Upon the sacred grass, Agni, the wise and ever-discerning, comes forth, bringing and enjoying the offerings anew. He sits among the Bhāratas, youngest and most excellent, and is called upon to grant the most radiant, much-desired wealth, for he is the giver. The people pray that neither god nor mortal enmity may rule over them, seeking Agni’s protection from hatred and malice. With his power, they hope to overcome all hatreds, just as streams flow past obstacles. Agni, pure and bright, shines greatly, worthy of praise, and is invoked with offerings of ghee. Among the Bhāratas, he is honored with gifts and oxen, and with verses composed in eight-footed meter. To Agni, ancient and most excellent priest, wondrous son of strength, the flow of clarified butter is offered, seeking his favor. With hymns, the assemblies of Agni are praised, as chariots are urged forward, for he is glorious and bountiful. Agni, well-guided and generous to worshippers, unfailing and beautiful in form, is called upon to wear down the foe. He is resplendent, praised in homes for his glory at dusk and dawn, and his law never fails. With radiant light and unfading rays, he envelops all, wondrous in his beams. Atri, desiring the sovereignty of the sun, increased Agni with hymns, placing all glories upon him. By the powers of Agni, Indra, Soma, and the other gods, the people pray to join together unharmed and overcome their foes. Agni, the Hotar, sits in the seat of the Hotar, fierce and shining, endowed with skill, steadfast in his vows, wise, and bestower of a thousand, with pure tongue. He is the messenger, protector, and bringer of wealth, the mighty leader. The people beseech Agni to guard their offspring and bodies, never failing and ever watchful. Offerings are made to Agni in his highest abode, and songs are sung in his lower seat. From the womb where he was kindled, to the moment he is enkindled, offerings are brought to him. Agni is asked to offer the most worthy oblation and grant abundant gifts to the worshipper, for he is the lord of riches and inspirer of bright speech. His gifts do not diminish, day by day as he is born. The singer prays to Agni to make him prosperous and lord of desirable wealth. With the favor of the gods, Agni is called to lead in battle, bringing well-being, shining forth with glory and abundance, and being an unassailable guardian. Agni is first invoked like a father in the house, kindled by men, wearing splendor, immortal, wise, praiseworthy, and strong in contest. The worshipper calls upon Agni of brilliant light, immortal and wise, with all songs. The tawny ones draw Agni’s chariot, the red ones bear it, and the dawns are made his protectors. Agni is produced well-nourished and upright, becoming the embryo in many forms. Even in dry wood, by his powers, he dwells with insight, unopposed. The worshipper approaches Agni with oblation and ghee, for he pervades all worlds, vast and spreading, great by strength, generous with food, and swift to behold. From every side, the worshipper approaches Agni, who turns away evil, seeking his acceptance. Agni, of youthful beauty and desirable form, is touched, ever growing in his body. The worshipper speaks to Agni with chosen words, knowing the portion, strong as his envoys, in the manner of Manu, calling upon Agni, never failing, with sweet praise for wealth. Then, Indra is invoked. The people pray to be unharmed, to be among those whom Indra makes rich, for their songs, like flowing rivers, increase his strength. Indra, the hero, released the great rivers held back by the serpent, striking down the immortal Dasa who thought himself mighty, growing strong through songs of praise. In hymns and praises, in Rudra-like chants, Indra is honored, delighting just as shining streams flow forth for Vayu. His power is bright, increased by their songs, and his thunderbolt is bright in his arms. Indra grows in strength among the people, overcoming the Dasa hosts together with the sun. Though hidden in secret, concealed in the waters, veiled in magic, Indra’s might struck down the serpent who held back the waters and upheld the sky. The people praise Indra’s ancient and recent deeds, his thunderbolt broad in his arms, and his steeds, banners of the sun. Indra’s two steeds bring victory, flowing with ghee and a pleasant sound. The earth was unshaken and spread out, and even the mountain moved forward. Loosened, the mountain fell down, rushing forth, rejoicing with its mothers, increasing the voice and spreading the channel set in motion by Indra. Indra, mighty, struck down the great serpent Vritra, master of illusion. The two worlds trembled in fear at the roaring of the bull and his thunderbolt. The thunderbolt roared aloud when the man struck the non-human, casting down the illusions of the crafty Danu, having drunk the pressed Soma. Indra is called to drink the Soma, to rejoice in the pressed juices. His bellies are filled and increased, and thus the Soma calls Indra to the people. Through Indra, the people become powerful and wise, seeking insight and truth, his help and praise, ready for his wealth. They pray to be among those whom Indra protects, increasing their strength with his help, praising the most vigorous one, and seeking wealth rich in heroes. They ask for a dwelling, friendship, and Indra’s force like the Maruts, wishing for the winds to lead them to the foremost path. Among those whom Indra delights in, he is called to drink the pressed Soma to his fill, to protect them in battles, to increase their strength, and, with great hymns, to uphold the sky.