O Agni, thou messenger of the dawn! When the night hath held dominion for long hours and the darkness seemeth it shall never lift, thou comest bearing the first light of morning. The eastern horizon beginneth to glow with thy presence. The stars fade before thee. The birds awaken and sing their joy at thy coming.

Thou art the herald of a new day, O Fire! Thou announgest to all creation that the night hath passed, that life returneth, that another cycle of being hath commenced. With thee cometh warmth and light and possibility. The world is renewed in thy radiance. All creatures stir and prepare themselves for the day's labor.

The sun himself doth follow in thy wake, O Messenger! Like a chariot drawn by horses of golden light, he rideth across the sky, following the path that thou hast illumined. The two of you—thou and the sun—are as brothers, as companions in the work of bringing forth the day.

The priests of the Vedas kindle thee at dawn with special reverence, O Agni. The morning sacrifice is most holy, most efficacious, for it is performed when thy presence is most manifest in the world. The smoke from the dawn offering rideth upon the light that thou hast brought forth, carrrying the prayers and hopes of all mortals upward to the gods.

We mortals too do greet thee with joy at dawn, O Fire. The servant kindles thee in the household fire. The warrior prepareth himself for the day's journey, knowing that thou hast brought forth the light by which he may see. The merchant setteth forth with his goods, confident that thy presence will protect him on the road.

Come now, O Messenger of Morning! Bring us the light by which we may see the truth! Bring us the warmth that giveth life and courage! Let thy presence disperse all the shadows of the night that have lingered within our hearts!