Among the people, Agni stands as the priest, his arms skilled and ever ready. With care and mastery, he distributes the offerings, much like Bhaga, bestowing favor upon all who seek him. His friendship is generous, his flame strong and unwavering, and all the powers gathered in the assembly have given their strength to him. Thus, Agni is exalted among the people for his heroic might. His fame, like a resounding cry, spreads across heaven and earth. Now, the people call to Agni: “Come, Agni, bring us the gifts we desire as we praise you. Grant well-being to both us and the noble ones; increase our strength in battles.” In every sacrifice, mortals approach Agni, seeking his help, for he is firmly established at the sacred rite and praised for his aid. For his own glory, Agni regards himself as the foremost among those who perform the rituals. His brilliant flame, shining like heaven itself, is a delight to the wise. His flames are his garments, yoked with powerful speech; 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. The noble ones gather the desirable gifts. Agni, son of strength, is called upon for fulfillment: “Protect us, grant us happiness, and in battles, increase our strength.” Each morning, Agni, beloved by many, is praised as the honored guest of the people. Though immortal, he receives all offerings among mortals. Again and again, Agni, the bearer of offerings, with the greatness of his skill, receives the Soma, ever praised by the singer. To him, long-lived and radiant, the people call with song, for he is generous. The chariot of the generous, drawn swiftly by horses, remains unharmed. Brilliant are those among whom Agni’s light has come; they protect the hymns and, upon the sacred grass, radiantly spread fame all around. Those who have given gifts—like fifty horses in praise—are made famous by Agni among men; their generosity, heroism, and immortality shine with great splendor. Life flourishes: the offspring arise, the enclosure is opened and understood, and one gazes upon the mother’s lap. The wise, discerning, and steadfast have performed the sacrifice and entered the firm fortress. The people of the 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 come together; like heat in the belly of the prize, the constant, undeceived nature of their pursuit remains. As if in play, Agni’s ray becomes manifest, clearly seen by ash and wind; its sharp, well-shaped bindings are ready to be carried and placed in the carrier. “O Agni,” the people pray, “whatever wealth you consider bestowing, let it be renowned and worthy, brought to us by our songs, yoked for the gods.” Those who approach Agni are strengthened by his fierce power; they drive away hatred and insult, shunning the ways of the unrighteous. Agni is chosen as the priest, the accomplisher of skill. In every sacrifice, with eager voices, he is called upon to receive the offerings. Day by day, Agni is invoked for help—for wealth, for truth, for good deeds. The people wish to be his companions, alongside cattle and heroes. Agni is dedicated and kindled among men, honored as Angiras, worshipping the gods for the worshipper. In the human assembly, he is gladly kindled, and the ladles, well-born, pour clarified butter for him in order. All the gods, united, have made Agni their messenger; they honor him as a sage in sacrifices and invoke him as a god. Let mortals worship Agni with godly devotion. Kindled and shining, he blazes forth, seated in the womb of truth and plenty. The people sing in praise of Agni—the pure, shining flame, the most delightful priest to be invoked at rituals. He is the knower of births, the divine officiant; the sacrifice follows him, the most godly among the gods. With discerning minds, mortals seek Agni for help, coming with noble intent and desiring his aid. Agni, bright-lipped lord, is called upon to understand the prayers of the mighty, praised by the three with hymns. “Agni, bring us the most conquering wealth, the prize of glory; may you overcome all peoples and be victorious in contests. O Agni, vanquisher in battles, bring us wealth, for you are the wondrous giver of strength, abounding in cattle.” All peoples, united and spreading the sacred grass, seek Agni as the beloved Hotar in their homes, desiring many blessings. As the universal protector, he establishes strength against hostility. In these dwellings, O Agni, shine upon us with abundance; shine brightly, radiant one, shine with light. “Agni, be our nearest, our protector. Be gracious and a sheltering guardian. Generous Agni, famed for your giving, grant us the most radiant wealth. Be mindful of us, hear our call, and deliver us from all harm. To you, most radiant and shining Agni, we now seek favor for ourselves and our friends.” And finally, the people sing: “To you, Agni, for help, I sing; may the god be our wealth. May the son of seers, true to the law, drive away our foes.