Let me weave for you a flowing tale drawn faithfully from these ancient hymns. The story begins with the invocation of sovereignty. The speaker, chosen by the highest, seeks to establish his rule over all peoples, just as the immortals have done. The gods themselves uphold the will of Varuṇa, who is declared king over humankind. The voice then proclaims, “I am King Varuṇa; the first powers of sovereignty have been entrusted to me.” The gods continue to support Varuṇa’s will, affirming his kingship. But the divine presence is not singular. The speaker declares, “I am Indra, I am Varuṇa,” and acknowledges the vastness and depth of their greatness. The two realms are well-ordered, and like Tvaṣṭṛ, who knows all beings, the speaker unites and upholds the heavens and the earth. This divine figure has made the waters swell and held back those that would flow away, upheld the sky—the seat of truth. By truth, he is the son of Aditi, a follower of truth, and has spread out the threefold world. He wishes that men with swift horses, striving for prizes, do not summon him to battle, nor call upon him in conflict. As Maghavan, Indra, he prepares the offering, sending forth dust and overpowering with might. He has accomplished all these things, and none match his divine, unconquered power. When the Somas and other hymns delight him, both boundless realms tremble in fear. The wise one knows all the worlds and is asked to declare them to Varuṇa. Indra, who has struck down the Vṛtras, released the rivers for the chosen ones. The tale recalls the presence of the seven seers, the fathers, when the Dāsa was bound in distress. They sacrificed to Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, the half-divine, for the sake of Trasadasyu. Purukutsa’s wife invoked Indra and Varuṇa with offerings and homage. Then, they granted the king Trasadasyu, the slayer of Vṛtra, the half-divine one. The prayer then turns to wealth and joy: “With wealth may we, together with our cattle, rejoice, O gods, with offerings and with grain. Indra and Varuṇa, may you always grant us that unfailing, ever-yielding cow.” A new hymn arises, questioning which of the worthy gods will hear and accept their praise. To whom among the immortal gods shall this beautiful, heartfelt hymn be dedicated? Who will show favor, who will come most willingly among the gods, who is most gracious? The swift chariot, chosen by the daughter of the sun, is called. Swiftly the mighty ones come, eager for battle, like Indra in contest. Born of heaven, divine with beautiful wings, they are asked by what skill they are the most powerful among the powerful. The protection of the Aśvins is sought: by what means do they come when invoked? By their wondrous deeds, who will call them, so that they may grant wide help with their sweet aid? Their chariot moves widely across the sky, coming forth from the ocean. Sweetness, honey, and mead flow for them; their well-fed horses draw the chariot with vigor. The river bathes their horses with its juice; the bright, reddish steeds circle around. Their unfailing vehicle proceeds, by which they became the lords of Sūryā. When their favor is sought, their good will is rich in prizes. The singer asks for wide protection from the Aśvins, declaring that the desire that clings to him is theirs alone. Their chariot, with broad seats, is called today—the gathering of cows. It carries Sūryā, the bride, the singer, most generous and bountiful. The divine Aśvins, grandsons of heaven, win glory with their powers. Their forms, together with the horses, are joined; their chariot is drawn by the yokes. Who will prepare the well-invoked offering for the Aśvins, for aid or for the sweet drink with prayers? For ancient truth, for the first, let the one who honors them turn with reverence. With their golden chariot, O Nāsatyas, they are invited to the sacrifice. They are called to drink the honeyed Soma and bestow treasure upon the worshipping people. They are called from heaven and earth with their golden, well-fitted chariot. Let not others detain them, when their ancient origin unites them. Now, the wondrous pair are asked to grant abundant wealth with many heroes, in both their aspects, for the worshippers. When the Ashvins receive the hymn and praise, those who seek them come forth. When their minds have been questioned, may their good favor with its prizes come to the singer; may they make wide room for him. Truly, the desire that clings to them is theirs alone. The radiance rises; the chariot is yoked, encircling the summit of the sky. Three swift steeds are yoked together upon it, and a fourth, of honey, runs apart. Their honey-laden steeds rise up at dawn, their chariot-horses at the break of day; they drive away darkness, spreading shining light across the sky. They are called to drink the mead with honey-drinking cups, to yoke their beloved chariot to the honey. On the honeyed path, they quicken the journey, carrying the most honey-laden gift. Their honeyed swans, unwearied with golden wings, are awakened by the dawn. Rising up, eager, touching the eager, like bees to honey, they come to the offerings. The well-ordered, honey-laden fires blaze forth at the coming of dawn, when the wise, swift-handed one pressed the honeyed Soma with stones. Those who drink together by day, moving swiftly, spread shining light across the sky; even the Sun, yoking his horses, goes forth, and by their own power, they know all the paths. The wisdom of the Ashvins is declared—their chariot with its own horses, ageless. By it, they swiftly traverse the realms, coming at once to the generous, offering lord. Now, Vayu is invited to drink the foremost of the sweet juices, pressed in the dwellings of heaven, for he is the first to drink. With a hundred aids and his team, Vayu, charioteer of Indra, is asked to be pleased with the pressed Soma. A thousand steeds are called to bring Indra and Vayu for the drinking of Soma. Their chariot, adorned with gold, well-yoked, has come, touching the sky. With their broad-powered chariot, Indra and Vayu are invited to the worshipper. Indra and Vayu, the Soma is pressed; they are called to drink it together with the gods in the house of the worshipper. Their coming and release are sought; here is their place for drinking Soma. Vayu is approached for his bright, foremost honey in the dwellings of heaven; he is asked to come for the drinking of Soma, splendid god, with his team. Indra and Vayu are worthy of the drinking of these Somas; to them the drops come together, as waters flow to the same place. Thus, the tale weaves together the invocation of sovereignty, the deeds of Indra and Varuṇa, the blessings of the Aśvins, the honeyed journey of their chariot, and the invitation to Vayu and Indra, all united in the sacred offering and praise, seeking divine favor, protection, and abundant blessings.