i. 3. 5.

a I have passed by some, I have not approached others.
b I have found thee nearer than the farther, farther than the near.
c So I welcome thee, that art of Visnu, for the sacrifice to the gods.
d Let the god Savitr anoint thee with honey.
e O plant, guard it.
f O axe, harm it not.
g With thy top graze not the sky, with thy middle harm not the atmosphere, with earth be united.
h O tree, grow with a hundred shoots; may we grow with a thousand shoots.
i Thou, whom this sharp axe hath brought forward for great good
fortune, uncut, with wealth of heroes, (give us) riches.