The sages gathered with devotion, their hearts and voices lifted in praise to Indra, the mighty one. “May our hymn, O Indra, draw you into our thoughts,” they invoked, “turn your bay steeds toward us and be present here.” With reverent longing, they entreated him to delight in their sacrificial offerings and songs, just as a bridegroom delights in the company of maidens. Calling upon Indra, they sought his favor, wishing for a thousand well-yoked chariots and a hundred jars of Soma. “O Indra, may we bring you thousands and hundreds of cows; let your graciousness be bestowed upon us.” With gratitude, they acknowledged the golden vessels they had taken up in his honor, praising Indra as the generous giver and the slayer of Vṛtra. “O bountiful one, grant us abundance; do not give sparingly, for you are famed in many places as the most generous. Let us share in your bounty, O heroic one.” They proclaimed their praise to Indra, the tawny, wise, and discerning descendant of the seeker of cows, fervently asking him not to abandon the cows that sustain both themselves and their companions. The tawny ones, shining among the teams like a young girl in new attire or a child in fresh garments, brought radiance to the assembly. “Let it be well with the cattle-station and all who dwell there,” they prayed, for the tawny, ever-flowing ones were present in the teams. Turning their attention to the Ṛbhus, the inspired sage sent forth speech as a messenger, spreading praise like the white cow, honoring those who, swift as the wind in their chariots, became like waters encircling the sky. The Ṛbhus, skillful and wise, had made a resting place for their parents, adorning them and restoring their strength, thus entering into friendship with the gods. These wondrous Ṛbhus, who made their aged parents young again—though they had lain at the post like sacrificial stakes—were companions of Indra, endowed with honeyed streams and strength. The Ṛbhus, by their labors—guarding the cow for a year, shaping the horse for a year, and bearing brightness—swiftly attained immortality. Among themselves, the eldest Ṛbhu proposed, “Let us make two cups,” while the youngest said, “Let us make four.” Their words found favor with Tvaṣṭṛ, the divine artisan. True to their nature, the Ṛbhus acted, and Tvaṣṭṛ saw the four shining cups as if they were one. As guests, the Ṛbhus stayed twelve days in a hidden place, during which they made the fields fertile, guided the rivers, stood upon the deserts, and directed both plants and waters. These skillful ones fashioned the best of chariots and the all-nourishing cow, and the gods delighted in their works, their intent and minds shining. The vigor of the gods was strengthened, belonging to Indra, Ṛbhukṣa, and Vibhvan, the son of Varuṇa. The Ṛbhus, wise and eager, yoked the two bay steeds and made fine horses for Indra. May those Ṛbhus, who bring prosperity and wealth, grant safety as a friend. “Today,” the sage declared, “I seek your exhilarating drink, O gods, striving for friendship; therefore, O Ṛbhus, grant us riches at this third pressing.” With each sacrifice, the sages called upon Ṛbhu, Vibhvan, Vāja, and Indra to come bearing treasure, for the divine Dhīṣaṇā had prepared the drink, and the exhilaration was ready. “O skillful Ṛbhus, born for prizes and strength, rejoice in the seasons. Let your exhilaration and generosity unite; grant us heroic sons and bestow wealth.” Their sacrifices, established by the Ṛbhus among men, were set high, and the Ṛbhus, eager for praise, claimed all the foremost prizes. For those who worshipped and served, the treasure was set apart. “Drink, O Ṛbhus, the prize is yours; the third libation is offered for your delight.” The Ṛbhus were invoked as prize-bearers, mighty and praised by men, to come and partake of the drinkings and the joy of the days, present as if newly arrived at sunset. “Come, O offspring of power, approach this sacrifice, united and radiant, drink the honeyed Soma with Indra, bearing treasures.” United with Indra and Varuṇa, with the Maruts, with the foremost and with the wives of the gods, the Ṛbhus drank Soma, rejoicing with the Ādityas, with the mountains, with the divine Savitar, and with the rivers bearing treasures. The Ṛbhus, who were like the Aśvins, like fathers and helpers, who fashioned the cow and the horse, and made two chariots—these skillful ones accomplished noble deeds. They bestowed wealth with cows, horses, heroic sons, and abundant riches, delighting in giving gifts to the singers. The Ṛbhus had never failed, transgressed, or been blamed in any sacrifice; with Indra, the Maruts, and the kings, they rejoiced in bestowing treasures. Again, the Ṛbhus of the Sudhanvanas were called, “Come, offspring of power, do not be absent. For in this libation your treasure is to be gained, and your exhilarations follow Indra.” Their treasure had arrived, and the well-pressed Soma was drunk. By their skill and insight, they divided one cup into four, finding the path to immortality among the host of gods. “Was this cup made of clay, which you divided so skillfully?” the sages wondered. “Now, press the libation for delight, and drink, O Ṛbhus, the honeyed Soma.” By their skill, they made their parents young again, made the cup fit for the gods, and fashioned the two horses for Indra’s chariot. To those who pressed the strong libation for the Ṛbhus, they granted wealth full of heroes. Indra, of the tawny steeds, drank the Soma pressed in the morning; the midday libation was his alone, and he drank with the Ṛbhus, the bearers of treasures. Those gods who became skillful, soaring like eagles, settled in heaven. May they, the offspring of power, the Ṛbhus of the Sudhanvanas, grant their treasure, having become immortal, to their faithful worshippers.