In this way the Brahmanas have come to be considered as Agni. They who are endued with learning worship Agni. Agni is, again, Vishnu. Entering all creatures, he upholds their vital airs.
एवमप्यग्निभूता ब्राह्मणा विद्वांसोऽग्नि भावयन्ति। अग्निर्विष्णुः सर्वभूतान्यनुप्रविश्य प्राणान् धारयति॥