Upon the sacred earth, the plants of Soma, the king, spread themselves, their lineage traced to Brihaspati. These healing herbs are invoked to grant their strength to one in need. Whether they grow nearby or have journeyed far, all the herbs are summoned together, united in their purpose: to bestow their vigor and healing power. As these plants are gathered, a prayer rises for the safety of all involved—the one who digs them up, the one for whom they are dug, and for all living beings, bipeds and quadrupeds alike, that illness may be kept at bay. The plants, in communion with Soma the king, declare their intent: “For whom the Brahmin prepares, O king, we shall deliver him.” These plants are praised as destroyers of swelling and dispersers of piles, ripeners and vanquishers of a hundred diseases. Their origins are divine—they were once dug by the Gandharvas, by Indra, and by Brihaspati; Soma, the wise king, released them from the grip of illness. The plants are called upon to withstand all hostilities, to stand firm against the attacks of enemies and all evil, enduring through adversity. Blessings are sought for long life for the one for whom they are dug, that the plant itself may thrive with a hundred roots and bestow longevity. The best of plants are supported by their trees, and their support is petitioned as a shield against any who might assail. A prayer follows that neither the creator of earth, nor the upholder of the sky, nor the first begetter of the shining waters may bring harm, and the question is raised: to which god shall the oblation be offered? The earth is invoked to advance with the sacrifice, accompanied by milk, as Agni, the fire, is invited to ascend and partake of the offering. All that is bright, shining, and pure in Agni—what is fit for sacrifice—is borne to the gods. From the bounty of the earth, food and strength, the very source of truth and the stream of the mighty, are taken to nourish cows and bodies, while disease, barrenness, and misfortune are cast away. Agni’s fame and power are extolled—his flames shine radiantly, and with his might, he grants strength and praise to the worshipper. His pure and unfailing radiance rises upward, filling both worlds as a son moves between his mothers. Jātavedas, the offspring of strength, is rejoiced with good praises, established by wise thoughts. In this richly formed, wondrously born one, the bountiful have placed their offerings. Agni, shining forth, is asked to expand wealth and beings, filling the seat of sacrifice with strength. As the wise maker of the rite, Agni dwells in great wealth, bestowing fair and abundant gifts and riches upon the seat. The peoples have placed mighty, all-seeing Agni, the upholder of order, for favor, and men of all ages praise him with song. Soma is called to fill himself, to gather his vigor from all sides, and to be present at the assembly of strength. His milks, strengths, manly powers, and victorious energies are invoked to come together, so that, being filled for immortality, Soma may place the highest glories in heaven. Soma is entreated to fill himself with all his streams, to be the most renowned friend for increase. The mind of the devotee turns to Agni as a calf seeks its distant resting place, desiring him with song. All good dwellings yearn for Agni, the most Angiras. Agni, in beloved abodes, is the desire of what has been and what will be; he, the sole sovereign, shines forth. Now, Agni is taken first for oneself—for the increase of wealth, for good offspring, for heroism—with a prayer that the deities attend. The waters are honored as the back and womb of Agni, swelling around the ocean, growing great and emerging in the lotus, spread out by the vastness of the sky. In the beginning, Brahma was born, radiant before all boundaries, shining with splendor. He, the Vena, moved, his roots deep, encompassing the highest and the lowest, the womb of existence and non-existence. Hiraṇyagarbha arose at the dawn of creation, the sole lord of all that exists, sustaining earth and heaven. Again, the question is raised: to which god shall the sacrifice be offered? A sacred drop descends upon earth and heaven, upon this womb and the former. The drop, moving through the common womb, is offered together with the seven priests. Salutations are given to all serpents—those upon the earth, in the atmosphere, and in the sky. To all serpents, homage is paid: those who dwell among the trees, in the hollows, in the shining realm of the sky, in the sun’s rays, and in the waters. A path is called to be made, broad as the earth, to go forth like a king with a mighty elephant. Moving swiftly and firmly, the path is to strike down demons with the fiercest weapons. Agni’s sparks are invoked to fly swiftly, to touch with boldness and burn fiercely. His fiery tongues are urged to be released, his flames to scatter embers everywhere without hesitation. He is asked to release his rays, to be the swiftest and unassailable protector. Whoever brings harm from afar or near, Agni is called to prevent them from overcoming or afflicting the devotees. Agni is urged to rise up, to extend himself, and scatter the enemies with his sharpness. Any who kindle hostility are to be burned down, as dry wood is consumed by fire. Agni is asked to stand upright, to strike back enemies, to reveal divine powers, to remove the bonds of sorcerers, to destroy the lineage of the unborn, and to annihilate foes. With his brilliance, Agni subdues them. He is the crown of heaven and the lord of earth, invigorating the seeds of the waters. By Indra’s strength, foes are subdued. Agni is the leader of sacrifice and the realm, joined with auspicious companions. His head is placed in heaven, his tongue in the sun; he has made himself the carrier of offerings. Thus, the sacred powers of plants, earth, Soma, and Agni are invoked and praised, their blessings sought for health, prosperity, protection, and the fulfillment of sacrifice, as the ancient and eternal order is upheld.