HYMN LXXIII. Agni.

1. AGNI, your dearest Guest, I laud, him who is loving as a friend,

Who brings us riches like a car.

2 Whom as a far-foreseeing Sage the Gods have, from the olden time,

Established among mortal men.

3 Do thou, Most Youthful God, protect the men who offer, hear their songs,

And of thyself preserve their seed.

4 What is the praise wherewith, O God, Afigiras, Agni, Son of Strength,

We, after thine own wish and thought,

5 May serve thee, O thou Child of Power, and with what sacrifice's plan?

What prayer shall I now speak to thee?

6 Our God, make all of us to dwell in happy habitations, and

Reward our songs with spoil and wealth.

7 Lord of the house, what plenty fills the songs which thou inspirest now,

Thou whose hymn helps to win the kine?

8 Hirn Wise and Strong they glorify, the foremost Champion in the fray,

And mighty in his dwelling-place.

9 Agni, he dwells in rest and peace who smites and no one smites again:

With hero sons he prospers well