Hear us now, O twin lords most high! We gather at the dawn to praise thy names, to pour the sacred butter upon the altar, to sing the hymns that have been chanted since the world was young. Accept this offering from thy servants who dwell in darkness and confusion.

Mitra, who dost bring together all creatures in the bonds of friendship! Varuṇa, who dost hold all things in the net of cosmic law! Together ye are the pillars upon which the three worlds rest. Without thee, the heavens would fall; the earth would crumble; all would return to chaos and void.

We beseech thee—grant us prosperity! Let our cattle increase; let our fields bear grain beyond measure. Let our women bear sons strong and wise; let our enemies flee before us. Yet we ask not for these things out of greed or pride, but that we may honor thee with greater sacrifice, that we may sing thy praises with hearts made glad by thy blessings.

More than wealth, we desire thy favour. More than abundance, we desire thy approval. For without thy blessing, all treasures turn to ash; without thy grace, the mightiest man becomes as dust before the wind.

Therefore accept this hymn, this prayer, this offering! Let it rise before thee as incense riseth to heaven. Let it penetrate thy ears as the cry of the suffering penetrateth the heart of a merciful man. Grant us thy peace, thy justice, thy eternal vigilance. Let us dwell in thy light until the sun falleth from the sky and the stars are scattered like ashes upon the wind.