Rig-Veda, Book 4: HYMN IX. Agni

1. AGNI, show favour: great art thou who to this pious man art come, To seat thee on the sacred grass. 2 May he the Immortal, Helper, bard to be deceived among mankind, Become the messenger of all. 3 Around the altar is he led, welcome Chief Priest at solemn rites, Or as the Potar sits him down. 4 Agni in fire at sacrifice, and in the house as Lord thereof, And as a Brahman takes his seat. 5 Thou comest as the guide of folk who celebrate a sacrifice, And to oblations brought by men. 6 Thou servest as his messenger whose sacrifice thou lovest well, To bear the mortal's gifts to heaven. 7 Accept our solemn rite; be pleased, Aṅgiras, with our sacrifice: Give ear and listen to our call. 8 May thine inviolable car, wherewith thou guardest those who give, Come near to us from every side.