Aitareyabrahmana 2.26

2.26

These indeed are the vital breaths, that is, the [cups] to two deities: speech and the vital breath are the cup to Indra and Vāyu; the eye and the mind are that to Mitra and Varuṇa; hearing and the self are that to the Aśvins. Now, regarding this [cup] to Indra and Vāyu, some make two anuṣṭubh verses the introductory verses and two gāyatrī verses the offering verses, [saying]: 'This cup to Indra and Vāyu is speech and the vital breaths; thus they will be properly arranged in accordance with the metres.' That is not to be respected. Defective indeed is that performed in the sacrifice where the introductory verse is greater than the offering verse. Where indeed the offering verse is greater, that is prosperous, or where they are equal. And if one should do so for the sake of a desire for breath and speech, right here that is obtained: the previous introductory verse is addressed to Vāyu, the subsequent one to Indra and Vāyu; likewise for the two offering verses. That which is addressed to Vāyu, by that he arranges breath, for Vāyu is breath. Then that which is addressed to Indra and Vāyu, by the verse-quarter belonging to Indra in it, by that he arranges speech, for speech belongs to Indra. He attains that desire which is in breath and speech; he makes no disparity in the sacrifice.