HYMN IX. Agni.

1. AGNI, show favour: great art thou who to this pious man art come,

To seat thee on the sacred grass.

2 May he the Immortal, Helper, bard to be deceived among mankind,

Become the messenger of all.

3 Around the altar is he led, welcome Chief Priest at solemn rites,

Or as the Potar sits him down.

4 Agni in fire at sacrifice, and in the house as Lord thereof,

And as a Brahman takes his seat.

5 Thou comest as the guide of folk who celebrate a sacrifice,

And to oblations brought by men.

6 Thou servest as his messenger whose sacrifice thou lovest well,

To bear the mortal's gifts to heaven.

7 Accept our solemn rite; be pleased, Angiras, with our sacrifice:

Give ear and listen to our call.

8 May thine inviolable car, wherewith thou guardest those who give,

Come near to us from every side.