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.)

The Money Lord

ANTONIO: Commend me to your honourable wife: Tell her the process of Antonio's end. Say how I lov'd you, speak me fair in death; and, when the tale is told, bid her be judge whether Bassanio had not once a love.

BASSANIO: But life itself, my wife, and all the world are not with me esteemed above thy life; I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all here to this devil, to deliver you. (IV,i)

William Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice