O Agni, god of sacrifice, thou whom mortals kindle with their hands! Hear now the hymn of praise that riseth from the priest's own heart.

Thou art the face of Varuna; thou art the will of all the gods made manifest in flame. When the sacred wood is laid and butter floweth, thou dost come as one expected unto a feast.

The rays of Agni spread throughout the world. None can escape the might and splendor of his light. He pierceth through the darkness with his brilliant tongue; the demons flee before his glowing face.

O guest divine, accept our offering! The soma floweth for thy pleasure; the hymns are sung to make thee glad. Come hither to the house of men, and let thy blessing rest upon us all.

Let not the evil-doer do us harm, O Agni. Let not the demons find their way into our dwelling. Burn thou away all wickedness and malice; purify us with thy sacred flame.