Aitareyabrahmana 6.35

6.35

The Aṅgirases performed the sacrifice for the Ādityas.
To them as they sacrificed they gave this earth filled with sacrificial gifts.
Accepted, she burned them; they threw her off.
Becoming a lioness, she roamed among people, gaping her mouth.
As she burned, these chasms were torn apart, which are these chasms in her;
before that, she had been quite continuous.
Therefore they say:
'One should not accept a sacrificial gift that has been rejected,
lest she, pierced with grief, pierce me with grief.'
If, however, one should accept it, one should give it to an unpleasing rival;
he indeed is ruined.
Now, he who shines yonder—
he, having assumed the form of a white horse, his self covered by a horse halter, stepped forth.
'We lead this [gift] to you,'—this is recited as the Devanītha:
'The Ādityas, O singer, led the sacrificial gift to the Aṅgirases;
they did not, O singer, go to meet it.'
For they did not go to meet this [earth].
'And they, O singer, did go to meet it.'
For they did go to meet that one [yonder].
'They did not, O singer, accept it.'
For they did not accept this [earth].
'And they, O singer, did accept it.'
For they did accept that one [yonder].
'Lest the days be without perception.'
For he is the perceiver of the days.
'Lest the sacrifices be without a leader.'
The sacrificial gift is indeed the leader of sacrifices.
Just as here a cart without a leading bull comes to harm,
so indeed a sacrifice without a sacrificial gift comes to harm.
Therefore they say:
'A sacrificial gift must certainly be given at the sacrifice, even if very small.'
'And the white, swift-flying one,
and the swiftest with his feet,
and may he swiftly fill the vessel;
the Ādityas, Rudras, and Vasus praise you;
accept this gift, O Aṅgiras!'
They thus desired the acceptance of the gift.
'This gift is great and broad;
may the gods give until chosen;
may that be well-perceived for you;
may it be among you day by day;
do accept it!'
Thus they caused him to accept it.
He recites this Devanītha separating word by word, as [he recites] a nivid.
With its last word he utters the praṇava, as [with that] of a nivid.