Hear now the tale of Agni, Mitra, Varuna, and Vishnu, as sung in the ancient hymns. A devotee addresses Agni, the youngest and mightiest, self-sustaining and ever-abundant. He calls out, “O Agni, hear my words. You who accept offerings, you who are praised by your worshippers, I honor your radiant form.” Agni, the all-knowing guardian, protects even those who are not kin, shielding the righteous from harm when darkness threatens. The envious and hostile cannot prevail against his guardianship. For those who oppose the devotee—be they wrongdoers or enemies—the powerful spell of Agni turns their malice back upon themselves. Agni cleanses his followers from the stain of evil words. Even when a wise and mighty mortal harms another with deceit, Agni stands as protector for those who praise and worship him, ensuring that harm does not befall them. Agni’s origins are wondrous. Mātariśvan churned him forth, the all-divine Hotar, who pervades all waters. Men placed him among their tribes, where he shines, radiant and splendid. Agni gives without exhaustion; the poet’s thoughts are offered for his and the devotee’s protection, and all Agni’s deeds are received with praise. Even in the eternal dwelling, Agni is established by the worshipful with songs of reverence. Streams are led forth, desires are fulfilled, like eager horses yoked to a chariot. Agni’s flames break through obstacles, shining in the forest, following the wind like a sharpened spear, extending through the days. Neither rivals nor adversaries, even those hidden in the womb, can stir Agni. The blind and unseeing fail to harm him; eternal guardians watch over him. Agni, lord of great wealth, seeks the path of generosity and treasures. The stones approach him as he comes to the place of pressing. He is a bull among men, renowned in both worlds, full of praise, settling in the womb as he moves forward. Emerging from the stronghold, Agni shines like a cloud, moving with a hundredfold strength, like the sun. The twice-born Hotar stands in all three luminous realms, in every space, the most fitting priest in the seat of the waters. He has established all desirable things for glory; those who offer pressed Soma to him find delight. Many times the devotee has spoken to Agni, knowing him as a giver and a shelter from the strong. Agni is steadfast—neither the loud nor the wealthy nor the angry can overcome him. He never abandons those who seek him, not even the godless. The wise mortal, shining and most powerful in the heavens, seeks to become a follower of Agni’s favor. Like Mitra, generated among cows for cattle wealth, in assemblies and waters, the two worlds respond to the beloved, worshipful support of beings. When Mitra and Varuna, invoked by the Soma-pouring worshipper, take their place by their own nature, they grant wisdom and are praised for their guidance, renowned as home guardians. To them, the peoples declare the birth of heaven and earth, recognizing their great skill. When they bear the immortal and the righteous, the Hotars guide worship with wisdom. Their mighty, beloved support, proclaimed as righteous and vast, has brought forth the skill of the great heaven. Like yoking a cow, they set the waters in motion. By their greatness, Mitra and Varuna remove coverings; the dusts and foundations are settled, resounding above, seeking the sun as the Dawns approach with their rays, like skilled women. The long-haired one approaches them for immortality, seeking their praise and wisdom. With their power, they inspire the poet’s mind. He who worships them with sacrifices and hymns, the sage Hotar, receives their guidance and favor. First adorned with sacrifices and cattle, righteous as the mind is set in motion, the hymns bear them, and they grant rich gifts with undiminished mind. Mitra and Varuna bear riches and grant wealth, protecting the mighty. Their greatness is unharmed by days, rivers, divinity, or merchants. They clothe themselves in rich garments; their thoughts are flawless, their creations true. Together, Mitra and Varuna uphold all things with truth, dispelling falsehood. Their wisdom is recognized among people; their counsel is mighty, praised by sages. Divine ordinances were first established by them. The first of the footed ones departs, and who knows this mystery of Mitra and Varuna? The embryo bears the burden, upholding truth and casting aside falsehood. The lover of young women circles, not approaching; the one clothed spreads wide, never falling, the beloved abode of Mitra and Varuna. Born without horse or whip, the roaring one runs, his summit raised; young men cherish the unintelligent hymn, singing praise to their abode. May nourishing cows devoted to the wise bring abundance; may he who knows the ways seek sustenance, stirring to awaken Aditi for vastness. Mitra and Varuna, may we turn to you with offerings cherished by you, with reverence and prayer. May our hymn be victorious in battles, may celestial rain be favorable. Together, Mitra and Varuna are worshipped with offerings and reverence; priests carry their gifts with pure thoughts. Let praise reach them as a well-composed hymn; when the priest invokes them in rituals, may their favor be brought forth. Aditi, the nourishing cow, pours out offerings for truth and the people; as priests honor them, so do humans bring gifts. Even among intoxicating drinks, cows, and waters, the divine ones nourish Mitra and Varuna. May the ancient lord grant protection through the milk of the tawny cow. Now let the mighty deeds of Vishnu be proclaimed. Vishnu measured out the earthly realms, establishing the upper abode with three wide strides. He is praised for his valor, like a fierce wild beast roaming the mountains; in his three great strides, all the worlds dwell. Let the hymn go forth to Vishnu, the wide-striding, strong, lord of the mountains, who alone measured out this long, extended abode with three steps. Thus, through these hymns, the story of the gods is woven: Agni’s radiant guardianship, Mitra and Varuna’s righteous wisdom and truth, and Vishnu’s mighty strides that uphold the worlds.