(a) Handling the bundle to his oldest son, the father said to him, "Now, my son, break the bundle".
(b) The father smiled, "Now, my sons, untie the bundle. Each of you take a stick and try to break it."
(c) The son tried with all his might, but he was unable to break the bundle.
(d) This time they had no difficulty doing as their father bid them. In a few moments all the sticks were broken.
(e) He told a servant to bring a bundle of seven sticks tied together.
(f) When he thought he was about to die, he gathered his sons about him.
(g) One by one the other brothers tried, but none of them was strong enough to break the bundle.
(h) Long ago, there was a farmer who had seven sons who always quarreled with each other.