"Bhishma said, 'The fowler, seeing the pigeon fall into the fire, became
filled with compassion and once more said, 'Alas, cruel and senseless
that I am, what have I done! I ant certainly a mean wretch! Great will be
my sin for everlasting years! Indulging in such self-reproaches he began
to say, repeatedly, 'I am unworthy of credit. My understanding is wicked.
I am ever sinful in my resolves. Alas, abandoning all kinds of honourable
occupation, I have become a fowler A cruel wretch that I am, without
doubt, this high-souled pigeon, by laying down his own life, has read me
a grave lesson. Abandoning wives and sons, I shall certainly cast off my
very life-breaths that are so dear. The high-souled pigeon has taught me
that duty. From this day, denying every comfort to my body, I shall wear
it out even as a shallow tank in the season of summer. Capable of bearing
hunger, thirst, and penances, reduced to emaciation, and covered with
visible veins all over, I shall, by diverse kinds of practise such vows
as have a reference to the other world. Alas, by giving up his body, the
pigeon has shown the worship that should be paid to a guest. Taught by
his example. I shall henceforth practise righteousness. Righteousness is
the highest refuge (of all creatures). Indeed, I shall practise such
righteousness as has been seen in the righteous pigeon, that foremost of
all winged creatures.' Having formed such a resolution and said these
words, that fowler, once of fierce deeds, proceeded to make an
unreturning tour of the world, observing for the while the most
rigid vows. He threw away his stout staff, his sharp-pointed iron-stick,
his nets and springes, and his iron cage, and set at liberty the
she-pigeon that he had seized and immured.'"
