HYMN VII. Agni.

O AGNI, shared by all men living bring us good luck for offering from Earth and Heaven.

With us be thine intelligence, WonderWorker! Protect us, Deva, with thy far-reaching blessings.

These hymns brought forth for thee, O Agni, laud thee for bounteous gifts, with cattle and with horses. Good Lord, when man from thee hath gained enjoyment, by hymns, O noblyborn, hath he obtained it.

Agni I deem my Kinsman and my Father, count him my Brother and my Friend forever. I honour as the face of lofty Agni in Heaven the bright and holy light of SÅ«rya.

Effectual, Agni, are our meditations for profit. He whom, at home thou, Monk forever, guardest Is rich in food, drawn by red steeds, and holy: by day and night to him shall all be pleasant.

Men with their arms have generated Agni, helpful as some kind friend, adorned with splendours, and stablished as Invoker mid the people the ancient Monk the offering's lover.

Worship, thyself, O Devas in Heaven: what, void of knowledge, shall the fool avail thee? As thou, hast worshipped Devas by seasons, so, nobly-born! to thine own self pay worship.

Agni, be thou our Guardian and Protector bestow upon us life and vital vigour. Accept, O Mighty One, the gifts we offer, and with unceasing care protect our bodies.