By Manu's law was born this Agni, the skilled priest, born for the holy work of those who seek it, and for his own.
All ears to him who loves and seeks his favor, to him who strives for fame,
The priest never deceived, he sits in Iḷā’s holy place, surrounded by her holiness.
We call that perfecter of worship by the path or sacrifice; with offerings rich in reverence, with offerings rich in worship.
Through the presentation of our food, he does not grow old in this his form;
The God whom Mātariśvan brought from afar, Manu brought from afar.
In an orderly way, he traverses the earth swiftly, swallowing and bellowing, bearing the sweet seed, bellowing.
Observant with a hundred eyes, the God is conqueror in the wood:
Agni, who has his seat in broad plains here below, and in the high lands far away.
That Agni, wise High-Priest, in every house thinks about sacrifice and holy service, indeed, with mental power, for sacrifice.
Disposer, he with mental power shows all things to him who strives;
Born as a guest enriched with holy oil, born as Ordainer and as Priest.
When through his power and in his strong flames the Maruts' joyous gifts mingle with Agni's roar, gifts for the active One,
Then he accelerates the gift, and by the greatness of his wealth,
He will rescue us from overwhelming misery, from curse and overwhelming woe.
Vast, universal, good he was made messenger; the speeder with his right hand has not let go, through love of fame, not let go.
He bears oblations to the Gods for whoever supplicates.
Agni blesses each pious man and opens wide the doors for him.
That Agni, kind in the camp of men, in sacrifice like a victorious Lord, like a dear Lord in sacred rites.
His are the oblations of mankind when offered up at Iḷā’s place.
He shall preserve us from Varuṇa's chastisement, yes, from the great God's chastisement.
Agni the Priest they supplicate to grant them wealth: dear, thoughtful, they made him their messenger, offering-bearer,
Beloved of all, who knows all, the Priest, the Holy one, the Sage—
Friend for help, the Gods when they are fain for wealth, friend for help, with hymns,