Beholding the pigeon fall into the fire, the fowler filled with compassion once more said,-Alas, cruel and senseless that I am, what have I done! I am, forsooth, a mean wretch! Great will be my sin which will last for ever.

Thus censuring himself he began to say again and again,-I do not deserve any credit! My understanding is wicked! I am ever sinful!

Alas, renouncing all sorts of honourable occupation, I have become a fowler! A cruel wretch that I am, forsooth, this noble pigeon, by sacrificing his own life, has taught me a great lesson.

Renouncing wives and sons, I shall certainly cast off my very life which is so dear! The great pigeon has taught me that duty.

From this day, denying every comfort to my body, I shall exhaust it like a shallow tank in summer.

Capable of bearing hunger, thirst, and penances, and being emaciated with veins visible all over, I shall by various sorts of fasts, practise such vows as will take me to the other world.

Alas, by giving up his body the pigeon has shown how a guest should be adored! Taught by his example, I shall hereafter practise righteousness. Righteousness is the greatest refuge! Indeed, I shall practise the righteousness shown by the virtuous pigeon, that foremost of all winged creatures.

Having thus made up his mind and said these words, that fowler, once of dreadful deeds, started on a journey never to end, observing all the while the most rigid vows.

He threw away his strong staff, his sharp iron-stick, his nets and springes, and his iron cage, and liberated the she-pigeon that he had caught and imprisoned.'