With devotion and longing, the sages called upon Indra, the mighty stone-armed one, inviting him to approach with his wondrous, flawless, and invincible aids. They yearned to be counted among the friends of generous Indra, the bestower of cattle and the champion in contests, whose chariots are ever ready for victory. Indra alone, they proclaimed, is the true lord of prizes rich in cattle, and from him they sought abundant sustenance. None can turn Indra away when, pleased by praise, he chooses to grant wealth. He, the lover of song, listens to the invocations of the Gotamas, who raise their voices to him with hope for victory and reward. The sages declare their intent to proclaim Indra’s heroic deeds—those mighty acts performed in the joy of Soma, when he shattered the fortresses of the Dasyus. These deeds, wise and singer-loving Indra, are celebrated at every pressing of the sacred drink. Through their hymns, the Gotamas have increased Indra’s strength and glory, and they pray that he may bestow upon them renown filled with heroes. Indra, ever the common helper of all, is the one whom all invoke. They invite him to be present as the giver of treasures, to rejoice in the Soma, and to turn his bay steeds toward their sacrifice. They hope that Indra will delight in their offerings and songs as a bridegroom delights in maidens. With fervor, they call upon Indra for a thousand well-yoked chariots and a hundred jars of Soma. They wish to drive thousands and hundreds of cows to him, seeking the blessing of his favor. They have taken up ten of his golden vessels, trusting in the generosity of the slayer of Vṛtra. They implore him to give abundantly, not sparingly, for Indra is famed as a lavish giver in many places. They ask him, renowned hero, not to abandon the cows for their sake, but to grant them a share in his bounty. The sages praise him as the wise and discerning tawny one, descendant of the seeker of cows. They describe the tawny ones—his steeds—shining among the teams like a young girl in new attire or a child in fresh garments. They pray for the welfare of the cattle-station and its followers, noting how the ever-flowing tawny ones are harnessed in the teams. Turning their thoughts to the Ṛbhus, the sages send forth their speech as a messenger, spreading out the white cow in praise. The Ṛbhus, driven by the wind and riding swift chariots, swiftly circled the sky and became like waters. When these skillful ones fashioned a resting place for their parents, adorning them and restoring their teeth, they brought strength to the mind and entered into friendship with the gods. The Ṛbhus, endowed with strength and honeyed streams, companions of Indra, had once made their aged parents young again, though they lay old and worn like a sacrificial stake. For a year, the Ṛbhus cared for the cow, shaped the horse, and bore the brightness of the sun. Through these labors, they swiftly attained immortality. In their wisdom, the eldest Ṛbhu proposed making two cups, the youngest four, and Tvaṣṭṛ approved their words. They acted truthfully and according to their nature, and Tvaṣṭṛ beheld the four shining cups, as if they were one. When the Ṛbhus, as guests, spent twelve days in a hidden place, they made the fields fertile, led the rivers, stood on the deserts, and directed the plants and flowing waters. These Ṛbhus, who made the best chariot among men and the all-nourishing, all-shaped cow, are invoked to fashion wealth for the worshippers. The gods delighted in their works, which shone with intent and mind; the vigor of the gods became excellent, belonging to Indra, Ṛbhukṣa, and Vibhvan, son of Varuṇa. The Ṛbhus yoked two wise and eager bay steeds, crafting well-yoked horses for Indra and bringing prosperity and safety like a true friend. The sages seek the exhilaration of the gods, especially the Ṛbhus, through their drink, asking for friendship and requesting that riches be granted at the third pressing of Soma. They invite Ṛbhu, Vibhvan, Vāja, and Indra to their sacrifice, bearing treasures, for the divine Dhīṣaṇā has prepared the drink and the exhilaration is ready. The Ṛbhus, skillful and born for prizes and strength, are called to rejoice in the seasons, to unite their exhilaration and generosity, and to bestow heroic sons and wealth. The sacrifice has been prepared for the Ṛbhus, who have established it among men in the heights, claiming all the foremost prizes. For them, the treasure has been set apart, and the third libation is offered for their delight. The sages call upon the mighty, wealth-giving Ṛbhus to come and enjoy the drink as if newly arrived at sunset. They invite these offspring of power to approach the sacrifice, united and radiant, to drink the honeyed Soma with Indra. United with Indra and Varuṇa, with the Maruts, with those who guard the seasons, with the wives of the gods, and with the bearers of treasures, the Ṛbhus are called to rejoice. United with the Ādityas, the mountains, divine Savitar, and the rivers bearing treasures, the Ṛbhus are invoked. Finally, the sages praise those who are the Aśvins, the fathers, the helpers—the Ṛbhus who fashioned the cow, made the horse, and crafted two chariots separately. These skillful men, who accomplished noble deeds, are remembered and honored in the sacrifice, and the worshippers pray for their continued blessings and protection.