Soma and Rudra, radiant and mighty, are invoked to sustain the strength of all beings. Their blessings are sought to flow unhindered, holding the seven precious jewels that grant well-being to both two-footed and four-footed creatures. The worshippers call upon Soma and Rudra to drive away the spreading disease that has invaded their homes, asking them to keep misfortune at bay and to turn it aside so that auspicious fame may grace their lives. They pray further—Soma and Rudra, place all remedies within us, in every limb, loosen and release whatever wrong or sin is bound in our bodies. Sharp-armed and sharp-weaponed, yet gracious, Soma and Rudra are asked to be merciful, to free the people from Varuna’s bonds, and to protect them kindly with benevolent minds. As the story turns to the implements of battle, the shield is likened to the face of a thundercloud when the armored warrior enters the fray. The shield’s greatness is called upon to protect the unwounded body, granting victory. With the bow, the people seek to win cattle and triumph in battle, for the bow brings defeat to the enemy and can conquer all directions. The bowstring, knowing its purpose, approaches the ear and embraces its dear companion, pouring forth like a woman upon the stretched bow, carrying the arrow across the plain. Bowstrings move together like women in unison, like a mother holding her son at her breast, striking down enemies in their assembly, quivering and destroying foes. The quiver is the father of many, and the bow is the son of much; together they join on the battlefield, the quiver, arrows, and all the hosts fastened on the back, conquering when released. Standing on the chariot, the skilled charioteer leads the horses forward wherever he desires, and the reins are praised for their greatness, guiding the horses as the mind follows behind. With strong hands, the warriors make loud sounds as the horses race with the chariots, advancing against the foes, destroying enemies without retreat. The chariot is the bearer of the offering, where weapon and armor are placed; the people ascend the strong chariot with joyful minds. The fathers, sweetly praised and wise with age, endure hardship and possess profound power. With varied banners, strong in arrows, unyielding and victorious in bands, they are true heroes. The Brahmins, their fathers, filled with Soma, are invoked; Heaven and Earth are asked to be gracious and Pūṣan to guard against evil, so that no evil-wisher may rule. The arrow wears a feather, its tip is a beast’s tooth, bound with cowhide, flying forth to where men run together and apart. There, the arrows are asked to bring protection. The straight-flying arrow is called upon to protect, to make bodies like stone, with Soma speaking for the people and Aditi granting them protection. They strike the thighs and hips; the wise are born as horses, urging the steeds on in battle. The bowstring encircles the arm like a serpent, restraining the arrow, and the hand, knowing all ways, protects every man from all sides. A divine arrow is honored—red-dyed, with a deer’s head, mouth of iron, offspring of Parjanya’s seed. Great homage is offered to it. Released, the arrow is sent forth, sharpened by prayer, to strike the enemies and leave none remaining. Where arrows fall like boys, like shafts, Bṛhaspati and Aditi are asked to grant protection. With armor, vital parts are covered; Soma follows with kingly ambrosia, Varuṇa broadens the chest, and the gods are invoked to grant victory and rejoice. Whoever wishes harm—whether friend or stranger—may all the gods strike him down, and may prayer be the inner armor. Turning to the sacred fire, men with bright thoughts generate Agni from the two kindling woods by the movement of their hands. Agni, renowned and far-seeing, is the house-lord and guest. To Agni, the Vasus bring their call, ever watchful for help. He is steadfast in the home and worthy of skill. Kindled, Agni shines forth in the dwellings, youngest and radiant, ever drawing prizes near. From the fires, the best blaze forth for Agni, strong and shining, where noble men gather. Agni is asked to grant wisdom, wealth with brave sons, prosperity, and renowned strength that neither foe nor traveler can surpass. To him comes the young woman, skilled and bearing offerings, at evening and morning with clarified butter. Their devotion, seeking wealth, draws near to Agni. Agni is asked to burn away all hostile powers with his heat, undiminished and unaging, driving out every harm and misfortune. To Agni, whose face is kindled and bright, Vasiṣṭha offers hymns, asking Agni to be present through these praises. Mortals, descendants of ancestors, have divided Agni’s face in many places, and he is asked to be well-disposed through them. Heroes who have slain Vṛtra are invoked to overcome all undivine tricks, supporting inspired and praiseworthy thoughts. The people ask not to sit in want among men, not to be left without offspring or strength, nor to be among families in misfortune. Agni, like a swift horse, always comes to the sacrifice, increasing the home with offspring and prosperity. Agni is asked to protect from evil-minded, harmful, malicious, and wicked ones, to be an ally in battle and grant victory. Agni surpasses other fires, a swift steed, a son with strong hands, meeting unceasing paths a thousandfold. He falls upon those who oppose, driving away distress, as noble men move around him. Agni, invoked in many places, is the lord, kindled with offerings, moving as priest at the sacrifices. To Agni, the people offer abundant oblations, asking the lord to carry their offerings in the assembly, that he may always be with them through their praises.