HYMN LXXIX. Agni.

1. HE in mid-air's expanse hath golden tresses; a raging serpent, like the rushing tempest:

Purely refulgent, knowing well the morn. ing; like honourable dames, true, active workers.

2 Thy well-winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the black Bull hath bellowed round about us.

With drops that bless and seem to smile he cometh: the waters fall, the clouds utter their thunder.

3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conducting by directest paths of Order

Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna, Parijman fill the hide full where lies the nether press-stone.

4 O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength,

Vouchsafe to us, O Jatavetlas, high renown.

5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song:

Shine, thou of many forms, shine radiantly on us.

6 O Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning breaks,

Burn, thou whose teeth are sharp, against the Raksasas.

7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid,

When the great hymn is chanted forth.

8 Bring to us ever-conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice,

In all our frays invincible.

9 Give us, O Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all our life,

Thy favour so that we may live.

10 O Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with care

To Agni of the pointed flames.

11 May the man fall, O Agni, who near or afar assaileth us:

Do thou increase and prosper us.

12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand-eyed, chaseth the Raksasas afar:

He singeth, herald meet for lauds.