As the sacred hymns unfold, the singer turns his heart and voice toward Indra, the mighty hero, seeking his protection and favor. With reverence, he calls upon Indra’s great powers to shield those who praise him, especially those who offer the skin in the contest for wealth, delighting the god with the sweet, well-pressed Soma. The singer yearns to be carried by the ten white, gold-adorned, swift steeds of Trasadasyu, son of Purukutsa, their red markings and strength bearing him forward. He also prays for the red steeds of Marutashva, rich in strength and givers of abundance, to carry him, for these noble ones, ever moving in thousands, grant gifts and shine with beauty. Likewise, he invokes the splendid, well-guided steeds of Dhvanya, marked with auspicious signs, to carry him eagerly, drawn by the greatness of Samvarana’s wealth, as cows rush to the pen. Indra is praised as the wondrous one, ageless and full of light, whose enemies are unborn and who acts according to his own law. The singer urges all to press and cook the offering for this bearer of prayer, the much-praised one. Indra, who delights in the sweetness of Soma, is generous and sets out as the great slayer to destroy the foe, striking a thousand times. Whoever presses Soma for him, whether at the press or in the vessel, becomes brilliant, for Shakra, the powerful one, removes sin and purifies the body of his wise friend. Yet Indra turns away from those who have slain their father, mother, or brother; he knows the righteous path and does not grant wealth to the sinful. He does not seek the help of five or ten, nor does he join with those who do not offer or those who prosper without offerings. Instead, he conquers knowledge, strikes down the foe, and shares the divine portion among the herd rich in cows. In contests, Indra sets the wheel in motion, befriending the offerer and opposing the non-offerer. He subdues all, leading both Dasa and Arya according to his will. With the plunderer, he seizes food and distributes wealth to the worshipper; none can hide from his might, and those who provoke him lose everything, even in strongholds. Indra, the generous, knows both peoples—the wealthy and the renowned—among the shining cows. With his strength, he causes one yokemate to tremble and releases the cow’s milk from the stream. The singer praises Indra with a thousand songs, honoring his fire-brightness, his noble banner, and his worthy sign, for the restrained waters flow forth for him, granting powerful and splendid sovereignty. The singer beseeches Indra to bring his most helpful and powerful aid, victorious and unconquerable in contests and battles, supporting the people. Whether Indra has four, three, or five aids among the peoples, the singer asks for them all, calling upon Indra’s most excellent and vigorous help, for Indra is born with the strength and power of a bull. Indra’s steadfast manliness and bold mind are celebrated, for he is a bull for giving and a breaker of obstacles, subduing mortal enemies and advancing with all his chariots. Invoked by those who spread the sacred grass, Indra, fierce and ancient, is called upon for prizes. The singer prays that their chariot, hard to overcome and leading in battle, may be made victorious and always triumphant by Indra. Indra is asked to come and protect their chariot, granting glory in heaven and accepting their praise. Indra, who understands the wealth of treasures and gives riches, is invited to come, longing for the sweet, pressed Soma like a thirsty wanderer in the desert. The Soma rises to him, strong and mighty, and the singer and his companions rejoice with songs, following their king. The singer’s mind trembles like a spinning wheel at Indra’s might, and he places Indra upon the chariot, praising the generous one, rich in gifts. Eager for Soma, the singer stirs up a great voice for Indra, asking the generous god to send forth gifts with his left hand and not withhold them with his right. The sky is asked to increase Indra, the bull among bulls, who carries with two bay steeds. The singer prays that Indra, with his strong chariot, mighty and thunderous, may grant them wealth. He who harnesses the two red, swift horses with three hundred companions is honored, and the young ones bow to him, as the Maruts, famed for their chariots, gather for him. The singer strives with the radiance of the sun, offering up, his back anointed with ghee, bending forward; for him, the undiminished dawns shine forth, and he presses Soma for Indra. The kindled fire pleases, the sacred grass is spread, stones are prepared, and Soma is pressed; the stones speak, and the priest approaches the stream with the offering. The bride approaches, desiring her husband, and the queen brings forth the sacred utterance; from the sound of the chariot, thousands turn about in praise. The king in whom Indra, friend of the cows, drinks the strong Soma is unshaken; with his companions he advances, slays the serpent, rules the people, and bears a noble name. He prospers in safety and battle, conquering both contest and war, beloved by the Sun and Agni, for he offers Soma to Indra. Indra, wide-mouthed and giver of wealth, bestower of gifts and hundred-powered, is called upon to grant glory, noble rule, and greatness for all people. Indra, most mighty, establishes fame and nourishment, spreading far his unconquerable, golden glory. His powers are strong through wisdom and insight; he and his companion god rule for blessing in heaven and on earth. The singer asks the slayer of Vṛtra to grant skill, heroism, and the strength of heroes. With these blessings, Indra is asked for protection, that all may be well-guarded under his watch. Finally, the singer prays for whatever splendid power Indra possesses, whatever wealth he can bestow, asking for both kinds of riches. He seeks Indra’s most excellent gifts, longing for heavenly favor and the fulfillment of his burning need. With Indra’s resolute, generous mind, renowned and great, the singer knows that even the strong are overcome, and the prize for attainment is brought forth by the stone-armed god. Thus, the singer’s voice, full of devotion, rises in praise and supplication, weaving together the deeds, blessings, and mighty presence of Indra, the lord of strength and giver of glory.