To Agni

 

O Fire of God, eater of the sacrifice,

Destroyer, raven up the rotting grave,

Consume the dead, the wood, the balming spice,

Spring forth and purify, illumine, save.

 

O thunder-bolt speed down, fall fast as fate,

Across the pitch-dark sky to the stony night,

Where all the murky, muddy pools stagnate,

O Grace of God, flash far your sun-delight.

 

O Love that burns, soul-piercing, flaming dart,

Lift high the singing sacrifice, above;

Within your red-gold rapture fold the heart,

Transmute both mind and body in your love.

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