In the ancient dawn, the sacred powers of Soma filled all realms—those in the sky, on the earth, nestled in the mountains, coursing through the plants, and flowing in the waters. With these manifold energies, Soma, the gracious king, was invoked to come near and accept the devoted offerings of the people. Soma was hailed as the true master, the sovereign ruler, the slayer of foes. He was noble, the very embodiment of wisdom. To the people, Soma was strength itself; they prayed to him for life and protection from perishing. Praised as the beloved lord of plants, Soma was asked to grant great fortune, to bestow youth for the sake of righteousness, and to grant skill for the journey of life. With reverence, the people called upon Soma to protect them from harm in every quarter, for none who were his friends suffered loss. His joyful supports, they knew, were for those who worshipped him; with these, he would be their steadfast guardian. The sacrificers invited Soma to their rites, asking him to delight in their words and offerings, and to become the very source of their growth. Through their hymns, they sought to increase Soma’s presence, hoping for his gentle favor. He was the expander of life, the remover of distress, the giver of wealth, the increaser of prosperity—the good friend they desired. They yearned for Soma to delight their hearts as cows rejoice in fresh pastures, or as a young man is gladdened in his own home. Those who found joy in Soma’s friendship, they believed, were joined by wisdom and skill. They implored Soma to drive away all curses and protect them from every harm, to be their friend and bring good fortune. They asked him to expand, to gather strength from all directions, and to be the source of their vigor. Soma, most exhilarating, was called upon to flow forth in all his streams, to be the renowned friend who brings growth. May Soma’s nourishing powers and strengths unite, his vigor and ability to overcome foes combine, so that as he expands for immortality, he places the highest fame in heaven. The powers of Soma, worshipped with offerings, were invoked to surround the sacrifice, driving away misfortune as Soma expanded life and crossed into realms of strength and heroism. Soma was the giver of cows, the bestower of swift horses, the granter of heroic men of action. To the worshipper, he gave all that was beneficial, all that was to be known and discussed, and the ancestral fame that endures. In battle and contests, Soma was mighty—the lord of light, the guardian of waters, the protector of people. In every struggle, he brought good dwelling and renowned victory, and his devotees rejoiced in him. It was Soma who generated all the plants, produced the waters, and created the cows. He stretched out the wide midspace, and with his light, he drove away the darkness. With a divine mind, the mighty Soma was called upon to contend for his people’s share of wealth, never to let his strength be diminished in any contest for the prize. As dawn approached, the Dawns themselves made their sign. In the eastern sky, they spread their radiance, like warriors donning armor. The red cows, their mothers, set out upon their paths. The ruddy rays rose with unrestrained force, the red cows yoked to their course, as the Dawns performed their ancient journeys, shining with renewed brilliance. The women sang together, moving as one, bearing nourishment for the generous and the good. All came to the sacrificer who pressed the Soma, weaving their garments like dancers, covering themselves with modesty and care. The Dawns, like cows returning to the fold, brought light to all the worlds. The shining radiance of Dawn appeared, standing forth to drive away the black darkness. Like a bright ornament at the assemblies, the Daughter of Heaven displayed her brilliance. Humanity had crossed beyond the far shore of darkness, with the rising Dawn creating new paths. She shone for beauty, smiling like a lovely garment, radiant and bringing well-being. The radiant leader of good words, Daughter of Heaven, was praised with songs. Dawn, rich in offspring and men, awakened horses and cows, bringing strength to the people. She was asked to grant fame, heroic sons, wealth of horses, and abundant riches, shining with generous glory and bringing splendid prosperity. The goddess, with her wide gaze, saw all the worlds and shone forth. She moved among all living beings, awakening them and making known the speech of all. Ever new, though ancient, she was born again and again, adorning herself in the same color. Like a skilled woman, she drove away the darkness, yet, as goddess, she also measured out the mortal’s life. Unfolding the ends of the sky, Dawn awakened, sending away her sister, the night. Measuring the ages of men, the maiden shone with the glance of a lover. Splendid and fortunate, she spread out like cattle, flowing vast like a river. Observing the divine laws, she moved with the rays of the sun, ever visible. To Dawn, prayers rose for splendid wealth—abundant in horses, to support offspring and descendants. She was asked to shine forth in places rich in cows and horses, to rise and bring wealth and good speech. The chariot of Dawn, rich in horses and yoked with red steeds, was called to bring all good fortunes. The Ashvins, leaders of the path, bestowers of cows and givers of gold, were called to bring their chariot close with united mind. As far as they had made the song and light in the sky for the people, the Ashvins were implored to bring nourishment. The wondrous, divine ones with golden wheels were welcomed so that the Dawns would bring forth the awakened for the drinking of Soma. Finally, Agni and Soma, the strong and mighty ones, were invoked to kindly hear these calls. The worshippers asked them to delight in the hymns and grant joy. To the one who offered praise, Agni and Soma were beseeched to grant heroic strength, abundance of cattle, and good horses. Thus, in the union of Soma’s blessing, the Dawns’ radiance, the Ashvins’ gifts, and Agni’s and Soma’s strength, the people sought fortune, vitality, and the enduring light that dispels all darkness.