In the hush of dawn, a seeker’s heart turns inward, reflecting on friendships of old—those sacred bonds once shared in ancient times. He wonders where those companions are now, as he finds himself standing at the threshold of Varuṇa’s vast, many-doored house. With humility, he addresses Varuṇa, mighty and self-sustaining, seeking entry and solace. He pleads with Varuṇa for compassion, asking that even those who, though beloved and constant, have erred, might remain as companions under Varuṇa’s watch. The seeker begs that, despite human failings, they not suffer Varuṇa’s anger. Instead, he asks for protection for himself, the singer who offers praise. Dwelling in these enduring abodes, the seeker asks Varuṇa to release them from his snares, to allow those who seek favor to approach the gentle lap of Aditi, the motherly goddess. He prays for Varuṇa’s ceaseless guardianship, that well-being may ever surround them. Turning to Varuṇa as king, the seeker implores, “Let me not go to a house of clay”—a plea for deliverance from death and decay. He asks the mighty ruler for mercy, especially when he feels fragile, trembling like an unbaked vessel, uncertain and unsteady. He seeks forgiveness when his resolve falters and he strays from the right path, and even when, standing in the midst of waters, aged and thirsting, he feels vulnerable and alone. Acknowledging the frailty of humanity, the seeker confesses any offenses committed against the divine order, whether knowingly or not. He begs Varuṇa that such sins not bring harm, appealing for forgiveness and protection. As the rituals continue, pure and honeyed libations are poured with vigor by the priests. The offerings are made to Vāyu, inviting him to approach with his teams and to partake in the exhilarating pressed Soma. Vāyu, the ruler, is honored with the pure Soma, and those who bring him these offerings are made renowned among mortals, each birth bringing new prizes for the devoted. For Vāyu, the worlds themselves were born for wealth, and the divine Dhiṣaṇā grants riches. His shining teams are yoked, accompanying him, and wealth flows in his wake. The Dawns rise, bringing fair days and spreading wide light across the earth; cows graze in the open, and waters flow in their courses, all in harmony with the cosmic order. These radiant Dawns, yoked by their own will, bear the chariot of Indra and Vāyu, filled with heroes. Their swift teams unite, carrying the lords who possess the sun, cattle, horses, riches, and gold. Indra and Vāyu, mighty in battle, conquer all life with their horses and heroes. The Vasiṣṭhas, desiring fame and strength, sing fair hymns to Indra and Vāyu, calling for good fortune and their constant protection. The seeker marvels at the ancient gods—flawless and mighty—who were worshipped with reverence. They caused the Dawn to rise for Vāyu and Manu, the first man, and for the Sun. Shining messengers, undeceivable guardians, watched over the passage of months and seasons. The praises of Indra and Vāyu are ever new, and the seeker asks for their gracious favor and fresh prosperity. Abundant in food and wealth, wise and radiant, the glory of Vāyu’s teams is celebrated. United in purpose, men perform their lordly deeds for Vāyu. The seeker calls Indra and Vāyu to drink the pure Soma with delight, inviting them to sit upon the sacred grass. They are asked to yoke their splendid teams and come together on one chariot, to accept the foremost portion of the sweet offering, and to release their favor upon the worshippers. Indra and Vāyu are accompanied by hundreds and thousands of swift teams, all-perfect and wise. The seeker invites them to drink the mead brought forward, praying that, like eager seekers of fame, they may always bestow blessings and protection. Vāyu is called to delight in the pure offering, his thousands of perfect teams approaching. The intoxicating drink, the ancient draught, is prepared for him. The swift-pouring one takes his place at the sacrifice, offering Soma to Indra and Vāyu, as priests, with devotion, present the foremost draught. Vāyu is asked to grant wealth, heroic strength, cattle, and horses to those who worship him with devotion. Indra and Vāyu, delighting in Soma, are praised as noble gods, eager for the offering. The seeker prays for victory in battle, that enemies may be conquered with the gods’ aid. Vāyu is once more invited to the sacrifice with his countless teams, to rejoice in the libation and to ever protect the worshippers with blessings. Now the hymns turn to Indra and Agni, slayers of Vṛtra, inviting them to accept the pure, newly-born hymn. The seeker calls upon them for strength, knowing their might ever grows. Dwelling in the home of abundant food, they are asked to grant ancient, glorious strength, rich in horses. When wise men seek distinction in the assembly, they approach with hymns, like eager racers striving for the goal. The inspired one prays for wealth and renowned gifts, asking Indra and Agni, strong-armed and victorious, for new and excellent blessings. When two mighty hosts clash in battle, set in motion by heroic leaders, the seeker prays that Indra and Agni, with their worshippers, will destroy the godless and bring victory to those who press the Soma. The gods are invited to the pressing, and the seeker asks that their steeds always return with prizes. With Agni kindled in reverence, the seeker calls upon Mitra, Varuṇa, and Indra, asking forgiveness for any offenses committed. He prays that Aryaman and Aditi release them from sin. Together with Agni and these youthful gods, the seeker hopes to attain prizes, surrounded by the blessings of Indra, Viṣṇu, and the Maruts. Finally, the seeker offers ancient praise to Indra and Agni, born of his thought like rain from the cloud. He asks them to hear his call, to accept his songs, and to fill his thoughts with abundance. He begs that they not bring him to evil or reproach, nor harm him in his dwelling. With reverence and wisdom, and with the milk-giving cow as offering, he seeks their aid, as inspired ones before him have always done—for strength, for wealth, and for the blessings of the gods.