HALF-YEARS and Seasons strengthen thee, O Agni, the Years and all the Verities and Rishis!

Flash forth with thy celestial effulgence: illumine all four regions of the heaven.

2Kindle thee, Agni, rake this man to knowledge: rise up erect for great and happy fortune. Agni, be those uninjured who adore thee, thy priests be glorious and none beside them!

3The Brahmans present here elect thee, Agni: be thou propitious in our sanctuary. Slayer of rivals, Agni, quell our foemen: watch in thy house with care that never ceases.

4Even here do thou, O Agni, stablish wealth: let not oppressors injure thee by thinking of thee first. Light be thy task of ruling, Agni, with thy power: may he who worships thee wax strong, invincible.

5Kind to the people, grasp thy power, O Agni: contend thou with the Friend by way of friendship. Placed, Agni, in the centre of our kinsmen, flash forth to be invoked by Kings around thee.

6Past those who slay, past enemies, past thoughtless men, past those who hate, — Yes, Agni, drive away all woe and trouble: vouchsafe us opulence with men about us.

7Holder of sway, shine here refulgent, Agni! invincible, unconquered Jâtavedas. Light all the regions, chasing human terrors: with happy helps guard us to-day for increase.

8Brihaspati, Savitar, give this man knowledge: sharpen him thoroughly though already sharpened. To great and high felicity exalt him: in him let all the Gods rejoice and triumph.

9As thou, Brihaspati, from curse hast freed us, from dwelling yonder in the realm of Yama, The Asvins, Leeches of the Gods, O Agni, have chased Death far from us with mighty powers.

10Looking upon the loftier light, etc. as in XX. 21.

11Uplifted are the brands that are his fuel: lofty and brilliant are the flames of Agni, Splendidly bright of the Son fair of aspect.

13Tanûnapât the Asura, all-possessing, God among Gods, the God with mead and butter shall bedew the paths.

13With mead to sacrifice thou comest, Agni, earnest as friendly- minded Narâsamsa, and Savitar righteous God who brings all blessings.

14He cometh hitherward with power and fatness, the luminous, implored with adoration. While rites proceed the ladles move to Agni.

15Let him pay worship to this Agni’s greatness, daintily fed: he verily gives enjoyments: The wisest Vasu he, and best wealth giver.

16Widely expansive, ruling by foundation, the Doors divine — and, after, all — Preserve this Agni’s holy works.

17May Dawn and Night protect — his heavenly Consorts — in a his home this our sacrificial worship.

18Ye two celestial Hotars, greet with praises this lofty rite of ours, the tongue of Agni. Cause that our sacrifice be well conducted.

19Upon this grass three Goddesses be seated, Idâ, Sarasvatî, Bhâratî the Mighty glorified with song.

20This our productive wondrous flow may Tvashtar pour down on this man’s kin, and wealth and heroes.

21Vanaspatî, presenting