When the people are called together, it is Agni, the divine fire, who embraces them all in his sacred presence. His laws are inviolable; none dare transgress them, for he himself has given the gift of hearing and understanding to humankind. Such is Agni’s power: when he is yoked to men’s endeavors, he destroys all obstacles before them. At dawn, Agni reveals himself in radiant splendor, like a lover appearing to his beloved, shining forth his familiar and glorious form. By his own strength, he carries away what is distant, and in his brilliance, all the shining gods draw near to him. With ancient wisdom, people seek Agni’s bright flame, for it fulfills every desire. He is wise, knowing the divine laws and the origins of the human race. He is the embryo of waters, of forests, of all that stands and all that moves. Even within stones, in hidden chambers, Agni abides, self-sustaining among mortals like the immortal one himself. As the guardian of riches through the night, Agni is ever worthy of worship, bestowing benefits upon those who offer hymns. Knowing the vast earth and the birth of gods and mortals, he protects with wisdom. He grows through many nights, assuming various forms, guiding the chariot of truth. Established as the priest, seated in the light, Agni accomplishes all true deeds. In the forests and among the cows, people offer their praise and bring tribute to this shining one. Everywhere, men honor him as sons honor their father, bringing offerings with understanding. Agni is steadfast and not greedy, a hero among warriors, formidable in battle. At dawn, the eager sisters, like cows, approach him, their constant lord, giving birth to him in secret. Even the firm ones, like fathers, recite hymns; the Angiras, with their cries, broke open the rock, making a path to the vast heaven, and the dawns recognized the sign of the day. These ancient ones uphold truth and enrich Agni’s insight, ever generous in their desire. The tireless waters flow forth, nurturing the birth of the gods with their effort. When Mātariśvan, the carrier, churned them, the pure, noble Agni was born in every home. Then, like a mighty king, he joined the Bhṛgus, who took up the messenger’s task. For the great Father, the sap was sent flowing to the sky; the swift and wise Pṛśanya released the shining light, and the god placed his brilliance in his own daughter. Agni, shining in every house, accepts homage from all, whether worshippers or not, and increases the strength of those who, with double shelter, bring forth the chariot of wealth under his guidance. All the clans seek Agni, as seven mighty rivers flow to the ocean. Among their kin, their vigor does not fail, for Agni, knowing, finds wisdom among the gods. When Agni desired the lord of men, he brought forth pure seed, sprinkled in the lap of heaven, generating a flawless, youthful, self-born host. Agni swiftly travels alone on many paths, like the mind itself, mastering wealth. The kings Mitra and Varuṇa, with beautiful hands, protect the beloved, immortal one among the cows. Agni is asked not to let the friendships of the fathers be lost, nor to overlook the people; just as old age does not diminish the form of the sky, so may he protect from ancient curses. The wise one’s eternal works are set down, holding many noble things. Agni became the lord of riches, creating all immortal things. The immortal, unaging ones, desiring, could not find the calf who circles us; weary, seeking the paths, they stood at Agni’s highest step, bearing insight. When three autumns passed, the pure ones, worshipping Agni with ghee, sought him and took on worthy names; their noble forms were awakened. The Rudriyas, vast and knowing, took up the sacrifice, spreading it to heaven and earth; the mortal, wise by effort, found Agni standing at the highest step. Recognizing him, they sat together with their wives, worshipping the worshipful, wishing to increase and making their forms their own; as friends protect a friend, they kept watch without blinking. When the worshipful ones found three times seven hidden steps within Agni, they united to guard the immortal, protecting cattle, those who stand and move, and the chariot. Agni, knowing the paths of peoples, distributes the portions of life. Untiring, he knows the ways and becomes the messenger, the carrier of the offering. The self-born seven mighty rivers, knowing the ways of wealth, came forth from heaven. Sarama found the tightly-guarded cattle, by which humanity now enjoys its share. Those who established all lordships made the path to immortality and stood firm; by their greatness, the earth was extended, and Aditi, the mother, with her sons, was established for nurture. The immortals placed lovely splendor upon humankind when they made the days in heaven; then the rivers flowed forth, and the red ones, O Agni, were born downward. Agni is like an heir who possesses wealth, a giver of strength, a wise guide, gracious as a friendly guest, leading the householder safely across life’s journey. Like the god Savitar, with true thought and will, he brings forth all peoples; praised by many, true in wisdom, he is a benevolent spirit, worthy of desire. He upholds the earth in all its forms, like a god; like a king and true friend, he protects; like heroes in the forefront, he dwells in shelter, and like a cherished, blameless woman, he is honored. To Agni, people come constantly in their homes, always kindling him in enduring abodes; they place abundant glory upon him. He is the universal support, the foundation of all riches.