Aitareyabrahmana 3.28

3.28

Those other two metres indeed said to the gāyatrī:
‘Property has come to us: follow along [and give back] the syllables.’
‘No,’ said the gāyatrī, ‘as found, just so is it ours.’
They went with the question to the gods. Those gods said: ‘As found, just so is it yours.’
Therefore, even now, when finding [property], they say:
‘As found, just so is it ours.’
Then indeed the gāyatrī became of eight syllables, the triṣṭubh of three syllables,
the jagatī of one syllable.
That gāyatrī of eight syllables supported the morning pressing.
The triṣṭubh of three syllables could not support the midday pressing.
The gāyatrī said to her: ‘Let me come, let there be a share for me here too.’
The triṣṭubh said, ‘So be it;
do thou join me with these eight syllables.’ ‘So be it [said the other].’
She joined her.
That is the gāyatrī's share at midday, which consists of
the further introductory verses of the Marutvatīya cup and the follower verse.
Having become of eleven syllables, she supported the midday pressing.
The jagatī of one syllable could not support the third pressing.
The gāyatrī said to her: ‘Let me come, let there be a share for me here too.’
The jagatī said, ‘So be it;
do thou join me with these eleven syllables.’ ‘So be it [said the other].’
She joined her.
That is the gāyatrī's share at the third pressing,
which consists of the further introductory verses of the Vaiśvadeva cup and the follower verse.
Having become of twelve syllables, she supported the third pressing.
Then indeed the gāyatrī became of eight syllables, the triṣṭubh of eleven syllables,
and the jagatī of twelve syllables.
Through all metres equal in virility and equal in kinship does he prosper who knows thus. Being one,
it indeed became threefold. Therefore they say:
‘Gifts should be given to one who knows thus,’ for being one, it indeed became threefold.