In the sacred dawn, the worshippers call upon the Ribhus, divine artisans who delight in offerings, to come to their sacrifice along the pathways of the gods. The Ribhus, who established worship among the peoples and rejoice in the bright days of ritual fires, are invited to partake in the clarified offerings of ghee, which are prepared to gladden their hearts and minds. The exhilarating draughts, pressed and brimming, are offered to honor their skill and power. With triple praise, the worshippers address the Ribhus, bestowers of strength, invoking them for a divine purpose. Among all tribes and peoples, they pour out the sacred Soma, accompanied by the great ones in the heavens. The Ribhus’ horses are strong, their chariots shine, their bodies are youthful and splendidly adorned. Victorious sons of Indra, grandsons of might, they follow the foremost exhilaration. The worshippers invoke Rbhu, Rbhukshan, and Vaja, yoked together, seeking wealth and the most powerful prize, always with Indra’s favor and the helpful Ashvin. Those whom the Ribhus and Indra favor become winners by their thoughts, wise and charioteers among men. The Ribhus are asked to open the paths for worship, so that praised riches may flow from every direction, fulfilling all desires. They are entreated, along with Indra and the Nasatyas, to grant wealth abundant in horses and much-praised, for the sake of bounty. The story shifts to the ancient gifts bestowed upon the Pūrus by Sadasyu, in the abode of Nitośa. The gods granted fertile fields, broad lands, and fierce victory over enemies, crushing them with might. Among these gifts is Dadhikrā, the swift and victorious horse who brings prosperity to all peoples. Straight-moving like a falcon and swift as a horse sprinkled with water, Dadhikrā is worthy of praise, noble as a king, and courageous as a hero. The Pūrus joyfully celebrate Dadhikrā, desiring him with their feet, wise as a hero and charioteer, moving like the wind along his path. In battle, remembering, he moves among the cows, advancing further among herds, openly straight-moving and discerning in assemblies, surpassing distress and encircling the foe. Like a garment or a beloved son, the people call out to him in contests. Fierce as a falcon, his fame shines forth, and he leads the herd like a beast. Dadhikrā is first to advance among the ranks of chariots, born for glory, stirring up dust and shining brilliantly. His steed, powerful and righteous, serves eagerly in battle, urging on the swift and straight-moving, scattering dust from his brows, shining. His thunder, like the roaring sky, causes adversaries to fear; when he attacks with a thousand, he becomes terrible and dreadful to the wicked. The people praise his speed, and leaders his overwhelming might, saying in assembly, “Dadhikrā has rushed forth with thousands.” With his strength, Dadhikrā stretches over five peoples like the sun with its light. Possessing thousands and hundreds, the horse is asked to fill these words with honey, bringing sweetness and prosperity. The worshippers now praise swift Dadhikrā, honoring him from heaven and earth. They pray that the rising dawns awaken them and carry them across all misfortunes. They praise the greatness of the wise and mighty horse, whom Mitra and Varuṇa gave as a shining fire to the Pūrus, a protector. The one who made Dadhikrā at the kindling of fire and dawn’s breaking is invoked, and Aditi is asked to make him sinless, united with Mitra and Varuṇa. For Dadhikrā, blessings of nourishment, greatness, and the good name of the Maruts are invoked. For well-being, Varuṇa, Mitra, Agni, and Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, are called. Both sides raise their voices to Indra as they approach the sacrifice, acknowledging that Mitra and Varuṇa gave Dadhikrā, the slayer, the horse, to mortals. Dadhikrā, the victorious horse, is made fragrant, his mouth sweet, so that he may carry the worshippers across to long life. Again, Dadhikrā is honored, and the rising dawns are asked to awaken the worshippers. The waters, Agni, the dawns, the sun, Brihaspati, Angiras, and the victorious one are invoked for strength. Dadhikrā is strong, striving for cows, possessing glory, swift and energetic, producing nourishment and light. As he runs swiftly, not even a leaf is stirred by the wind from his path; like a falcon gliding from the sky, he circles the course with strength and vigor. The steed strains at the harness, bound at the neck, flanks quivering and mane tossing, eager and impetuous, following the path with will. The swan dwells in purity, the shining one in the midspace, the priest at the altar, the guest in the house; he sits among men in the best place, in truth, in the sky, born of water, cows, truth, and stone—he is truth. The narrative then turns to Indra and Varuṇa, asking who among mortals has gained their favor with praise and offerings, like an immortal priest. Whoever, inspired by the worshippers, has touched their hearts with devotion and reverence, seeking their friendship, acts with devotion and strikes down foes in battle, becoming renowned with their help. Indra and Varuṇa are asked to grant treasures to those who praise them, as they have before, when friends rejoice with pressed Soma and good cheer. The mighty ones are entreated to place their thunderbolt in battle, unleashing overwhelming strength against the evil-minded enemy who threatens. They are called to lead the prayer, advance like a bull before the cow, so that the nourishing one may yield abundant milk in a thousand streams. Where sons are cherished, offspring thrive, the sun shines, and men are strong in manliness, Indra and Varuṇa are asked to be present with their protection in this wide expanse. For ancient and abundant help, for the prize, the worshippers turn to them, choosing them for friendship and dearness, like a father who brings happiness. Victorious thoughts seeking their help have not gone astray, but reached them, generous ones, like cows approaching Soma for beauty. The intentions and hymns of the worshippers have reached Indra and Varuṇa, seeking wealth, like guests to the house of the generous, like swift chariots seeking fame. By the nature of the horse, the chariot, well-fed and ever-abiding wealth, the worshippers pray to be lords, always accompanied by those who grant these riches with new protections. Finally, Indra and Varuṇa are called to come with their great protections for the winning of the prize. When the hosts exult in battle, may the worshippers be winners of their favor, upheld by the mighty and generous gods.