Invoking the mighty and noble ones, the sages called upon Vayu and Indra, the lords of strength, to come together with their splendid chariot and their eager attendants, to partake in the joyous drinking of Soma. They invited all the attendants of these great deities—those ever ready to serve—to join in carrying forth the sacrifice. With offerings carefully prepared and the sacred rites protected, the worshippers again called to Vayu, the distributor of wealth, to arrive in his shining chariot for the Soma libation. Let him come, they prayed, driving away all curses, accompanied by his retinue, with Indra himself as charioteer—let Vayu come for the drinking of the pressed Soma. Along the fertile, black earth, adorned in beauty, may Vayu’s radiant chariot speed, drawn by ninety-nine horses yoked by thought. And yet again, they urged: let a hundred nourishing steeds be yoked, and let the thousand-horsed chariot of Vayu rush swiftly to the sacrifice. The offerings were then dedicated to Indra and Brihaspati, beloved by the people, with praise and exhilaration. For them the Soma was poured, delightful for their drinking. The worshippers invited Indra and Brihaspati into their home, that they might drink the Soma and rejoice in that dwelling. They prayed for wealth—a hundred cows, horses, and thousands of treasures. With songs at the pressing, the sages invoked Indra and Brihaspati to the Soma, wishing them joy in the house of the worshipper. Brihaspati, the one who upheld the heavens with might, stood upon the threefold seat, his voice resounding. The ancient, shining sages, wise and radiant, placed him at the fore with his delightful tongue. Those swift and clear-sighted ones, who approached Brihaspati, were called upon to protect the source of the ever-flowing, unbroken milk; Brihaspati was asked to guard its origin. The seekers of truth, those who spoke far and wide, gathered near Brihaspati. For him, the hollow places and wells, even the stones themselves, poured forth abundant honey. Brihaspati, first-born in the highest heaven of light, with seven mouths and seven rays, scattered the darkness with his mighty roar. With the Stoma, with the Rik, and with his company, he broke open Vala’s enclosure, and the cows rushed forth at his call. Thus, the sages offered worship and oblations to the Father, to the All-Gods, to the mighty Brihaspati, praying for noble offspring, heroic sons, and mastery over riches. The king who stands with Brihaspati is firm against all adversaries, strong and valorous; whoever honors Brihaspati is nourished and protected. Such a one dwells happily, with abundance flowing from all sources, and the clans bow willingly to him, in whom priestly power leads among rulers. Unopposed, this king conquers and wins wealth from both adversaries and allies; the gods protect the king who gives passage to the priest. Indra and Brihaspati were again invited to drink the Soma together, delighting in the sacrifice and granting wealth full of heroes. The people prayed for their favor, wise counsel, and the defeat of foes. Then, the most excellent light arose, dispelling darkness and revealing the paths. The Dawns, daughters of heaven, shining and radiant, opened the gates of darkness, making way for all beings. Each day, the splendid Dawns appeared, distributing gifts, bestowing wealth, and awakening the living—both two-footed and four-footed—for the chariot of life. The Dawns, ever new and ever ancient, were asked: Who among you has come today? By whom did the Angiras, with their cows and the seven-mouthed one, gain riches? Swiftly traversing all worlds with truth-yoked horses, the Dawns awakened the living. The Ribhus’ deeds and the forms of the Dawns, ever bright and shining, remained mysterious—neither alike nor subject to decay. The Dawns of old, fragrant and glorious, were born of truth; those who praised them with hymns attained abundant wealth. United in purpose, the Dawns moved together, spreading light and stirring forth like streams of cows, hiding the darkness with their shining forms. To these radiant daughters of heaven, the people prayed for wealth and noble offspring, that they might become lords of strength. Their hymns were offered as a sign of sacrifice, seeking renown among people and the blessings of heaven and earth. As the radiant daughter of heaven—Ushas—rose, she awakened her sister, and the dawn was seen. Like a variegated, red mare among horses, the mother of cows, rich in milk, Ushas became the friend of the Ashvins. She was invoked as the friend of the Ashvins, the mother of cows, and the mistress of wealth. Wise and gracious, Ushas kept away hatred and bestowed fair speech, and was approached with songs of praise. Her auspicious rays appeared, like streams of cows pouring forth, and Ushas opened wide a broad space for living, bringing light, abundance, and the promise of a new day.