O Agni, my beloved, my truest friend! It is I, Viśvāmitra, who speaketh to thee now from the depths of my heart. Not as a priest making formal petition, but as a man speaketh to his dearest companion. Thou knowest me better than I know myself — thou art present at every moment of my life, thou seest every secret of my soul.

When I kindle thee each morning, it is as though I am greeting an old friend whom I have known since time beyond remembering. The warmth of thy presence comforteth me, the light of thy countenance gladdeneth my eyes. In all the long journey of my life, thou hast been constant, faithful, true. Thou hast never abandoned me, never turned away thy face from me.

Thou knowest my struggles and my triumphs, my failures and my small successes. Thou hast witnessed every prayer I have uttered, every offering I have made. When I could not speak, thou hast known the cry of my heart. When I have stumbled and fallen, thou hast been there to restore me, to kindle again the fire of my hope.

What gift can I give unto thee, O beloved flame? What offering could possibly equal the devotion thou hast shown unto me? Yet I would give thee all that I have — my years, my strength, my very life itself. I would kindle thee with my own breath if I could, would feed thy flame with my own substance, would make myself as naught if thereby I could show the depth of my gratitude.

Grant unto me, O Agni, that my love for thee shall only deepen with the passing of the years. Let my heart ever turn toward thee as the flame turneth toward the heavens. Let my devotion burn as brightly as thou burnest. And when the time cometh for my life to pass into shadow, let it be thy flame that receiveth me, that transformeth me, that carryeth my essence unto the feet of the immortals. For thou art my beloved, O Agni, and I am thine eternal servant.