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1. WIN, to assist you, Rudra, Lord of
worship, Priest of both worlds, effectual
Sacrificer,
Agni, invested with his golden colours, before the thunder
strike and lay you senseless.
2 This shrine have we made ready for thy
coming, as the fond dame attires her for her husband.
Performer of good work, sit down before us, invested while
these flames incline to meet thee.
3 A hymn, O Priest, to him who hears, the
gentle, to him who looks on men, exceeding gracious,
A song of praise sing to the God Immortal, whom the stone, presser
of the sweet juice, worships.
4 Even as true knower of the Law, O Agni,
to this our solemn rite he thou attentive.
When shall thy songs of festival be sung thee? When is thy
friendship shown within our dwelling?
5 Why this complaint to Varuna, O Agni? And
why to Heaven? for what is our transgression?
How wilt thou speak to Earth and bounteous Mitra? What wilt
thou say to Aryaman and Bhaga?
6 What, when thou blazest on the lesser
altars, what to the mighty Wind who comes tobless us,
True, circumambient? what to Earth, O Agni, what wilt thou
say to man-destroying Rudra?
7 How to great Pusan who promotes our
welfare,- to honoured Rudra what, who gives oblations?
What sin of ours to the far-striding Visnu, what, Agni, wilt
thou tell the Lofty Arrow.
8 What wilt thou tell the truthful band of
Maruts, how answer the great Sun when thou art questioned?
Before the Free, before the Swift, defend us: fulfil
heaven's work, all-knowing Jatavedas.
9 I crave the cow's true gift arranged by
Order: though raw, she hath the sweet ripe juice, O Agni.
Though she is black of hue with milk she teemeth,
nutritious, brightly shining, all-sustaining.
10 Agni the Bull, the manly, hath been
sprinkled with oil upon his back, by Law eternal.
He who gives vital power goes on unswerving. Prsni the Bull
hath milked the pure wiiite udder.
11 By Law the Angirases cleft the rock
asunder, and sang their hymns together with the cattle.
Bringing great bliss the men encompassed Morning: light was
apparent at the birth of Agni.
12 By Law the Immortal Goddesses the
Waters, with meath-rich waves, O Agni, and uninjured,
Like a strong courser lauded in his running, sped to flow
onward swiftly and for ever.
13 Go never to the feast of one who harms
us, the treacherous neighbour or. unworthy kinsman.
Punish us not for a false brother's trespass. Let us riot
feel the might of friend or foeman.
14 O Agni, keep us safe with thy
protection, loving us, honoured God! and ever guarding.
Beat thou away, destory severe affliction slay e'en the
demon when he waxes mighty.
15 Through these our songs of praise be
gracious, Agni; moved by ourprayers, O Hero, touch our viands.
Accept, O Angiras, these our devotions, and let the praise
which Gods desire address thee.
16 To thee who knowest, Agni, thou
Disposer, all these wise secret speeches have I uttered,
Sung to thee, Sage, the charming words of wisdom, to thee, O
Singer, with. my thoughts and Praises.
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