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22
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA I, HYMN 31.
ASHTAKA I, ADHYAYA 2, VARGA 32-35.
I. Thou, O Agni, (who art) the first Angiras Rishi, hast become as god the kind friend of the gods. After thy law the sages, active in their wisdom', were born, the Maruts with brilliant spears.
2. Thou, O Agni, the first, highest Angiras, a sage, administerest the law of the gods, mighty for the whole world, wise, the son of the two mothers', reposing everywhere for (the use of) the living3.
3. Thou, O Agni, as the first, shalt become1 manifest to Mâtarisvan, through thy high wisdom, to Vivasvat. The two worlds trembled at (thy) election as Hotri. Thou hast sustained the burthen; thou, O Vasu, hast sacrificed to the great (gods).
4. Thou, O Agni, hast caused the sky to roar1 for Manu, for the well-doing Purûravas, being thyself a greater well-doer. When thou art loosened by power (?) from thy parents, they led thee hither before and afterwards again.
5. Thou, O Agni, the bull, the augmenter of prosperity, art to be praised by the sacrificer who raises the spoon, who knows all about the offering1 and (the sacrifice performed with) the word Vashat. Thou (god) of unique vigour art the first to invite the clans.
6. Thou, O Agni, leadest forward the man who follows crooked ways', in thy company at the sacrifice', O god dwelling among all tribes, who in the strife of heroes, in the decisive moment for the
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