HYMN X. Agni.

1. INSTALL at sacrifice, while the rite advances, your pleasant, heavenly Agni, meet for praises.

With hymns-for he illumines us-install him. He, Jatavedas, makes our rites successful.

2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled,

Laud which bards send forth pure as sacred butter, strength to this man, as 'twere for self-advantage.

3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni,

And the God, wondrous bright, with wondrous succours helps him to win a stable filled with cattle.

4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far-apparent splendour:

And he himself hath been. through night's thick darkness, made manifest by light, the Purifier.

5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes,

Who stand preeminent, surpassing others in liberal gifts, in fame, and hero virtues.

6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth.

Fair hymns hadst thou among the Bharadvajas, and holpest them to gain abundant vigour.

7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.