The Rig Veda

by Anonymous

Agni, be this our sacrifice eternal, with brave friends, rich in kine and sheep and horses, Rich, Asura! in sacred food and children, in full assembly, wealth broad-based and during. 6. The man who, sweating, brings for thee the fuel, and makes his head to ache, thy faithful servant,— Agni, to him be a self-strong Protector guard him from all who seek to do him mischief. 7. Who brings thee food, though thou hast food in plenty, welcomes his cheerful guest and speeds him onward, Who kindles thee devoutly in his dwelling,—to him be wealth secure and freely giving. 8. Whoso sings praise to thee at eve or morning, and, with oblation, doth the thing thou lovest,— In his own home, even as a gold-girt courser, rescue him from distress, the bounteous giver. 9. Whoso brings gifts to thee Immortal, Agni, and doth thee service with uplifted ladle,— Let him not, sorely toiling, lose his riches; let not the sinner's wickedness enclose him.