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I NE'ER waxeth
faint the Immortal, Son of Strength, since he, the Herald, hath become
Vivasvan's messenger.
On paths
most excellent he measured out mid-air: he with oblation calls to service of
the Gods.
2
Never decaying, seizing his appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry
wood he spreads.
His back,
as he is sprinkled, glistens like a horse: loud hath he roared and shouted like
the heights of heaven?
3
Set high in place o'er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, Lord of riches,
seated as High Priest;
Hastening
like a car to men, to those who live, the God without delay gives boons to be
desired.
4
Urged by the wind be spreads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his tongues
for sickles, with a mighty roar.
Black is
thy path, Agni, changeless, with glittering waves! when like a bull thou
rushest eager to the trees.
5
With teeth of flame, wind-driven, through the wood he speeds, triumphant like a
bull among the herd of cows,
With bright
strength roaming to the everlasting air: things fixed, things moving quake
before him as he flies.
6
The Bhrgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure,
beauteous, easy to invoke;
Thee, Agni,
as a herald and choice-worthy guest, as an auspicious Friend to the Celestial
Race.
7
Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sacrificer, him whom the priests elect at
solemn worship,
The Herald,
messenger of all the Vasus, I serve with dainty food, I ask for riches.
8
Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day
to us thy praisers.
O Agni, Son
of Strength, with forts of iron preserve thou from distress the man who lauds
thee.
9
Be thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to
those who worship.
Preserve
the singer from distress, O Agni. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and
early.
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