Sama Veda

FIRST PART

BOOK II

Chapter I

Decade I Agni

1

Agni, thy faithful servant I call upon thee with many a gift,
As in the keeping of the great inciting God.

2

To Agni, to the Hotar-priest offer your best, your lofty speech,
To him ordainer-like who bears the light of songs.

3

O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength,
Bestow on us, O Jatavedas, high renown

4

Most skilled in sacrifice, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious, man:
A joyful Priest, thy splendour drives our foes afar

5

Taught by seven mothers at his birth was he, for glory of the wise.
He, firm and sure, hath set his mind on glorious wealth

6

And in the day our prayer is this: May Aditi come nigh to help,
With loving-kindness bring us weal and chase our foes

7

Worship thou Jatavedas, pray to him who willingly accepts,
Whose smoke wanders at will, and none may grasp his flame

8

No mortal man can e'er prevail by arts of magic over him
Who hath served Agni well, the oblation-giving God.

9

Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil-hearted thief away,
Far, far, Lord of the brave! and give us easy paths!

10

O hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine
Burn down the Rakshasas, enchanters, with thy flame!