Born of seven mothers, a steadfast seeker arose, longing for wisdom and glory. With unwavering intent, he perceived the treasures that lay before him—not merely riches of the earth, but the wealth of understanding and virtue. As he journeyed, he yearned for that blessed thought to visit him by day, like the favor of Aditi herself, bringing peace and happiness, dispelling every obstacle from his path. Upon the sacred earth, he offered praise and sacrifice to Jātavedas, Agni, whose smoke moves freely, unseized, and whose flame cannot be grasped. Agni, through his mysterious power, ensures that no mortal enemy can ever rule over one who gives him offerings in devotion. To Agni, the lord of the good, he prayed: drive away the sinner, the enemy, the thief—cast them far from here, and make the path smooth and easy for the righteous. With a new hymn, the seeker called out to Agni, the heroic lord of the people, beseeching him to hear. With his blazing heat, Agni is asked to burn away all sorcerers and demons. The seeker sang to the most exalted, the great upholder of truth, to Agni of brilliant flame, who is revered by all. With Agni’s help and heroic might, the devotee surpasses others by deeds of strength, for Agni’s friendship confers victory. The gods themselves, with their song, established Agni—the golden one, the immortal carrier of offerings—among the gods. The seeker implored Agni not to turn away, but to remain as a cherished guest and benefactor, praised by many, skillful in sacrifice and rite. May Agni, when invoked, bring auspiciousness to all: may the gifts, the sacrifice, and even the words of praise be filled with good fortune. The seeker chose Agni as the most worthy of sacrifice, the god among gods, the immortal priest, wise in sacred rituals. He prayed for the glory that allows one to overcome all hostile intent and the anger of the people in assembly, trusting Agni to protect when he is well-pleased and sharp, repelling all demonic forces. Thus concluded the portion dedicated to Agni, and now began the praise of Indra. The people sang together at the pressing of the Soma, invoking Indra—he who is much-invoked, called for strength and blessing, as a cow is valued for her milk. To Indra, wielder of a hundred powers, they offered the most exhilarating draught, wishing to be gladdened again and again by its joy. The cows, adorned with gold on their ears, came to the watering place, filled with the sap of sacrifice. The people sang for the swift horse, the renowned stallion, the cow, and the very abode of Indra. They urged mighty Indra to battle, to slay the great foe, for he is the mighty bull among bulls. Indra, born of might, has drawn strength from strength, ever remaining a bull among bulls. The sacrifice was set forth, its smoke rising to heaven. The devotee prayed: “O Indra, as I am, so may you be; may I alone possess the wealth; may my praiser be a friend of cows.” Each praiser was called to hasten, one after another, to the intoxicating Soma, to the hero, the champion. Indra was invited to drink the pressed Soma from the brimming vessel, with a wish that no harm would come to him. The glorious bull, famed for generosity, rose up, and the Sun journeyed to his appointed place. All that Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, brought forth today with the Sun is under his command. May Indra, who wisely brought Turvasha and Yadu from afar, be our youthful friend. Let not any direction be hostile; with Indra as ally, may the people conquer in the light of this day. Indra was invoked to bring abundant, ever-victorious, and generous wealth for prosperity. The people called upon mighty Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, for great riches, for youth, and for victory in battle. Indra of a thousand arms drank the pressed Soma of the Kadruvas, and there attained his manly strength. His worshippers praised him, asking to be known as his own, for he is a generous lord. Those who kindle the fire and spread the sacred grass find in Indra a youthful friend. The people called upon him to shatter their haters, drive away obstacles, strike down foes, and bring desirable wealth. The sound of whips in hand was heard as splendid teams were adorned and driven forth. The friends who offered Soma gazed upon Indra, nourishing as cattle are to their owner. For the wrath of the mighty one, all peoples bowed, as rivers bow to the ocean. The seeker and his people chose the greatness of the gods for their aid, so that strength might come to them. They called upon Brahmanaspati to make the sound of the Somas resound, as Kakṣīvant, son of Uśij, once did. Finally, they prayed that the slayer of Vṛtra, ever mindful, would be present, that Śakra would hear their prayer and grant them abundant aid. Thus, with reverent hearts and voices united, they honored the gods, seeking wisdom, protection, victory, and prosperity in this world and beyond.