A speckled cow stepped forth, seeking her mother and father, approaching them with yearning. In the shining realms, a great bull moved, and from his breath arose the exhalation; he, the mighty one, declared the sky above. Speech shone forth, dwelling in thirty abodes, offered each day to the flaming one, Agni, alongside the bright gods. Light and brilliance revealed themselves: Agni is light, and light is Agni; the sun is light, and light is the sun. Agni is brilliance, and so is light; the sun and light are one in radiance, all offered with svāhā. With god Savitar and the night adorned by Indra, Agni is invoked to come and accept the offering. At dawn, again with Savitar and Indra, the sun is called to receive the sacrifice. As the rite begins, the mantra is spoken to Agni, that he, ever attentive, may be favorable. Agni is the crown of heaven, the summit, the lord of earth, quickening the seeds within the waters. Indra and Agni are both invoked, both bringers of food and riches, delighting those who call upon them for strength. To the seasonal one, to Agni, his seat is offered—his birthplace and place of radiance. Knowing this, he is asked to ascend and increase the people’s wealth. First among givers, the Hotṛ is placed, most worthy of praise, whom the Bhrigus, sons of Apnavāna, revealed in the forests, wondrous and manifold among all clans. The cows, following ancient radiance, have milked forth the bright sage, the thousand-songed one, as milk. Agni is the protector of the body, the giver of life and brilliance; he is asked to fill whatever is lacking. With a hundred kindlings he is kindled, the radiant one, so that those who worship may be victorious, undeceived, and safe from foes, crossing to the further shore with splendid wealth. Agni is joined with the brilliance of the sun and the praise of seers, bringing radiance, life, offspring, abundance, and nourishment. Abundance is wished for—may Agni eat abundance, greatness, vigor, wealth, and nourishment. He is invited to rejoice in the rich womb, in the cattle-pen, in the world and dwelling, and to remain, never departing. Agni, united and of all forms, is called to enter into strength, lordship over cattle, and is offered daily homage, morning and evening. He is king of sacrifices, guardian of truth, shining and growing in his own house. Like a father to a son, he is asked to be easy of approach and a companion for well-being. Agni, nearest and protector, is invoked for auspiciousness and radiant wealth. To him, radiant and shining, the people approach for favor and protection from harm. Idā and Aditi, and the desired ones, are called to fulfill wishes. The Lord of Prayer is asked to make the Soma resound, accompanied by inspired vessels. The swift, wealthy one who removes disease and bestows prosperity is invoked for favor. Protection is sought from curses, anger, and hostility—may these never reach the worshippers. Great protection is prayed for from the three: the radiant strength of Mitra and Aryaman, and the invincible power of Varuna. Among these, neither at home, nor on the paths, nor in the enclosures, can hostile or evil-speaking foes prevail. These are the sons of Aditi, who bestow light constantly upon mortals. Indra is never exhausted, always present for the worshipper, and his generous gifts are ever sought from the gods. The people contemplate the excellent radiance of Savitar, the god, praying that he may inspire their thoughts. Savitar’s chariot is invoked to encompass and protect from all sides. Earth, atmosphere, and heaven are called upon for blessings: good offspring, heroic sons, abundant nourishment, and protection for people, cattle, and fathers. The all-knowing Agni, best giver of wealth, is approached for glory and strength. Agni is the lord and master of the house, bestower of family wealth, purifier, increaser of prosperity, and giver of glory and strength. Entering the houses, the people ask for fearlessness and strength, bringing goodwill and rejoicing minds. To homes where travelers dwell and goodwill abounds, the people call, hoping for mutual recognition and welcome. Cows, goats, sheep, and the essence of food are invited in for welfare, peace, well-being, happiness, and prosperity, ever and ever. Arriving at the earthly dwelling of the gods, where all deities rejoiced, the people pray for the peace of divine waters and the protection of herbs. Crossing over with Ṛc, Sāman, and Yajus, they seek prosperity and nourishment, requesting the consecrated one to do no harm. The waters, called mothers, are asked to cleanse and purify, carrying away all impurity. Now pure, the people approach, recognizing the waters as the body of consecration and austerity, placing them for a blessed and radiant form.