In the sacred gatherings, the companions of Agni, the divine fire, find themselves divided—some remain auspicious, while others have turned inauspicious. Even as they falter, they speak words of righteousness, yet their speech sometimes veers toward wrongdoing. Amidst this, those who approach Agni with true reverence, seeking the sacrifice with a pure heart, become protectors of truth, upholding the red bull of strength. For such striving ones, like the noble Nahusha, may there always remain a broad, benevolent dwelling. With voices of praise, the people call upon Agni, kindling him with their hymns, seeking his aid. They honor him with songs, for he is swift, touching the very sky, and is the bringer of divine wealth. As the priest among men, may Agni accept their words and worship the divine assembly on their behalf. Renowned and chosen, Agni is the priest most worthy of honor; through him, the sacrifice is spread and made fruitful. The sages exalt Agni, who is most victorious in strength, praising him well and seeking noble vigor from his grace. Like a wheel without a rim, Agni surpasses even the gods, arranging splendid gifts for his devotees. Awakened with praise, the immortal Agni is kindled and asked to place the offerings among the gods. Mortals, at their rituals, worship this god—immortal and most fit for sacrifice—constantly pouring out ghee with ladles, for Agni is the carrier of their offerings. When Agni is born, he shines forth, destroying the Dasyus and banishing darkness with his light. By his radiance, he discovers the cows, the waters, and the sun. The people worship Agni, the sage with a face bright as ghee, inviting him to come and hear their call. They strengthen him with ghee and songs, honoring him as the universal lord with self-chosen words. For the wise and the poets, an ancient hymn is brought forth in Agni’s glory. He is lord of riches, gracious Asura, established by ghee, bearer and supporter of treasures. Through truth and the strength of sacrifice, the foundation is upheld, even in the highest heaven. Those, born and unborn, who have approached, have established the law of heaven among men. Agni, young and strong, stretches forth, spreading wide the great and difficult-to-cross path for the ancient one. Newly born, he moves swiftly, like an angry lion, circling all around. Like a mother, Agni bears and nourishes, expanding and caring for each person, watching over them. He sustains youth and old age alike, striving always to conquer with his own form. May his strength bring abundant, wide, and secure wealth for prosperity, and like a father, he discerns and places great riches in secret, never failing. A mighty offering is made to the shining god Agni, whom mortals, like Mitra, have established in the forefront with their praises. As the priest among people, with skilled arms, Agni distributes the offerings, granting favor like Bhaga to those who seek. All powers in the assembly have given their strength to him, whose friendship is generous and whose flame is strong. Thus, Agni is exalted among the people for his heroic might; his fame spreads like a great cry throughout heaven and earth. The people call upon Agni to come and bring the desirable gifts as they praise him, asking for well-being for themselves and the noble, and for increased strength in battle. With sacrifice, mortals approach Agni for help, praising him at the sacred rites. In his own glory, Agni is thought the best among those who perform the rites; his brilliant flame is delightful to the wise. His garments are his flames, yoked with powerful speech, and his shining rays blaze forth like the seed of heaven. By his resolve and insight, the wise and the good ride in his chariot; thus, Agni is praised in every tribe as the one to be invoked. Now, the noble ones gather the desirable gifts, and Agni, son of strength, is asked to protect and grant happiness, increasing strength in battles. Each morning, Agni, beloved by many and the guest of the people, is praised; immortal, he receives all offerings among mortals. Again and again, he takes the Soma, the bearer of offerings, praised for his skill and immortal nature. To Agni, long-lived and radiant, the singer calls with song for the generous; their chariot, drawn by swift horses, remains unharmed. Brilliant are those among whom the light of Agni has come; they protect the hymns, and on the spread grass, radiant, they place fame all around. Those who have given fifty horses with praise are made great and shining by Agni, their fame among men made immortal and heroic. The offspring arise and flourish, the enclosure is opened and understood, and one gazes upon the mother’s lap. The discerning, who guard unwavering strength, have sacrificed and entered the firm fortress. The people of Śvaitreyas grow radiant and thrive; Bṛhaduktha, adorned with a necklace and honey, advances like one seeking a prize. Like desired milk, pleasing and sought after, the kin are joined together; like heat in the belly of the prize, the constancy of their effort is undeceived by deception. Playing, the ray becomes manifest, clearly seen by ash and wind; its sharp, well-shaped bindings are ready to be carried and placed in the carrier. Finally, the people pray to Agni: whatever wealth he considers bestowing, let that renowned and worthy gift be brought to them through their songs, yoked for the gods.