Agni is truly the Hotri and the performer of sacrifices. Agni is again the Brahma of the sacrifice. No libations can be poured into the sacrificial fire without uttering Mantras; there can be no penances without a person to perform them; the worship of the gods and men and the Rishis is done by the libations poured with Mantras. Hence, O Agni, you have been considered as the Hotri in sacrifices. You are, again, all the other Mantras that have been declared with regard to the Homa rites of men. The duty of the Brahmanas is to officiate for others in the sacrifices they perform. The two other castes viz., Kshatriyas and Vaishyas, that are included within the twice-born class, have not the same duty, laid down for them. Hence, Brahmanas are like Agni, who uphold sacrifices. The sacrifices strengthen the gods. Thus, strengthened the gods fructify the Earth. But the result that may be gained by the foremost of sacrifices may as well be done through the mouth of the Brahmanas.
अग्निहि यज्ञानां होता कर्ता स चाग्निब्रह्म॥ न हते मन्त्राणां हवनमस्ति न विना पुरुषं तपः सम्भवति। हविर्मन्त्राणां सम्पूजा विद्यते देवमानुषऋषीणामनेन त्वं होतेति नियुक्तः। ये च मानुषहोत्राधिकारास्ते च ब्राह्मणस्य हि याजनं विधीयते न क्षत्रवैश्ययोईिजात्योस्तस्माद् ब्राह्मणा ह्यग्निभूता यज्ञानुद्वहन्ति। यज्ञास्ते देवांस्तपर्यन्ति पृथिवीं भावयन्ति शतपथेऽपि हि ब्राह्मणमुखे भवति॥