With reverence and devotion, the sages and worshippers gathered, hearts and minds uplifted, to invoke Agni, the radiant lord of the people. They called upon him to be present among them, O Agni—summoned with earnest prayers—to grant them heroic strength. Through the turnings of night and day, they sought his shining presence, for by Agni’s grace, they became strong; he was the hero dwelling in their midst. The wise approached Agni for aid, their thoughts focused, their thousand-syllabled hymn rising to him. Agni, ever-pure and immortal, with his bright and praiseworthy flame, drove away the dark forces and demons. As the lord of strength, he was asked to bring gifts, and Bhaga, too, was invoked to bestow all that is desirable. Agni was praised as the giver of heroic fame, while Savitar, Bhaga, and Diti were called upon to grant every worthy wish. The people pleaded for Agni’s protection, asking him to keep harm at bay and to stand against the godless who would injure them, burning their foes with his fiercest, ageless flames. Mighty and unconquered, Agni was their protector in battle—the ancient one with a hundred hands. They implored him to guard them swiftly from harm, both at dawn and dusk, watching over them day and night without fail. With deep reverence, the worshippers called Agni—the beloved son of strength, flawless and immortal, the energetic friend and messenger of all. Harnessed to his red steeds, Agni, all-bountiful, hastened to their call. Their sacrifice was well-praised, their hymn harmonious, and they honored Agni, the giver of riches to humankind. As the flames rose, fed by offerings, Agni’s red tongues of smoke reached skyward, and men kindled him together. They made him their most glorious messenger to the gods, praying for delight and for all mortal enjoyments they sought. Agni was the lord of the house, their Hotar at the sacrifice, the wise carrier who chose the offerings and bestowed the prize. They asked Agni, the keeper of wealth, to grant treasure to the worshipper, to inspire all the priests and the skillful without delay. The generous lords, dear to Agni when rightly honored, were invoked as friends—benefactors who granted wide pastures to people and cattle. Those who offered with hands of ghee at dawn were protected by Agni, who granted them long-famed shelter from hostile harm. With his delightful and wise tongue, Agni brought wealth to the generous and granted the offering to the worshipper. Those who gave horses and riches, seeking fame, were shielded by the youngest one, Agni, with a hundred aids and helpers. The god, giver of riches, poured out a full stream for them, attending to their needs and filling them with abundance. As the Hotar of sacrifice, Agni, radiant and wise, was established by the gods as the bearer of offerings, the child of strength, and the lord of nourishment. He bestowed treasure and heroic strength on those who served the people with devotion. The worshippers, devoted to Agni, prayed to be his faithful servants and to receive great treasures as he advanced. With care, they kindled Agni with perfect fuel, spreading the broad altar wide. They opened the shining doors and invited the radiant gods to gather. Agni came with the offering, worshipping the gods and performing the flawless rite as the knower of all births. He gladdened the immortal gods and fulfilled the worshippers’ true wishes. Agni, established by the gods as the bearer of offerings and the lord of nourishment, was asked to bestow all desirable things. The people prayed that, devoted to him, they might receive his treasures as he advanced. Turning to Indra, the mighty, they recalled how even the ancient fathers, guided by the singer, had obtained all desirable things through him. By Indra’s power, cows yielded abundant milk, horses were gained, and wealth was bestowed upon the worshipper. Like a king among his people or a herdsman with his cattle, Indra, renowned among the wise, was asked to delight in their songs and grant them wealth with cows and horses. Sweet songs were offered to Indra, and the worshippers prayed for his favorable path of wealth, seeking his protection and favor. Vasiṣṭha, desiring sustenance, sent forth praises for the milking of the cow, and all people called Indra their lord of cattle, hoping for his favor. Indra’s deeds were recounted: he made the broad, deep waters fordable for Sudās and destroyed the advancing host of the Śimyu, breaking the curse of the Sindhu rivers. The Turvaśa and Yadu served as sacrificial priests, the Matsya sought wealth with sharp intent, and the Bhṛgus and Druhyus formed alliances, as friend surpassed friend in enmity. The Pakthas, Bhalānas, Alinas, Viṣāṇins, and Śivās all gathered, and Indra, who led the Arya’s assembly for cattle, drove the Tṛtsus’ enemies to defeat. Those lacking wisdom, seeking Aditi’s favor, seized the Paruṣṇī, but Indra, in his greatness, spread the earth for the ruler and scattered the cattle to wander. They came to the Paruṣṇī seeking gain, rushing swiftly to conquer, but Indra, eager for Soma, checked the hostile, speechless men for Sudās. The cows, like guardians, went to pasture even among enemies—the speckled cows, sent by the speckled one, made a path, and the troops rejoiced. Indra, the king, cast down one and twenty renowned tribes of the Vaikarṇa; like a mighty one, he sat in his dwelling, and made a stream for his people. With strong arms, Indra subdued Kavaṣa, the aged, in the waters, and the Druhyu. There, those seeking friendship found it, and those who delighted in Indra followed him. Thus, through the prayers and praises of the wise, the gods—Agni and Indra—were invoked and glorified, their strength and protection sought, and their blessings bestowed upon the devoted.