Among the ancient hymns, the sages sing praises to Agni, the ever-giving, whose deeds never fail. With heartfelt longing, they seek his favor, knowing that Agni has arrived among the Bharatas—a slayer of Vritra, wise and true, the lord revered by Divodasa. His greatness outshines all earthly riches; unconquered by the new, he conquers all. Agni, both ancient and ever-renewed, spreads his united splendor and radiant light across the worlds. The wise urge their companions: “Let us offer praise and sacrifice to bold Agni, sing and chant to the wise one.” For he, seated as the priest through generations of men, is the thoughtful messenger and bearer of offerings. Calling upon Agni, they invoke the pure-minded Adityas and the host of Maruts, inviting the presence of both worlds. Agni’s vision shines bright, seeking prosperity for mortals, for he is the son of strength and immortality. By his will, those who strive with noble praise become foremost in generosity, adorned by the gods. With Agni’s aid, seekers of prosperity cross all dangers, overcoming enemies and foes. His sharp flame drives away all restraints, winning wealth for his devotees. The sages call upon Jatavedas, the wise among men, to bring heroic riches and destroy the demons. They pray: “Protect us from distress and misfortune, O knower of prayers; guard us from harm, especially from those who seek to injure us from afar.” Agni is beseeched to drive away wrongdoers with his fiery tongue and grant wide-reaching protection and excellent wealth to Bharadvāja. By his insight, Agni has struck down foes for the generous, shining brightly when kindled and invoked. In the womb of the mother, he is the father’s father, flashing forth unceasingly at the very source of truth. The sages implore Agni, the wise Jatavedas blazing in the sky, to bring forth prayer rich in offspring. To him, whose form is splendid, full of energy and might, they send forth their songs. They seek his shelter, as one seeks the shade of the sun, drawn to his golden appearance. Agni, fierce as a warrior and sharp-horned as a bull, shatters strongholds. Though he is born, he is not carried in hands like a child; he stands righteous among the clans. The sages ask him to bring forth the god for the favor of the gods, the bestower of wealth, and let him sit in his own seat. To the newborn Jatavedas, the dear guest, they offer welcome as gentle householders. They call upon Agni to yoke his noble horses, swift carriers of offerings, and to bring the offerings for the gods to drink Soma. Agni is asked to rise up, shining for the Bhāratas with unfailing, flashing light, blazing forth as the undecaying one. Whoever among mortals worships Agni at sacrifice, invoking the true-sacrificing Hotar of earth and heaven with upraised hands and reverence, is blessed. To Agni, the sages bring hymn and offering, fashioned in the heart, hoping that his strong guardians will be favorable. The gods themselves kindle Agni, foremost slayer of Vritra, by whom treasures are brought forth and demons fiercely repelled. The hymns then turn to mighty Indra, inviting him to drink the Soma for whom they sing. Indra is called upon to shatter the wide enclosures of cattle, bold and strong, wielding the thunderbolt, to destroy all the Vritras and foes with his power. Indra, swift and victorious, bull with flowing mane, master of wisdom, breaker of cattle-stalls, bearer of the thunderbolt, and swift as horses, is urged to conquer the prizes with his brilliance. The sages ask him to drink as in ancient times, to hear their hymn and increase with their songs, to make the sun visible for the thirsty, strike down enemies, and win cattle. These exhilarating draughts, mighty and self-sustaining, make Indra radiant when drunk. The eager ones rejoice in his great strength and splendid power. With these draughts, he delights in the sun and dawn, shattering firm enclosures. Indra is called to circle the great mountain, to rise up and move around the unshaken seat. By his resolve, actions, and skill, Indra cooks the ripe offering, releases the cows from the enclosure, breaks the stronghold, and lets the cattle flow forth—like Angiras. His great power expands the earth and raises the heavens. He supports the two divine daughters, the ancient mothers, young and true to order. In the ancient cities, all the gods placed Indra alone as the mighty one for the task. When the ungodly challenged the gods, they chose Indra as the bringer of light. Then, the sky was split by the thunderbolt, the waters rushed forth from the blow. With his might, Indra struck the serpent and laid low the universal foe. Thus, through the hymns, the sages recount the glory of Agni and Indra, their radiant power, their protection, and their victories, invoking their favor for prosperity and light.