21n the two fire−sticks Jatavedas lieth, even as the well−set germ in pregnant women, Agni who day by day must be exalted by men who watch and worship with oblations.

3Lay this with care on that which lies extended: straight hath she borne the Steerwhen made prolific. With his red pillar−radiant is his splendour −in our skilled task is born the Son of Ila.

4In Ila's place we set thee down, upon the central point of earth, That, Agni Jatavedas, thou mayst bear our offerings to the Gods.

5Rub into life, ye men, the Sage, the guileless, Immortal, very wise and fair to look on. O men, bring forth the most propitious Agni, first ensign of the sacrifice to eastward.

6When with their arms they rub him straight he shineth forth like a strong courser, red in colour, in the wood. Bright, checkless, as it were upon the Atvins' path, lie passeth by the stones and burneth up the grass.

7Agni shines forth when born, observant, mighty, the bountiful, the Singar praised by sages; Whom, as adorable and knowing all things, Gods set at solemn rites as offeringbearer.

8Set thee, O Priest, in, thine own place, observant: lay down the sacrifice in the home of worship. Thou, dear to Gods, shalt serve them with oblation: Agni, give long life to the sacrificer.

9Raise ye a mighty smoke, my fellow−workers! Ye shall attain to wealth without obstruction. This Agni is the battle−winning Hero by whom the Gods have overcome the Dasyus.

10This is thine ordered place of birth whence sprung to life thou shonest forth. Knowing this, Agni, sit thee down, and prosper thou the songs we sing.

11As Germ Celestial he is called Tanunapat, and Narasamsa born diffused in varied shape. Formed in his Mother he is Matarisvan; he hath, in his course, become the rapid flight of wind.

12With strong attrition rubbed to life, laid down with careful hand, a Sage, Agni, make sacrifices good, and for the pious bring the Gods.

13Mortals have brought to life the God Immortal, the Conqueror with mighty jaws, unfailing. The sisters ten, unwedded and united, together grasp the Babe, the new−born Infant.

14Served by the seven priests, he shone forth from ancient time, when in his Mother's bosom, in her lap, he glowed. Giving delight each day he closeth not his eye, since from the Asura's body hewas brought to life.

15Even as the Maruts, onslaughts who attack the foe, those born the first of all knew the full power of prayer. The Kusikas have made the glorious hymn ascend, and, each one singly in his home, have kindled fire.

16As we, O Priest observant, have elected thee this day, what time the solemn sacrifice began, So surely hast thou worshipped, surely hast thou toiled: come thou unto the Soma, wise and knowing all.