an old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him

to give them some parting advice. he ordered his servants to

bring in a faggot of sticks, and said to his eldest1 son: "break

it." the son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was

unable to break the bundle. the other sons also tried, but none

of them was successful. "untie2 the faggots," said the father,

"and each of you take a stick." when they had done so, he called

out to them: "now, break," and each stick was easily broken. "you

see my meaning," said their father.

union gives strength.