Upon the ancient, dustless paths in the midspace—those well-made ways of old—Savitar, the divine, is called upon to protect and guide us today. These sacred routes, easy to traverse, are the very channels by which the god moves and speaks on behalf of those who invoke him. Turning then to Agni, the mighty one revered by many peoples amidst the host of gods, the hymns rise in invocation. All seek Agni, for he is the flame established by humankind, strong and powerful, worshipped with offerings so that, kindly disposed, he may be present among us and help us in our struggles. As the chosen messenger and Hotar, Agni is all-knowing. His great flames dance and his radiant rays reach up to the sky. The gods—Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman—have set Agni as the ancient envoy, and through him, mortals who serve with devotion win all forms of wealth. Agni, the joyful Hotar and lord of the household, is the messenger among people. Within him are gathered all the unchanging laws the gods have established. In Agni, the most fortunate and youngest, every offering finds its way, and so, today and in days to come, he is entreated to worship the gods with heroic strength. With reverence, men approach Agni, the self-ruler, bringing homage and offerings, kindling his fire as they strive to overcome distress. In days past, when Vritra was slain, the two worlds were crossed, and wide space was made for dwelling; for Kanva, the bull, glory was invoked, his voice ringing out like a horse in contests for cattle. Agni is invited to sit among the people, shining forth in his greatness. His ruddy smoke, most praised and splendid, is sent up as a sign of worship. Established by the gods for Manu, Agni is the bearer of offerings, the pure guest kindled by Kanva, the wealth-bringer honored by the bull and the praised one. Agni, whom Kanva has kindled in truth, shines forth with radiant brilliance, and these hymns are dedicated to him, magnifying his presence. As the fulfiller of wealth, Agni’s inherent power is recognized among the gods; he is sovereign of strength and fame, and his grace is sought by all. He is called to rise up for our aid, to stand upright like Savitar, towering as the bestower of strength whenever he is invoked with praise and offerings. Agni is asked to protect from harm above, to burn away every adversary, to grant victory and favor among the gods. Ever watchful, Agni is implored to guard against demons, distress, and malice, to shield from harm and those who intend ill. Like a hammer, he is to strike down enemies on every side, crushing those who hate, so that no evildoer may rule over or harm the faithful. Agni has granted strength and prosperity to Kanva, brought Mitra the pure guest, and bestowed what is worthy of praise. With Agni, the mighty Turvasha and Yadu are called from afar, and he has led Avavastha, Brhadratha, and Turviti to victory over the Dasyu. Manu established Agni as a perpetual light for humanity, and Kanva, born of truth, kindled him, so that all peoples might honor him. Agni’s awe-inspiring flames are unconquered, ever driving away demons and foes, consuming all adversaries. In this sacred atmosphere, the Maruts, a joyous troop invincible and splendid in their chariots, are praised by the Kanvas in song. With speckled steeds and adorned with spears, axes, and ornaments, the Maruts are born radiant, their presence heralded by the crack of whips and the resounding thunder of their chariot wheels. The hymn rises for the Maruts, ever vigorous and powerful, as they are worshipped in divine song. Their blessing is proclaimed among the cows, and in the thunderous press of the juice, their strength is renewed. The question is asked: who among them is most powerful, whose impulses shake even the firmest ground? As the Maruts march, mortals set out to meet their fierce and mighty advance, while mountains and hills tremble. At their yoking, the earth herself, like a wife, yields in awe, trembling at their approach. The strength of the Maruts is steadfast, their vigor nourishing their mother, their power ever increasing. The sons of the Maruts raise their voices upward, strong and eager to be recognized for their journey. Even the vast, unyielding offspring of the cloud, they set in motion with their courses. When people cannot withstand their might, the Maruts shake even the mountains. As they go forth, the Maruts speak together on their path, and their voices are surely heard. Swiftly they ride with rapid steeds, their favor present among the Kanvas, rejoicing on their way. There is joy for the Maruts and for those among them; may all live the full span of life. In a spirit of intimacy, the question arises: how do you, adorned with sacrificial grass, hold us so dear, as a father holds his son in his hands? Where, O Maruts, will you go for your aim—from heaven or from earth? Where do your cows not wander? Where are your new blessings, your good guidance, O Maruts? Where are all your favors? And if you, born of Prisni, were to become mortal, may your worshipper in turn become immortal. Thus, the story flows—of gods and men, of Agni and the Maruts, of offerings and blessings, of protection and strength, all bound together by reverence and the eternal hymns of devotion.