BOOK II

CHAPTER I

DECADE I Agni

1. Agni, thy faithful servant I call upon thee with many a gift,

As in the keeping of the great inciting God.

2. To Agni, to the Hotar-priest offer your best, your lofty speech,

To him ordainer-like who bears the light of songs.

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

Bestow on us, O Jatavedas, high renown

4. Most skilled in sacrifice, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious, man:

A joyful Priest, thy splendour drives our foes afar

5. Taught by seven mothers at his birth was he, for glory of the wise.

He, firm and sure, hath set his mind on glorious wealth

6. And in the day our prayer is this: May Aditi come nigh to help,

With loving-kindness bring us weal and chase our foes

7. Worship thou Jatavedas, pray to him who willingly accepts,

Whose smoke wanders at will, and none may grasp his flame

8. No mortal man can e'er prevail by arts of magic over him

Who hath served Agni well, the oblation-giving God.

9. Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil-hearted thief away,

Far, far, Lord of the brave! and give us easy paths!

10. O hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine

Burn down the Rakshasas, enchanters, with thy flame!