A Bundle Of Sticks(一捆棍子)

 old man had many sons, who were often quarreling. He tried to make them become good friends, but could not. As the end of his life was drawing near, the old man called them all to him and showed them a bundle of sticks tied tightly together.

“Now,” said the father, “See if you can break this bundle of sticks.”

Each of the son in turn took the bundle and tried with all his might to break it, but could not. When all had tried and given I up, the father said, “Unite the bundle, and each of you take a stick and if you can break that.” Thus they could do so very easily. Then the father said,

   “You saw when the sticks were bound together how strong they were; but as soon as they were united, you broke them easily. Now , if you will stop quarreling and stand by each other, you will be like the bundle of sticks-no one can do you any harm; but if you do not keep together, you will be as wick as one of the sticks by itself, which any one can break.

Learning The Wrong Ting

Long long ago, there lived a famous beauty, named Xi Shi. Since she suffered from heartburn, she would often frown in front of all neighbours.

An ugly girl, named Dong shi, lived in the same village. She noticed this and thought it very charming, and also put her hands to her breast and frowned in front of everyone. When the rich saw her, they closed their doors and would not come out. As for the poor, they ran away, taking their wives and children.

Poor thing! She could admire Xi Shi’s frown, but did not know why it was beautiful.