HYMN XVIII. Agni.

1. AT dawn let: Agni, much-beloved guest of the house, be glorified;

Immortal who delights in all oblations brought by mortal men.

2 For Dvita who receives through wealth of native strength maimed offerings,

Thy praiser even gains at once the Soma-drops, Immortal Gods!

3 Nobles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with lengthened life,

For, God who givest steeds! that car hither and thither goes unharmed.

4 They who have varied ways of thought, who guard, the lauds within their lips,

And strew the grass before the light, have decked themselves with high renown.

5 Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite,

Heroes' illustrious, lofty fame, who at the synod met for praise presented me with fifty steeds.