RV 88 (5)

2 The world was swallowed and concealed in darkness: Agni was born, and light became apparent. 3 Inspired by Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud Eternal Lofty Agni, 4 Earliest Priest whom all the Gods accepted, and chose him, and anointed him with butter, 5 Because thou, Agni, Jatavedas, stoodest at the world's head with thy refulgent splendour, 6 Head of the world is Agni in the night−time; then, as the Sun, at morn springs up and rises. 7 Lovely is he who, kindled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the heavens, refulgent. 8 First the Gods brought the hymnal into being; then they engendered Agni, then oblation. 9 He, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered up all worlds and creatures, 10 Then by the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills both worlds through strength and vig 11 What time the Gods, whose due is worship, set him as Surya, Son of Aditi, in heaven, 12 For all the world of life the Gods made Agni Vaisvanara to be the days' bright Banner,− 13 The wise and holy Deities engendered Agni Vaisvanara whom age ne'er touches. 14 We call upon the Sage with holy verses, Agni Vaisvanara the ever−beaming, 15 I have heard mention of two several pathways, ways of the Fathers and of Gods and mortals. 16 These two united paths bear him who journeys born from the head and pondered with the spirit 17 Which of us twain knows where they speak together, upper and lower of the two rite−leaders? 18 How many are the Fires and Suns in number? What is the number of the Dawns and Waters? 19 As great as is the fair−winged Morning's presence to him who dwells beside us, matarisvan!