Hear now the story of the Maruts, Agni, Mitra, and Varuṇa, as spoken in the ancient hymns. The mighty Maruts, children of Rudra and Prisni, are a host of brothers, neither eldest nor youngest, but grown together for good fortune. When they play with their spears, even the great mountain trembles, and the summit of heaven shudders at their thunderous sound. Like rushing waters in unison, they surge forth, adorned with gold and radiant in their power. Their chariots are strong, their deeds glorious, and their forms resplendent as they accomplish great acts together. Their youthful father, wise Rudra, and their nourishing mother, Prisni, bestow fair days upon them. All that is highest, middle, or lowest in heaven belongs to these fortunate ones, the Rudras; and perhaps to Agni as well, if invoked through the offering, knowledge may be gained. When Agni and the Maruts, all-knowing, bring gifts from the highest heaven with their chariots, may those joyous and generous ones grant wealth to the worshipper who pours the libation. Together, Agni and the Maruts, shining and chanting, drink the Soma, delighted, with their splendid hosts. Agni, with his pure, all-pervading, immortal flames, comes with his sign from heaven. Who among the Maruts are most excellent, who have come one by one from the farthest distance? Where are their horses and reins? How did they manage, and who sits behind as their companion? At their back is the goad, their thighs spread apart like fathers for the sake of sons. They go forth as heroes, youthful ones of noble birth, kindled by Agni. May they grant wealth, cattle, and abundant gifts to those who praise them, for they are generous with their arms. Among women, she who is not devoted to the godless and irreverent becomes more desirable and sought after than a man. She discerns the cunning, the thirsty, the desiring, and directs her mind towards the divine. Yet the unpraised one claims to be a man, but he is a Pani, an enemy, always the same. The youthful, eager woman has not approached; the path turns towards Śyāvā, while the red ones choose the long-famed sage, much invoked. He who gave a hundred cows, as if ten times over, is like one who crosses over by greatness. Those who carry her swiftly, drinking the exhilarating mead, attain fame here. For whom the heavens and earth shine with splendor on their chariots, like gold above in the sky, young is the host of the Maruts—mighty, unassailable, shining, and unopposed. Who truly knows where their impelled ones rejoice, born of truth, without stain? The wise lead mortals rightly with insight, hearing the calls in sacrifice. May they, worthy of sacrifice, grant desirable riches, shining before us, destroyers of foes. Let this praise, O goddess, be carried like a charioteer to Dārbhya, son of Urmya. And speak, O Aditi, at the Soma-pressing, at the chariot-race, for my desire does not depart from me. Here dwells the charioteer, generous among the rich meadows, sheltered in the mountains. By truth is truth concealed, in that firm place where the horses of the sun are released; ten hundreds together stood there, and among the gods, the greatest in splendor was seen. This is the greatness of Mitra and Varuṇa: the standing ones have drawn it forth by day; they make the cows of their stream swell, and one axle revolves for them. Mitra and Varuṇa, kings by greatness, support earth and sky, make plants grow, cows swell, send rain, and bestow long life. Let their well-yoked, swift horses bring them, drawing the chariot close; channels of ghee are prepared, and rivers flow towards them from the sky. Following renowned, unfailing wisdom, protected like a sacrificial seat by sacred utterance, they dwell in the depth with Ilā, holding firm skill and reverence. Without cruelty, with hands that act rightly, Mitra and Varuṇa, together with Ilā, protect the devotee. As kings, unassailable in power, they uphold the thousand-pillared order. The golden channel and pillar shine forth, like a chariot drawn by celestial horses; in the good field, marked and flourishing, may the honey of their favor be obtained. At dawn, the golden form and pillar of the sun are raised; Varuṇa and Mitra ascend from the depth and behold both Aditi and Diti. With their most ample, unfailing, generous protection, unbroken, they guard the world; with that, may they protect us, so that striving, we may live and prosper. As guardians of truth, Mitra and Varuṇa stand upon their chariot, upholding righteous order in the highest heaven. For those whom they favor, sweet rain pours from the sky. They are sovereign kings of all beings, shining in the assembly with insight; their rain, bounty, and immortality are sought, and thunders move through heaven and earth. Sovereign, mighty, bull-like lords of heaven and earth, Mitra and Varuṇa are wise among men. With wondrous clouds, they make their sound, and rain upon the sky by the power of the Asura. Their power is established in heaven; the sun moves with shining weapon, covered with cloud and rain, and honeyed drops of Parjanya stream forth. The Maruts yoke their splendid, easy chariot, like heroes in contests; the bright thunders move through the spaces, and the sovereigns rain from the sky, milking its riches. Parjanya speaks forth a resounding, radiant voice; the Maruts dwell in the clouds by the wondrous power of Mitra and Varuṇa, raining upon the spotless, ruddy sky. Thus, the story unfolds, praising the divine hosts, their power, generosity, and protection, as the hymns of old have sung.