In the quiet of dawn, the singer lifts his voice to the Ashvins, the divine twins known as Nasatyas, calling them to come swiftly, unhindered by any obstacle or hostility. He entreats them to hear his sweet invocation, asking them not to delay. In the midst of sacrifice, the invincible Ashvins are called upon by the shining singer, who praises them and seeks their favor. The twins are known to bless those who honor them with heartfelt praise. As the radiant Dawn arrives, Agni, the bright beast, is kindled as the priest, and the Ashvins’ strong, wondrous chariot is yoked by the immortal. The singer again calls out, hoping the Ashvins will hear his invocation. Agni shines forth with the Dawn, leading the way, and the inspired words of the priests rise up. The Ashvins are invited to come with their chariot, bringing the warm drink, for no path restrains them. By day, they are beckoned to turn toward the worshiper, most gracious, and to partake of the drink prepared for them. The Ashvins are called at every gathering—morning, midday, and the rising of the sun—by day and night, with help and blessing, for their drink is ready. Their established place is in the highest heaven, their homes among the celestial realms. The singer prays for them to come from the great heaven, from the mountain, from the waters, bringing nourishment and strength. With their new favor, full of delight, the singer hopes to journey safely, seeking wealth, heroes, and undying blessings. At dawn, the Ashvins are worshipped first, before the greedy and the angry. The morning sacrifice is set for them, and the poets who have gone before proclaim their greatness. The Ashvins are asked to perform the morning sacrifice and pour the offering, for there is no favor for the godless in the evening. Each worshipper strives to honor them, and those who worship earlier are more worthy. Their chariot, golden-bodied and honey-colored, streams with ghee and is drawn by swift horses. It moves as quickly as thought and wind, crossing over all misfortunes. The one who most often invokes the Ashvins, who is dearest at the division of the portion, fills his offspring with blessings, ever ascending in brightness and surpassing others. Again, the singer calls for the Ashvins’ joyful guidance, asking for wealth, heroes, and undying blessings. The Ashvins are summoned to come quickly, like swans flying to the pressed Soma. They are likened to deer, cows to pasture, and swans, all drawn to the sacred drink. As givers of horses, the Ashvins are asked to accept the sacrifice for the desired offering, flying to the pressed Soma. The story recalls how Atri, fallen into distress, called upon the Ashvins as a woman in labor would cry out. Swift as a falcon, the Ashvins came with new help, bringing happiness. The singer pleads for the tree to open its womb, as for one who wishes to give birth, so that Saptavadhrin may be released. For the frightened sage Saptavadhrin, the Ashvins used their powers to split and join the tree. As the wind stirs the lotus pond from all sides, so may the embryo move and the ten-month child come forth. As the wind, as the forest, as the ocean moves, so may the ten-month child emerge together with the womb. The prayer is for the boy who has lain ten months in the mother to come out alive and unharmed, living among the living. Now, the singer turns to Dawn, asking her to awaken them today, great and shining for wealth, as she has done before. Dawn, true-famed and noble-born, bestower of horses and good speech, rises in her pure chariot, daughter of the sky, mighty and generous. She is praised for bringing gifts, noble offspring, and good speech. If hosts conceal Dawn for the sake of bounty, the generous ones have placed gifts all around her, and she is asked to place glory rich in heroes among the generous. Dawn is called to bring great glory and wide renown to those who share gifts of horses and cattle. She is also asked to bring wealth abounding in cattle, together with the bright rays of the sun. The singer asks Dawn to shine forth, not to withhold her form, to drive away the thief as an enemy, and to scorch with her ray. As much as Dawn has given to the knowing, she is worthy to give even more, never diminished for her praisers. The shining, great one, upholding truth with truth, appears in the waters—the goddess Dawn, bringing light, praised by the inspired ones. She awakens the people, making easy paths, going first with her great chariot, bestowing strength and sending forth light at the beginning of days. Dawn, yoking red cattle, increases wealth and makes a path, granting ways for prosperity. Praised by many, she shines forth, revealing her form with two plaits, following the path of truth and never missing the directions. She stands upright for all to see, repelling hatred and darkness, coming with light. Facing the people, she draws forth the waters, uncovering treasures for the worshipper and bringing back the light as before. Finally, the praise turns to Savitar, the god. The inspired ones harness their minds and thoughts, establishing offerings for the knower of rites. Savitar, the sage, releases all forms and sends forth good fortune to all beings. He has revealed the sky, shining forth at the setting out of the Dawns. Thus, the story unfolds: the invocations and sacrifices, the blessings of the Ashvins, the arrival of Dawn, and the shining of Savitar, all woven together in reverent praise and longing for divine favor, guidance, and prosperity.