The male dove was touched by his wife's virtuous guidance, and he flew down and approached the hunter with warmth. He said, "O friend! Welcome to our tree. Please don't worry about anything and stay in this place as long as you want. Please tell me how I can be of assistance to you." 
 
The hunter was relieved to have a friend. He said, "O dove, please do something to help me from this terrible cold." 
 
The dove at once flew to a distant place and brought back a piece of burning coal. He then climbed up the tree and dropped some dry leaves. The leaves caught fire. 
 
He said to the hunter, "Please warm yourself from this fire. I am already unfortunate for not being able to provide food to relieve you of your hunger. As you are my guest, I offer myself. Please accept my sacrifice and make a meal out of me." 
 
Saying so, he flew into the fire, which killed him. 
 
The hunter was very hungry, and could not refuse to accept his offer. At the same time, he was moved by such warmth. His heart was filled with pity. He said, "A man who is wicked always has a troubled mind. And he ultimately pays for his evil actions. I am certain to go to hell, for the cruel misdeeds I have done for so long. But this dove has set a virtuous example, and taught me a lesson of sacrifice." 
 
He said, "I will lead a life of discipline and well-being from today. I promise to sacrifice all my lavish unwanted pleasures." 
 
With this, he threw away his cage, which broke and released the unfortunate female dove. 
 
When the female dove realized that her husband was already dead and was burning in the fire, she began to wail, "What good is my life without you. I have lost all interest in life" 
 
Saying so, she flew into the flames, which got her killed too. 
 
After her death, she met her husband in heaven. He was transformed into a divine creature, riding a chariot in costly ornaments. The female dove realized, she had assumed a divine form, too. 
 
As for the hunter, he renounced his life as a hunter and converted into a sage. One day, when he saw a wild forest fire, he decided to sacrifice his life to regret his past deeds. 
 
He, thus, paid for his sins and was relieved of his sins. He went to heaven with great joy. 
 
The wise indeed say:
Self-sacrifice is the highest stage of sacrifice.