BOOK II

HYMN I

Glorification of the prime cause of all things

1Vena beholds That Highest which lies hidden, wherein this All
  resumes one form and fashion.
Thence Prisni milked all life that had existence: the hosts that
  know the light with songs extolled her.
2Knowing Eternity, may the Gandharva declare to us that highest
  secret station.
Three steps thereof lie hidden in the darkness: he who knows
  these shall be the father's father.
3He is our kinsman, father, and begetter: he knows all beings
  and all Ordinances.
He only gave the Gods their appellations: all creatures go to
  him to ask direction.
4I have gone forth around the earth and heaven, I have approached
  the first-born Son of Order.
He, putting voice, as 'twere, within the speaker, stands in the
  world, he, verily is Agni.
5I round the circumjacent worlds have travelled to see the far-
  extended thread of Order.
Wherein the Gods, obtaining life eternal, have risen upward to
  one common birthplace.

Next: Hymn 2: A charm to ensure success in gambling