HYMN XVII. Agni.

1. GOD, may a mortal call the Strong hither, with solemn rites, to aid,

A man call Agni to protect when sacrifice is well prepared.

2 Near him thou seemest mightier still in native glory, set to hold

Apart yon flame-hued vault of heaven, lovely beyond the thought of man.

3 Yea, this is by the light of him whom powerful siong hath bound to act,

Whose bearns of splendour flash on high as though they sprang from heavenly seed.

4 Wealth loads the Wonder-Worker's car through his, the very wise One's power.

Then, meet to be invoked among all tribes, is Agni ghorified.

5 Now, too, the princes shall obtain excellent riches by our lips.

Protect us for our welfare: lend thy succour, O thou Son of Strength. Be near in fight to prosper us.