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1 THE chanters hymn thee, they who say the word of praise magnify thee. 2 As up he clomb from ridge to ridge and looked upon the toilsome task, 3 Harness thy pair of strong bay steeds, long−maned, whose bodies fill the girths, 4 Come hither, answer thou the song, sing in approval, cry aloud. 5 To Indra must a laud be said, to strengthen him who freely gives, 6 Him, him we seek for friendship, him for riches and heroic might. 7 Easy to turn and drive away, Indra, is spoil bestowed by thee. 8 The heaven and earth contain thee not, together, in thy wrathful mood. 9 Hear, thou whose ear is quick, my call; take to thee readily my songs 10 We know thee mightiest of all, in battles hearer of our cry. 11 O Indra, Son of Kusika, drink our libation with delight. 12 Lover of song, may these our songs on every side encompass thee:

2 May Agni the resplendent hear my calling through all my songs, Immortal, keen of insight. 3 On wood supine they got the well−formed Infant: a germ in various−fashioned plants was Agni; 4 With oil and sacred gifts I sprinkle Agni who makes his home in front of all things living, 5 I pour to him who looks in all directions: may he accept it with a friendly spirit. 6 By choice victorious, recognize thy portion: with thee for envoy may we speak like Manu.

2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as Minister and Priest, 3 He, verily, who honours thee with fuel, Knower of all life, 4 Ensign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us, 5 ToAgni, the Invoking Priest, offer your best, your lofty speech, 6 Let these our hymns make Agni grow, whence, meet for laud, he springs to life, 7 Best Sacrificer, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious man: 8 As such, O Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might: 9 So, wakeful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers kindly thee. 2 Oblation−bearer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger, 3 Ensign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well knoweth with his thought 4 Agni, illustrious from old time, the Son of Strength who knows all life, 5 Infallible is Agni, he who goes before the tribes of men, 6 Strength of the Gods which none may harm, subduing all his enemies, 7 By offering sacred food to him the mortal worshipper obtains. 8 From Agni, by our hymns, may we gain all things that bring happiness, 9 O Agni, in our deeds of might may we obtain all precious things:

2 For thou hast ever been the Car−driver, Agni, of noble 3 Through these our praises come thou to meet us, bright as the sunlight, 4 Now may we serve thee singing these lauds this day to thee, Agni. 5 just at this time of the day and the night thy look is the sweetest. 6 Spotless thy body, brilliant as gold, like clarified butter: 7 All hate and mischief, yea, if committed, Agni, thou turnest, 8 Agni, with you Gods, prosperous be our friendships and kinships.

2 Ours art thou, wondrous Agni, bywisdom and bounteousness of power. 3 Agni, increase our means of life, increase the house and home of these, 4 Bright Agni, they who deck their songs for thee have horses as their meed. 5 O Agni, those resplendent flames of thine go valorously forth, 6 Now, Agni, come to succour us; let priests draw nigh to offer gifts; 7 Bring to us, Agni, Angiras, lauded of old and lauded now,

2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled, 3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni, 4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far−apparent splendour: 5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes, 6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth. 7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.

2 He, like the Sun, hath shone while Morn is breaking, and priests who weave the sacrifice sing praises, 3 Our songs and holy hymns go forth to Agni, seeking the God and asking him for riches, 4 joined with the Vasus, Agni, bring thou Indra bring hither mighty Rudra with the Rudras, 5 Men eagerly implore at sacrifices Agni, Most Youthful God, the joyous Herald.

2 Or if for Manu.ye prepared the sacrifice, remember also Kanva's son. 3 Those Asvins I invoke who work marvels, brought hither to receive, 4 On whom the solemn rites depend, whose worshippers rise without the Sun: 5 Whether ye, Lords of ample wealth, now linger in the cast or west, 6 Lords of great riches, whether through the firmament ye fly or speed through heaven and earth,

2 Kindled in many a spot, still One is Agni; Silrya is One though high o'er all he shineth. 3 The chariot bright and radiant, treasure−laden, three−wheeled, with easy seat, and lightly rolling,

2 Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariots that are urged to speed, 3 The Somas deck themselves with milk, as Kings are graced with eulogies, 4 Pressed for the gladdening draught, the drops flow forth abundantly with song, 5 Winning Vivasvan's glory and producing Morning's light, the Suns 6 The singing−men of ancient time open the doors of sacred songs,− 7 Combined in close society sit the seven priests, the brother−hood, 8 He gives us kinship with the Gods, and with the Sun unites our eye: 9 The Sun with his dear eye beholds that quarter of the heavens which priests 2 Together with thy pleasant juice the Atharvans have commingled milk, 3 Bring, by thy flowing, weal to kine, weal to the people, weal to steeds. 4 Sing a praise−song to Soma brown of hue, of independent might. 5 Purify Soma when effused with stones which bands move rapidly, 6 With humble homage draw ye nigh; blend the libation with the curds: 7 Soma, foe−que chief o'er men, doing the will of pour forth 8 Heart−knower, Sovran of the heart, thou art effused, O Soma, that Indra may drink thee and rejoice. 9 O Soma Pavamana, give us riches and heroic strength,−