In days of old, amidst the noble lineages and the generous-hearted, there were grand exchanges of gifts and blessings. From Divodāsa, ten horses, ten chariots, ten fine garments, and abundant food, along with ten lumps of gold, were gained—tokens of prosperity and honor. Atharvan received ten chariots with seats and a hundred cows, while Aśvatha bestowed similar gifts upon Pāyu. Sārñjaya, too, lavished the Bharadvājas with great, ever-renewing wealth. Turning to the sacred forest, prayers rose for its strength and friendship, invoking it as a heroic ally, victorious and bountiful, bound with cows and standing firm to ensure success in conquest. Strength was drawn from heaven and earth, from the trees, and from the gathered waters, all encircled by cows—these vital forces were offered to Indra, the mighty wielder of the thunderbolt, along with the chariot as a sacred oblation. Indra’s bolt was honored as the vanguard of the Maruts, the seed of Mitra, the navel of Varuṇa. The offering was made with reverence, inviting the god to accept the chariot and join the sacrifice. The breath of power was directed to both earth and sky, seeking the presence of the divine in every corner of the world. The drum was invoked, together with Indra and the gods, to drive away enemies and misfortune, thundering with strength and power as Indra’s own fist, falling upon the wicked. The drum was called to rise, to turn back omens, and to sound forth victory. With swift charioteers and wind-like horses, the warriors advanced, seeking Indra’s blessing for triumph. With each sacrifice and song, Agni was praised for his skill, immortal Jātavedas, the dear friend of humankind, honored as Mitra is honored. The Son of Strength was invoked as protector in battle and guardian of the body, the one who increases abundance. Agni, mighty and unfading, shone with ceaseless radiance, his pure flames blazing and bestowing good gifts. Agni, the wise priest, worshipped the great gods and performed sacred rites, drawing the deities near for help, granting strength and wealth. The waters, stones, and forests nourished him, the embryo of immortality, kindled with force and born among men on the earth’s surface. He filled heaven and earth with his light, moved with smoke in the sky, and, as the tawny bull among the dark ones, pierced the darkness with his waves. Kindled by Bharadvāja, Agni shone brightly, the radiant one, guardian of every household and all people. He was asked to protect from a hundred evils and grant a hundred winters to those who praise and give. As the treasure-giver, Agni was entreated to inspire with wondrous gifts, to lead his followers to abundance and safety, carrying children and descendants securely, and keeping away the anger of the gods and the offenses of the ungodly. The people were called to approach the cow with abundant milk, to sing a new song, and to set her free, unrestrained. The Maruts, ever-glorious, were praised for the undying fame and glory they bestow upon their troop through noble deeds. This glory was sought for Bharadvāja, along with the ever-yielding cow and nourishing food. Indra was praised as wise in counsel like Varuṇa, skilled in magic, gracious as Aryaman, generous, and a leader like Viṣṇu. The mighty Maruts and Pūṣan, unconquered, were invoked to gather in multitudes for the people, to reveal hidden treasures among the righteous, and to grant wealth. Pūṣan was invited to come swiftly, to listen to praise, and to protect from hostile men. He was asked not to bring harm or misfortune, for he is not a destroyer, and even the sun and birds do not bear such burdens. His friendship was desired to be unwavering, like a sight that never fails, like a vessel full and unbroken. Pūṣan, shining beyond mortals and equal to the gods in splendor, was implored to shine in battle and protect as in times before. His gracious, gentle impulses were sought to lead on the right path, with the blessings of the gods, the Maruts, and all who strive. In a moment, praise reached the sky, as the sun ascended, and the Maruts took on fierce strength and a name worthy of worship, the greatest power for slaying Vṛtra. Heaven and earth were born at once, and the milk of Pṛśni was yielded at once—none was born after that. Then, with fresh hymns, the noble people, Mitra and Varuṇa, of steadfast vows, were praised, and their favor was sought. They were called to come and listen, together with Agni, the upholder of excellent rule. Agni, youthful and tireless, child of heaven and son of strength, the sign of sacrifice, was worshipped as the shining one. The two daughters of the ruddy one, of different forms—one adorning herself among women, the other, the sun, wandering apart—moved together, shining, and the hymn was offered to reach them. To Vāyu, the wise and chariot-bearing, the hymn was directed for abundant, desirable wealth. With shining steeds, he led the hosts, approaching the wise as one worthy of worship. The wondrous chariot of the Aśvins, adorned with gold and yoked by their minds, traveled the path for offspring and well-being, and was sought as shelter. Parjanya and Vāta, the bulls of the earth, filled the nourishing waters. The truth-hearing sages, through their hymns, made the moving and the fixed, and gave stability to the world. Pāvīravī, the maiden of shining life, and Sarasvatī, wife of heroes, were asked to bestow intelligence and, with the goddesses, to grant unbroken shelter and invincible protection. Pūṣan, as guardian on every path, approached with radiance, fulfilling desires and granting abundant, shining gifts. Agni, first to receive honor, possessor of glory, giver of strength, beautiful in rays, the priest and radiant one, was invoked to worship, shining in the dwellings, ever well-invoked. Thus, in these ancient hymns, the people remembered the gifts of kings and sages, the power of the gods, the blessings of sacrifice, and the ever-renewing bonds of friendship and protection that flow between heaven, earth, and humankind.