In the days of the ancient hymns, the Kanva descendants wandered blessedly from youth to youth, their horses never tiring as they journeyed across the land. Their wealth was remarkable: a hundred reeds, a hundred dogs, a hundred worn-out hides, a hundred tufts of wool, and four hundred reddish ones adorned their possessions. From among the seven, they lifted songs in praise of the abundant one, whose fame spread far and wide. Even those who traveled the dust-covered paths, darkened by their journey, were not lost to sight. As challenges arose, the wolf’s undiminished wealth appeared against the enemy, as vast and resilient as the strength of the sky itself. Pūtakratu was invoked, ten thousand for the supplicant and ten thousand for the adversary, yet the perpetual riches remained unharmed. Among their treasures were a hundred asses, a hundred wool-bearers, a hundred slaves, and countless garlands. The breath of Pūtakratu was felt clearly among the horses in the herd. Agni, the wise and quick, the carrier of offerings, was well yoked to the chariot. His pure flame shone brightly, and alongside him, the great sun radiated in the sky, illuminating all. The gods were called forth, yoked with ancient resolve and strength, arriving with their swift chariot, worthy of worship. The Nasatyas, with their powers, were invited to drink at the third pressing. The three and eleven gods, true ones, appeared before the truth, accepting the sacrifice and pressing. The Ashvins, shining ones, were urged to drink the Soma. The Ashvins’ deeds were praised, for they had accomplished great things for the bull of heaven and the realms of earth. A thousand praises were offered, and those who sought the cow gathered to drink. A portion was set aside for the worshipful ones; songs called the Nasatyas near, inviting them to drink the honeyed Soma and grant gifts with their powers. The priests, mindful and learned, prepared the sacrifice in many ways, carrying it with devotion. The Brahman, yoked to the ritual, knew what belonged to the sacrificer. Agni alone was kindled in many ways; the sun alone spread everywhere; Ushas alone shone over all, for all had arisen from the one. A radiant, bannered, three-wheeled chariot, easy to harness and often summoned, was called upon, for in its union splendid gifts were born. The Ashvins were invited to come, surpassing the empty, to drink. Indra and Varuṇa’s shares flowed forth, their greatness present at every sacrifice and pressing. The plants and waters settled down, reaching their greatness, flowing at the edge of the sky and the end of the path, untouchable by enemy or godless one. The seven voices milked out the wave of sweet honey for Indra and Varuṇa, protecting the worshipper with their insights. The seven sisters, ghee-shedding, gentle, ever-youthful, the abode of truth, poured out ghee for Indra and Varuṇa, granting provisions to the sacrificer. Great good fortune was spoken of, the truth of their mighty, awe-inspiring power. With the three and the seven ghee-shedding ones, Indra and Varuṇa were called upon to protect the people. When they first gave the seers thought, speech, intelligence, and hearing, the wise created places, performing sacrifices, and were beheld by their fervor. Indra and Varuṇa were beseeched to bestow cheerful, unshaken wealth and abundance upon sacrificers, granting offspring, nourishment, prosperity, and extending lifespan for many years. Agni was summoned with the fires, chosen as Hotar. The offering-bearing one called him to take his seat on the sacred grass, most fit for sacrifice. Ladles moved at the ritual for him, the child of strength, ghee-bright hair, foremost in sacrifices. Agni, sage, creator, Hotar, pure and worthy of worship, gracious and praised in rituals, was lauded by the wise with shining hymns. Agni, youngest and swiftest god, was asked to bring undeceiving, ever-flowing wealth, to come to well-prepared offerings and rejoice in hymns. He alone spread forth as protector, sage, guardian of truth; the wise kindled him, calling forth the shining creator. Agni was invoked to shine, blaze forth, granting delight to the people through praise, his greatness evident. The blessings of the gods were sought, noble ones victorious over foes, their fires ignited. Just as Agni revived the aged and powerless, he was asked to burn up hostility and evil intent among the people. Agni was pleaded not to abandon them to mortal foes, the malicious, or the reviler, but to protect with unfailing, swift, and auspicious guardians. He was asked to guard with one, two, three, and four praises, lord of strength and treasure-giver. Agni was called upon to protect from every demon and attacker, always defending in contests, for he alone was nearest among gods, invoked for help and growth. Agni was entreated to bring wealth that grows with life, praiseworthy treasure, much-desired riches guided by good counsel and noble fame. With his favor, he was asked to strengthen the people, inspire minds, invigorate, and help excel in battles, overcoming hostile forces. Like a bull, Agni roared, brandishing horns, his jaws sharp and impossible to withstand, his force mighty and energy abundant. His power could not be resisted when he rose up, making offerings well-received and granting many desirable gifts. Agni lay in the woods, child of his mother, kindled by mortals, tireless in carrying offerings, reigning among the gods from the beginning. Seven priests praised him, generous and unfailing, breaking rock with heat and flame, standing forth among the people. Agni, without deceit, was invoked with well-arranged grass, present and offered with proper devotion, priest of the peoples. With his guidance, shelter and prosperity were sought, nourishment bringing abundant and varied strength, the closest prize for aid. Thus, the hymns flowed, honoring the gods, praising Agni, seeking blessings, protection, and abundance for all.