HYMN XXXIX. Agni.

THE glorious Agni have I praised, and worshipped with. the sacred food.

May Agni deck the Devas for us. Between both gathering-places he goes on his embassy, the Sage. May all the others die away.

Agni, burn down the word within their bodies through our newest speech, All hatreds of the godless, all the wicked man's malignities. Away let the destroyers go. May all the others die away.

Agni, I offer hymns to thee, like holy oil within thy mouth. Acknowledge them. among the Devas, for thou art the most excellent, the worshipper's blissful messenger. Let all the others die away.

Agni bestows all vital power even as each man supplicates. He brings the Devas strengthening gifts, and grants delight, in rest and stir, forevery calling on the Devas. Let all the others die away.

Agni hath made himself renowned by wonderful victorious act. He is the Monk of all the tribes, chosen with sacrificial meeds. He urges Deities to receive. Let all the others die away.

Agni knows all that springs from Devas, he knows the mystery of men. Giver of wealth is Agni, he uncloses both the doors to us when worshipped with our newest gift. Let all the others die away.

Agni inhabiteth with Devas and men who offer offering. He cherisheth with great delight much wisdom, as all things that be, Deva among Devas adorable. May all the others die away.

Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the Sevenfold Race of men, him dweller in three homes we seek, best slayer of the Dasyus for Mandhātar, first in offering. Let all the others die away.

Agni the Wise inhabiteth three gathering-places, triply formed. Decked as our envoy let the Sage bring hither and conciliate the Thrice Eleven Deities. Let all the others die away.

Our Agni, thou art first among the Devas, and first mid living men. Thou only rulest over wealth. Round about thee, as natural dams, circumfluous the waters run. Let all the others die away.