Upon the surface of the earth, the Lord of the Forest is called to rise, his radiance established to guide the sacrifice with wise counsel. Young and well-clad, wrapped in splendor, he arrives, growing better as he is born anew. The wise and the poets, filled with reverence, raise him up, honoring him with their minds, for he is self-ruled. Born in the brightness of days, he is born again and again, gaining strength within the assembly. The wise purify their offerings with thoughtful intent, and the inspired priest lifts his hymn with devotion. All that men and worshippers have fashioned for the Lord of the Forest, and all that the carver has shaped, are dedicated to him. May the gods, standing in their own sound, grant us treasures and offspring. Those objects cut and set upon the earth, those fashioned and shaped with straight edges, are invoked to bestow abundant, divine gifts, bringing success in the fields. The Ādityas, Rudras, Vasus, guides of the good path, along with Heaven and Earth and the vast midspace, are called to protect the sacrifice together, raising high the sign of the ritual. Like swans in a shining line, harnessed and clothed in white, the singers arrive, raised up by poets at the forefront. The gods tread the path of the gods, their presence radiant. As the horns of horned ones, the singers with their drinking vessels are seen upon the earth; whether through words or calls, may they hear and shield us in contests for victory. O Lord of the Forest, hundred-branched, grow forth; thousand-branched, may we grow forth with you. Carved and sharpened for great fortune, you are brought forth by the craftsman. As friends, we have chosen you, O god and mortal, offspring of the waters, shining and fortunate, sinless and of excellent guidance and praise. When you, Agni, move among the woods, among your mothers, among the waters, there is no turning back for you, whether near or far. You have surpassed the thirsty, and thus you are gracious; some go forth, others sit around, but those in whose friendship you have taken refuge are blessed. Swift and unfailing, Agni is always present, found by those who endure, like a lion dwelling in the waters. As one sent forth, hidden, Mātariśvan brought him from afar, churned out from the gods. Mortals have taken hold of Agni as the carrier of offerings for the gods; he oversees all sacrifices for men, youngest among them. His tongue, bearer of good fortune, covers even the ripening; when Agni is kindled and cattle gather around him, his light shines even in darkness. The pure, well-ordered, brilliant flame is offered, swift messenger, tireless and ancient, worthy of praise; honor is given to the divine one who hears. Three hundred, three thousand, and thirty-nine gods have honored Agni; they anointed him with ghee, spread sacred grass for him, and seated him as the officiant. Agni is established by the wise as the sovereign of peoples; mortals invoke him at the sacrifice. In rituals, he is called as officiant and priest, shining forth as the guardian of truth in his own house. Those who serve Jātavedas with kindling gain heroic strength and prosperity. As the sign of sacrifices, Agni comes adorned, together with seven priests, to those offering oblations. Ancient, lofty speech is brought forth to Agni as the priest, bearer of radiant lights for the wise. May hymns strengthen Agni, from whom praise is born, for great prize, wealth, and vision. Agni, most fit for sacrifice, worships the gods for the worshiper; as the delightful priest, he shines forth, dispelling obstacles. Pure one, shine for us; grant radiant heroism; be closest to the singers for well-being. Inspired, vigilant priests kindle Agni, immortal, strong, carrier of offerings. Agni is the priest, the householder, wise in sacrifice, knowing the ritual for mankind. Immortal, carrier of offerings, swift messenger, established by thought, Agni perceives and is the ancient sign of sacrifice, knowing its purpose. Renowned as the son, knower of all births, the gods made him the fire. Unassailable, leader of peoples, priest of men, Agni is always swift, ever new like a chariot. Summoner of all, power of the gods, unwearied, Agni is most widely famed. With his vehicle, the worshiper attains the paths, the abode of the pure flame. Let us approach all the well-established gifts of Agni with our thoughts, O wise ones, O knower of all births. Agni, we seek all desirable things in contests; in you, the gods have placed their trust. Indra and Agni, lofty ones, are called to the pressed Soma with songs; let them drink, guided by our devotion. Together with the singer, the conscious sacrifice advances; let Indra and Agni drink this Soma here. Chosen, adorned with wisdom, by the favor of the sacrifice, let them delight in the Soma. Indra and Agni, slayers of Vritra, victorious and unconquered, are invoked as bestowers of strength.