In the ancient dawn, the sages gathered to invoke the sacred fires and the divine powers that sustain the universe. With reverent hearts, they turned first to Agni, descendant of Angiras, the god of fire. “O Agni,” they asked, “by what praise may we draw near to your favor, O gracious one? What words shall we speak, what thoughts shall we hold, so that our sacrifices shine with strength and glory?” Agni, the bestower of wealth, heard their songs and, in his benevolence, made for them prosperous dwellings. He inspired noble thoughts and quickened hearts, bringing forth cattle and abundance for those whom his songs favored. Adorned by his worshippers, Agni stood as a wise leader in battle and a strong protector in every home. He dwelled in safety, shielded by good guardians, neither harming nor being harmed, and thus prospered. Turning from Agni, the sages called upon the Ashvins, the twin divine healers. “Come to our call, Ashvins,” they sang, “approach for the drinking of the honeyed Soma.” With repeated invocation, they urged the Ashvins to hear their praise and grant their presence for the sacred drink. Even the humble, the “black one,” called to the Ashvins for strength. The singer’s voice rose, seeking undeceivable protection for those who praise, and inviting the Ashvins to the worshipper’s house. The Ashvins were asked to yoke their donkey to their chariot, its limbs well-joined, and to come with their wondrous three-yoked, three-wheeled chariot. Through songs, the Nasatyas, the Ashvins, were summoned for the Soma, their presence eagerly awaited. The sages continued their praise, recognizing the Ashvins as wondrous healers and bringers of joy, voices of skill. All people, seeking blessings for their offspring, called upon them, pleading that the Ashvins not abandon them in friendship. “How shall we praise you now?” they wondered, for the Ashvins grant wisdom and prosperity, abundant gifts and well-being, especially to Vishnapva. Even distant heroes, rich in wealth and eager for battle, were called for help, their favor cherished like a father’s. The god Savitar, by truth, brought peace, spreading the peak of truth across the earth. Truth conquered even in conflict, and the sages begged the Ashvins not to abandon them. Once more, the praises of the Ashvins were sung, glorious as a swift horse. They were invited to come forth, to drink the honeyed Soma, and to protect the cow for the seeker. The Ashvins were asked to sit upon the sacred grass, to delight in the home of man, and to protect offspring with wisdom. Priyamedha called the Ashvins with all aids, inviting them to the well-laid sacred grass, to accept the sacrifice among the heavenly ones. With golden wheels and horses that sprinkle water, the Ashvins, lords of beauty, were urged to drink the Soma, growing by truth. Inspired words summoned them for strength and wisdom, praising their wondrous deeds. Then the hymns turned to Indra, the immortal, joy-bringing one, whose delight is praised with songs, as cows call to their calf in the stalls. Indra, radiant and generous, surrounded by power like a mountain rich in gifts, abundant in strength, swiftly brought cattle a thousand-fold. No mighty stones or weakness could restrain Indra; when he granted wealth to those who praised and desired, no one could diminish his gift. Indra, mighty in strength and deeds, surpassed all beings by his power, and the hymn sought his help, remembering the Gotamas who had begotten him. Indra rushed forth with power from the edges of heaven, unhindered by any earthly realm, embracing his own nature. No boundary could limit his bounty; when he favored the worshipper, he delighted. The sages asked Indra to awaken them for the highest gain of strength. The Maruts, storm gods, were called to sing loudly to Indra, the great slayer of Vṛtra, by whom the righteous gods awakened the divine light. Indra, destroyer of curses and reproach, became glorious, chosen by the gods and Maruts for friendship. With hymns, they praised mighty Indra, whose hundred-jointed thunderbolt struck down Vṛtra. The Maruts brought forth bold, resolute minds, letting great fame dwell in their hearts. The swift waters rushed for Indra, as mothers, urging him to strike down Vṛtra and win the heavens. When Indra was born for the slaying of Vṛtra, he made the earth vast and supported the sky. Then sacrifice was born, along with hymn and ritual act, and Indra surpassed all that exists, whatever has come into being and whatever is yet to be. The sages offered the cooked offering, raised the sun in the sky, and prayed that their well-praised gift would please the song-loving god. Finally, they called upon Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, to adorn their offerings in every assembly, to approach their hymns and libations, supreme in might and eager for praise. Thus, through their sacred songs and rituals, the sages honored the gods, seeking their favor, protection, and abundant blessings for all.