In the ancient dawn, the wondrous mystery of existence unfolded before the seers. It was as if a great foot had been set within the world, marking the boundary between the hidden and the manifest. The path of truth lay straight before all, yet many would stray from it, while above all shone the singular, great lordship of the gods. The cows, ever-yielding and unwearied, bestowed their milk in abundance, never failing, always fresh and youthful. Their ceaseless bounty was a sign of the gods’ undivided sovereignty. When the mighty bull bellowed among his kin, he sowed his seed in distant herds, becoming lord of the nights, the great dispenser and king—the gods’ supreme power manifest. Let us then proclaim the heroic deeds, the wealth of horses, and the wisdom cherished by the gods. Sixteen steeds, yoked in fives, drew forth the riches, all under the singular, great lordship of the divine. Tvaṣṭṛ, the skillful, and Savitṛ of many forms, nourished all creatures, generating them in countless ways, and all the worlds were his domain. The broad earth, even and well-ordered, and the vast sky above—both stood firm, established by the wealth of the heroic one. Those who sought his favor were heard, for in all things reigned the single, great lordship of the gods. This earth, steadfast and all-supporting, abides for us as a king, a friend to all, sheltering like heroes gathered in the forecourt. Upon this earth, the plants, the waters, and the land itself, O Indra, bear their wealth for you. May we be your friends, sharing in your gifts, beneath the all-encompassing dominion of the gods. The ancient, steadfast ordinances of the gods remain undiminished, unbroken by cunning or wisdom. The two worlds, with their boundaries, stand unbetrayed; the mountains, steadfast, have not declined. Six bearers uphold the highest order, while one moves alone, and the cows draw near. Three great ones stand above, ever steadfast; two are hidden in secret, and one is manifest. The eternal bull, of threefold birth and manifold forms, rules with three faces and is rich in offspring. Mighty and eternal, he is the seed-holder, the source of all. Awaken to his paths, and call upon the beautiful names of the Ādityas, for even the divine waters delight in him, encircling him as they move. There are three abodes, three rivers, three wise ones, and three sovereign mothers in the assemblies, as well as three righteous maidens and three from heaven who rule in the gathering. Thrice from heaven, Savitṛ brings blessings; day by day, he brings threefold light. Bhaga, Protector, and Dhīṣaṇā, grant us wealth in three measures for our attainment. Thrice from heaven, Savitṛ and the kings Mitra and Varuṇa, with their fair hands, send their strength. The waters and both worlds seek the treasure that flows from Savitṛ’s impulse. Three highest shining realms are ruled by three heroes of the mighty lord—righteous, powerful, and unconquerable. Thrice from heaven, may the gods be present in our assembly. The wise discerned the wandering cow, unguarded, and she, even at once, yielded abundant milk. Indra, Agni, and the seekers obtained her bounty. Indra and Pūṣan, mighty and skilled, milked her as the gods strove within her, seeking favor from the Vasus. The wives of the bull honored his power, knowing the embryo within him. The cows, longing for their calf, moved about, bearing wondrous forms. With insight and the stone yoked in ritual, the seers spoke to the well-joined worlds, calling forth the gifts that rise for Manu—splendid and worthy of worship. Agni’s tongue, sweet and wise, is renowned among the gods. With it, he brings all the worthy to help, letting them drink the sweet offerings. O Agni, your streams, like mountain waters, flow forth, nourishing all. Bestow upon us, O Jātavedas, your favor and universal goodwill. The ancient cow of desire gives her milk, and within her, the son moves toward the right, bearing brightness to the shining one. At dawn, the praise for the Ashvins is composed. With well-yoked horses, she brings nectar, and the offerings rise upward like wisdom to a father. May you, Ashvins, drive away the thoughts of the greedy, for our prayers turn to you. With your chariot, wondrous and well-built, drawn by well-yoked horses, listen to this hymn, O Ashvins. What is your returning journey, as spoken of by the ancient sages? May you consider and come, for all the people call upon you. These sweet gifts, like the offerings of friends, were first given by the Mitras in the beginning. Across many realms, your call resounds, O Ashvins; your praises are heard among the generous. Come by divine paths, for here are your stores of honey. Your ancient dwelling, your auspicious friendship, and your wealth in the waters of Jahnu are renowned. As you renew friendships, let us rejoice together, united in honeyed sweetness. O Ashvins, swift as the wind, youthful and skillful, accompanied by your attendants, accept the day’s offering. Drink the unstinting Soma, O Nasatyas, generous ones. Your many gifts go forth, surrounded by words and striving, never failing. Your chariot, born of nectar and driven by the stone, swiftly traverses heaven and earth. The best honeyed Soma is prepared for you, O Ashvins; come and drink it in the home. Your chariot, great and skillfully made, comes forth, drawn by the horses of the Soma pressing. Mitra guides the peoples by his speech, upholding earth and sky, watching over the clans with unblinking eyes. Offer clarified butter to Mitra, for he is generous and instructs through his law. Those devoted to Mitra, the Aditya, are protected from harm and distress, rejoicing in offerings and moving freely across the wide earth. In following the law of Aditya, may we be in Mitra’s favor. Born wise and gentle, Mitra is a king, worthy of reverence, ruling nobly. In his favor, may we find blessed happiness. The great Aditya, approachable through reverence, guides the people, gentle and beloved. To him, offer clarified butter in the fire. The protection of Mitra brings splendor and renowned glory to the people. By his greatness, he spreads over the sky; by his fame, he covers the earth. Five peoples have submitted to Mitra for help, and he bears all the gods. Among the gods and in the lives of men, Mitra becomes the steadfast friend for those who spread the sacred grass, true to his chosen vows. Thus, the great, single lordship of the gods endures, upholding all creation in harmony and blessing.