Rig Veda

Book 4, Hymn XV. Agni

1. AGNI the Herald, like a horse, is led forth at our solemn rite,
God among Gods adorable.

2 Three times unto our solemn rite comes Agni like a charioteer,
Bearing the viands to the Gods.

3 Round the oblations hath he paced, Agni the Wise, the Lord of Strength,
Giving the offerer precious boons.

4 He who is kindled eastward for Sṛñjaya, Devāvata's son,
Resplendent, tamer of the foe.

5 So mighty be the Agni whom the mortal hero shall command,
With sharpened teeth and bountiful.

6 Day after day they dress him, as they clean a horse who wins the prize.
Dress the red Scion of the Sky.

7 When Sahadeva's princely son with two bay horses thought of me,
Summoned by him I drew not back.

8 And truly those two noble bays I straightway took when offered me,
From Sahadeva's princely son.

9 Long, O ye Aśvins, may he live, your care, ye Gods, the princely son.
Of Sahadeva, Somaka.

10 Cause him the youthful prince, the son of Sahadeva, to enjoy
Long life, O Aśvins, O ye Gods.