There is a mortal whom the gods shield like strong, protective arms. Guarded by their divine presence, he prospers unharmed in every way, untouched by harm. These gods scatter dangers and enemies before him; the kings among men, empowered by the gods, strike down their foes and lead troubles far away. The path of the Ādityas, pursuers of truth, is easy and free from obstacles—there is no stumbling for those who follow it. O men, the Ādityas lead the sacrifice by the straight path; may our offering reach them as a sign of devotion. The mortal who walks this path, unopposed, attains all treasures: wealth, offspring, and life. But how, O friends, shall we offer praise worthy of Mitra and Aryaman, and the vast expanse of Varuṇa? Let us not speak against these godly ones, nor utter curses; with only good thoughts do we approach them. Even one who gives only four cows should fear the anger of the guardian; let him not desire harsh speech, for respect is due to the divine. Now, O Pūṣan, clear away the road for us; remove obstacles, O offspring of release. Come, god, and lead us forward. Pūṣan, whoever intends harm against us—whether evil or wolfish—drive him away from our path. Drive away the highwayman, the thief, the lurking one; cast him far from the path where we listen and walk. Standing firm, restrain the double-dealing and the evil-wisher, whoever he may be. O wondrous Pūṣan, we choose your guidance, by which you rouse our ancestors. Grant us all good fortune, O bestower of wealth with the golden mane; make us rich in pleasant treasures. Lead us beyond obstacles, make our path easy and good; grant us understanding here, O Pūṣan. Guide us to abundant pasture; let us not be weary on the journey. Give, nourish, and send forth your gifts; fill the vessel with plenty. We do not insult Pūṣan; we praise him with hymns and seek his gracious treasures. To wise, mighty, and most generous Rudra, we speak words most pleasing to his heart. As Aditi acts for us—for men and cattle—so may she act for offspring, O Rudra. As Mitra, Varuṇa, and Rudra are mindful of us, so may all the gods together be. We seek the favor of Rudra, lord of song and wisdom, healer with water and herbs. He shines like the bright sun, like gold; the best among the gods, a treasure. May Rudra bring us peace and prosperity—for the ploughman, the shepherd, for men and women, for cattle. Soma, place wealth upon us, among a hundred men; grant us great fame and heroic strength. Let not Soma’s hostility or enemies harm us; come, Indu, share in the prize. Your offspring, Soma, dwell in the far realm of immortality, in the abode of truth, crowned at the head and navel; Soma knows them, adorned. Agni, radiant with the dawns of Vivasvat, immortal reward, bring the gods today for the worshipper, O Jātavedas, awakened by the dawn. You are the beloved messenger, Agni, carrier of offerings, charioteer of sacrifices; together with the Aśvins and the dawn, grant us heroic strength and great fame. Today we choose Agni as our messenger, generous and beloved by many; smoke-bannered and radiant in the dawns, the glory of sacrifices. The best and youngest guest, well-invoked and beloved by the worshipper; to the gods, for their coming, I praise Jātavedas Agni in the dawns. I will praise you, O immortal, for all the immortal food; Agni, protector, immortal, wise, most fit for worship, carrier of offerings. O youngest one, become well-disposed to the singer; O sweet-tongued, well-invoked one, for the sake of Praskaṇva, bring forth food and long life. Let us honor the divine assembly. The knower of all, the Hotar, you are kindled by the people; O much-invoked, wise Agni, bring here the gods, let them hasten here. At the dawns, the Kaṇvas, with pressed Soma, kindle you, Agni, the bringer of offerings, together with Savitar, Uṣas, the Aśvins, Bhaga, as the nights end. You are the lord of the rituals, Agni, messenger among the people; awakened at dawn, bring the gods today, seers of the sun, to drink Soma. Agni, shining one, you blaze forth before the dawns, all-seeing; you are protector in the gatherings, chief priest, and human priest at the sacrifices. We appoint you, Agni, as the accomplisher of the sacrifice, as Hotar and officiant; like Manu, O god, we think of you, wise, ancient, immortal messenger. When, as the friend of the gods, you go as the chief priest to carry the message, your flames, Agni, shine forth like the roaring waves of a river. Hear, O Agni, with attentive ears, together with the gods and your companions; let Mitra and Aryaman, who travel at dawn, sit on the sacred grass at the sacrifice. Thus, with reverence and devotion, the mortals seek the favor and guidance of the gods, offering praise and sacrifice, that their paths may be cleared, their lives blessed, and their hearts filled with understanding.