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MANDALA I, HYMN 144.
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world as a shepherd (takes care of his cattle). These two variegated, great (goddesses) striving for gloriousness, the golden ones who move crookedly", have approached thy sacrificial grass.
7. Agni! Be gratified and accept graciously this prayer, O joy-giver, independent one, who art born in the Rita, good-willed one, whose face is turned towards us from all sides, conspicuous one, gay in thy aspect, like a dwelling-place rich in food .
NOTES.
The same Rishi. Metre, Gagati.—No verse occurs in the other Samhitas.
Verse 1. Note 1. The Hotri is Agni.
Note 2. Comp. III, 27, 7, where it is said of Agni: purástât eti mâyáya.—The poet says éti prá, and not prá eti, in order to avoid the hiatus.
Note 3. Comp. below, III, 6, 1. dakshina-vát.
Note 4. Which first, i.e. at the time when the sacrificial vessels are put down, kiss his dhaman (foundation), i. e. the place of Agni.' Sâyana.
Verse 2. Note 1. Comp. IX, 75, 3. abhi im ritásya dohánâh anashata, and VIII, 12, 32. nâbhâ yagñásya dohánå prá adhvaré. I take dohánah as acc. plur. of an abstract noun dohánå formed like garaná, bhandána, &c. But possibly it might be the nom. plur. either of the same noun or of a nomen agentis dohána : 'the streams of Rita (the libations ?) or the milkers of Rita, hidden at the birthplace of the god, have greeted him with shouts. It would
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