Rig Veda

Book 4, Hymn VIII. Agni

1. YOUR envoy who possesses all, Immortal, bearer of your gifts,
Best worshipper, I woo with song.

2 He, Mighty, knows the gift of wealth, he knows the deep recess of heaven:
He shall bring hitherward the Gods.

3 He knows, a God himself, to guide Gods to the righteous in his home:
He gives e’en treasures that we love.

4 He is the Herald: well-informed, he doth his errand to and fro,
Knowing the deep recess of heaven.

5 May we be they who gratify Agni with sacrificial gifts,
Who cherish and enkindle him.

6 Illustrious for wealth are they, and hero deeds, victorious,
Who have served Agni reverently.

7 So unto us, day after day, may riches craved by many come,
And power and might spring up for us.

8 That holy Singer in his strength shoots forth his arrows swifter than
The swift shafts of the tribes of men.