In the ancient days, when seekers yearned for strength and guidance, they called upon the former ones, the best allies, whose swift horses and clear understanding helped them speed forward in life’s pursuits. Among these noble deities, Mitra stood out, leading people from distress into safe dwellings, ever present with his abundant favor and goodwill. Those who sought Mitra’s protection found themselves renowned and free from sin, guided by his hand and ever joined with Varuṇa’s favor. Together, Mitra and Varuṇa guided the people, leading them forward, never abandoning the generous, and ensuring that the seers’ protection was never diminished. Perceptive and wise, mortals sought Varuṇa, the lord of shining order, dedicating themselves to him for great striving. For Mitra and Varuṇa possessed unshaken sovereignty and true lordship; by their command, radiant light was set among men. People approached them for chariots, wide pastures, and well-praised gifts, honoring them with hymns. With ancient marvels of skill, Mitra and Varuṇa perceived the people, marking them with signs and pure wisdom. The earth itself upheld their order, famed among seers, flowing unaging and abundant with streams. When Mitra’s favoring gaze joined with the wise, all strove for wide protection and self-rule. The gods—Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman—established the unshaken, worshipful, great law; they possessed the highest sovereignty. When Varuṇa and Mitra sat upon their golden seat, sustaining peoples, they granted favor to all, for they were all-knowing, observing everything and guarding mortals from harm. They were true to the order, righteous in every generation, guiding and giving generously, and even in distress, they created wide space for safety. Those who praised Mitra or Varuṇa, their thoughts turned to these divine ones, and also to the Atris, the ancient seers. Thus, people sang forth to Mitra and Varuṇa with exalted voices, honoring their mighty and high sovereignty. Both were kings, their foundation rich with ghee, renowned among gods and praised among the divine. Mitra and Varuṇa granted great wealth of earth and heaven, their power immense among the gods. With truth, they joined truth, seeking strong insight, growing in strength, free from deceit. Heaven and earth, givers of rain, and lords of waters, sought the vast hollow of Dānumatī, the realm of abundance. Varuṇa upheld three realms and three heavens; Mitra upheld three spaces. Ever-growing, they guarded the law of the ruler, protecting the unbroken order. Varuṇa’s cows were rich in refreshment, Mitra’s rivers honeyed, and three mighty bulls shone among the three seats, bearers of seed. At dawn, the goddess Aditi was called upon, and at midday when the sun had risen, Mitra and Varuṇa were invoked for wealth, prosperity, and the well-being of offspring and descendants. They were supporters of the shining realm and expanse, the divine Ādityas, and their firm laws were never hindered by the immortal gods. Abundant help was available for those who sought Varuṇa and Mitra’s favor. By truth, people attained their favor for protection, aspiring to become their Rudras. The Rudras guarded with their protections and delivered with saving help, so that mortals could overcome their enemies with their own strength. They prayed not to partake in the wonder-working spirit of others, neither by remainder nor by wasting away. Varuṇa and Mitra were invited to delight in praise and approach the lovely sacrifice. As wise rulers of all, they granted fullness of understanding, coming to the pressed Soma to drink and be worshipped. Songs were offered to them as Atri had done, inviting them to sit upon the sacred grass and partake of the Soma, standing firm by their vow in secure abodes, upholding order and guiding men. May Mitra and Varuṇa accept the sacrifice for the sake of the offering, sitting upon the sacred grass to drink Soma. Wherever the Aśvins were—far or near, in many places, or in the midspace—they were called to come, ever-active, bearing many aids and manifold protections. The wondrous-yoked, swift Aśvins sped through the realms, encircling the two Nāhuṣa’s yokes, having made many wondrous forms and yoked the wheel of their chariot. All their deeds by favor were praised; of diverse birth and appearance, they became kin to mortals. When Sūryā mounted their swift chariot, red birds flew around, and the rays of the sun shone forth. Their night was attentive, kindly minded, and their nourishing warmth, enjoyed by all, brought comfort and blessing. Thus, the hymns of the seers echoed, weaving together the praises of Mitra, Varuṇa, Aryaman, Aditi, and the Aśvins, celebrating their unbroken order, generous guidance, and ever-flowing blessings for all who sought the divine.