Why has the Best come to us? And the Youngest? For what purpose? What did we say? We didn’t blame the cup of noble birth. We, Brother Agni, praised the goodness of the wood.
Make the single cup into four: thus command the Gods. Therefore, I have come. If, O Sudhanvan’s children, you do this, you shall partake in sacrifice with the Gods.
What did you say to Agni in reply? A horse should be made, a chariot fashioned here, A cow should be created, and the two should grow young. When we have done these things, Brother, we turn to you.
When you, O Rbhus, had done, you asked, "Where did he go who came to us as a messenger?" Then Tvashtri, seeing the four cups, hid himself among the Consorts of the Gods.
As Tvashtri spoke thus, let us slay these men who reviled the cup, the drinking-cup of the Gods, They gave themselves new names when Soma juice was shed, and under these new names the Maiden welcomed them.
Indra yokes his horses, the Aśvins’ car is harnessed, Brihaspathi brings the Cow of every hue. You went as Rbhus, Vibhvan, Vāja to the Gods, skilled in war, obtaining your share in sacrifice.
You brought a cow from a hide; to that ancient Pair you gave back their youth. Out of a horse, Sudhanvan’s Sons, you formed a horse; a chariot you equipped, and went to the Gods.
Did you speak, "Drink this water," or "Drink this, the rinsing of the muñja grass?" If you don’t approve even this, Sudhanvan’s Sons, then at the third libation, you will be glad.
Most excellent are waters, said one of you; most excellent is Agni, said another. Another praised the lightning cloud to many. Then you shaped the cups, speaking the words of truth.
One drives the crippled cow down to the water, another trims the flesh brought on the carving board. One carries off the refuse at sunset. How did the Parents aid their children in their task!
On the high places you made the grass for man, and water in the valleys, by your skill, O Men. Rbhus, you did not today repeat that act