An elderly man, believing he is near death, divides his wealth among his ungrateful sons. After receiving their inheritance, the sons become cruel and neglectful, eager for their father's demise to relieve them of his burden. The old man confides in a friend about his plight, who devises a plan to restore the sons' respect. The friend gives the old man four bags filled with stones and gravel, instructing him to pretend they contain a newfound fortune. The old man follows the advice, and the sons, believing their father has acquired more wealth, begin to treat him with kindness and attention once again. This facade continues until the old man's death, at which point the bags are opened, revealing their true contents, and the sons realize they have been deceived. The story illustrates themes of greed, ingratitude, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Joseph Jacobs · First published 1892 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Parable