How the Wicked Sons Were Duped
by Joseph Jacobs
A very wealthy old man, imagining that he was on the point of death, sent for his sons and divided his property among
them. However, he did not die for several years afterwards, and miserable years many of them were. Besides the weariness of
old age, the old fellow had to bear with much abuse and cruelty from his sons. Wretch, selfish ingrates. Previously they vied
with one another in trying to please their father, hoping thus to receive their patrimony, they cared not how soon he left them
nay, the sooner the better, because he was only a needless trouble and expense. And they let the poor old man know what
they felt.
Why do you think the three sons were described as wicked? How did the sons treat their father? Who would help the
poor old man?
One day he met a friend and related to him all his troubles. The friend sympathized very much with him, and promised
to think over the matter, and call in a little while and tell him what to do. He did so; in a few days he visited the old man and
put down four bags full of stones and gravel before him.
Who helped the poor old man? What did he bring to the aid man? What would they do with the four bags?
"Look here, friend," said he. "Your sons will get to know of my coming here today, and will inquire about it. You must
pretend that I came to discharge a long-standing debt with
you, and that you are several thousands of rupees richer than you thought you were. Keep these bags in your own hands, and
on no account let your sons get to them as long as you are alive. You will soon find them change their conduct toward you.
Salaam. I will come again soon to see how you are getting on."
What excuse did the friend suggest to justify his visit that day? What instructions did the friend give the old man?
Which country has rupees as its monetary unit? Would the sons change the way they treat their father? How?
When the young men got to hear of this further increase of wealth, they began to be more attentive and pleasing to
their father than ever before. And thus they continued to the day of the old man's demise, when the bags were greedily
opened, and found to contain only stones and gravel!
Did the sons change their conduct toward their father? What did they hope for? How do you think the sons feel
when they opened the bags? What lessons does the selection teach you?
Source: http://www.authorama.com/indian-fairy-tales-29.html​