The inspired sages, seeking the blessings of Agni, called upon him with reverence and hope. They knew that the one whom Agni, filled with wisdom, urges onward in pursuit of wealth would surely reach the cows—symbols of abundance and prosperity—by his guiding help. To the mortal who worships with devotion, Agni bestows riches, granting not only wealth but also many heroic companions. The worshippers entreated Agni to lead them directly to these treasures. They prayed for wide and safe spaces, asking Agni, known as Jatavedas, not to abandon them to the hands of evildoers or those difficult to overcome. The favor of the gods, they affirmed, should never be lacking for Agni, for he alone is the true lord of all wealth. They yearned that Agni, the offspring of strength, would swiftly bring riches to the singers, never delaying the reward for their hymns and offerings. With songs of praise, the worshippers directed their devotion to Agni, the radiant and beautiful one, the most glorious among the gods. Their sacrifices and reverence were offered to him, the much-praised and much-glorified, seeking his aid. Agni, son of strength and knower of all births, was invoked for the granting of treasures. He alone, the immortal, had become the most delightful Hotar among mortals, excelling in his role twice over. Agni was honored in every aspect: as the one worthy of worship by the gods, as the central fire at the sacrifice, as the foremost in their thoughts, as the power behind their chariots, and as the source of lordly strength and success. They prayed that Agni would grant friendship to those who sought riches, for in the matter of treasures, he was beholden to none. The people always sought Agni in their homes and among their offspring, trusting him as the good protector of their bodies. With heartfelt songs, they praised Agni for his help, celebrating him as the radiant and shining one. Men were called to praise Agni, the much-invoked and famed, for wealth and for good protection. They praised him to ward off hatred, for Agni brings happiness and welfare; in all tribes, when invoked, he becomes the dwelling place of the seers. As the rituals unfolded, the priests prepared the offerings so that the divine priest might return again to the worshippers, ever mindful of his commands. The sharp and radiant one, Agni, was invited to settle as the Hotar, attentive and accepting their friendship. People sought him among men, recognizing in him the presence of Rudra, approached with profound thought and honored with the tongue in unison. The offspring of heat took up the bow for battle, entered the forest, and struck the stone with his tongue, producing the sacred fire. The wandering, shining calf searched but could not find the hidden one, though he knew his mother, who was worthy of praise. The great yoking of the horse-borne one was seen—his chariot's reins vast and powerful. Within the ritual, seven milked one, two approached, and five moved forth; at the crossing of the river, all gathered upon the sound. With ten, Indra shook the vessel of Vivasvat and shook the triple heights of heaven. Around the triple-layered sacrifice, the new priests rushed, anointing themselves with honey. They poured out, with reverence, the abundant, ever-turning, ever-flowing, undiminished stream. The mountains approached, honey poured into the lotus at the release of the flowing. The cows approached the great stream, bringing riches to the sacrifice, their golden ears shining. At the pressing, the priests poured forth the glory and splendor of earth and heaven, letting the juice bear the bull. All knew their own origin, united like calves with their mothers, joined together with their kin. Upon shining garlands, a support was made in heaven; to Indra and Agni, homage and praise were offered. The seven-stepped one milked nourishing food and strength, the seven rays of the sun. Mitra and Varuna, together with Soma, bestowed the sun, which became the remedy for the afflicted. The swift one's place, the store of treasures, was stretched across the sky by his tongue. The hymn then turned to the Ashvins, the divine horsemen. The worshippers called them to rise up for immortality, to harness their chariot and bring their favor near. They invoked the Ashvins to come swiftly, their chariot faster than a blink, their favor always close at hand. They asked the Ashvins to spread warmth for the worshipper against the frost, longing for their presence. "Where are you?" they asked, "Where have you gone, flying like a falcon? Let your favor be near to us." Whenever, now or in the future, the Ashvins might hear their call, the worshippers implored them to draw near. They urged the Ashvins to come at every invocation, to make their house a place of protection for the worshipper, and to let their favor be ever-present. The fire, the heat, was chosen as the best for the worshipper, and the seven-planked one, filled with longing, sent forth streams of fire. The worshippers called upon the mighty givers to listen to their call, seeking their ancient and praised favor, as if it were the work of the two strong ones. In this way, the hymns flowed: praise for Agni, invocations to Indra, homage to Mitra, Varuna, and Soma, and heartfelt calls to the Ashvins. The rituals, the offerings, and the songs all united, seeking divine favor, protection, wealth, and immortality for the devoted.