In the ancient dawn, the immortal gods were invoked to grant shelter from harm, to distinguish their devotees from mere mortals and to drive away all hatred from their midst. Indra, the mighty Maruts, Pūṣan, Bhaga, and the noble ones were called upon to open the paths to prosperity, making the way clear for blessings to flow. Pūṣan, the gentle leader of the cows, and the swift-moving rays were entreated to make the thoughts of the worshippers fruitful for Viṣṇu, thus bringing well-being and abundance. Nature itself was asked to share its sweetness: the winds for the righteous, the rivers pouring out their nectar, and the plants bestowing their gentle gifts. Sweetness was sought in every corner of existence—in the night and the dawn, in the earth and sky, in the forest trees and the radiant sun, and in the cows that sustain life. The gods Mitra, Varuṇa, Aryaman, Indra, Bṛhaspati, and Viṣṇu of the wide stride were all called upon for their graciousness, so that their favor might rest upon the people. Amidst these prayers, Soma was celebrated as wise and understanding, leading the faithful on the straightest path. By Soma’s guidance, the forefathers—wise among the gods—had found the treasure of life. Soma’s powers were praised: skillful, all-knowing, glorious among the glorious, seeing clearly among men. The ordinances of King Varuṇa belonged to Soma, whose domain was vast and deep, pure and dear as Mitra, skillful as Aryaman. The powers of Soma were acknowledged everywhere—in the sky, on earth, in the mountains, in plants, and in waters. With all these, Soma was asked to approach the offerings with a gracious mind, accepting the devotion of his worshippers. Soma was hailed as the true master, king, slayer of foes, noble and wise. He was the strength of his devotees, the beloved lord of plants, praised and cherished, the giver of life. Soma bestowed great fortune, youth for righteousness, and skill for living. He was called upon to protect his followers everywhere from harm, for no friend of Soma suffered loss. His joyful supports were the shield of the worshipper, and with them, he was asked to be the protector. Soma was invited to the sacrifice, to the words of praise, to delight in them and bring growth. Through songs, the people sought to increase Soma, knowing the sacred words, and asked him to come with gentle favor. He was the expander of life, remover of distress, giver of wealth, increaser of prosperity, and the good friend of all. Soma was entreated to delight the hearts of his devotees as cows delight in fresh pasture, or as a young man delights in his own home. Whoever rejoiced in Soma’s friendship, the wise mortal, was joined by skill and fortune. Soma was asked to drive far away all curses and protect from harm, to be a friend and bring good fortune. The call was for Soma to expand, to gather strength from all sides, to be the source of vigor. As the most exhilarating, Soma was to expand with all his streams, becoming the most renowned friend for growth. His nourishing powers and strengths were to unite, his vigor and ability to overcome foes to come together. As Soma expanded for immortality, he was to place the highest fame in heaven. All the powers worshipped with offerings were asked to surround the sacrifice, so that Soma—expanding life, crossing over, strong and heroic—might drive away misfortune. Soma was praised as the giver of cows, swift horses, heroic men of action, and all that was beneficial, knowable, discussable, and ancestral fame to those who worshipped him. In battle and contests, Soma was mighty, the lord of light, guardian of waters, protector of people. In struggle, he brought good dwelling and renowned victory, and the people rejoiced in him. Soma had generated all the plants, produced the waters, created the cows, stretched out the wide midspace, and with his light, driven away the darkness. With divine mind, Soma was asked to contend for the share of wealth, ensuring that his strength was not diminished in the contest for the prize. As the Dawns arrived, they made their sign in the eastern sky, spreading their radiance like warriors donning armor, and the red cows—their mothers—set out. The ruddy rays rose, unrestrained in their force, and the red cows were yoked to their course. The Dawns performed their ancient paths, shining with bright radiance. The women sang together, moving with a common bond, bearing nourishment for the generous doer of good, all coming to the sacrificer who pressed the Soma. The Dawn weaved her garments like a dancer, covered her breast like a cow with her calf, making light for all the worlds. Like cows, the Dawns returned to the fold. Her shining radiance appeared, standing forth and driving away the black darkness. Like a bright ornament at the assemblies, the Daughter of Heaven displayed her brilliance. The people crossed beyond the far shore of darkness as the rising Dawn created the paths, shining for beauty and smiling like a lovely garment, radiant and bringing well-being. The radiant leader of good words, the Daughter of Heaven, was praised with songs. O Dawn, rich in offspring and men, with the awakening of horses and cows, she brought strength. The people asked her for fame, heroic sons, wealth of horses, and abundant riches, for she shone with generous glory and brought great and splendid prosperity. The goddess, seeing all the worlds, shone forth with her wide gaze, moving among all living beings, awakening them, and making known the speech of all. Ever anew, though ancient, she was born again and again, adorning herself with the same color. Like a skilled woman, she drove away the darkness, and the goddess diminished the mortal's life. Thus, in the dawn of creation and the unfolding of each day, the gods were praised, nature’s sweetness was sought, Soma’s gifts were celebrated, and the radiant Dawn was honored for bringing light, strength, and prosperity to all beings.