Hear now the tale woven from these sacred hymns, a story of invocation, praise, and divine presence. The inspired one, full of devotion, lifts his voice in praise, yearning for the undeceivable protection that only the gods can grant. He calls upon all men to join him, for the honeyed Soma is prepared, its sweetness ready for the gods’ enjoyment. With reverence, he invites the Ashvins, the divine twin horsemen, to his home. He praises them, urging them to come and partake in the Soma, the sacred drink that brings vigor and joy. He asks them to yoke their donkey to their chariot, the vehicle with well-joined limbs, and to ride forth for the drinking of the honeyed Soma. The Ashvins are called to arrive in their wondrous chariot, three-yoked and three-wheeled, swift and resplendent, for the Soma waits for them. With heartfelt songs, the worshipper seeks to draw forth the Ashvins, also called Nasatyas, inviting them again to the feast of Soma. He praises their wondrous healing powers and their joyful presence, for they are the voice of skill and bring delight to all. People everywhere call upon them for the blessing of children, pleading that, in their friendship, the Ashvins not abandon them. The worshipper wonders how best to praise these divine ones, for they grant wisdom and prosperity. Again and again, he repeats the plea: all people call upon you for the sake of their offspring; do not, in your friendship, abandon us. He recalls how the Ashvins have always bestowed abundant gifts and well-being upon Vishnapva, and he invokes their favor for all who seek progeny and prosperity. He remembers a hero, rich in wealth and eager for battle, who, though distant, is called for help—his favor is as pleasant as a father’s love. The petition remains: do not, in your friendship, abandon us. He reflects on the god Savitar, who brings peace by truth, whose truth spreads across the earth and conquers even in the greatest conflict. Once more, the plea to the Ashvins: do not, in your friendship, abandon us. The Ashvins’ praise is glorious, swift as a racing horse. The worshipper calls them forth to protect the cow for the seeker and to join in the drinking of the honeyed Soma. He invites them to sit upon the sacred grass, to delight in the Soma, and to protect the offspring of men with their wisdom. Priyamedha, with all aids, calls them to the well-laid sacred grass, asking them to accept the sacrifice among the heavenly ones. He prays that the Ashvins, strong and well-praised, come with favor to the seeker’s cow and drink the honeyed Soma. He calls upon them to arrive with their horses, those that sprinkle water, their golden wheels shining, lords of beauty who grow by truth. With inspired words, the worshipper invokes the Ashvins for strength, wisdom, and wondrous deeds. Turning his praise to Indra, the immortal and joy-bringing one, he sings as cows call to their calf. Indra, radiant and generous, is sought for his strength and his power to bring abundance, swift and thousand-fold, bestowing cattle upon the worshipper. No stone, whether mighty or weak, can restrain Indra when he grants wealth to those who praise him. His gifts cannot be diminished. Indra is a fighter by will, mighty in strength and deeds, surpassing all beings by his power. The hymn turns to him for help, as the Gotamas have always done. Indra has rushed forth with power from the edges of heaven, unhindered by any earthly realm, embracing his own nature. No boundary limits his bounty; when he favors the worshipper, he delights. The worshipper prays that Indra may awaken them for the highest gain of strength. The Maruts are called to sing loudly to Indra, the great slayer of Vṛtra, by whom the gods have awakened the divine light. Indra, destroyer of curses and reproach, is chosen by the shining gods for friendship. The Maruts offer praise with hymns to mighty Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, who wields the hundred-jointed thunderbolt. The worshipper urges Indra to bring forth a bold, resolute mind, to let great fame dwell in his heart. The swift waters rush for Indra as mothers, and he is called 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 as well. At that time, the sacrifice was born, as were the hymn and the ritual act. Indra surpasses all that exists, whatever has come into being or is yet to be. The cooked offering is brought forth, and the sun is raised in the sky. As heat glows at the border of the song, the well-praised gift is offered to the god who loves song. Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, is invoked to adorn the offerings in every assembly. He is welcomed to approach the hymns and libations, supreme in might and eager for praise. He is the first giver of riches, sovereign in power, chosen as the ally of the powerful son. The worshipper composes wondrous hymns for Indra, asking him to accept them along with the tawny steeds. Indra is steadfast and does not turn away; he has destroyed many Vṛtras. The worshipper prays that Indra, with thunderbolt in hand, will grant wealth to those nearby. Indra is renowned as the lord of might, swift in action, upholder of peoples, and destroyer of all Vṛtras. The worshipper seeks Indra as his share of wealth, praying that Indra’s great protection, like a broad covering, will reach him and bring favor. A maiden, skilled in her task, finds the well-filtered Soma. As she brings it to the setting place, she declares, “I will press you for Indra, I will press you for Śakra.” The young hero, shining from house to house, is invited to drink the Soma, pressed with barley, mixed with curds, cakes, and hymns. The worshippers tend to the Soma, cherishing it, letting it flow for Indra gently and slowly, step by step. They question who knows, who acts, who brings wealth, and pray that with Indra, they may overcome those who hate them. Finally, they ask Indra to make the three realms grow, to place the head of the adversary below, and to let prosperity dwell within their own house. Thus, with devotion, yearning, and praise, the worshippers invoke the Ashvins and Indra, seeking their presence, their gifts, and their unceasing protection.