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1. WITH this my
reverent hymn I call Agni for you, the Son of Strength,
Dear, wisest envoy, served with
noble sacrifice, immortal messenger of all.
2 His two red
horses, all-supporting, let him yoke: let him, well-worshipped, urge them fast.
Then hath the sacrifice good
prayers and happy end, and heavenly gift of wealth to men.
3 The flame of
him the Bountiful, the Much-invoked, hath mounted up,
And his red-coloured
smoke-clouds reach and touch the sky: the men are kindling Agni well.
4 Thee, thee
Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring the Gods hither to the feast.
Give us, O Son of Strength, all
food that fcedeth man: give that for which we pray to thee.
5 Thou, Agni,
art the homestead's Lord, our Herald at the sacrifice.
Lord of all boons, thou art the
Cleanser and a Sage. Pay worship, and enjoy the good.
6 Give riches
to the sacrificer, O Most Wise, for thou art he who granteth wealth.
Inspire with zeal each priest
at this our solemn rite; all who are skilled in singing praise.
7 O Agni who
art worshipped well, dear let our princes he to thee,
Our wealthy patrons who are
governors of men, who part, as gifts, their stalls of kine.
8 They in
whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, Ila sits down well-satisfied -
Guard them, Victorious God,
from slander and from harm. give us a refuge famed afar.
9 Do thou, a
Priest with pleasant tongue, most wise, and very near to us,
Agni, bring riches hither to
our liberal chiefs, and speed the oflering of our gifts.
10 They who
bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved by desire of great renown -
Do thou with saving help
preserve them from distress, Most Youthful! with a hundred forts.
11 The God who
gives your wealth demands a full libation poured to him.
Pour ye it forth, then fill the
vessel full again: then doth the God pay heed to you.
12 Him have
the Gods appointed Priest of sacrifice, oblation-bearer, passing wise.
Agni gives wealth and valour to
the worshipper, to folk who offer up their gifts.
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