Gathered together in kinship, the wise men united their minds and approached with understanding, just as the Usij-sages had done before. By those very arts and forms, the Saudhanvanas had earned their rightful share in the sacred sacrifice. With their powers and skill, they pressed the cups and, with focused thought, drew forth the nourishing cow from its hide. By that same creative mind, they shaped the two horses. It was through these wondrous deeds that the Ribhus became divine. The Ribhus, companions of Indra and grandsons of Manu, set the waters in motion. Through their own good works, skillful with the sacred Shami trees, the Saudhanvanas attained immortality. Together with Indra, they rode in the chariot at the pressing of Soma, shining in splendor and becoming lords of wealth. Their heroic acts stood unmatched, radiant and beyond compare. Indra, together with the Ribhus—strong and mighty—drank the pressed and purified Soma, rejoicing in the house of the eager sacrificer with the Saudhanvanas. Invoked by thoughtful praise, Indra, rich in Ribhus and strength, was called to delight in the pressing, where sisterly rites, prepared by the laws of gods and men, awaited him. With the Ribhus, bestowers of strength, Indra was summoned to the song of praise and the worthy sacrifice—arriving with a hundred banners, bearing gifts for the seeker, and a thousand aids at the offering. As the ritual continued, the wise and bountiful Dawn was invoked. Ancient and ever young, ever generous, she moved according to the law, embracing all. The immortal Dawn shone forth in her radiant chariot, bringing sweet speech and drawn by well-yoked, golden horses of great strength. Facing the people, Dawn revealed all the worlds, standing above as the sign of immortality. Like a wheel, she moved with purpose, growing anew each day. Dawn, generous and shining, searched for her place like a wife seeking her husband, the mistress of the morning. Her bright rays spread from the farthest heavens to earth, and hymns of reverence rose to her as she poured out her strength like honey, her radiance wondrous in the luminous realm. Upholder of order, Dawn awakened with the rays of heaven, standing splendidly between earth and sky. Agni was called to bring the shining Dawn, seeking favor and wealth for all. At the foundation of truth, Dawns were kindled. The mighty one entered the vast heavens and earth, and the magic of Mitra and Varuna was felt everywhere as Dawn set her light, shining like the moon. Praises rose for the youthful Indra and Varuna, asking where their glory now abided—the glory by which they brought victory to their friends. The ever-renewing one called on them for help, with the Maruts, by day and night. The people sought wealth from Indra and Varuna, and all-heroic riches from the Maruts. They prayed for the protection of the goddesses and the support of Bharati, the priestly one. Bṛhaspati, the god of all gods, was invoked to be pleased with the offerings and to grant treasures to the worshippers. With pure praises, he was honored at the sacrifices, his unmatched strength arising. Bṛhaspati, the unconquered bull among peoples of manifold forms, was chosen above all. A new and well-praised hymn was offered to Pūṣan, the radiant god, asking him to accept the song and support the prayer as a suitor cherishes a maiden. Pūṣan, who sees all and beholds the worlds, was called upon to be protector. The people turned to Savitar, the god, to contemplate his excellent radiance and to inspire their thoughts. Desiring strength and bounty, they sought the favor of Bhaga and Savitar. The wise, inspired by devotion, honored Savitar with sacrifices and hymns. Soma advanced, knowing the paths, reaching the assembly of the gods and settling in the womb of truth. The people prayed that Soma would grant abundance, free from sickness, for both bipeds and quadrupeds. Soma, increasing lifespans and overcoming adversaries, took his seat in the assembly. Mitra and Varuna were asked to pour clarified butter, bestowing rich pastures and honeyed realms. Wide-praised and strengthened by reverence, they reigned in greatness and skill, pure in vow and long-lived. Together with Jamadagni, they sat in the womb of truth, drinking Soma and increasing truth. For Agni, the gods, ever seeking, had established him as the unfailing one, the immortal and worthy of sacrifice among mortals, the god of gods, wise and all-knowing. Agni was called to draw near to his brother Varuṇa, to the gracious gods, to the upholder of truth, the Āditya, the supporter and king of peoples. As a friend to a friend, Agni was invoked to come swiftly, bringing delight. Together with Varuṇa and the Maruts, shining among all, Agni was asked to bring happiness and make the people shine, to bring joy to their offspring. Knowing the will of Varuṇa, Agni was asked to drive away his anger and release all hatreds, being the most fit and radiant for sacrifice. Agni was called to be the nearest protector at the breaking of dawn, to bring Varuṇa with favor and be gracious and easy to invoke. His vision was the best and most fortunate among mortals, pure as clarified butter, precious as the cow’s abundance. Agni's three highest, true, and precious births were endless, pure, bright, noble, and shining. As messenger and priest with a golden chariot and delightful tongue, Agni called all to the dwelling. With red horses, wondrous and shining, always joyful, he was like a father among his kin, bringing all together in the sacred ritual, upholding truth, and ensuring the blessings of the gods.