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202
VEDIC HYMNS.
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), Gâtavedas 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 3, 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 3. 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
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