________________
MANDALA IV, HYMN 7.
343
MANDALA IV, HYMN 7. ASHTAKA III, ADHYÅYA 5, VARGA 6-7.
1. This (Agni) has been established here as the first by the establishers, the Hotri, the best sacrificer who should be magnified at the sacrifices, whom Apnavâna and the Bhrigus have made shine, brilliant in the woods, spreading to every house.
2. Agni! When will the splendour of thee, the god, appear in the right way? For verily the mortals have seized thee who shouldst be magnified in the houses.
3. Seeing the righteous, wise one, like the heaven with the stars, who produces joy at all sacrifices, from house to house
4. The quick messenger of Vivasvat who rules over all human tribes: Him the Ayus have brought hither to every house, the light, him who belongs to the Bhrigus.
5. Him the knowing one they have set down in the right way as the Hotri, the gay one with his purifying flames, the best sacrificer with his seven (forms 1) —
6. Him who is enveloped in many mothers, in the wood ?, who does not rest thereon (?)?, who is brilliant, though hidden in secret, easily to be found, and striving for all that is desired.
7. When the gods rejoiced in the ... of the herbs ", in that udder ?, in the foundation of Rita the great Agni, to whom offerings are made with adoration, the righteous one, always approached eagerly for the sake of sacrifice.
Digitized by Google
