Atharva Veda · 41 of 724

HYMN VI

A prayer to Agni for protection 1. Half-years and seasons strengthen thee, O Agni, the years, and    all the Verities, and Rishis!   Flash forth with thy celestial effulgence: illumine all four regions    of the heavens. 2. Kindle thee, Agni, and make this man prosper: rise up erect    for high and happy fortune.   Agni, be those uninjured who adore thee, and may thy priests be    glorious and no others. 3. These Brāhmans have elected thee, O Agni: be thou propitious    in our sacred chamber.   Slayer of rivals, Agni, quell our foemen: watch in our house    with care that never ceases. 4. Seize, Agni, on thy power and firmly hold it: contend thou with    the Friend by way of friendship.   Placed in the centre of our fellows, Agni, flash forth to be    invoked by kings around thee. 5. Past those who slay, past enemies, past thoughtless men, past    those who hate,   Yea, Agni, hear us safe past all distresses: give thou us opulence    with men about us.