In ancient times, the generous ones gathered and spread out their gifts, and the wise distributed the very essence of life itself. In their assembly, they sought strength, offering their share to the gods, yearning for renown. The cows of truth, eager and full-uddered, nourished them, sharing the blessings of each day; these cows, seeking favor from afar, flowed together like rivers, breaking through all barriers, even the hardest rock. Those devoted to Agni, wishing for his favor, set their fame in the heavens. Night and dawn, each distinct, wove together the blackness and the red, blending darkness and light. Agni, to those mortals whom you gladly enrich, may we be counted among the generous; like a faithful shadow, may you protect the world, upholding earth, heaven, and the space between. With your help, may we conquer horses with horses, men with men, heroes with heroes. Let us, inheritors of ancestral wealth, swiftly win riches, and let the wise win a hundredfold. May these praises, Agni, O wise one, delight your mind and heart. Bearing your divine fame, may we attain enduring wealth, favored by the gods. As the time for sacrifice approached, the people raised their voices in chant to Agni, who hears from afar and draws near to them. Ancient among companions, Agni came among the peoples, protecting the lives of worshippers. All beings declared: Agni is born, the slayer of Vṛtra, the one who wins wealth in every battle. Wherever you are the messenger in a dwelling, Agni, you bring offerings that grant prosperity and make the sacrifice fruitful. The Angiras call you easy to invoke, the good god, mighty in strength, the one with beautiful seats. You bring the gods here to receive praise, O shining one, and offerings for prosperity. No obstacle of horse or chariot is heard when you, Agni, go as messenger. By your power, the swift horse surpasses its predecessor; let the worshipper stand forth, Agni. You bestow bright, great heroism upon the worshipper, a gift from the gods. Accept, O god most worthy of the waters, our widespread praise as you sit and receive the offerings with the ladle. Therefore, Agni, most inspired among the Angirases, most skillful, we declare to you our cherished hymn, for you are our strength. Who among men is your closest companion, Agni? Who is most generous at sacrifice? In whom do you truly abide? You are the close companion of men, the beloved friend, the praiseworthy ally among friends. Offer for us to Mitra and Varuna, offer to the gods the great and true order, Agni, offer in your own house. What approach of mind would please you most, Agni? What thought brings the greatest blessing? Who, through sacrifice, can attain your favor? By what intention may we serve you? Come, Agni, and sit as Hotar, untroubled; be our excellent leader. May heaven and earth protect you in every quest; offer to the gods for our great well-being. Burn away all the demons, Agni, and protect the sacrifice from curses. Then, bring the lord of Soma with your two steeds; we have prepared hospitality for that generous one. With words full of offspring and with offerings, we call you, Agni, to sit here among the gods. You take up the roles of Hotar and Potar, worthy of sacrifice; be aware, O messenger, creator of all riches. As you, wise among the wise, have sacrificed for the inspired, so now, O truthful Hotar, Agni, with delightful tongue, perform the sacrifice. How shall we serve Agni, to whom is this god-pleasing hymn addressed, this radiant song? Immortal among mortals, upholder of order, the most skilled Hotar, Agni brings the gods. Most gracious and true to order, he is Hotar at the sacrifices—honor him with reverence. When Agni conveys the gods to the mortal’s offering, he understands and worships with his mind. He is will, a hero, a benefactor, like a friend, the charioteer of the wondrous. At the sacrifices, the god-seeking clans call upon him first, the excellent one. May Agni, most heroic among men and destroyer of foes, come to our songs with help and insight. May those generous, powerful givers, born of strength, favor our hymn. Agni, knower of all births, has been praised by the Gotamas, true to order, with inspired men. He has increased their glory and strength; wise, he attains prosperity with delight. To you, O knower of all births, Gotama addresses his song; with your glories, we seek to praise you. Desiring wealth, Gotama offers his hymn to you; with your glories, we seek to praise you. To you, bestower of strength, descendant of Angiras, we call with our hymn; with your glories, we seek to praise you. To you, slayer of Vritra, who strikes down the Dasyus, we sing; with your glories, we seek to praise you. We have spoken words filled with sweetness for Agni, O Rahugana; with praises, we exalt him in our hymns. Golden-haired, moving through the vast expanse of air, the serpent shakes, swift as the wind, bearing the stream. Shining brightly, he knows the dawns, glorious and true as the observing ones. To you, the beautiful-winged ones have come; the dark bull bellowed as this happened. He arrived with auspicious, unboastful ones, as clouds fall, thundering with rain. When, filled with immortal milk, you lead by the straightest paths of truth, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, and Parijman cleanse the covering in the womb above. Agni, lord of strength abounding in cattle, mighty in power and energy, bestow upon us, O Jatavedas, great renown. The kindler, the gatherer of wealth, Agni, worthy of praise, shine forth for us, O ancient one, with abundance.