The sages, filled with longing and devotion, called upon mighty Indra, inviting him to partake of the sweet Soma, the drink of the gods. They praised his supreme power and beseeched him not to turn away from their songs and sacred hymns, for he is wise and generous. They envisioned his bay steeds, yoked to his chariot, carrying him swiftly—even through the hostile gatherings of enemies—knowing that Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, possessed a hundredfold might. With hearts full of reverence, the worshippers entreated Indra to accept their most exalted praise that very day. They hoped their offerings, pressed and prepared with care, would please him, the divine drinker of Soma. In the midst of the rite, they proclaimed that no other praise—not even their own—could surpass the one who had brought them together as heroes. Amidst these invocations, a reflection emerged: even Indra himself had spoken, saying that a woman’s mind is not to be trusted, for he had found her intent to be ever-changing. The sages observed how, just as two yoked steeds—intoxicated and yet pulling the chariot together—rise above all others, so too must one be steadfast. A subtle guidance was offered: “Look below, not above; cross over and lift your feet. Let not the two little pools be seen by you, for you have now taken the form of a woman, O priest.” The prayers continued, now turning to Indra once more, inviting him with his bay steeds to the praise of the Kaṇvas. By the command of that one who dwells in heaven, they urged him to come to the celestial abode, O bringer of the day. The stones, speaking aloud as they pressed the Soma, called him with their resounding voices, summoning him to the heavenly dwelling. In this sacred place, the axle of the chariot never breaks, nor do wolves scatter the assembly. The Kaṇvas called Indra for aid, seeking strength and favor. The pressed offerings were set before him, as a bull savors the first draught, and again the call rang out: “By the command of heaven, come, O divine one, to the heaven, O giver of light.” They yearned for Indra’s presence, comparing his protection to that of a wise woman of the household, safeguarding from every side. They invoked him as the mighty one, of boundless wealth and countless gifts, beseeching him to come with all his teams and well-yoked horses, from the mountains and the heights above the ocean, bringing with him thousands of cows and horses, and treasures beyond counting. The worshippers recalled the time when Indra and they together had bestowed a thousand shining treasures—the most potent wealth of horses and cattle. They spoke of swift, reddish ones, shining like many suns, and of the gifts of Parāvata, standing among the swiftly running, wheeled chariots in the midst of the forest. The narrative then widened, embracing all the gods. The sages invoked Agni, Indra, Varuṇa, Viṣṇu, the Ādityas, Rudras, and Vasus, united together. With Uṣas, the Dawn, and Sūrya, the Sun, they invited the Aśvins, the divine twin horsemen, to drink the Soma. They called them with all wise thoughts, with the world, the swift, the heavens, earth, and mountains, all united, and together with Dawn and Sun, to partake of the sacred drink. With all the gods—the three and the eleven, the Maruts and Bhṛgus—they invited the Aśvins. They prayed that the Aśvins would accept the sacrifice and heed the invocation, coming to the pressing of Soma and bringing favor. They asked that the Aśvins delight in their songs and rituals, to come joyfully to the offerings, together with Dawn and Sun. The sages painted vivid images: the Aśvins flying through the forest like birds with yellow plumage, or like swans and eagles soaring on the path, always coming to the pressed Soma like a mighty buffalo. They called upon the Aśvins to come, turning thrice, together with Dawn and Sun. They prayed that the Aśvins would drink, be satisfied, and grant offspring and wealth. They asked for victory, protection, and the extension of friendship, always seeking strength, offspring, and prosperity, with the blessing of Dawn and Sun. Finally, they invoked the Aśvins to come with Mitra and Varuṇa, in righteousness, with the Maruts, Angirases, Viṣṇu, and the Ṛbhus—strong and full of vigor—answering the singer’s call, together with the Ādityas, Dawn, and Sun. Thus, in one flowing song, the sages called upon the gods to descend, to accept their offerings, to grant strength, wealth, and friendship, and to join them in the sacred celebration of Soma, uniting heaven and earth in their praise.