pressing. He became their helper in wealth and abundance, bringing prizes and drawing near. At his assembly, no enemy dared face his steeds in battle, and for such a lord, they sang. The pure pressed offerings were presented to the drinker of Soma for refreshment, the juices bearing the essence of milk. Indra, born strong and wise for the drinking of Soma, was called to supremacy. The swift Soma juices entered him, bringing happiness and wisdom. The worshippers’ praises were meant to increase and exalt him, their songs nurturing his greatness. Finally, they prayed that Indra, the mighty one, would grant them an inexhaustible prize, the source of all virtues. They asked that no mortal might harm them, trusting Indra, the lord and singer of praises, to drive away every threat and keep them safe under his protection.