Atharva Veda · 244 of 724

HYMN LXXVI

A benediction on a new-born Kshatriya child 1. Those who are sitting round this babe prepare him to be looked    upon.   Let Agni thoroughly inflamed with all his tongues rise from his-    heart. 2. For length of life I use the name of Agni the Consuming God,   Whose smoke the sage who knows the truth beholds proceeding.    from his mouth. 3. The man who knows his fuel laid in order by the Kshatriya   Sets not his foot upon the steep declivity that leads to Death. 4. Those who encompass slay him not: he goes not near his lurk—    ing foes   The Kshatriya who, knowing well, takes Agni’s name for length    of life.