A FABLE.
1. The Bundle of Sticks.
An old man had several sons. He loved them all much, and they loved him; but they did not love each other. They were always quarrelling and fighting with each other. Their father was very sorry for this. He tried to make them love each other, he bade them live at peace, but his words were all in vain. At last, the old man fell ill. When be was dying, be called all bis sons to his bedside. When tfcey were come he told them to fetch a bundle of sticks, and tbey did so. Then be gave the bundle to bis eldest son, and told him to try and break it. Hi*son tried and tried again; be was very strong, but be could not succeed. Then the second son tried; then the third son; then the youngest; but none of tbem could break it. Then their father said, " Bring me the bundle of sticks," and he untied it, and gave a single slick to each of the four sons, and bade them try to break that. Each of the sons broke one stick very easily. It wa s little trouble to break one stick. Then the old man said, «My sons, I am «oing to die, and you four will have my land among you. *ou are young men and you witl have many enemies. Bow will you be able to protect yourselves? If you are like this bundle of sticks, no one will be able to conquer you. If you loveeach other and bold by each other, you will always be powerful. But if you are divided one from the other, you will be conquered, just as easily, as you each broke one wngle stick. Moral. •'A house divided against itself cannot stand.''
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MMTKM18560430.2.9
Bibliographic details
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Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 4, 30 April 1856, Page 12
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Tapeke kupu
302A FABLE. Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 4, 30 April 1856, Page 12
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