Upon the earth and in the sky, there exist countless herbs—some that fall, some that remain steadfast. These plants, O revered ones, hold the power to sustain life; whomever we nourish with their essence, that person is preserved from perishing. Among the multitude of herbs, ruled by Soma and wise in their abundance, there is one that stands highest. To this most exalted plant, we pray: grant us the fulfillment of our desires and fill our hearts with joy. These herbs, governed by Soma and established upon the earth, are born of Brihaspati. Let them impart their strength to the one for whom we seek healing. As we dig them up for our use, let no harm befall them; let their potency remain undiminished for all bipeds and quadrupeds, so that all among us may be free from illness. Whether the herbs are near or far, let them gather together and bestow their collective strength upon the one in need. The herbs unite their voices with Soma, the king, and for whom the Brahman performs the ritual, they deliver healing. Among all herbs, you are the highest; your roots form the foundation of strength—let this foundation protect us against any who wish us harm. Turning to Brihaspati, we invoke his divinity. Whether he appears as Mitra, Varuna, or Pushan, or with the Adityas, Vasus, and Maruts, let Parjanya bring blessings for our offspring. May the swift and wise divine messenger come to us from the gods, accept our radiant speech as a seat, and turn toward us with favor. Brihaspati, place radiant speech within us—speech that is nourishing and free from disease—so that we may obtain rain for our offspring, just as honeyed drops from heaven descend. Indra, let these honeyed drops enter us; grant us abundant wealth, preside as the priest in proper order, worship the gods, and honor them with offerings. The seer Arṣṭiṣeṇa, wise in divine favor, sat as the priest and sent forth the heavenly waters—from the upper to the lower ocean, rainy and abundant. In both oceans, the waters, restrained by the gods, remained, but at Arṣṭiṣeṇa’s release, they flowed forth, sent by the divine messenger, nourishing all. When Devāpi, chosen as priest for Shantanu, compassionately performed the rites, Brihaspati, renowned among the gods, granted him speech that brings rain. You, Devāpi, shining as Agni, and Arṣṭiṣeṇa, honored by all gods, move Parjanya to send forth rain. You, whom the ancient sages approached with hymns and whom all invoke at sacrifices—much-invoked Rohidasva—bring thousands of offerings to us; come to our ritual. These ninety-nine offerings, Agni, and nine more, and thousands besides, have been placed for you; grow strong in your form, mighty one, and bring us abundant rain from heaven. These ninety thousand offerings, Agni, send forth as a share to Indra, the powerful; knowing the proper path, place the divine portion in heaven among the gods. Agni, drive away hostilities, scatter obstacles, ward off evil and demons; from the vast ocean of heaven, send us the abundance of waters and earth. Who among the wise will make our offering splendid, will strengthen the swift, broad-backed horse for increase? Who, at dawn, will fashion the thunderbolt—the slayer of Vritra—with the donor’s might? He, with brilliance and lightning, knows the chant and dwells in the wide seat of divinity. With his companions, he overpowers the magic of his brother, the seventh. He brings the prize, overcoming obstacles as he circles the sun; he grants what is far and near, knows secrets, and destroys gods hostile to fertility with his power. Youthful, he offers the earth and cows, moves among the foremost in contests; where the yoked ones are footless and horseless, the trough-born horses draw the butter. He, with the Rudras, warded off harm, came with the Ribhus, leaving behind the dwelling of death; he revealed the twin forms of the tender one, bringing food and stirring up the hidden. He subdued the powerful Dasa, the lord with sharp teeth and three heads; Trita, strengthened by his might, struck the boar in the waters with the foremost weapon. Among men, upright, he raised the weapon for the one who sees clearly; most heroic, Nahusha, born among us, struck the enemy and destroyed the hostile. Like a cloud, he brings fodder for our dwelling, knowing the path; sitting near the moon, the eagle strikes down the enemies. With his strength, he drove away Shushna for Kutsa, defeated the miserly one; he led the poet, the praiseworthy, and the one who brings gifts for him and also for men. Delighting with the noble, he is gracious; powerful among the gods like Varuna, skilled in magic; youthful guardian of order, he measures the unknown and knows what moves on four feet. With his praises, Rijishva, son of Ushij, shattered the enclosure of Pipru with the bull; when he drank Soma, he shone with song, advancing to the front. Thus, O mighty Asura, for greatness, the tender one approaches Indra with his feet; advancing, he brings us well-being, strength, nourishment, and all prosperity. Indra, make firm our wealth; praised here, drink the Soma for our increase. May Savitar, with the gods, protect us; we choose Aditi, who grants all-surpassing blessings. Bring the portion for the bearer, offer it for the priest; let it go to Vayu, pure, for the cry of worship. He who has tasted the milk of the cow, we choose Aditi, who grants all-surpassing blessings. May Savitar inspire us, guiding the sacrificer who presses Soma along the straight path. As we adorn the gods like ripe fruit, we choose the all-surpassing Aditi. May Indra be gracious to us, and king Soma grant us prosperity. As Mitra and Dhiti unite their powers, we choose the all-surpassing Aditi. Indra, with praise and might, has spread protection; Brihaspati is the prolonger of life. Sacrifice, Manu, wise counsel—our fathers—indeed, we choose the all-surpassing Aditi. The divine strength of Indra’s good deeds, Agni in the house, the wise poet, and sacrifice, beautiful in the assembly—all these, thus we choose the all-surpassing Aditi. We have not done much evil in secret, nor committed acts hateful to the gods, O Vasus. Let not the gods reject us for falsehood; thus we choose the all-surpassing Aditi. May Savitar drive away disease and misfortune; let the waters repel what is harmful. Where the stone calls forth sweet Soma, there we choose the all-surpassing Aditi. Let the stone rise upright, O Vasus, in the pressing; may it drive away all hatred and enmity. May Savitar, the god, be our praised guardian; thus we choose the all-surpassing Aditi.