Book 6: Hymn 76: A benediction on a new-born Kshatriya child

HYMN LXXVI

A benediction on a new-born Kshatriya child

1Those who are sitting round this babe prepare him to be looked
upon.
Let Agni thoroughly inflamed with all his tongues rise from his-
heart.
2For 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.
3The man who knows his fuel laid in order by the Kshatriya
Sets not his foot upon the steep declivity that leads to Death.
4Those 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.