2Soon as he sprang to birth that Agni was shown forth to Matarisvan in the highest firmament. When he was kindled, through his power and majesty his fiery splendour made the heavens and earth to shine.

3His flames that wax not old, beams fair to look upon of him whose face is lovely, shine with beauteous sheen. The rays of Agni, him whose active force is light, through the nights glimmer sleepless, ageless, like the floods.

4Send thou with hymns that Agni to his own abode, who rules, one Sovran Lord of wealth, like Varuna, Him, All−possessor, whom the Bhrgus with their might brought to earth's central point, the centre of the world.

5He whom no force can stay, even as the Maruts' roar, like to a dart sent forth, even as the bolt from heav en, Agni with sharpened jaws chews up and cats the trees, and conquers them as when the warrior smites his foes.

6And will not Agni find enjoyment in our praise, will not the Vasu grant our wish with gifts of wealth? Will not the Inspirer speed our prayers to gain their end? Him with the radiant glance 1 laud with this my song.

7The kindler of the flame wins Agni as a Friend, promoter of the Law, whose face is bright with oil. Inflamed and keen, refulgent in our gatherings, he lifts our hymn on high clad in his radiant hues.

8Keep us incessantly with guards that cease not, Agni, with guards auspicious, very mig hty. With guards that never slumber, never heedless, never beguiled. O Helper, keep our c hildren.