The sages, skilled in the art of praise, lifted their voices to honor Indra and Agni, seeking their favor to grant nourishment and sustain life. Together, Indra and Agni had once shaken ninety fortresses belonging to the Dasa women in a single, mighty deed, displaying their unrivaled power. The prayers of the faithful approached these great deities, moving along the paths of truth, and the people trusted that Indra and Agni’s seats and journeys were firmly established, their protection ever steadfast. In the shining regions of heaven, Indra and Agni adorned the realms with their glory, and their heroic prowess became renowned in all contests. Thus, with reverent hearts, the worshippers prepared the sacred grass, offering hymns to Agni, the god, inviting him to come with the other deities and take his rightful place at the sacrifice, for none was more fit to preside. Agni, whose very supports are the two worlds, skillfully joined together, was honored with offerings by all those who sought his help. He stood as the leader among priests, advancing the sacred rites, and the people honored him, for he was both giver and seeker of wealth. They prayed that Agni would grant them pleasant protection and prosperity, for from him flowed abundant blessings in heaven, on earth, and in the waters. Radiant and unique, Agni was kindled by the singers, who recognized him as the noble priest and lord of the people. They invoked him as the most praised among hymns, the delight of the Maruts, the bestower of a thousand gifts. With shining presence, Agni was entreated to grant wealth, offspring, and nourishment, and to bestow unassailable heroic strength. Agni, the gracious Hotar, true in sacrifice and most skilled in poetry, flashed forth like a chariot of lightning. He, the son of strength with fiery hair, spread his energy across the earth. With words of praise, the worshippers approached him, offering their hymns to the mighty one, who, in his wisdom, led the wise and seated them together for worship upon the sacred grass. The dawns, rich in gifts, hastened to Agni along the paths of the wind, bringing with them the ancient offerings, gathering like loving wives in the home. Mitra, Varuna, and the Maruts all offered their favor to Agni, who, with his radiant flame, spread over the lands as the sun spreads among men. The people, with uplifted hands and devoted minds, fulfilled Agni’s desire, worshipping the gods and entrusting their thoughts to the inspired priest. From Agni, the son of strength, flowed many gifts and blessings, wealth in thousands, and prizes that brought joy. The mortals performed their rites with skill and insight, aware that all noble gifts belonged to Agni, the immortal one, for his enjoyment. Shining with vast energy, Agni was invoked to drive away enemies, demons, and disease, and the people sought his great protection as their gracious guide. At the breaking of each dawn and the rising of the sun, Agni was called to be their guardian, to accept their praise as a loving parent cherishes a child, for Agni was born of their own essence. With his red light, Agni shone among the dark ones, leading the people beyond distress and bestowing wealth upon them. Unyielding and mighty, he blazed forth, conquering all and guiding the sacrifices, nourishing all, and knowing every birth. The people prayed for his unbroken protection, many blessings, and victory, trusting Agni to unite the two worlds in harmony for them. Agni was urged to pour forth and stir up prizes, to shine with the gods and keep away the evil minds of mortals. He was petitioned for abundant food, cattle, and lasting prosperity, that their sons and offspring might be victorious under his favor. Agni, master of heroic strength, greatness, and prosperity, was lord of wealth and remover of obstacles. The Maruts and all men were called to unite in him, where all wealth abided, and in battles, the fierce gathered around him to overcome their foes. The people asked Agni to grant them wealth, heroic strength, and abundant, powerful, and vigorous prosperity, rich in offspring. He who had acted among all beings, who had conquered and done good among the gods, was praised among men for his heroic strength. Agni was implored not to bring folly, weakness, or poverty, nor to make the people subject to hatred or enmity. Instead, he was asked to grant wealth abounding in offspring and abundant riches, bringing joy and fame. Ignited, Agni followed the first laws, praised by worshippers, with flaming hair and clarified butter as his purifier. Pure and skilled in sacrifice, he brought the gods to the ritual. As he had performed the priestly office on earth and in heaven with wisdom, the people prayed that, with this offering, he would worship the gods and help them cross beyond with the sacrifice. Agni, Jātavedas, had three lives and three dawns born for him. By these, he was asked to bring the help of the gods and be a source of blessing for the worshipper. He was praised as radiant, beautiful, worthy of homage, and the messenger and bringer of offerings, made by the gods the center of immortality. The people prayed that Agni would perform the sacrifice according to the law of the best priests before him, guiding the ritual with divine favor. Agni was entreated to approach graciously, like a friend to a friend, like a good son to his father, burning away all hostilities and foes. He was asked to burn among the enemies, to destroy curses and the wrath of strangers, and to stand against those without understanding with his undying flames. With kindling wood and clarified butter, the people offered oblations for strength and power, vowing to praise this divine thought for as long as they were able, honoring Agni with prayer for a hundred years. Thus, the hymns, prayers, and sacrifices continued, ever seeking the favor, protection, and blessings of Agni, the radiant, the wise, and the immortal priest.