For many years, two turtle doves, a male and a female, lived in perfect harmony in a peasant yard. A caring peasant made an elegant house for them from planks, where the birds could rest in bad weather. It was a happy time. The male relentlessly followed his girlfriend, sharing with her the last grain and a sip of water.
In the spring, when the colorful bird fraternity began to have families and build nests, other males more than once pestered the turtle dove with the most flattering offers. But she rejected suitors, remaining faithful to her betrothed. And he entered into fierce battles with arrogant rivals, emerging from the battle with his head held high, although he often suffered greatly. But the wounds healed, and the faithful couple continued to coo gently and enjoy every fine day.
One morning the turtle dove noticed that something was wrong with her friend. The feathers on it were matted, its gaze was extinguished, the male could barely stand on his feet and did not touch either drink or food.
- He, the poor guy, is in trouble! - the turtledove said sadly and flew into the nearest forest to get the necessary drugs.
When she returned, holding a bunch of medicinal herbs in her beak, their house was empty. Seeing that the male had died, the peasant buried him right there in the yard under the fence.
The turtledove mourned the irreparable loss for a long time, vowing not to leave the house again and not to touch food as a sign of mourning. She kept her vow and soon quietly gave up the ghost, unable to bear the loneliness.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru