Agni (HYMN I)

I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice, the hotar, lavishest of wealth. Worthy is Agni to be praised by living as by ancient seers. He shall bring hitherward the Gods. Through Agni man obtaineth wealth, yea, plenty waxing day by day, most rich in heroes, glorious.

Agni, the perfect sacrifice which thou encompassest about verily goeth to the Gods. May Agni, sapient-minded Priest, truthful, most gloriously great, the God, come hither with the Gods. Whatever blessing, Agni, thou wilt grant unto thy worshipper, that, Angiras, is indeed thy truth.

To thee, dispeller of the night, O Agni, day by day with prayer; Bringing thee reverence, we come.

Ruler of sacrifices, guard of Law eternal, radiant One, Increasing in thine own abode. Be to us easy of approach, even as a father to his son: Agni, be with us for our weal.

Rig Veda (Griffith tr.)

More glorious and more dread than from no fall

Mee though just right, and the fixt Laws of Heav'n
Did first create your Leader, next, free choice,
With what besides, in Counsel or in Fight,
Hath bin achievd of merit, yet this loss
Thus farr at least recover'd, hath much more
Establisht in a safe unenvied Throne
Yeilded with full consent.

Source: John Doe