Jaiminīya (Talavakāra) Brāhmaṇa 2.287

2.287

Therefore, when a Brahmin attains, as it were, greatness, he desires a Kṣatriya as a second protector of that food; [and] when a Kṣatriya [attains greatness], a Brahmin. In the beginning, the meters had four syllables [each and] did not carry the sacrifice. Now Soma was in Indra's third heaven. The Gandharvas, the fires—these very dhiṣṇya hearths—guarded it. They were indeed poisonous snakes. It was between two golden cups. They flew together in the twinkling of an eye. These meters said: 'Let us fetch the Soma, let us spread the sacrifice.' That jagatī flew up first, thinking [herself] the swiftest, the strongest, the most abundant, the most possessing of vital power. When she went away, the Soma-guardians took three of her syllables. She came back with one syllable, bringing the consecration and cattle. Therefore, whoever possesses cattle, to him the consecration is inclined to come. Then the triṣṭubh flew up. When she went away, the Soma-guardians took one syllable of hers. She came back with three syllables, bringing ascetic heat and sacrificial gifts. Therefore in the world of the triṣṭubh sacrificial gifts are led; therefore they consider him as one performing ascetic heat—