HYMN II. Agni. – Rig Veda – Book 10 – Translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
1. GLADDEN the yearning Gods, O thou Most Youthful: bring them, O Lord of Seasons, knowing seasons,
With all the Priests Celestial, O Agni. Best worshipper art thou of all Invokers.
2 Thine is the Herald’s, thine the Cleanser’s office, thinker art thou, wealth-giver, true to Order.
Let us with Svāhā offer up oblations, and Agni, worthy God, pay the Gods worship.
3 To the Gods’ pathway have we travelled, ready to execute what work we may accomplish.
Let Agni, for he knows, complete the worship. He is the Priest: let him fix rites and seasons.
4 When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, O Deities with whom is knowledge,
Wise Agni shall correct our faults and failings, skilled to assign each God his fitting season.
5 When, weak in mind, of feeble understanding, mortals bethink them not of sacrificing,
Then shall the prudent and discerning Agni worship the Gods, best worshipper, in season.
6 Because the Father hath produced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites, their brilliant Banner:
So win by worship pleasant homes abounding in heroes, and rich food to nourish all men.
7 Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvaṣṭar, maker of fair things, created,
Well knowing, all along the Fathers’ pathway, shine with resplendent light, enkindled, Agni.