O Agni, thou art the guest immortal in every dwelling! When thou sittest in the hearth-fire of the poor man, thou makest his humble hut a palace. When thou gleamest in the great king's hall, thou art crowned with the splendor of kingdoms. Wherever mortal men kindle thee, thou art welcome and honored.

Thou art the friend of mankind — the only deity who dwelleth perpetually among us, not afar in the distant heavens. Each day we kindle thee; each night we tend thy glowing coals. Thou art our companion in joy and sorrow, in feast and famine, in war and in peace. Thou knowest the secret longings of every heart that burneth within thy sphere.

The wanderer, lost in the wilderness and cold, seeth thy light and is comforted. The child feareth the darkness until thou art kindled; then he sleepeth peacefully. The aged sit near thee for warmth and wisdom. The sick are healed by thy sacred touch. Thou art the comfort of all creatures.

Yet thou art not merely a guest — thou art a kinsman, a member of the household. We speak to thee as one speaketh to a beloved friend. We confide our hopes and fears unto thee. We bring thee our first fruits and our finest offerings, for thou hast earned our love through thy eternal faithfulness.

O Agni, stay with us! Do not forsake the hearths of mortals! Remain the bridge between our world and the immortal realm above. Guard our children; prosper our flocks; grant us length of days. Be our friend when all other friends fail us. Through thy gentle flame, let us know that the gods have not forgotten us.