EIGHTH READING
FIRST ANTHEM.
TO VARIOUS GODS.
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1. Beneficent (Agni), may the cup of sacrifice make you happy. Priests, the god wants full libations; bring him that soma he desires. (God) rich and liberal, wood in the cup of the Hotri (1) with the Ritous (2).
2. I ask him today the request that I have already addressed to him; for he deserves to be invoked, this (god) who is the first among beneficent beings. The priests present to you the sweet soma; (god) rich and liberal, wood at the cup of Potri with the Ritous.
3. May the couriers who bring you be covered with the unctuous streams of libations. Good and mighty Vrihaspati, take strength. Appear with greatness, approach our soma; (god) rich and liberal, wood at the cup of the Nechtri with the Ritous.
4. The (god) quenched his thirst at the cup of the hotri; he got drunk at that of the potri; he savored our offerings to that of the nechtri. Let this (god) rich and liberal, friend of those who treat him with liberality, drink from this fourth cup (3), pure and immortal.
5. (Divine Aswins), come hither in this chariot for heroes like you. Take our burnt offerings and our sweet libations. Come then, and drink of this soma, you who are treasures of abundance.
6. Enjoy, o Agni, this hearth we have kindled; enjoy our invocations, our homage, our hymns; and, in the (proper) season, O preserver (god), taste and cause all the other gods to taste our burnt offerings, the objects of your desires.
Author: Gritsamada; meter, Djagati.
HYMN II.
IN SAVITRI.
1. The divine Savitri, who constantly works for the creation (of the world) (4), (Savitri) who carries (all beings), has just arisen for his work. He dispenses his favors to the Devas. May he fill the master of this sacrifice with his blessings!
2. The god who rises for the happiness of the world, extends his long arms far and wide. And, while he pursues his career, under him are played both the purifying Waves, and the Wind which turns (around the earth).
3. (Savitri), in his race, strips himself of his rays. It allows the traveler to rest from the fatigues of walking, and prevents the desire of those who would dare to implore the help of Ahi (5). La Nuit continues the work of Savitri.
4. Sharing half with him, (the Night) is busy weaving his immense web. However, the sage understands that the power of the Creator is not extinguished. Indeed, leaving (his sleep), Savitri has reappeared, and the indefatigable god comes to mark the divisions of time.
5. The fires of Agni are born every morning in every abode; and the mother of Savitri (6) gives her son the illustrious function (to enlighten the world), on the signal that Agni has just given him.
6. He marches towards the end of his career, conqueror of all his enemies, and desired by all living beings. Alois he leaves the stain, the other half of which no longer looks at the divine Savitri.
7. You are asked, (o god!) you are anxiously looking, in the desert plains of the air, for the celestial inhabitant who should be there. But (we say to ourselves that) the forest (although silent) is not deprived of birds, and that nothing can destroy the works of the divine Savitri.
8. However Varuna (7), in darkness, through the happy ways of the air, returns to the place where he is to be reborn. The birds, the animals, are all in the various retreats assigned to them by Savitri.
9. What being can he fear, the one whose work cannot be shaken either by Indra, or by Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, or by Rudra? Honor to the divine Savitri, whose protection I humbly implore!
10. We present our offerings to the sage Bhaga, worthy object of our meditations. May the (god) whom our hymns celebrate, (noble) husband of the chaste, Prayers (8), grant us his help. To obtain happiness and gather upon us all good things, may we be the friends of the divine Savitri!
11. May your desirable favors come to us from heaven, from the air, from the earth! May this happiness extend to the servants of Savitri, to the master of the house who honors him with his offerings, and to the poet who sings of him!
Author: Gritsamada; meter, Trichtoubh.
HYMN III.
AT THE ASWINS.
1. (O gods), like two heavy stones, fall (on) our enemy! Like two vultures flying towards the tree which presents them with prey, (come) towards us! (Come) like two priests often celebrated in the sacrifice; like two benevolent heralds invoked everywhere.
2. Valiants (Aswins), hasten to your servant, like two squires who in the morning hasten their chariot; such as a couple of kids; such as two shining beauties; like two smart spouses.
3. Come before any other, and be to us like two mighty horns, two swift hooves. Hasten to us with the Day, such as two vigorous tchacravacas (9); such as two sturdy charioteers.
4. Take us through (the danger), such as two ships. Be to us like two yokes, two hubs, two wheels, two chariot rims. Like two dogs, our faithful guards, like two breastplates, defend us against evil.
5. Arrive like two rushing winds, two swift rivers, two seeing eyes. Act for our highest good, such as two dexterous hands; such as two feet, lead us to happiness.
6. Be for us like two lips that carry only honey in the mouth. Such as two udders, increase our vital forces. Like two noses, be the guardians of our body. Such as two ears, listen well to us.
7. Such as two arms, be our strength. Like heaven and earth, give us favorable tunes. As we sharpen an ax on stone, so, O Aswins, know how to make our prayer more persuasive.
8. O Aswins, the children of Gritsamada send you these offerings, these prayers, these hymns. Valiant (Gods), deign to receive them with pleasure. Fathers of a happy lineage, may we sing for a long time yet in sacrifice!
Author: Gritsamada; meter, Trichtoubh.
HYMN IV.
AT SOMA AND AT POUCHAN.
1. From Soma and Pouchan are born Wealth, and Heaven, and Earth. Hardly had these two guardians of the world seen the light of day, than the Devas surrounded them with their pious ambrosia.
2. That (the Devas) honor these gods at their birth; may these gods dispel the abhorred darkness. That with Soma and Pouchan, Indra produce within the young cows (celestes) an abundant milk.
3. Soma and Pouchan, (gods) magnificent, launch your chariot as wide as the air, (this chariot) has seven wheels (10), which nothing stops, which is everywhere, which the Prayer harnesses, and which shines of five spokes (11).
4. One took place in heaven, the other on earth and in the air (12). May these (gods) bestow upon us rich treasures of glory and opulence!
5. One created all the worlds (13); the other goes surveying the universe. O Soma and Pouchan, welcome my prayer; that through you we may conquer all our enemies!
6. May Pouchan, everywhere present, receive my prayer. May Soma, master of opulence, grant us wealth; may the invincible and divine Aditi preserve us. Fathers of a happy lineage, may we sing for a long time yet in sacrifice!
Author: Gritsamada; meter, Trichtoubh.
HYMN V.
TO VARIOUS GODS.
1. O Vayou, hasten your steeds, and come, on your thousand chariots, to drink from our soma.
2. O Vayou, come with your couriers. This brilliant (soma) has been shed for you. Visit the dwelling of the one who offers you these libations.
3. Indra and Vayou, hasten with your couriers; and drink this day, O valiant (heroes), and this juice (of the soma), and these (libations) which the cow produces.
4. Mitra and Varuna, this soma has been poured out for you, the greatness of which our sacrifices increase. Hear my invocation here.
5. Benevolent kings (these gods) sit in a supreme, solid dwelling, supported by a thousand columns.
6. Noble princes, Adityas honored with our butter libations, masters of wealth, both protect your pious (servant).
7. Truthful and terrible (14) Aswins, come a way where there will be plenty of cows and horses, where the gods will not lack libations.
8. Bring us, generous benefactors, a fortune that cannot be destroyed, either from afar or near, by a wicked and unheard mortal.
9. Venerable Aswins, bring us abundant and varied opulence.
10. May the wise and mighty Indra cast away from us the fear of a dangerous conqueror.
11. May Indra protect us; that evil does not surprise us from behind. May happiness be ahead of us.
12. May the wise Indra triumph over all his enemies, and establish tranquility in all regions of heaven.
13. O Viswadevas, hasten; hear my invocation, and take your place on this lawn.
14. Get abundant soma, as sweet as honey, offered to you by the children of Sounahotra (15). Drink this intoxicating and happy (liquor).
15. Glorious companions of Indra, o divine Marouts, who possess the treasures of Pushan, all listen to my invocation.
16. O the first of the speaking beings (16), o the best of mothers and goddesses, o Saraswati, we are like accursed people. O mother, give us your blessing.
17. In you, divine Saraswati, are all the resources (of man). Welcomes the tributes of the Sounahotras. O goddess, give us a happy posterity.
18. O Saraswati, possessor of justice and abundance, accept these homages and prayers which the children of Gritsamada present to you in preference to other gods.
18. Let (Heaven and Earth) also come and share the joy of this sacrifice. We invoke both of you and Agni to bear our offerings.
20. O Heaven, o Earth, direct, according to the will of the gods, this sacrifice which we offer today, (sacrifice) which must be a source of good, and ascend into the air.
21. May in your presence the gods of fortune and worthy of our homage place themselves here today to drink the soma.
Author: Gritsamada; meters, Gayatri, Anouchtoubh, Vrihati.
HYMN VI.
TO INDRA, CALLED CAPINDJALA.
1. (Le Capindjala) (17) by its cry announces the future. He launches his voice as the pilot launches his ship. Bird, be a good omen for us. May no accident happen to you.
2. Escape the hawk and the birds (of prey). Let the archer, armed with his arrow, not see you. Make us hear, on the south side (18), your auspicious voice.
3. Auspicious bird, raise your happy cry to the right of our hearths (19). Save us from the domination of a thief or a wicked one. Fathers of a happy lineage, may we sing a long time yet in sacrifice!
Author: Gritsamada; meter, Trichtoubh.
HYMN VII.
TO INDRA, CALLED CAPINDJALA.
1. Like the singers of our sacrifices, the Capindjalas come, with accents of auspiciousness, to announce to us a favorable time. The bird likes to repeat two cries (20), just as those who sing our hymns use the Gayatri and the Trichtoubh.
2. Bird, like our cantor, you also have your hymn; and like the child of the priest (21), at the time of the libation, you make resound your voice. With the eagerness of a stallion approaching his lovers, bird, speak favorably to us; bird, speak to us for our happiness!
3. Bird, if you speak to us, speak to us only favorably. Remain silent to listen to our prayer. As you walk away, sounds like a carcari (22). Fathers of a happy lineage, may we sing for a long time in sacrifice (23)!
Author: Gritsamada; meters, Djagati, Atisakwari, Achti.
HYMN VIII.
TO AGNI.
1. O Agni, you wanted me to bring you (the offerings) in the sacrifice. So accept this soma that I present to you with ardour. I light your fires in honor of the gods, I fill the cup (sacred); I sing to you. O Agni, adorn your body (with all its rays).
2. We set in motion the sacrifice: let the anthem continue. Let Agni be surrounded with (holy) food and invocations. The songs of the poet have sometimes attracted (the gods) from the heights of heaven. The desires of the mighty (Agni) have been tempted by songs.
3. This (god) wise, pure and strong, is, by his birth, our parent. It contains the happiness of heaven and earth. The Devas, by the work (of libations), his sisters (24), obtained Agni shining in the midst of the waves.
4. The seven sources (25) (celestial) increase the greatness of this happy child with the whitish flame. Just as the mares run to their young colt, the Devas come to tend the forms of nascent Agni.
5. However (Agni) lifts up in the air his resplendent limbs; with its noble rays it purifies the sacrifice. It is clothed in light, and from the substance of the libations is made large and magnificent ornaments.
6. He approaches without hurting them, without being hurt, the (Libations), daughters of heaven, some of whom are covered, others stripped of a garment (of foam). And these seven mothers, eternal and ever young, issued from the same womb, raise the same infant.
7. The flames of Agni extend in a thousand forms, from the midst of the (consecrated) butter, under the stream of other libations. However at his side are the foster cows (26); at some distance lie together the two illustrious mothers of the incomparable god (27).
8. Thus strengthen, shine, o Agni, and collect all your swift and luminous forms. Torrents of butter and libations are poured over this generous god, who believes in the midst of hymns.
9. Sometimes (Agni) encloses himself in the breast which the father (28) (of nature has prepared for the earth). He makes streams of milk gush out of it. He exists in this retreat with the (Winds) his happy friends, and the Waves, daughters of the sky; and he reigns there as master.
10. It is he again who is born as father, as creator (of worlds). (Star) unique, it pumps and collects the waves. Generous and pure, he engenders the two great spouses (29). (O god), guard (Heaven and Earth); make them favorable to the children of Manu.
11. Thus extends (Agni) in the immense bosom of the air. And it is to the airwaves, it is to our offerings that it owes its greatness. Surrounded by the care of (Libations) his sisters, Agni, friend of the human abode (30), sits at the hearth of sacrifice.
12. The great and vigorous Agni, in favor of him who lavishes libations, brings and sustains the great clouds; (god) invincible, noble focus of light, it is he who is the father of the cows (celestial) and the infant of the Waves (sacred).
13. Get illustrious infant of the Waves and plants (31), which takes on so many forms, is born of the happy Arani. The Devas assemble to pray to the strong and worthy (god) of so many honours, and they celebrate him in his cradle.
14. Broad rays, shining like lightning, envelop Agni, center of clarity. The hearth where he rests is like the cave (of the lion); and its flames draw immortal nourishment from it, just as from the heart of a deep volcano (32).
15. I bring you burnt offerings; I praise you, I sing your friendship, and ask for your benevolence. Come with the gods to protect your singer, and keep us from the forces of our enemies.
16. O Agni, direct your servants in the right way, and make them possessors of all good. As the price of our sacrifices and our abundant offerings, may we defeat the armies of the impious!
17. You were, Agni, the herald of the gods, and you took a happy part in all our ceremonies. You love all mortals, and cherish their abode; you give a chariot to the gods, and you accompany them with your honors.
18. The immortal king of mortals is on his throne, continuing the work of sacrifice. Agni, sprinkled with our (sacred) butter, shines with splendor, and oversees all our ceremonies.
19. (God) great and helpful, come to us with your happy friendships, with your noble help. Grant us opulence full of abundance and fame, triumph, happiness and glory.
20. Ancient Agni, I have sung your eternal births, your ever new births. In honor of a generous god, we celebrated these great sacrifices. We have multiplied the births of the god who possesses all goods.
21. To multiply the births of the god who possesses all goods, the children of Viswamitra perpetuated their fires. May we obtain the benevolence and happy friendship of the adorable (Agni)!
22. Robust and magnificent God, rejoice in our sacrifice, and make it acceptable to the other gods. (Diviu) priest, bring us happy abundance. O Agni, give us great wealth.
23. O Agni, in exchange for our invocations, make the earth (33) forever free for us, and fruitful in herds. That we have a beautiful line of children and grandchildren. O Agni, may your goodness be with us!
Author: Viswamitra; meter, Trichtoubh.
HYMN IX.
TO AGNI.
1. In honor of Agni, whose sacrifice increases the greatness, in honor of (the god called) Veswanara, we compose the hymn which flows like purified butter. Just as the ax fashions a chariot, so the prayer of the master of the house and of the priest doubly adorns the (god) sacrificer.
2. It is (Agni) who lights up heaven and earth, (Agni), the memorable son of the two mothers (34). The immortal Agni bears the holocaust and receives the offerings, invincible (god), guest of the people, treasury of light.
3. By the work of a victorious force and by their wisdom, the Devas have, in sacrifice, engendered Agni. Full of hope in his goodness, I sing of this great (god), resplendent with light and swift as the courier.
4. We ask for the inestimable favor of this beneficent, honorable (favor) which he bestows only at the prayer of the poet. We adore Agni, who showers the Bhrigus with blessings, who loves (our homage), who acts only with wisdom, and who shines with divine splendor.
5. To obtain happiness, mortals, placed on their cousa seats, honor Agni and surround him with their offerings. Raising the cup (of the sacrifice, they sing) the luminous agent of all the gods, terrible (for his enemies), and able to make his servants gather the fruit of their works.
6. Pure and brilliant Agni, (noble) priest, mortals wishing to honor you with holy ceremonies, around your hearth, which they have worthily prepared, are placed on seats of cousa. Grant them happiness.
7. It was Agni who filled heaven and earth. If the great light was born, it is because in the sacrifice Agni was constituted. Surrounded by our offerings, the wise (god) is brought with honor for the holy work, like the courier whose food has been prepared.
8. Worship the (god) who shines in our ceremonies, and who takes charge of the burnt offering; honor (the domestic god) who owns all goods. The wise Agni is the driver who directs the chariot of the great sacrifice and the pontiff of the gods.
9. The immortal Usijs (35) have purified three homes for the great Agni, which revolves around (the earth). One of these homes was placed by them in this mortal (world) to protect us there. The other two are in the neighboring world (36).
10. The offerings of men have given splendor to the preceptor, to the ruler of the people, as (friction) gives sharpness to the axe. He penetrates into the highest places, into the lowest dwellings; but its cradle is still in this world (37).
11. The liberal (god) and friend of all men (38), at birth, shines in various homes where he roars like a lion. His immortal force grows, and there he dispenses to his servants both wealth and opulence.
12. However, celebrated by the pious hymn, the friend of men takes his ancient road, and rises in the air under the celestial vault. As before, he pours out his blessings on all beings; and, still animated by the same vigor, he pursues his circular way.
13. We also invoke, to obtain a new good, Agni, inhabitant of the air and transported by Matariswan (89), (god) just, wise, adorable, worthy of our praises, following (in heaven) various routes, and adorns with dazzling hair (40).
14. We humbly invoke Agni, who enlightens us in the way (of sacrifice), affable and benevolent (god), brilliant herald of the Sun. He awakens the Dawn, he is the source of celestial, invincible light (divinity) which we approach only with abundant offerings.
15. Generous and pure priest, sincere friend of the (human) dwelling, adorable sage, (divine) chariot full of our treasures, (god) remarkable for his beauty and given to (man) by Manu (41), we always come to implore him to obtain wealth.
Author: Viswamitra; meter, Djagati.
ANTHEM X.
TO AGNI.
1. The sages, in honor of the powerful, the adorable Veswanara, celebrate sacrifices and accumulate the offerings. The immortal Agni honors the gods. Who could disturb his eternal functions?
2. Between heaven and earth he goes, as brilliant messenger (of the gods), where he sits as priest and pontiff of the children of Manu. Agni, excited by the Devas and rich with the treasure of our prayers, adorns the vast hall (of the sacrifice) with his splendors.
3. May the sages, by their ceremonies, increase the greatness of Agni, the herald of our sacred pomps, the director of our holy works. The (god) to whom these homages and prayers are addressed is the one who, by his benefits, can fulfill the wishes of his servant.
4. Agni, father of sacrifices, author of life (42), measures to the wise (the fruit of their works), and assures the reward of those who sing it. Under various forms, he occupies the sky and the earth. (Men) have often experienced his prudent friendship, and celebrate his praises.
5. The Devas have, in his home, and established Agni, the friend of men, the magnificent (Agni) with the superb chariot, with brilliant forms, surrounded by (sacred) Waves, author of light, (god) present everywhere and protector, powerful and luminous defender.
6. Agni, together with the Devas and the children of Manu, becomes the minister of a sacrifice where, with prayer, offerings of all kinds are presented. Mounted on his chariot, he goes, between (heaven and earth), fulfilling the wishes of mortals; (god) swift, friend of our homes, scourge of his enemies.
7. Agni, glorify (your servants) granting them noble children and long life; increase our strength, and give us abundance; increase the opulence of the generous (man). You are worthy of all homage, watchful (god), and priest (43) of Devas and wise mortals.
8. Master of the people, magnificent guest, director of prayer and pontiff (44) of our priests, soul of the holy ceremonies, possessor of all goods, (men) celebrate him, and seek by their homage to exalt his greatness.
9. Agni, resplendent and good god, surrounds all beings with his power. His chariot is covered with treasures; his works are rich, and our duty is to come and adorn him with our praises in the hearth where he resides.
10. Friend of all men, I sing your rays, which make you, o (god) sage, a center of light. Hardly did you fill the worlds, heaven and earth, o Agni! You wrap everything in your greatness.
11. The works of this friend of men are a source of good for us. This (god) wise is satisfied, to grant his favors, with the good intention. Agni was born to develop the greatness of our two grandparents, Heaven and Earth, whose fertility is so admirable.
Author: Viswamitra; meter, Djagati.
HYMN XI.
TO AGNI AND OTHER GODS.
1. Accept our various offerings. May the power of your ever-increasing flames be a source of happiness and wealth for us. God, bring the gods to sacrifice; benevolent friend, o Agni, protect your friends.
2. This Agni, whom the Devas honor three times each day, is also Varuna and Mitra. (God calls) Tanounapat (45), make this sacrifice, where reverently pours the (consecrated) butter over you, become for us as sweet as honey.
3. A wondrous flame unites with the sacrificial (god). It is he first, it is the getiereux (Agni) whom our offerings must honor, whom our invocations must celebrate. Worthy of our homage, may he then be in charge of those whom we send to the gods.
4. (Agni) surrendered to your (46) sacrifice. He arrives, he stands up; its crests rise, its splendors spread. (The god) priest is on his throne of light. We have strewn the earth with turf prepared for the gods.
5. Let (our priests) begin the sacrifice, offering with prayer the seven (47) burnt offerings, and performing all the rites. May the (Devas), clothed in human form, and born within our ceremonies (48), be present at our sacred libations.
6. Dawn and Night, which march together in various forms, come to smile at our hymns; May they protect us, as well as Mitra, Varouna, Indra with the Marouts, and grant us their brilliant support.
7. I invoke, in the first place, the divine couple of priests (49). The (priests), with the seven offerings and the invocation of the Swadha, implore (Agni), whom they celebrate under the name of Rita (50); and, guardians of the (sacred) rites, shining with the fires (of this god), they honor him by their ceremonies.
8. On this lawn come and place the three goddesses (51): Saraswati with the Saraswatas, Bharati with the Bharatis, Ila with the Devas, Agni with the children of Manu; that all give themselves together to the joy of the sacrifice.
9. Divine Twachtri, delight in granting us perfect bliss. It is by law that strong and active heroes are born, who love to serve the gods and offer them the cup of sacrifice.
10. O Vanaspati, worship the gods! Let Agni minister to us and purify the burnt offering. He who knows the births of the gods, let him be our priest full of justice and goodness.
11. Come, Agni, and surround yourself with light. Come with Indra and the other gods, riding in the same fast chariot. May Aditi, mother of happy children, and Swaha be placed on our lawn. Let the immortal gods indulge in pleasure.
Author: Viswamitra; meter, Trichtoubh.
HYMN XII.
TO AGNI.
1. The wise Agni senses the dawn, and awakens, following the path traced by the priests. He shines, he gains strength in the eyes of his eager servants; he takes up the offerings, and breaks down the gates of darkness.
2. By the hymns, the invocations, the prayers of his singers, the adorable Agni rises in splendor. He aspires to surround himself with full radiance, and, messenger (of the gods), he shines in the midst of the fires of dawn.
3. Agni was placed among the children of Manu to be the infant of the (sacred) Waves and the agent of sacrifice. Desirable friend and worthy of being adored, he appears as on a throne. He is wise, and justly awaits our invocations and our holocausts.
4. The brilliant Agni is Mitra. Yes, it is Mitra and Varouna, priest, and possessor of all goods. It is Mitra, priest, swift herald, host of (human) dwellings, companion of the waves and of the (celestial) mountains.
5. The great Agni occupies a supreme place on earth. He occupies (in the sky) the chariot of the traveling sun. He mingles, within the air, with the seven-headed (god) (52). He guards the sacrifice whose flames delight the gods.
6. This powerful god, who knows all the needs (of creatures), gave himself to our homage a great and noble title. When a dark veil, during the sleep of the traveling star, has covered his happy stay, it is Agni who becomes its watchful patron.
7. He hastens to come to his waiting home; the offering of butter (sacre) and songs welcome him there. Agni, pure and purifying, brilliant and magnificent, each day is born from its two mothers (53).
8. At its birth, it is supported by plants and branches, to which the butter (sacred) gives more ardor. The waves (libations) flow in dazzling cascades. May Agni keep us, so place between the two grandparents (54)!
9. The songs continue: the flame grows, and with it the resplendent form of Agni, who, from the earthen vessel where she resides, rises up to heaven. May this adorable god, friend (of man), messenger (heavenly), as swift as Matariswan, bring the gods for the sacrifice.
10. The great Agni is the first among the shining beings: his gleams light up the (celestial) vault, as soon as (called) by the Bhrigus, Matariswan with his breath kindled the flame of the (god) who was hiding, and who will bear the burnt offerings.
11. O Agni, in exchange for our invocations, make the earth forever free for us, and fruitful in herds! May we have a beautiful line of children and grandchildren! O Agni, may your goodness be with us!
Author: Viswamitra; meter, Trichtoubh.
HYMN XIII.
TO AGNI.
1. Ministers of our ceremonies, excited by the sounds of prayer, to honor the gods direct to them (the spoon of sacrifice) (55); laden with our offerings, rich with our treasures, sprinkled with (sacred) butter, and carrying to Agni the (holy) holocaust, it is carried to the eastern side.
2. Barely born, you stood up to receive our homage; and, filling heaven and earth, you have covered with your light all the space that separates them. May your fires, adorned with seven languages, be celebrated by us.
3. Heaven, Earth, all your gods, ask you that in your quality of priest you appear in your hearth, from the moment that the children of Manu, animated by a holy zeal and laden with offerings, celebrate your shining rays.
4. (God) great and desired, (Agni) is firmly seated in his abode, and in the vastness of Heaven and Earth. And, for such a great master, Heaven and Earth, immortal, powerful and invincible spouses, are two cows whose milk is inexhaustible.
5. Agni, you are great, and your works are great. You have by your clothing extended Heaven and Earth. At your birth, generous (god), you were the herald and guide of mortals.
6. Harness therefore and submit to your brake the two horses of the sacrifice, (horses) reddish, covered with butter (sacred), and adorned with beautiful hair. God, bring your gods. Owner of all goods, bless all our sacrifices.
7. May your rays, which accompanied the Dawn, then shine fully with the sun! O Agni, receive the libation that falls on your hearthwood! The Devas celebrate by their songs the priest worthy of their honors.
8. May the gods (56), who play in the spaces of the air, or who exist within the splendors of the sun, and those who protect us on earth (57), all equally eager for our holocausts and our sacrifices, o Agni, come swiftly on their chariot!
9. On the same chariot with them, come also, o Agni! May the other powerful (deities) be led here with equal eagerness. Bring, with their wives, the thirty-three gods (58), and intoxicate them with the sweetness of the Swadha.
10. (Agni), priest, honors Heaven and Earth; and his homage, gladly received, increases the greatness of these immense (gods). Approaching with respect, the two grandparents, holy and just, seem to stop to enjoy the works of him who was born in sacrifice.
11. O Agni, in exchange for our invocations, make the earth forever free for us, and fruitful in herds! May we have a beautiful line of children and grandchildren! O Agni, may your goodness be with us!
Author: Viswamitra; meter, Trichtoubh.