Though oppressed by adversities, Agni did not waver in his exhilaration. He spoke to me, the observer of the gods’ ordinances, saying that Indra, the wise, has looked upon me; through Indra’s instruction, Agni himself has come. Agni shines forth with great light, manifesting all things in his vastness. In his greatness, he withstands the hostile powers of the goddesses, sharpening his horns to scatter the demons. Let Agni’s own fierce-weaponed ones be stationed in the sky, ever ready to slay the demon. Even in his intoxication, his blazing followers break through, and the godless cannot withstand their assault. This praise, O mighty-born Agni, the inspired one has fashioned for you, like a skillfully made chariot. If you, Agni, would accept it, may we win radiant glory by this offering. The mighty-necked, ever-growing bull—Agni, the enemy-slayer, the wise—advances with knowledge. Thus the immortals have spoken of Agni, granting protection to Manu, who sits on the sacred grass and offers with devotion. You, Agni, are Varuṇa when you are born; you become Mitra when kindled. In you, O son of strength, all the gods abide; for the worshipper, you are Indra. You become Aryaman when you bear the name of the younger ones, O self-sustaining one, carrying the hidden. They anoint Mitra, well-formed, with cows, when you unite a couple in one mind. For your glory, the Maruts adorn themselves, O Rudra, for your birth is wondrous and beautiful. The step of Viṣṇu has been placed as your counterpart—by it, you guard the hidden name of the cows. By your splendor, O god, the radiant gods, bearing much, partake of immortality. Men have established Agni as the Hotar; the inspired ones, desiring favor, praise him. No earlier Hotar, O Agni, is more worthy than you, nor is any other superior in wisdom. For whom you become the guest, he conquers mortals through sacrifice. We would win, Agni, by your aid, riches awakened by our offering. In battle, in assemblies, by day, O son of strength, we would conquer mortals with wealth. Whoever brings upon us sin or hostility, whoever harbors evil intent, let him bear that guilt. Destroy, O wise Agni, this curse—whoever seeks to harm us with duplicity. You, god, in the morning, were worshipped as the messenger by the ancients with offerings. When you proceed to the gathering of riches, you are praised by mortals with treasures. Drive away, knowing one, the one who opposes the father; as a son, defend us. When, O wise Agni, will you look upon us? When, O knower of truth, will you come to our aid? The worshipper, praising, bestows many names; O treasure-giver, if you are pleased with that, may Agni, growing strong, acting by the gods’ might, win favor for us. You, youngest one, lead the singer across all hardships, O Agni. Thieves are unseen, enemies are people, those of unknown signs become wicked. These invocations, O seer of all, have been spoken for you, O Vasava; this indeed I have declared here. This Agni does not harm us with reproach, nor does he injure; ever-growing, he drives away what is far. You, Agni, lord of wealth among treasures, we extol foremost at the sacrifices, O king. By you, striving for strength, may we win the prize and surpass the contests of mortals. Agni, the immortal, bearer of offerings, our father, the all-pervading, the clearly-seen, be gracious to us. Shine with good household fire, with blessings; measure out for us, directly, renown. You set Agni, the sage of the people, the lord of men, pure and radiant, anointed with ghee. As the priest, all-knowing, you appoint him; he among the gods obtains the prizes. Accept, Agni, with delight, together with Ila, as you strive with the rays of the sun. Accept our kindling, O knower of births; bring here the gods to partake of the offering. Favored, O house-lord, guest in the home, come to this our sacrifice, knowing. Agni, overcome all hostile powers, bring us food, and turn away the enemies. With destruction, drive away the Dasyu; make vigor for your own form. Since you, son of strength, protect the gods, so, Agni, best of men, guard us in the contest. We will honor you, Agni, with hymns; we will honor you, pure-shining, with offerings. Grant us wealth, all-desirable, gathered; bestow upon us all treasures. Accept our sacrifice, Agni, son of strength, three-seated, accept the offering. May we be doers of good among the gods; protect us with triple shelter, with your protection. O knower of births, carry us over all difficulties, as a boat over the river, beyond all misfortunes. Agni, praised by Atri, with reverence, be the protector of our persons. Whichever mortal, thinking himself devout, calls upon you, the immortal, with his heart and praise—O knower of births, grant us glory; with offspring, Agni, may we attain immortality. For whom, O knower of births, you, Agni, make a pleasant dwelling, for the doer of good—he attains offspring, heroic and rich in cattle, and abundant wealth, with well-being. Pour clarified butter, strong and pure, into the well-kindled flame—unto Agni, the knower of births. Narāśaṃsa, gladly accept this sacrifice from the worshippers, O sage with the honeyed hand. Invoked, Agni, bring Indra here, the splendid, the beloved, with easy chariots for our aid. Spread forth, wool-soft one; the worshippers have praised you with hymns. Be, O shining one, our guide to prosperity. O divine doors, open wide, with good guidance for our aid. Let the sacrifice proceed and be filled. With beautiful faces, ever-young, mighty, mothers of truth—at dawn and dusk we invoke you. O divine priests, guided by the flight of the wind and by human effort, come to this sacrifice of ours. Ilā, Sarasvatī, and Mahī, the three goddesses who bring delight, may they sit upon the sacred grass, unwavering. Gracious Tvaṣṭar, come here, mighty and nourishing by your own power; bring forth offerings at every sacrifice. Where, O Lord of the Forest, you know the secret names of the gods, there lead the offerings. Svāhā to Agni, to Varuṇa, Svāhā to Indra and the Maruts; Svāhā, the oblation to the gods. I consider Agni, who is the wealth-bringer, to whom the cows go, to whom the swift horses and the ever-ready steeds go; bring nourishment to the singers.