The tale begins with the wondrous deeds of the Ribhus, the skillful artisans among the gods. With the precision of those who measure a field, the Ribhus, through their extraordinary craft, took a single vessel and brought forth four from it, displaying their ingenuity and seeking honor among the immortals. They were never despised, but always revered, striving for renown in the celestial realms. To these divine craftsmen, the people offered thoughts as pure and nourishing as clarified butter, seeking wisdom in the space between earth and sky. The Ribhus, swift as their divine father, soared through the heavens, claiming the prize of strength and earning their place among the gods. Ribhu, though not Indra, was newly mighty and a generous bestower of wealth and prizes. With the help of these gods, mortals prayed to stand firm and victorious on the cherished day of contest, amid those who press the sacred Soma. The Ribhus’ skill knew no bounds. They fashioned a living cow from mere hide, and from their hands, the mother and her calf came forth anew. The Sudhanvanas, masters of craft, restored youth to the parents, a marvel for all to witness. The people called out for the Ribhus’ blessing, that they might win wealth and prizes, for even Indra himself had witnessed their wondrous gifts. They prayed that Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky would keep them from harm. With unmatched skill, the Ribhus built a splendid chariot, crafted strong steeds for Indra, and restored youthful vigor to their fathers. For the calf, they recreated the mother, uniting her with the earth itself. Thus, the people invoked the Ribhus to their sacrifice, desiring wisdom, skill, and abundant offspring. They sought food for strength and discernment, longing to dwell among the powerful, and asked for vigor for their community, endowed with the might of the Ribhus. They pleaded for prosperity in every endeavor—prosperity for their chariots, their journeys, and victory in every battle, generation after generation, through the Ribhus’ skill. Indra, lord of the Ribhus, was invoked for aid, as were the Ribhus themselves and the Maruts, that all might enjoy the Soma. Mitra, Varuna, and the Ashvins were called to inspire prosperity and victorious thought. May the Ribhus unite prosperity for the bearer; may the victorious banner bring it home. And may Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky never diminish these blessings. Turning now to the Ashvins, the twin horsemen, the people invoked Heaven and Earth for ancient remembrance, and Agni, the radiant warmth, for guidance on their journey. The Ashvins, by their aid, stirred the laborers to action and were called to come swiftly with help. Their gifts were generous and eager, their chariot set forth as wise counsel. With these same aids that support thoughts on the journey, the Ashvins were summoned to come and help. By the command of the divine ones, the Ashvins ruled over peoples, granting the measure of immortality. They nourished both cow and horse, sustaining life and prosperity. By these same aids, they were called to assist once more. The Ashvins’ miracles were many: they adorned Parijma, swift son of two mothers, and brought discernment to Trimantur. They rescued Rebha, hidden in the waters, to see the sun, and protected Kanva, striving for brilliance. They saved Antaka from distress, carried Bhujyu to safety, invigorated Karkandhu and Vayya, and protected Shuchanti, the wealthy and radiant, for Atri. Prishnigu and Purukutsa too were shielded by their grace. With their help, Paravrija was turned back, Prandha and Shrona regained sight, and Vartikā was released from peril. They made the honeyed river flow for the eager, invigorated the ageless Vasiṣṭha, and protected Kutsa, renowned and noble. The Ashvins enriched Vishpala, the wealthy Atharvan, with gifts at the race, and protected Vasha, the beloved horseman. For Ushija the merchant, the honeyed vessel overflowed for Dirghashravas; Kakshivanta the singer was also guarded. They filled the Rasā river with milk, ensured Anashva’s chariot won victory, and raised up the cows for Trishoka. They surrounded Sūrya, protected Mandhātā’s lordship, and shielded the sage Bharadvāja. Mahāmatithigva, Kashojuva, and Divodāsa in the slaying of Shambara, as well as Purbhid Trasadasyu, all received the Ashvins’ protection. They favored the humble, the singer, the seeker of wealth, the one desiring a horse or land. They aided Shayava, Atraya, Manu, Shariraja, and Syumarashmi, and by their power, Agni blazed forth from the womb, and Sharyata was granted great wealth. The Ashvins guided the Angirasas by mind, reached the foremost place in the cave of the cows, and brought Manu together with nourishment. They brought wives for joy, taught Aruni, and led Sudas to good fortune. They favored Shantati, the devout giver, protected Bhujyu and Adhrigu, and brought Omya, Subhara, and Ritastubha. They favored the lean one at sacrifice, brought swift horses to the young, and sweet honey to the Saras. In contests for cows, they aided men, quickened sons in the field, and protected chariots and horses. Kutsa, Arjuneya, Turviti, Dabhiti, Dhvasanti, and Purushanti were all brought safely across by their might. The people prayed to the Ashvins for speech full of accomplishment, for wisdom, for help in contests, and for strength. “Guard us, O Ashvins, by day and night with unharmed good fortune,” the people pleaded, “and may Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky never harm us.” As the prayers rose, the best of lights dawned among all lights—the brilliant, far-seeing one was born, shining forth. This was the offspring of Savitar, born for activity, as Night approached the womb of Dawn. Dawn arrived, bright with her bright calves, her shining white form setting apart the black abodes of night. Sisters of equal kin, immortal and closely joined, Heaven and Earth moved together, each in her own way, never clashing, never standing still—Night and Dawn, different in form but united in purpose. Their path was endless, guided by the gods. The radiant leader of good words, Dawn approached, wondrous, as if bringing home the cattle. Her arrival set all the worlds in motion, awakening all beings to life. For those who walked crooked paths, Dawn made them straight; for those seeking wealth, she brought gain. For those with little vision, she revealed the wide world. Thus, with her coming, Dawn awakened all beings.