an old man had many sons, who were always falling out with one another. he had often exhorted them to live together in harmony, but without result.

one day he called them around him and, producing a bundle of sticks, bade them each in turn to break it across. each put forth all his strength, but the bundle still resisted their efforts.

then, cutting the cord which bound the sticks together, he told his

sons to break them separately. this was done with the greatest ease.

"see, my sons," exclaimed he, "the power of unity! bound together by brotherly love, you may defy almost every mortal ill; divided, you will fall a prey to your enemies."