In the earliest moments, there was a radiant light set apart, with golden brilliance shining ahead of the sun. This wondrous sight was revealed by the black one, who, with his tongue, uncovered its splendor. A path was made visible—a good and true way to cross over. Along this path, the celestial river, the heavenly stream, was seen flowing in all its majesty. The singer, filled with joy from the exhilarating Soma, celebrated the many helps of the Ashvins, those twin deities ever eager to aid. At dawn’s coming, clothed in brightness and accompanied by song and the drinking of Soma, the Ashvins were invited to approach, bringing their beneficence to humankind. Following the glory of the wide-ranging dawn, they drew near, having won the truths through the cycles of night and day. The Ashvins were called upon to drink and to grant protection, their unfailing aid sought by all. For them was offered the sweetest Soma, pressed and prepared in the spirit of truth, to be enjoyed beyond the day. The worshippers prayed that the Ashvins would bestow treasures in return. Drawn by the hymns of the Kanvas, the Ashvins were invited to come in their triple-yoked, triple-bodied, beautifully adorned chariot. The Kanvas, in their sacrifice, sang out, hoping the Ashvins would hear and respond. Again, the Ashvins were summoned to drink the honeyed Soma, to grow strong with truth, and to bring riches upon their chariot to the one who offers. Seated upon the threefold sacred grass, all-knowing, they were welcomed to taste the sacrifice’s sweetness. The Kanvas, having pressed the Soma, called upon the Ashvins with earnest prayers, seeking the same protection once given to Kanva himself—protection now for all, from the lords of beauty, who grow strong with truth. For Sudās, too, the Ashvins were asked to bring wealth, their horses carrying them swiftly, whether the riches be from the ocean’s depths or the sky’s heights—gifts much desired. Wherever the Ashvins might be, whether far away or with Turvaśa, they were implored to come with their well-yoked chariot, accompanied by the rays of the sun. Their swift horses, adorned for sacrifice, were called to bring them to the pressing of the Soma, to grant nourishment and sit upon the sacred grass among men. In their sun-bright chariot, the Ashvins had always brought riches to the worshipper and were again invited to drink the honeyed Soma. With hymns and songs, the people called them near for help, knowing that in the beloved assembly of the Kanvas, the Ashvins had always partaken of Soma. Then Dawn herself was invoked. With her power, the daughter of heaven shone forth, her great brilliance and wealth bringing gifts as she revealed the light. She arrived with horses and cattle, bearing all-knowing gifts and many treasures for her worshippers. Dawn was asked to awaken the people, to grant fair speech, and to inspire generosity among the bountiful. Rising ever young, the goddess Dawn led the chariots, steadfast in her journeys, renowned as the ocean. Those who harnessed their minds to her path were praised, and among them, Kanva, most devoted of his line, sang her name before all. Like a young woman, Dawn distributed gifts, made people grow old by her steps, and awakened the birds to new life. She scattered the assembly, opened the ways, and shone like a guiding path, never going astray. At her dawning, the birds could not sit still, eager to greet the bringer of horses. Far away, yoked at the rising of the sun, Dawn moved forth with a hundred chariots, shining among men. She made the world visible for all, driving away hatred and darkness, the daughter of the sun bringing light to all dwellings. Dawn was the breath and life of all; when she arose, she was asked to hear the splendid invocation and to bring abundant good fortune. She was entreated to carry the offerings of the pious to the sacred fires and to bring all the gods to the drinking of Soma from the midspace. With her presence, people hoped for wealth in cattle and horses, strength, and heroic power. Her shining rays appeared for the good of all, and it was prayed that she would grant beautiful, all-encompassing wealth. Even the ancient sages had invoked her for help and support, and now, too, she was asked to accept the praises and bestow generous gifts. As she opened the doors of heaven with her light, the people sought her unfailing protection and abundant, cattle-rich blessings. Dawn was called upon to unite all with great and beautiful wealth, with gatherings, glory, and all-conquering might—strength and prizes for the worthy. She was welcomed with blessings, brought by the bearers of Varuṇa, and greeted by those who offered Soma in their homes. Her splendid chariot led the renowned people forward, and as she arrived, all creatures—birds, bipeds, quadrupeds—awakened at the edge of heaven, following the seasons. With her rays, Dawn illumined all realms, and the Kanvas, longing for wealth, called her with their songs. The rays, like bearers, lifted up Jātavedas, the Sun, for all to see. As the stars departed with the night, those rays returned to the all-seeing Sun. The rays of the unseen one spread among the people, shining like fires, swift and all-seeing, the maker of light, illuminating all the realms. Thus, in the unfolding of day and night, in the arrival of Dawn and the rising of the Sun, the hymns celebrate the divine order, the gifts of the Ashvins, the blessings of Dawn, and the brilliance of the Sun, who illumines all the worlds.