For the deities to stand in the air is disrespectful if not downright threatening (DN 3:1.21.1.).

The texts usually mention the Buddha smiling when he arrives at some place of special, hidden significance (MN 81:2.1, MN 83:2.1, AN 5.180:1.3). However, at Thag 12.2:11.1 he smiled when Sunīta, having gone forth from a low-born family, was honored by the gods. In both cases the Buddha smiled at the point when the gods rightly honored one who had been seen as contemptible.

Commentary glosses yadi verāni na sammeyyuṃ, suggesting a reading na ce, weakened for the metre.