Indra, the mighty king of peoples and the most generous among the gods, has long been honored by ancient songs sung with many voices. For him, these poetic hymns are offered, and the threefold songs grow and shine in praise of the bearer of prayers. Invoking Indra, the lord of Soma, the priests call upon him to come and drink the pressed Soma with the sacred stones. Mighty Indra, joined by mighty companions, is celebrated as the slayer of Vṛtra. The stones are mighty, the exhilaration is mighty, and the Soma itself is mighty, all offered to Indra, the thunderbolt-wielder, with mighty prayers. Swift and victorious, Indra, king and Soma-drinker, harnesses his two bay horses and comes rejoicing to the midday pressing. A tale is recalled: when Svarbhanu, the demon, struck the Sun with darkness, the Sun wandered as if lost, bewildered and ignorant of the fields, yet managed to illuminate the worlds. When Svarbhanu’s magic descended from the sky, Indra intervened, and the sage Atri, through the fourth Brahman, found the hidden Sun veiled by darkness. The priests plead, “Let not your anger fall upon us, Indra; do not drive us away in wrath or fear. You are Mitra, true in your gifts, and Varuna, the king, protects us both.” With reverence, the priest honored the gods, using stones and prayers. Atri restored the Sun’s eye in the sky, dispelling Svarbhanu’s magic. While others could not perceive the darkness, Atri discovered it and brought back the Sun. The hymn then turns to Mitra and Varuna: “Who will protect you—from the greatness of heaven or the power of earth, or in the seat of truth? Shield us as one guards cattle or horses for sacrifice.” May Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, Indra, the Ribhus, and the Maruts favor us, and may those who praise Rudra, the gracious one, be blessed. The Ashvins are invoked for help, as is the lord of heaven, with hymns offered like gifts at sacrifice. Kanva, the divine priest, Tritha, and the wind unite with Agni. Pushan and Bhaga, swift as horses and givers of all, have come to the contest. The mind seeks aid for riches, and the auspicious Hotar of Ushij and the Maruts are ever present. Vayu is invoked, yoked to the chariot, and praised with hymns. The righteous, generous wives set their thoughts upon the supplicants. With worthy praises and hymns that awaken even the youthful sky, the sacrificer approaches Ushas and Night, who bring forth the sacrifice for mortals. Songs are offered to the nourishing ones, to the lord of men, and to Tvashtar, the creator. Dhiṣaṇā, the blessed, the trees, and the herbs seek wealth with reverence. May the mountains be our protectors, like the Vasus, strong and heroic. May the provider, the Aptyas, always increase our praise and grant noble blessings. The mighty one strengthens the seed of the earth. Tritha, offspring of the waters, brings abundant gifts. Agni, praised with hymns, cuts through the woods with flaming hair. The hymn wonders how to speak to the great Rudra, to Kadra, the wise, and to Bhaga. May waters and herbs, heaven, forests, and leafy mountains protect us. May the lord of nourishment, the mountain, swift and powerful, hear us. May the waters, shining like fortresses, listen as they flow around the mighty hill. The great ones praised know the wondrous gifts they bear. Even birds come to them for shelter, and mortals follow, trembling with awe. The divine and earthly births are spoken for Sumakha. May the heavens and shining mountains grow, and the wide rivers swell, overcoming obstacles. May old age be set aside at every step, and the strong protector guard with care. Let the nourishing earth, the great mother, grant favor with upright hands and straight paths. Let us serve the generous ones with reverence. The Maruts are approached with praise and renown. May Ahirbudhnya not bring harm; may our guardian be ever near. Thus, for offspring and wealth, mortals seek the gods, placing auspiciousness upon their bodies, and may decay be devoured by Nirriti. “O gods, may your gracious favor, bringing strength, be ours. O Vasus, may we obtain the blessing of the cow. May the generous goddess, kindly and swift, bring us good fortune.” Ilā, mother of the herd, is invoked; may she be praised by rivers or by Urvaśī. May Urvaśī, praised in the broad heavens, and those abundant, bring forth fruits of offering. May the nourishing earth grant us abundance. Now, the hymn seeks Varuṇa, the most peaceful, with song, and calls upon Mitra, Bhaga, and Aditi. May the fivefold priest, born of the spotted mare, listen, and may the mighty Asura guide us on a safe path. May Aditi accept the hymn as a mother cherishes her beloved son. The sacred word, dear to the gods, is offered to Mitra and Varuṇa, the bringers of joy. Raise up the most skilled among the wise, praised with honey and ghee. May Savitṛ grant desired and shining wealth, well-placed and beneficial. Indra is called to lead with mind, with cows, with the swift and golden ones, with well-being, and unite us with the favor of the worshipful gods. May Bhaga, Savitṛ, Indra, the Ṛbhus, and the immortal ones protect us and grant the prize and wealth. The unconquered Maruts, victorious and ever-young, are celebrated for their deeds, unmatched in strength. The giver of treasures, Bṛhaspati, is praised and invoked, most auspicious and responsive to many. With Bṛhaspati’s help, may the generous and heroic ones be unharmed. Those who give horses, cows, or garments are fortunate, among whom wealth resides. May those who are without protection, seeking wealth, but do not repay with hymns, depart. Drive away those who grow in rebellion and hate the sacred word. O Sun, take them away. Thus, the hymns flow, honoring the gods, seeking their favor, recounting their deeds, and invoking their protection and blessings for all.