The Kanva sage, filled with devotion and longing, calls out to the Ashvins, the divine twin horsemen, inviting them to descend from the midspace along Nahusha’s path. He extols them with splendid praises, urging them to partake of the sweet soma that he and his kin have lovingly pressed for their sacrifice. “Come to us, O beloved Ashvins,” he implores, “from the heights of the sky and the vastness of the midspace. Here, the son of Kanva has prepared your honeyed drink, the soma, awaiting your presence.” He continues his heartfelt summons: “Hear our call, O Ashvins, and come to drink the soma. You, who are wise and increase the power of praise with your thoughts and the sacred cry of ‘svaha,’ be present here. For in ages past, O noble ones, the seers have invoked your aid. So now, come to this, my excellent hymn.” Raising his voice, the sage beckons, “Even from the shining heavens above, come to us, O givers of light. Bring your wise thoughts, as gentle as calves, and let your praises be heard at this offering, for you are always invoked at such sacred moments.” He wonders aloud, “Why do others linger, O Ashvins, when it is our praises that call you? The son of Kanva, your seer, the calf, has grown strong and vibrant with song.” With reverence, he addresses them: “To you both, O Ashvins, the inspired one has called for help, offering heartfelt praises. O irresistible twins, slayers of Vritra, be gracious to us and bring joy.” He recalls their wondrous deeds: “When your chariot, drawn by swift steeds, was mounted by a maiden, you both set forth to perform your deeds, guided by your thoughts.” “From this very place, O Ashvins, come with your chariot of a thousand courses. Your calf, the honey-voiced poet, has called upon you.” He prays, “O Ashvins, most delightful, overflowing with treasures and givers of wealth, may you attend to this praise of mine with favor. Grant us all blessings without delay; fulfill our rites, and do not withhold your favor.” “Wherever you may be, O Nasatyas—far away or in the sky—from there, come with your chariot of a thousand courses.” “To him, your seer, the calf who has grown strong with song, grant a thousandfold bounty, rich and flowing with ghee. Bestow upon him that ghee-flowing strength, O Ashvins, lords of gifts, for he rejoices in your favor and seeks wealth.” “Come to us, delighting in praise, O Ashvins, you who enjoy so much. Grant us splendid gifts, O noble ones, and bestow upon us our heart’s desires.” “With all your aids, O Ashvins, Priyamedha has called you. O kings of the ritual, come to our invocations. Bring joy and happiness to us, O Ashvins, to your calf who has grown strong with inspired thoughts and songs.” He recalls their past kindness: “By those means with which you protected Kanva, Medhatithi, aided Vasha and Dashavraja, and helped Gosharya—by those same means, O noble ones, protect us now.” “With those ways by which you safeguarded Trasadasyu in the contest for wealth, O Ashvins, guard us now so that we may gain strength.” “May your praises, your well-composed hymns, rise up, O Ashvins. Victorious over many foes, be for us greatly desired in every place.” He contemplates, “Three steps of the Ashvins are manifest, while others remain hidden. The wise, following the paths of truth, reach beyond the realm of the living.” With renewed urgency, the sage prays, “Now, O Ashvins, come to help your calf. Grant him unfailing, wide protection, and drive away all who are hostile.” “Whatever power dwells in the midspace, in heaven, or among men, bestow that strength upon us, O Ashvins.” “Let those wise ones who have witnessed your wonders, O Ashvins, attend to the hymn of Kanva.” He offers the sacred drink: “This hot soma is poured out for you with praise, O Ashvins, this honeyed drink for the givers of horses, with which you understood and overcame the foe.” “Whatever power you possess in the waters, in the trees, or in the herbs, O Ashvins, with that protect us.” “Whatever healing you hold, O Nasatyas, as divine physicians, this calf cannot find you by thoughts alone, for you come to the one who offers.” “Now, the seer has composed a hymn for you, O Ashvins, in devotion. Let him pour the sweetest soma, the hot drink, for Atharvan.” “Now, O Ashvins, you mount your swiftly-turning chariot; my praises rise up to you as the sky never falls away.” “Whatever today we declare to you in praise or in words, O Ashvins, so attend to the hymn of Kanva.” He remembers the devotion of ancient seers: “Whether it was Kakṣīvat, Vyashva the seer, Dīrghatamas, or Prithī the son of Vena who invoked you in their dwellings, so, O Ashvins, you become aware.” He calls for their protection: “Come as givers of protection and be our defenders. Be guardians of the world and of our bodies; come for our offspring and descendants.” “Whether you travel with Indra in one chariot, O Ashvins, or dwell with Vāyu, or are united with the Ādityas and the Ṛbhus, or stand in the strides of Viṣṇu, come to us.” “Today, O Ashvins, I call upon you for strength; in battles, grant Turvaṇa your best aid.” “Now come, O Ashvins, these offerings are set apart for you; these somas are for Turvaśa, and for your delight in the Kanvas.” “Whatever healing, O Nasatyas, is near or far, with that, O wise ones, grant us protection for our joy, and give shelter to the calf.” The sage rejoices: “I have become abundant together with the divine speech of the Ashvins; the goddess spreads wisdom and favor among mortals.” He urges all to awaken: “Awaken, O Ashvins, O divine, gracious, and mighty ones; awaken, O sacrificial officiants, for great glory and joy.” He marvels at their radiance: “When you go forth shining with the sun, O Ashvins, your chariot travels the path of men.” “And when the portions are drunk, like cows yielding milk, or when the singers praise, then the Ashvins are worshipped by the divine.” Thus, with devotion, the Kanva sage and his people call upon the Ashvins, the wondrous twin gods, invoking their presence, their blessings, and their protection, remembering their ancient deeds and seeking their favor for the well-being and prosperity of all.