Folktales from India: How the Wicked Sons were Duped

Once upon a time, there lived an old man who had three sons. They were lazy, ideal youths who refused to work for a living. One day the old man fell ill and thought he was dying. So he called his sons to him and distributed his wealth equally among them.

Soon after this, however, he recovered from his illness. But his sons did not dream of returning the money to him. Instead, they spent large sums of it on gambling, entertaining their friends, and buying expensive clothes.

Their father could not bear to see his hard-earned money squandered in this way. But when he tried to stop them, they insulted him.

At last, the old man could bear it no longer. He went to a friend of his to tell him about all that was happening to him and to seek his advice.

The friend was very sorry to see the old man in such a state for he knew how hard he had worked to make his fortune. He thought for a while and said, “I have a plan. Tell your sons that I once borrowed some from you several years ago, but have not been able to return it so far. Now that my business is doing well, I would like to return the money to you. I shall come to your home with some heavy bags. Tell your sons they can have them only after your death. Let us see what happens.”

A few days later, the friend came to the old man´s house with three servants burdened with heavy bags. “My friend,” he said to the old man. “Forgive me for not returning your money for so long. Here in these bags are a thousand silver coins. I am returning the five hundred you lent me ad the balance five hundred are a gift to you for your kind and timely help.”

The sons were very pleased to hear all this. They were sure their father would distribute the money among them as he had done before. All three began to be so anxious to please him that they got in each other’s way.

“Shall I bring you your shawl?” one said. “There is a cold wind blowing.”

“Shall I keep you company this evening?” the second offered. “You are alone too often.”

“Can I bring you your hookah?” begged the third.

The old man smiled. “My sons,” he said, “you are true sons. In return for all your kindness to me, I shall leave you all this money. After my death, you may use it as you wish.”

A year later the old man fell ill and died. The sons rushed to the bags and opened them eagerly. They were full of nothing but stones.

At first, they were angry. But when they thought about it they admitted that they had received exactly what they deserved.