The sages gathered in reverence and lifted their voices to Agni, the radiant lord of strength, seeking his guardianship. “Protect us, O Agni, with one, with two, with three, and with four praises,” they pleaded, “for you are the giver of treasures.” They implored him to shield them from every demon and attacker, to keep them safe in all contests, for among the gods, Agni was nearest to them, the one they called upon for help and growth. Turning to him with devotion, they asked, “O pure Agni, bring us the wealth that grows with life, the praiseworthy treasure. Grant us, most generous one, the riches we desire, guided by wise counsel and crowned with noble fame.” They wished for strength to excel in battles and to overcome all hostile forces, trusting Agni as their leader of men. “Strengthen us with your favor, inspire our minds, invigorate us, O knower of wealth,” they prayed. The sages beheld Agni in his might, roaring like a bull, brandishing his horns, his jaws sharp and irresistible, his force and energy vast and abundant. They honored his power, recognizing that none could withstand him when he rose in his full strength. “As our priest, make our offering well-received,” they entreated, “and grant us many desirable gifts.” They pictured Agni lying hidden in the woods, the child of his mother, whom mortals kindle with devotion. Tirelessly, Agni carried their offerings, reigning among the gods from the very beginning. Seven priests praised him, the generous and unfailing one, who could break even the hardest rock with his heat and flame, standing forth among the people. The worshippers prepared the altar with well-arranged grass, invoking Agni, honest and ever-present, the priest of the peoples, offered with proper devotion. “With your guidance, O Agni, we seek shelter and prosperity, knowing you well. Nourish us with abundant and varied strength, bring us the closest prize for our aid.” They hailed Agni as singer, lord of all, protector, god, and guardian of heaven, dwelling within their homes. “Guard us from harm, O unfailing householder. Do not let danger or the enemy come near. Drive away hunger and evil, keep far those who wish us ill.” Their prayers then turned to Indra, inviting him to hear their words and to draw near. “May the mighty and generous Indra come for the drinking of Soma, drawn by our prayer and strength.” The wise ones established Indra, lord of light and the bull, for strength, knowing that his mind desired the Soma. They called to him, “Come, O Indra, lover of many, to the pressed Soma. We know you as victorious in battle, undaunted even among the bold.” With faith in Indra’s truth and generosity, they prayed, “Act according to your will. May we quickly gain your prize, O thunderbolt-wielder, as we strive for your favor. Grant us your help, for we follow you, hero, bringer of fortune, knower of wealth and glory.” They praised Indra as the giver of horses and creator of cattle, the golden spring, and asked him to bring them whatever they sought, for his gifts were never wasted. “For our delight, come, O Indra, and grant us fortune and wealth. Pour out for us, generous one, herds of cattle and horses.” They remembered how Indra gave thousands and hundreds of herds, making him the subject of their songs for aid. They prayed that even if a sage, whether fully inspired or not, uttered words to Indra, the hundred-powered, may those words bring forth praise and not harm. They invoked Indra, destroyer of fortresses, with hymns, seeking him together with those who desired wealth. “We do not seek the wicked or the weary, but make mighty Indra our companion in the pressed Soma—let us be friends.” They yoked the fierce one in battles, the mighty destroyer of foes, with exhilarating draughts. Indra, the best charioteer and winner of booty, knew even the trembling one, and none could surpass him. “From whatever we fear, O Indra, make us fearless; scatter our haters and foes with your aids.” They recognized Indra as the distributor of great wealth and abundance, the singer-loving lord, whom they invoked with Soma. “Indra, slayer of Vṛtra, unassailable, you are to be chosen by us. Protect us at the end, in the middle, from behind, and in front.” They asked him to guard them from every direction—behind, below, above, and in front—keeping far all divine danger and the weapons of the godless. “Today, tomorrow, and every day, O Indra, protect us, and in all days to come. Guard all our singers by day and by night.” They honored the generous hero, the eager one, whose mighty arms had fashioned the thunderbolt. They then resolved to bring forth praise for Indra, knowing he would gladly accept it. With hymns, the Soma-offerers magnified his greatness, and the gracious gifts of Indra grew. “Unmatched among men, you alone advance among peoples; by your might, you have surpassed all beings. Even with an unyoked horse, the old enemy tries to prevail, but your heroic deeds are spoken of, and your gifts increase.” They invited Indra to delight in their songs of praise, to let good fame be present, for his gifts ever increased. “With a bold mind, you act boldly, O Indra, worshipped with strong Somas and adorned with reverence. You look down as protector and guardian over men, making a friend of the Soma-presser.” They acknowledged that all the gods had given Indra strength and counsel, making him lord of all existence, much-praised. They praised his supreme power, which destroyed Vṛtra, and saw that Indra, wise among the gods, fashioned the generations of men, his bounties renowned and auspicious. “Exalted is your might, Indra, and your wisdom supreme. Many have grown strong in your shelter, O generous one—for your gifts are truly auspicious.” Thus, the sages’ prayers flowed, honoring Agni and Indra, seeking their protection, strength, wealth, and guidance, their hearts filled with faith and gratitude for the gods’ ever-increasing, gracious gifts.