As the ends of the sky unfold, the maiden Dawn awakens, sending away her sister, Night. With a glance as tender as a lover’s, she measures the ages of humankind and shines forth. Splendid and fortunate, she spreads across the world like a herd of cattle, and flows vast as a river. Observing the divine laws, she moves ever visible, accompanied by the rays of the Sun. To Dawn, the prayers rise: “Bring us that splendid wealth, full of horses, that we may support our offspring and descendants.” The people call for her to shine forth in their land, rich in cows and horses, to rise for them, bringing prosperity and good speech. They urge her to yoke her chariot, drawn by red steeds, and bring all good fortunes. The Ashvins, divine leaders and bestowers of cows and gold, are invoked to bring their chariot near with united mind. The people recall how the Ashvins have made song and light in the heavens for all, and they beseech nourishment. The wondrous Ashvins, with golden wheels, are asked to let the dawns bring forth those awakened for the drinking of Soma. Agni and Soma, strong and radiant, are then addressed. The worshippers call for their kindly hearing, asking them to delight in the hymns and grant joy. To those who offer praise, Agni and Soma are asked to grant heroic strength, abundance of cattle, and good horses. Whoever brings them oblation or sacrificial gifts, let him attain offspring, heroic strength, and a full lifespan. The mighty deeds of Agni and Soma are recalled: they rescued the cows from the demon Paṇi, released what remained of the mighty one, and found the single light among many. Along with Indra, they established shining realms in the sky, freed rivers seized by the oppressor, and protected them from harm. Mātariśvan brought one from the sky, another the falcon seized from the rock; Agni and Soma grew through the sacred word and made wide space for sacrifice. The worshippers invite Agni and Soma to accept the libation offered, to grant well-being with their protection and favor. Whoever worships them with clarified butter and devotion, let his vow be protected, let him be guarded from harm, and let his people be sheltered. Agni and Soma, united among the gods, are asked to shine greatly for those who serve them, to be pleased with the offerings, and to come near. They are entreated to protect from the hostile, to let the cows increase, to grant strength among the generous, and make rituals successful. Praise is then composed for Jātavedas, Agni, as one would build a chariot, for his favor is auspicious and his friendship is cherished. For those who worship him, Agni grants prosperity, heroic strength, and protection from harm. By kindling him, prayers are accomplished; Agni is eager to bring the Ādityas, and the worshippers ask for his friendship to shield them. The rites are prepared: fuel is brought, offerings arranged, and prayers made for long life under Agni’s friendship. All creatures, whether two-legged or four, move by Agni’s ordinances. The wondrous guidance of the great Dawns is manifest, and Agni’s friendship is sought for safety. Agni is praised as the Adhvaryu and Hotṛ, ancient and foremost, the Praśāstā, the Potā, and the household priest by birth. Wise and knowing all rites, Agni prospers them. Fair-faced and radiant, Agni shines from afar and sees beyond even in the darkness of night. May the chariot of the gods be first for the one who offers Soma; may praise reach the worthy one, and may the word prosper. Agni is entreated to drive away ill-wishers, whether far or near, to make the sacrificial path easy for the one who praises him. When Agni has yoked his red and tawny steeds to his wind-driven chariot, his roar is like a bull’s, and he enters the forests with his banner of smoke. At his resounding, even birds are afraid, and drops scatter from his pasture; the path is easy for his chariots. The favor of Mitra and Varuṇa is sought, and the wondrous protection of the Maruts. May their minds return to the worshippers, and may Agni’s friendship guard them. Agni is called the god among gods, the wondrous friend, the treasure among treasures, beautiful in sacrifice. The worshippers wish to be in his most ample shelter. When Agni is kindled in his own house, summoned by Soma, he bestows wealth and treasure on the worshipper. May the one whom Agni, giver of good wealth, blesses be sinless, protected by Aditi, all-protector, and endowed with offspring and riches. Agni, knower of good fortune, is asked to extend life, and may Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky not bring harm. Then, two forms move on their path toward the light; each brings the calf to its mother. In one is the tawny, self-moving one; in the other, the bright, radiant one is seen. Ten young women, tireless, have borne the embryo of Tvaṣṭṛ, the carrier. With sharp front, renowned among people, shining forth, they lead him around. Three births adorn him: one in the ocean, one in the sky, and one in the waters. Following the eastern direction of earthly things, he, the ruler of the seasons, sets them in order. The secret is pondered: who has understood it? The calf is born to mothers by their own power. The embryo of many waters, in their presence, the great sage, moves about by his own law. Thus, the hymns weave together the unfolding of Dawn, the deeds of the Ashvins, the strength and friendship of Agni and Soma, and the mysteries of the cosmic order, all celebrated in reverent song.