2Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making, May agonies of burning be his portion. May the sky scorch the man who hates devotion.

3Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches? Why then beholdest thou how men revile us? Cast thy hot dart at him who hates devotion.

4May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me. My guardians be the firmly−seated mountains: the Fathers, when I call on Gods, defend me!

5Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises. Grant this the Treasure−Lord of treasures, coming, observant, oftenest of Gods, with succour!

6Most near, most oft comes Indra with protection, and she Sarasvati, who swells with rivers − Parjanya, bringing health with herbs, and Agni, well lauded swift to listen, like a father.

7Hear this mine invocation; come hither, O Universal Gods, Be seated on this holy grass.

8To him who comes to meet you, Gods, with offerings bathed in holy oil− Approach ye, one and all, to him.

9All Sons of Immortality shall listen to the songs we sing, And be exceeding good to us.

10May all the Gods who strengthen Law, with Rtus, listening to our call, Be pleased with theit appropriate draught.

11May 1ndra, with the Marut host, with Tvastar, Mitra, Aryaman, Accept the laud and these our gifts.

12O Agni, Priest, as rules ordain, offer this sacrifice of ours, Remembering the Heavenly Folk.

13Listen, All−Gods, to this mine invocation, Ye who inhabit heaven, and air's midregions, All ye, O Holy Ones, whose tongue is Agni, seated upon this sacred grass, be joyful.

14May the All−Gods who claim our worship hear my thought; may the two World−halves hear it, and th e Waters' Child. Let me not utter words that ye may disregard. Closely allied with you may we rejoice in bliss.

15And those who, Mighty, with the wiles of serpents, were born on earth, in heaven, where waters gather − May they vouchsafe us life of full duration. May the Gods kindly give us nights and mornings.

16At this my call, O Agni and Parjanya, help, swift to hear, my thought and our laudation. One generates holy food, the other offspring, so grant us food enough with store of children. 17 When hol y grass is strewn and fire enkindled, with hymn and lowly homage I invite you. All−Gods, to day in this o ur great assembly rejoice, ye Holy, in the gifts we offer.