Agni, the radiant fire, is invoked as the one who knows both sides of existence, the knower of the ancient paths that guide humankind. He is the worthy one, to be obeyed by all who seek to rise above, the leader among inspired seers. In his presence, the utterances of wisdom are spoken, as if before the very son of the mind, within the might of the sacred fire. Together with a thousand sages, strength is sought, and the wish is made to know this enduring and nourishing people. Now, Brihaspati, the gentle-tongued bull, is exalted with fresh hymns. His songs shine radiant, listened to by gods and mortals alike, who approach him with renewed minds. Priests raise their voices to him, their praise flowing like a stream sent forth by the devoted. Swift and powerful, Brihaspati becomes manifold, remembered by Matarishvan. Praise, reverence, and exaltation are offered to him, whose hymn rises like the arms of Savitar. By his resolve, he stands unique—fierce as a wild beast, mighty, and a protector against harm. His hymn resounds in both heaven and earth, like a charioteer whose song carries the unseen burden. Just as the tracks of wild beasts move unseen, so Brihaspati’s power overcomes the clouds. Even those who think him weak and approach him for good fortune find prosperity, for Brihaspati does not withhold gifts from the deserving; he grants favor even to the humble. May the path of the generous be well-trodden, like that of a friend who is easily pleased. Those who are strong and look kindly upon others stand fulfilled, having attained abundance. The praise sung to Brihaspati does not go astray, but flows like waters to the ocean, unhindered. Knowing both sides, he perceives within, crossing the waters like a vulture. Thus, Brihaspati, mighty and great, the bull among gods, is established. May he, praised by us, grant heroic strength and cattle, and may we come to know this enduring, nourishing people. In the world, mysterious forces dwell. Like the cry of the heron, and again the heron’s cry, and the cry of the satina-heron, the unseen ones are present, uttering ‘Plushi’—they have settled and yet have not touched. These unseen ones strike those who approach and those who depart; they strike from above and crush from below. Arrows, false arrows, grasses, reeds, and the munja grass—all these, with the unseen enemies, have settled and yet have not touched. The cows have returned to their shed, wild animals have wandered, and among people, signs are seen—the unseen ones have settled and yet have not touched. At dusk, these beings appear like thieves; the unseen, now seen by all, have awakened. Heaven is their father, earth their mother, Soma their brother, and Aditi their sister; the unseen, now visible, stand firm—may the path ahead be well-trodden. Those who dwell on the shoulder, on the limb, those who are needle-like or prakaṅkata—whatever unseen ones are here, may they all be subdued. The sun rises in front, visible to all, destroyer of the unseen; he subdues all unseen ones and all sorcerers. The sun has risen, driving away all afflictions; Aditya, from the mountains, seen by all, destroys the unseen. A resolve is set in the sun, in the house of the generous; may neither he nor we perish, may the bond remain unbroken. Honeyed is the strength, honeyed the work. A little bird, the female, has eaten poison with you, yet neither she nor we die; let us not die from this. The measure has been taken; honey for you, the honey-maker has made. Three times seven sparks, the fruits of poison, have been seen, yet neither they nor we die; let us not die from this. The measure is taken; honey for you, the honey-maker has made. Among the ninety-nine poisonous ones, of all the sprouting dangers, their names have been taken—let us not die from this. Seven peahens, seven sisters, the foremost ones, have carried the poison for you, like water in jars. As much as this Kuṣumbhaka holds, it is broken with a stone; then the poison is expelled, flowing away in the opposite direction. Kuṣumbhaka himself speaks, rolling down from the mountain: “The poison of the scorpion is tasteless; tasteless is your poison, O scorpion.” Once more, Agni is praised. He shines forth with the heavens, swift among the waters and upon the stones, present in forests, in plants, and among men. Lord of the people, he is born pure. Agni holds the office of Hotar, the Potar’s role, the priestly function; he is the Neshṭar, the Agnidh, and the supervisor. As Praśāstar at the sacrifice, he is the Brahman, and the householder in the home. Agni is Indra, the mighty bull among the true; he is Vishnu, wide-striding and worthy of reverence. He is Brahmanaspati, the possessor of wealth and lord of prayer, the arranger who joins with the generous. He is king Varuna, firm in his vows; he is Mitra, wondrous and praiseworthy; Aryaman, the true lord whose portion is shared; Aṃśa, the god who receives a share in the rite. He is Tvaṣṭar, bestower of excellent strength, kin to the goddesses and friend to companions. He has obtained shining gold and fine horses; host of men, Agni is rich in treasures. He is Rudra, Asura of the great sky, commander of the Maruts and the nourishing ones. He goes with the reddish winds, bringing delight; he is Pūṣan, the provider, protecting by his own nature. Agni is the giver of wealth, ever ready for the task; he is Savitar, the bestower of treasures, Bhaga, lord of men, ruler of riches, guardian in the home for the one who has appointed him. Called to the house as lord of the people, the clans make him their king, wise in counsel, master of all possessions, radiant, and generous in distribution. He is a father to those who offer, a brother, friendly and shining, a son to the one who appoints him, a good friend who protects unfailingly. He is the skillful Ribhus, worthy of reverence, ruler over strength and wealth, spreading and arranging the sacrifice. Agni is Aditi for the worshipper, growing as Hotrā Bhāratī through song, Ilā rich in gifts, Sarasvatī, slayer of Vṛtra and lord of wealth. Well-sustained and of highest vigor, his splendid form shines forth; he is the prize, the great deliverer, abundant wealth, broad on every side. The Ādityas made Agni their mouth; the pure ones made him their tongue. The bestowers of gifts join him at sacrifices; the gods eat the offerings poured to him. In Agni, all the immortal gods, without deceit, partake of the offerings. Through him, mortals enjoy nourishment; he is the pure embryo born of plants. Thus, through Agni and Brihaspati, through the sun and the unseen, the hymns proclaim the unity of the divine in all its forms, the protection and nourishment of the people, and the triumph of light and wisdom over all that is hidden and harmful.