MANDALA II, HYMN 4.

ASHTAKA II, ADHYAYA 5, VARGA 24-25.

1. I call for you Agni, shining with beautiful shine, praised with beautiful praise , the guest of the clans, the receiver of fine offerings, who is desirable like Mitra (or, like an ally), Gatavedas the god, among godly people.

2. The Bhrigus worshipping him in the abode of the waters have verily established him among the clans of Ayu. Let him surpass all worlds, Agni, the steward of the gods , the possessor of quick horses.

3. The gods have established beloved Agni among the human clans as (people) going to settle (establish) Mitra . May he illuminate the nights that are longing (for him), he who should be treated kindly by the liberal (worshipper) in his house.

4. His prosperity is delightful as good pasture (?) ; delightful is his appearance when the burning one is driven forward, he who quickly shaking his tongue among the plants waves his tail mightily like a chariot-horse.

5. When they praised to me the monstrous might of the eater of the forests , he produced his (shining) colour as (he has done) for the Usigs . With shining splendour he has shone joyously, he who having grown old has suddenly become young (again).

6. He who shines on the forests as if he were thirsty, who resounded like water on its path, like (the rattle of the wheels) of a chariot --he whose

path is black, the hot, the joyous one has shone, laughing like the sky with its clouds.

7. He who has spread himself burning over the wide (earth), moves about like an animal, free, without a keeper. The naming Agni, burning down the brushwood, with a black trail , has, as it were, tasted the earth.

8. Now in the remembrance of thy former blessings this prayer has been recited to thee at the third sacrifice . Give to us, Agni, mighty strength with a succession of valiant men, with plenty of food; (give us) wealth with good progeny .

9. Give, O Agni, such vigour to thy praiser together with his liberal (lords), that the Gritsamadas, rich in valiant men, victorious over hostile plots, attaining (their aim) in secret, may overcome through thee (their rivals) who get behind .

NOTES.

The Rishi is Somahuti Bhargava, the metre Trishtubh.--No verse occurs in the other Samhitas.

Verse 1.