lies here by thy abode,
afflicted with cold and hunger. Do him the duties of hospitality. The sin
that a person commits by slaying a Brahmana or that mother of the world,
viz., a cow, is equal to that which one incurs by suffering a suppliant
to perish (from want of help). Thou art possessed of knowledge of self.
It ever behoves one like thee, therefore, to follow that course which has
been ordained for us as pigeons by the order of our birth.[434] It has
been heard by us that the householder who practises virtue according to
the measure of his abilities, wins hereafter inexhaustible regions of
bliss. Thou hast sons. Thou hast progeny. O bird, casting off all
kindness for thy own body, therefore, and for winning virtue and profit,
offer worship to this fowler so that his heart may be pleased. Do not, O
bird, indulge in any grief on my account. (See, how unimportant I am!)
Thou mayst continue to live, taking other wives!' The amiable she-pigeon,
overcome with sorrow, and casting her eyes upon her lord from the
fowler's cage within which she had been immured, said these words unto
him."'"

SECTION CXLVI

"'Bhishma said, "Hearing these words fraught with morality and reason that
were spoken by his wife, the pigeon became filled with great delight and
his eyes were bathed in tears of joy. Beholding that fowler whose
avocation was the slaughter of birds, the pigeon honoured him
scrupulously according to the rites laid down in the ordinance.
Addressing him, he said, 'Thou art welcome today. Tell me, what I shall
do for thee. Thou shouldst not repine. This is thy home.[435] Tell me
quickly what I am to do and what is thy pleasure. I ask thee this in
affection, for thou hast solicited shelter at our hands. Hospitality
should be shown to even one's foe when he comes to one's house. The tree
withdraws not its shade from even the person that approaches it for
cutting it down. One should, with scrupulous care, do the duties of
hospitality towards a person that craves for shelter. Indeed, one is
especially bound to do so if one happens to lead a life of domesticity
that consists of the five sacrifices. If one, while leading a life of
domesticity, does not, from want of judgment, perform the five
sacrifices, one loses, according to the scriptures, both this and the
next world. Tell me then trustfully and in intelligible words what thy,
wishes are. I will accomplish them all. Do not set thy heart on grief.'
Hearing these words o