HYMN VI. Agni.

1. PRIEST of our rite, stand up erect, O Agni, in the Gods' service best of sacrificers,

For over evei y thought thou art the Ruler: thou furtherest e'en the wisdom of the pious.

2 He was set down mid men as Priest unerring, Agni, wise, welcome in our holy synods.

Like Savitar he hath lifted up his splendour, and like a builder raised his smoke to heaven.

3 The glowing ladle, filled with oil, is lifted; choosing Gods' service to the right he circles.

Eager he rises like the new-wrought pillar which, firmly set and fixed, anoints the victims.

4 When sacred grass is strewn and Agni kindled, the Adhvaryu rises to, his task rej o cing.

Agni the Priest, like one who tends the cattle, goes three times round, as from of old he wills it.

5 Agni himself, the Priest, with measured motion, goes round, with sweet speech, cheerful, true to Order.

His fulgent flames run forth like vigorous horses; all creatures are affrighted when he blazes.

6 Beautiful and auspicious is thine aspect, O lovely Agni, terrible when spreading.

Thy splendours are not covered by the darkness: detraction leaves no stain upon thy body.

7 Naught hindered his production, Bounteous Giver: his Mother and his Sire were free to send him.

Then as Friend benevolent, refulgent, Agni shone forth in human habitations.

8 He, Agni, whom the twice-five sisters, dwelling together, in the homes of men engendered,

Bright like a spear's tooth, wakened in the morning, with powerful mouth and like an axe well-sharpened.

9 These thy Bay Coursers, Agni, dropping fatness, ruddy vigorous, speeding straightly forward,

And red steeds, wonderful, of mighty muscle, are to this service of the Gods invited:

10 These brightly-shining games of thine, O Agni, that move for ever restless, allsubduing,

Like falcons hasting eagerly to the quarry, roar loudly like the army of the Maruts.

11 To thee, O flaming God, hath prayer been offered. Let the priest laud thee: give to him who worships.

Men have established Agni as Invoker, fain to adore the glory of the living.