HYMN XII. Agni.

I. To Agni, lofty Asura, meet for worship, Steer of eternal Law, my prayer I offer;

I bring my song directed to the Mighty like pure oil for his mouth at sacrifices.

2 Mark the Law, thou who knowest, yea, observe it: send forth the full streams of eternal Order.

I use no sorcery with might or falsehood the sacred Law of the Red Steer I follow.

3 How hast thou, follower of the Law eternal, become the knower of a new song, Agni?

The God, the Guardian of the seasons, knows me: the Lord of him who won this wealth I know not.

4 Who, Agni, in alliance with thy foeman, what splendid helpers won for them their riches?

Agni, who guard the dwelling-place of falsehood? Who are protectors of the speech of liars?

5 Agni, those friends of thine have turned them from thee: gracious of old, they have become ungracious.

They have deceived themselves by their own speeches, uttering wicked words against the righteous.

6 He who pays sacrifice to thee with homage, O Agni, keeps the Red Steer's Law eternal;

Wide is his dwelling. May the noble offipring of Nahusa who wandered forth come hither.