In the ancient days, the sages beheld Agni, the sacred fire, in many forms—black, white, tawny, and dark—each a radiant aspect of the divine. The creator fashioned Agni anew, shining in golden brilliance, swift and glorious among all beings. To this Agni, the child of strength, the immortal one, the sages offered their praises and hymns, seeking his goodwill. With their voices, they invoked him, praying for nourishment, strength, and a perfect dwelling. With heartfelt devotion, the worshippers chose Agni as their Hotar, their priest, to preside over the sacrifice laid upon the sacred grass. They honored him, the bright-flaming one, delighting in their utterances. Agni, adorned by the self-born gods who possess horses, was well known to those who perform the sprinkling rites. For his pleasure and through their offerings, the worshippers sought his favor. Within Agni, the cosmic laws are established, flowing like clarified butter from ladles—black and white forms blending together. He bears all glories for the sake of the hymns sung to him. Whatever wealth Agni, the immortal and powerful, thinks of, the sages beseech him to bring—strength, wondrous gifts, and all that is gained through sacrifice. Agni, born of Atharvan, knows all wisdoms. He became the messenger of Vivasvat, beloved and desired by Yama, carrying the prayers of mortals to the gods. In every sacrifice, Agni is invoked at the proper ritual, bestowing all desired treasures upon the worshipper. As the officiant, Agni is seated by men in their ceremonies, his face shining with clarified butter. He is the swiftest, the most radiant, delighting in the offerings. With his bright flames, Agni spreads far and wide, roaring and growing in strength. In his exhilaration, he plants the seed among his kin, eager to be praised and remembered. Turning to Indra, the sages wondered aloud: "Where is Indra heard today? Among which people is he known? Is he spoken of like Mitra, or is he hidden among the seers, delighting in song?" They called for Indra to be present, praised as the wielder of the thunderbolt, eager for hymns and renowned among the people for his unequalled fame. Indra, lord of greatness and might, awakens heroic strength. He wields the bold bolt and is a father to his beloved son. The horses of the wind are yoked to his chariot, carrying him swiftly along the shining path. No mortal can match Indra as a driver or as a knower, for he moves by his own nature. Those who hunger for sustenance seek Indra as they would a home, for he comes from afar—from heaven and earth—to aid mortals. The sages invite Indra to their sacrifice, recalling how he struck down Shushna, the human foe, and subdued the lawless Dasyu, who was hostile and without sacred rites. Indra, hero among heroes, is exalted with his supporters, his gifts spread across many lands. He urges men to slay Vritra, even when the wise are hidden among the people. Generous ones hasten to Indra, and with his might he destroys all who threaten the righteous, ensuring that his riches remain close to his devotees. The sages pray for Indra's true and harmless gifts, desiring to know their strength as one knows the strength of cows. When the armless and footless ones grew strong with wisdom, Indra circled around and destroyed Shushna for the good of all people. They urge Indra to drink the Soma, to remain unharmed and wealthy, to protect those who praise him, and to grant splendid riches. Thus, they worship Indra, whose right hand wields the bolt and who rides the chariot drawn by bay steeds. His beard shakes upwards, and he is stirred by the armies and by generosity. Indra's steeds are known in the forest; he is the slayer of Vritra, the generous ruler, who drives away even the name of the Dasa. When Indra comes forth with his golden thunderbolt and chariot, he stands ready among the wise, renowned since ancient times for his might. In the company of his companions, Indra the bull descends to the pleasant dwelling at the pressing of the sweet Soma, his presence stirring like the wind shakes the forest. With his voice, he overcomes those of discordant speech, slaying thousands of foes and increasing his might for the protection of his people, like a father. For Indra, the sages compose unprecedented hymns and praises, knowing his bounty and favor as herdsmen know their cattle. They pray that their friendship with Indra remain unbroken, that his inspiration and auspicious friendship be with them always. They invite Indra to drink the Soma, pressed and rich in sweetness, and to bestow wealth and abundant riches in his exhilaration. With sacrifices, hymns, and offerings, they approach him, the lord of power, seeking the best reward and protection from harm. Indra, the lord of treasures and protector of singers, is invoked for his favor. The two mighty and skillful Asvins, inspired by exhilaration, churned the mixture together in harmony. When the Asvins emerged, all the gods assembled and asked them to bring it back again. The sages pray for sweetness in their departures and returns, asking the gods to make all their actions blessed with sweetness. They call for favorable winds for the mind, skill, and intelligence, so that their desires may be fulfilled like battle-horses running to the pasture. Soma, who dwells in all abodes and touches the heart, is invoked so that the desires of the worshippers may stand ready for wealth and fulfillment, in his exhilaration and favor. Thus, through praise, offering, and invocation, the ancient sages honored Agni, Indra, the Asvins, and Soma, seeking their blessings, strength, and friendship for the well-being of all.