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316
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA IV, HYMN 2.
ASHTAKA III, ADHYÂYA 4, VARGA 16-19.
1. He who has been established as the steward among the mortals, the immortal, righteous one, and among the gods, being a god himself, the Hotri, the best sacrificer shall mightily flame1; Agni shall rise up1 with the offerings of Manus.
2. Here, O Agni, son of strength, thou goest for us to-day as a messenger, thou who art born, between the two races (of men and gods), having harnessed, O tall one, thy puissant, manly, brilliant (stallions)1.
3. Harnessing the two mighty, red steeds that swim in ghee-(the steeds) of Rita, I think, that are most swift with their mind', the ruddy ones, thou goest (as a messenger) between you, the gods, and the tribes of men 2.
4. O Agni, with thy good horses, and thy good chariot, rich in bounties, bring hither from among them (the gods)1 Aryaman, Varuna, and Mitra, Indra and Vishnu, the Maruts and the Asvins, to him who offers good oblations.
5. This sacrifice, O Agni, is rich in cows', in sheep and horses, in manly friends; it is never to be despised; it is rich in nourishment, O wonderful lord, rich in offspring; it is long-lasting wealth, broad-based, with (brilliant) assemblies.
61. Be a self-strong protector, O Agni, of the man who in the sweat of his brow brings fuel to thee 2, or heats his head desirous to worship thee. Deliver him from every harmful man.
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