HYMN II. Agni.

1. GLADDEN the yearning Gods, O thou Most Youthful: bring them, O Lord of Seasons, knowing seasons,

With all the Priests Celestial, O Agni. Best worshipper art thou of all Invokers.

2 Thine is the Herald's, thine the Cleanser's office, thinker art thou, wealth-giver, true to Order.

Let us with Svaha offer up oblations, and Agni, worthy God, pay the Gods worship.

3 To the Gods' pathway have we travelled, ready to execute what work we may accomplish.

Let Agni, for he knows, complete the worship. He is the Priest: let him fix rites and seasons.

4 When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, O Deities with whom is knowledge,

Wise Agni shall correct our faults and failings, skilled to assign each God his fitting season.

5 When, weak in mind, of feeble understanding, mortals bethink them not of sacrificing,

Then shall the prudent and discerning Agni worship the Gods, best worshipper, in season.

6 Because the Father hath produced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites, their brilliant Banner:

So win by worship pleasant homes abounding in heroes, and rich food to nourish all men.

7 Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvastar, maker of fair things, created,

Well knowing, all along the Fathers' pathway, shine with resplendent light, enkindled, Agni.