In the sacred gatherings of men, the ritual fires are kindled anew. The bearer of offerings, Agni, with the greatness of his own skill, receives the Soma time and again, the immortal drink, praised by the singer’s voice. To Agni, radiant and long-lived, the hymns are sung, inviting him, the generous one, whose chariot, drawn swiftly by horses, remains unharmed. Among those where the divine light has dawned, brilliance shines forth. They protect the sacred hymns and, on the spread grass of the altar, place radiant fame all around. These are the generous, the heroic, and the immortal among men, whose glory is made great and shining—those who once gave fifty horses in praise, O Agni. As the ritual proceeds, offspring arise and flourish; the enclosure is opened and understood, and the gaze turns lovingly upon the lap of the mother. The discerning sacrificers guard unwavering strength, entering the firm fortress of their faith. The people of Śvaitreyas grow radiant and thrive; Bṛhaduktha, adorned with a necklace and honeyed sweetness, advances like one seeking a prize. The kin join together like desired milk—pleasing and sought after. Within the belly of the prize, the heat remains constant, undeceived by deception. Playfully, the ray of Agni 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, whatever wealth you deem fit to bestow, let it be brought to us, renowned and worthy, yoked for the gods by our songs. Those who approach Agni are strengthened by his fierce power; they drive away hatred and insult, shunning the ways of the unrighteous. We choose Agni as our priest, the accomplisher of skill, calling him with eager voices to our sacrifices. Day by day, the mighty Agni is invoked for help—for wealth, for truth, for good deeds. May we be companions with cattle and heroes, joined together in fortune and valor. Among men, Agni is dedicated and kindled; Angiras, worship the gods through him for the worshipper. In the human assembly, Agni is gladly kindled; the ladles approach him in order, well-born, pouring clarified butter. All the gods, united, have made Agni their messenger. Honoring him in sacrifices, they invoke him as a god. Let mortals worship Agni, the divine, with godly worship; kindled and shining, may he blaze forth, seated in the womb of truth and plenty. Let us praise with song the pure, shining flame—Agni, who is to be invoked at rituals, the most delightful priest among all. Place Agni, knower of births, as the divine officiant; let the sacrifice follow him, O gods, for he is the most godly among you. With discerning minds, mortals seek Agni for help; with noble favor, we approach, desiring his aid. Agni, hear this word of the mighty; you, bright-lipped lord, are praised by the three, exalted by the three with hymns. Bring us the most conquering wealth, Agni—the prize of glory. May he overcome all peoples, victorious in contests. Vanquisher in battles, bring us wealth, for you are the wondrous giver of strength abounding in cattle. All the peoples, united, who spread the sacred grass, seek Agni as the beloved Hotar in their homes, desiring many blessings. He, the universal protector, has established strength against hostility; O Agni, shine upon us in these dwellings with abundance, shine brightly, radiant one, shine with light. Agni, be our nearest, our protector, gracious and a sheltering guardian. Generous and famed for generosity, grant us the most radiant wealth. Be mindful of us, hear our call, deliver us from all harm. To you, most radiant, shining Agni, we now seek favor for ourselves and our friends. To Agni, for help, the hymn is sung; may the god be our wealth, may the son of seers, true to the law, drive away our foes. He is true, whom even the ancient gods kindled—the Hotar with delightful tongue, shining forth with splendid offerings. May he, with the most excellent and gracious favor, be mindful of us; Agni, shine upon us with wealth and noble praises. Agni reigns among the gods and has entered among mortals; Agni is our bearer of offerings—worship him with prayers. Most renowned, most wise, unconquered, Agni makes the worshipper heard and gives a son as lord to the devotee. Agni gives a true lord, who prevails in battle among men; Agni gives a swift horse, a victorious, unconquered champion. Whatever is most excellent, O Agni, with great praise, is for you; wealth and strength arise from you like a queen. Your radiant hymns are proclaimed like the resounding voice of a stone; your thunderous sound rises of itself to the sky. Thus, O Agni, eager for wealth, we have praised you, the mighty; may you lead us safely past all foes, O wise one. Pure Agni, with your shining light and delightful divine tongue, bring the gods here and worship them. You, whom we invoke, shining brightly, adorned with ghee, visible as the sun, bring the gods here for our offering.