Sama Veda

FIRST PART

BOOK I

Chapter II

Decade III Agni

1

Agni is wakened by the people's fuel to meet the Dawn who cometh like a milch-cow.
Like young trees shooting up on high their branches, his flames. are mounting to the vault of heaven.

2

Set forth the gleaming one, the song-inspirer, not foolish with. the foolish, fort-destroyer,
Who leadeth with his hymns to thought of conquest, gold-bearded, richly splendid with his armour

3

Thou art like heaven: one form is bright, one holy, like Day and Night dissimilar in colour.
All magic powers thou aidest, self-dependent! Auspicious bethy bounty here, O Pushan!

4

As holy food, Agni, to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels!
To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will to us-ward!

5

Stablished to fill the juice with vital vigour, giver of wealth, guard of his servant's body,
The great Priest, born, who knows the clouds, abider with men, is seated in the waters' eddy.

6

Let the song, honouring the best, with longing honour the Asura's most famous sovran,
The deeds of him the mighty, deeds like Indra's, the manly one in whom the folk must triumph!

7

In the two kindling-blocks lies Jatavedas like the well-cherished germ in pregnant women,--
Agni who day by day must be entreated by men who watch provided with oblations.

8

Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall Rakshasas in fight o'ercome thee.
Burn up the foolish ones, raw flesh devourers: let none of them escape thine heavenly arrow!