II

The Brahman perceived this and appeared before them. They did
not know what mysterious form it was.


III

They said to Fire: "O Jataveda (All-knowing)! Find out what
mysterious spirit this is." He said: "Yes."


IV

He ran towards it and He (Brahman) said to him: "Who art thou?"
"I am Agni, I am Jataveda," he (the Fire-god) replied.


V

Brahman asked: "What power resides in thee?" Agni replied: "I can
burn up all whatsoever exists on earth."


VI

Brahman placed a straw before him and said: "Burn this." He
(Agni) rushed towards it with all speed, but was not able to burn
it. So he returned from there and said (to the Devas): "I was
not able to find out what this great mystery is."