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16
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA I, HYMN 27.
ASHTAKA I, ADHYAYA 2, VARGA 22-24.
A.
1. With reverence. I shall worship thee who art long-tailed like a horse, Agni, the king of worship.
2. May he, our son of strength', proceeding on his broad way, the propitious, become bountiful
to us.
3. Thus protect us always, thou who hast a full life, from the mortal who seeks to do us harm1, whether near or afar.
4. And mayest thou, O Agni, announce to the gods this our newest efficient Gâyatra song.
5. Let us partake of all booty that is highest and that is middle (i. e. that dwells in the highest and in the middle world); help us to the wealth that is nearest.
6. O god with bright splendour, thou art the distributor. Thou instantly flowest for the liberal giver in the wave of the river, near at hand.
B.
7. The mortal, O Agni, whom thou protectest in battles, whom thou speedest in the races1, he will command constant nourishment:
8. Whosoever he may be, no one will overtake him, O conqueror (Agni)! His strength is glorious.
9. May he (the man), known among all tribes 3, win the race with his horses; may he with the help of his priests become a gainer.
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