Gathered together, the Kuśikas are called to attention, urged to approach and release the horse for Sudās, that he may gain wealth. Sudās, the king, has crushed Vṛtra, offering worship in both east and west, renowned as the best across the earth. He has satisfied both heaven and earth, and Indra is praised for his deeds. The prayer of Viśvāmitra stands as a shield, protecting the Bhārata people. The Viśvāmitras raise their voices in prayer to Indra, the thunderbolt-wielder, seeking abundant gifts from him. Yet, questions arise: what are the cows doing among the Kīkaṭas? They neither yield milk nor feel the heat. The wisdom of Pramaganda is sought, and the generous one is implored to break the low branch for them. A serpent-like thought, vast and resisting, is bestowed by Jamadagni. The daughter of the sun spreads forth immortal fame among the gods, undecaying. This fame, serpent-like, arises among these peoples, spreading glory amongst the Pañcajana. The winged one, bearer of new life, is gifted by Palastya and the Jamadagnis. Let the two cows stand firm, the sheep remain unharmed; let the yoke not be tied to grass or plough. Indra is called upon to grant protection in Pātalya, to ward off harm and join with the people. Indra, place strength in our bodies, in our deeds, in our children and offspring, for life itself; for you alone are the giver of strength. The essence of the khadira tree is spread out, vigor is placed in the trembling śiṃśapā. The axle is invoked to be firm, strong, and steady, never departing, always driving away harm. The forest tree belongs to us; let it neither harm nor injure. May it dwell in our homes with prosperity, and at release. Indra, with abundant and excellent companions, is asked to grant the best today. May the mighty conqueror defeat those who hate us, and may those whom we hate be abandoned by our breath. Even the axe burns, the knife cuts, and the oven, when kindled, foams up its contents—such is Indra’s power. People fail to notice the arrow; thinking themselves clever, they lead cattle astray. They do not drive the swift horse with the swift, nor lead the donkey ahead of the horses. These sons of Bharata, O Indra, do not know their fatherhood or grandfatherhood. They harness the horse for death, not for permanence; they lead the bow-fitted horse around in battle. A hymn is composed for the great, for knowledge, always created for praise, taken up by the people. May noble hosts hear, and may Agni, eternal in the heavens, listen. The desire to sing for heaven and earth stirs within; the gods delight in such praise, together with their companions at the rites. May the truth of heaven and earth be firm, bringing great prosperity. Homage is offered to heaven and earth, seeking treasure through worship. The ancient, truth-upholding heavens have expanded, and even men, in assembly and in contests for glory, honor earth with manifold knowledge. Who truly knows, who can declare to which god the right path leads? Among them, both the lowest seats and those far away are seen, in secret rites and hidden vows. The sage, with human sight, beholds her rejoicing in the womb of truth, spread out. Diverse abodes are made, united in intention and understanding, as a weaver does. Together and apart, far and near, they stand awake in the steadfast place; the sisters, becoming young women, speak forth the names of the pairs. All births are distinctly separated, bearing the greatness of the gods, unshaken. The moving and the fixed, the one lord rules all—the flying, the wandering, the diverse, the born. Ever ancient, the narrator approaches the middle regions, born from the great father, where the gods as guides stand together on the broad path, apart yet within. The hymn is proclaimed to heaven and earth; may they of broad wombs, with Agni as their tongue, listen—Mitra, Varuna, the Adityas, the sages, the renowned. Savitṛ, with golden hands and beautiful tongue, three times from heaven, rules in the assembly; among the gods, he has proclaimed the hymn, granting all-surpassing good. Tvaṣṭṛ, skillful, good-handed, self-praising, truth-abiding, is invoked to bestow aid; Pūṣan and the Ṛbhus rejoice, raising stones upright at the sacrifice. The Maruts, with chariots flashing like lightning, armed with spears, sons of heaven born of truth, tireless, are called upon. Sarasvatī, worthy of sacrifice, may she hear; Dhātṛ is asked to grant swift wealth with strong heroes. Hymns and praises go to Viṣṇu, mighty in many ways, wide-striding, whose ancient call is not overpowered even by many young mothers, the creators. Indra, ruling with all powers, has filled both heavens with his greatness; the destroyer of cities and slayer of Vṛtra, strong with his army, may he bring together abundant wealth. The Nāsatyas, fathers and kin-inquirers, the beautiful name of the Aśvins, are indeed givers of riches, guarding the gift unerringly. Great is their beautiful name, O wise ones, when they become all for Indra; with the Ṛbhus, the much-invoked friend and dear ones, they fashion success from thought. Aryaman, Aditi, worthy of sacrifice, and the unbroken vows of Varuṇa are invoked to unite with offspring, to make the path fruitful, and to grant cattle for the journey. The messenger of the gods, born in many ways, is asked to speak, all-knowing and sinless; earth, heaven, waters, the sun with the stars, and the broad midspace are called to listen. May the mighty mountains, steadfast, rejoice with nourishment and hear; may Aditi with the Ādityas, and the Maruts, grant auspicious protection. May the path to the fathers always be easy; may the gods moisten the plants with honey. Bhaga is asked not to fail in friendship, so that the dwelling of the generous one may be reached unharmed. Agni is called to enjoy the offerings, shine forth with oblations, and grant renown. In every contest, Agni conquers foes and shines with all good favor. When the dawns, earlier than all, shine forth, the great, imperishable mark of the cow is born. Following the ordinances of the gods, the mighty one approaches—the great, single lordship of the gods. May the gods and ancient fathers not withdraw; the sign is within the two ancient abodes—the great, single lordship of the gods. Desires wander in many places, seeking to attain ancient things with peace. With Agni kindled, the people speak rightly—the great, single lordship of the gods. The same king, apportioned, lies in many places, joined to the sleepers, following the forests. One mother bears the calf, another holds it—the great, single lordship of the gods. Thus, through praise, prayer, and invocation, the people seek strength, wisdom, and prosperity, honoring the gods, the ancestors, and the forces of nature, all united under the great, single lordship that pervades heaven and earth.