With reverence, we begin by choosing Indra and Agni, those deities cloaked in wisdom, inviting them to partake of the Soma with the blessings of our sacrifice. The Angirases, ancient seers, have grown in might, and Soma the purifier has set their exhilarating birth high in both heaven and earth, granting strong protection and great renown. For Indra, worthy of sacrifice, for Varuna, and for the Maruts, let the sacred stream of Soma flow forth, opening wide spaces for their blessings. With this offering, we strive to win all the glories known among men. Soma, ever-purifying and filled with strength, moves clothed in waters, and we invite him to sit within the treasure-holding womb of truth, as the divine golden fountain. Drawing from the heavenly udder, Soma approaches the ancient, beloved seat of sweetness, flowing toward the inviting support, purified by men and seeking strength. Swiftly, Soma runs forth to sit around the vessel with us, the purifier, to attain the prize; like a horse, the swift ones cleanse him, leading him to the sacred grass with reins. This godly drop, armed with its own power, is purified—destroying curses, protecting the people, father of the gods, skillful creator, the support of heaven and the foundation of earth. It was Usanas, the inspired sage and leader of men, who, by his insight, discovered what was hidden among the gods—the secret name of the cows, veiled in the farthest place. We praise you, Indra, hero among gods, as cows in their stalls call to their calf, for you are lord of the moving and the fixed, the one who possesses the vision of light. O Indra, there is none like you—neither born nor to be born, celestial nor earthly. Generous Indra, we call upon you, desiring horses and cows. By what wondrous protection has our ever-growing friend become our messenger? By what powerful help, chosen by you, is he made strong? Among your intoxicating powers, which is the truest, the greatest at the Soma feast? Even the firmest you shatter, O giver of wealth. Be for us the protector of friends and singers; may you aid us a hundredfold. With our hymns, we praise mighty Indra, the generous one, the delight of Soma, as cows call to their calf. We seek the heaven-ox, the bountiful giver, wrapped in strength like a mountain rich in gifts, the abundant prize, full of food, swift to bring cattle a thousandfold. With our praises, we call Indra, giver of wealth, for help in battle; singing loudly at the Soma-pressing, I invoke the generous one, as a worker calls for wages. No greedy or weak enemy can withstand the swift, exhilarating Indra, who, with favor, bestows worthy gifts upon the singer who presses Soma. Flow, Soma, with the sweetest, most delightful stream, pressed for Indra to drink. The slayer of demons, protector of all people, has entered his seat; he has settled in the vessel, his place of rest. You, Indra, are the remover of darkness, the greatest, the slayer of Vṛtra; grant your favor to the generous ones. Flow, Soma, most sweet and wise, with the mightiest exhilaration for Indra, with the greatest and most heavenly delight. By drinking you, the bull becomes more vigorous, men gain the light, and with clear insight, he swiftly approaches the prize like a racer toward the goal. To Indra let these pressed, exhilarating drops go; let the swift streams, born for hearing, reach Indra, knower of the light. This pressed Soma flows for Indra’s support; Soma, the victorious, acts as he knows best. In his exhilaration, Indra seizes the prize and support, taking up the mighty, manly thunderbolt, victorious in the waters. For you, for the exhilarating pressed Soma, for joy, drive away, friends, the long-tongued dog. He who pours forth with pure, shining stream, Soma, is like a horse, fit for deeds. To that Soma, free from anger, let men come with all-encompassing thought; let the streams be ready for sacrifice. The beloved, swift-flowing, renowned one is purified, bearing mighty names, upon whom, from the great sun, the far-seeing one ascends the all-reaching chariot. The tongue of truth flows, sweet and dear, the speaker, the unfailing lord of thought; the son places the third name of his parents in the shining realm of heaven. The shining ones have poured into the jars, roaring, guided by men, into the golden vessel; the givers of truth have approached, and you, O Dawn, shine forth on the triple height. With sacrifice upon sacrifice, with praise upon praise, we declare you, Agni, immortal Jātavedas, beloved friend, for skill and offering. May we serve the Son of Strength with oblation; may he be our protector in contests, our increaser, and the guardian of our bodies. Come here, Agni, I will speak these various words to you; may you grow with these libations. Wherever you set your mind and superior insight, there you establish your seat. Not one of your gifts has been wasted, O Lord of these people; therefore, we seek your favors. We, bearing no burden, call upon you, mighty, unprecedented one, wielder of the bolt, wondrous, for help. We approach you for aid in our deeds; may you, O strong one, come to us who have acted boldly. We have chosen you, Indra, as our helper and steadfast friend. Therefore, Indra, singer of praises, we seek you with desire, we call you forth; come with the waters, with the streams.