With eager and skillful songs, the sages called upon Indra and Agni, striving for wisdom and seeking their generous reward. They prayed for the mighty pair’s assistance, for Indra and Agni are the supporters of the people, and the singers wished that no evil speech would have power over them. They implored these gods to keep hostile intent and harm from any mortal far away, asking for their protection. Whether it was wealth in cows, gold, or horses that they sought, the sages turned to Indra and Agni, hoping to obtain their blessings. When the Soma was pressed, the men honored Indra and Agni with seven offerings, calling upon them with hymns and joyful songs, summoning the slayers of foes with loud cries. The singers asked the gods to destroy the evil-minded mortal, the ignorant, and the demon—striking down the enemy and the abyss with their divine power. Then, the mighty river Sarasvati flowed forth with her waves and current, bearing her stronghold, advancing like a charioteer and surpassing all other rivers in greatness. Sarasvati alone among rivers was pure, flowing from the mountains to the sea, bringing wealth to the world; for Nahusha, she had milked ghee and sweet nourishment. Among noble women, he grew strong—a bull, a child, a mighty one among those worthy of sacrifice. He gave prizes to the generous and adorned his form for distribution. The sages prayed that Sarasvati, gracious and famed, would accept their offering in the sacrifice. With those who knew the measure, with reverent worship, they hoped she would bring them wealth, even surpassing their friends. They offered their reverent gifts to Sarasvati, praising her and seeking her most beloved protection, hoping to approach her like one seeks shelter under a tree. Vasiṣṭha, the fortunate, opened the gates for Sarasvati, asking her to increase for those who praise her, to grant strength, and always protect with blessings. Vasiṣṭha sang a great song to the mighty goddess of rivers, Sarasvati, honoring her with well-spoken hymns, calling earth and sky to join in praise. Both realms of Sarasvati were filled with greatness, and the people dwelled therein. The singers asked her to be their helper, friend of the Maruts, inspiring generosity among the bountiful. May Sarasvati, the auspicious, make them fortunate; she was attentive and full of strength, praised like Jamadagni, and sung to by Vasiṣṭha. They called upon Sarasvati for those born, strong, and generous sons. O Sarasvati, they prayed, let your sweet waves flowing with clarified butter be our protector. May we consume the nourishing milk of Sarasvati, abundant and visible to all, as food for offspring. Within the sacrifice, in the seat of men on earth, where noble ones rejoiced and libations were pressed for Indra, for joy and vigor, the sages chose divine protections. They wished that Bṛhaspati and their companions would bring them greatness, so they might be blameless for the generous, like a father giving from afar. With reverence and offerings, they praised the eldest, most auspicious Brahmaṇaspati, and let the divine hymn acclaim Indra, the king made by the gods for the priesthood. They hoped Bṛhaspati, beloved and all-encompassing, would establish their origin, grant their desire for wealth and heroic strength, and lead them safely beyond dangers. They invoked Bṛhaspati, the immortal, who delighted in their hymn—ancient, pure-voiced, revered among households, unvanquished, for favor. Swift red horses carried Bṛhaspati, the mighty, whose seat was blue-black like the sky, whose form was radiant and adorned in brilliance. He was pure, with a hundred petals, beautiful, golden-maned, powerful, shining, mighty in his own strength, exalted, and who brought abundance to many friends. The divine pair, heaven and earth, creators, magnified Bṛhaspati in greatness; through skill and friendship, they made the priestly utterance most profound. The hymn was made for Indra, the wielder of the bolt, and the singers prayed for protection, that Brahmaṇaspati would seize their thoughts and destroy the enemy’s malice. Bṛhaspati and Indra were lords of heavenly and earthly riches; the singers asked them to bestow wealth upon the one who praises and always protect them with blessings. The priests offered the ruddy milk to the bull among men, pouring out the drink for Indra who desired all the pressed Soma. What was placed in the sky as delightful food, day by day, was brought forth as nourishment; with heart and mind, Indra was invited to accept and drink the prepared Soma. Born for strength, Soma was pressed, and Indra’s mother declared his greatness. Indra filled the wide space between earth and heaven and made a path for the gods through battle. When Indra fought the mighty ones who were proud, he subdued those who resisted with his arms. When Indra fought with men, the singers hoped to win the renowned battle with him. They spoke of Indra’s earliest deeds and the new ones Maghavan had done; when the goddesses could not withstand his power, Soma became his alone. All the world around was Indra’s pasture, whatever was seen with the eye of the sun. Indra was the herdsman, the sole lord of the cows, and the singers wished to partake of his offered wealth. Bṛhaspati and Indra were rulers of heavenly and earthly wealth. The singers asked for riches for the one who praised, even for the singer, and always for protection and well-being. Viṣṇu, exceeding measure and body, grew beyond all, and none could attain his greatness. The sages knew both his realms—Viṣṇu comprehended the highest expanse. Neither being born nor after birth had anyone reached the utmost limit of Viṣṇu’s greatness. He upheld the lofty, broad heaven and established the eastern quarter of the earth. They prayed that the earth would be rich in refreshment, abundant in milk, yielding good things for man. Viṣṇu had stretched apart the two worlds and established the earth all around with his rays. He made a wide space for sacrifice, bringing forth the sun, the dawn, and Agni. Even the cunning magic of the Dāsa with strong armor was destroyed by the heroes in battle. Thus, the sages, with reverence and song, invoked the mighty gods—Indra, Agni, Sarasvati, Bṛhaspati, and Viṣṇu—seeking wisdom, protection, strength, and abundance, honoring their greatness and power in the sacred rituals and hymns.