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1. VERILY wondrous is the
tender Youngling's growth who never draweth nigh to drink his Mothers' milk.
As soon as she who hath no udder bore him, he,
faring on his great errand, suddenly grew strong.
2 Then Agni was his name, most
active to bestow, gathering up the trees with his consuming tooth;
Skilled in fair sacrifice, armed with
destroying tongue, impetuous as a bull that snorteth in the mead.
3 Praise him, yourGod who,
bird-like, rests upon a tree, scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his
flood,
Speaking aloud with flame as with his lips a
priest, and broadening his paths like one of high command.
4 Thou Everlasting, whom,
far-striding fain to burn, the winds, uninterrupted, never overcome,
They have approached, as warriors eager for the
fight, heroic Trita, guiding him to gain his wish.
5 This Agni is the best of
Kanvas, Kanvas' Friend, Conqueror of the foe whether afar or near.
May Agni guard the singers, guard the princes
well: may Agni grant to us our princes' gracious help.
6 Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly
following, make thyself the lord of Jatavedas, mightiest of all,
Who surely gives a boon even in thirsty land
most powerful, prepared to aid us in the wilds.
7 Thus noble Agni with princes
and mortal men is lauded, excellent for conquering strength with chiefs,
Men who are well-disposed as friends and true
to Law, even as the heavens in majesty surpass mankind.
8 O Son of Strength,
Victorious, with this title Upastuta's most potent voice reveres thee.
Blest with brave sons by thee we will extol
thee, and lengthen out the days of our existence.
9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of
Vrstihavya, the Rsis, the Upastutas invoked thee.
Protect them, guard the singers and the
princes. With Vasat! have they come, with hands uplifted, with their uplifted
hands and cries of Glory!
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