An old Man had several Sons, who were constantly quarrelling with each
other, notwithstanding he used every means in his power to persuade
them to cease their contentions, and to live in amity together. At last
he had recourse to the following expedient:--He ordered his Sons to
be called before him, and a bundle of sticks to be brought, and then
commanded them to try if, with all their strength, any of them could
break it. They all tried, but without effect: for the sticks being
closely and compactly bound together, it was impossible for the force
of man to break them. After this, the Father ordered the bundle to be
untied, and gave a single stick to each of his Sons, at the same time
bidding them try to break it. This they did with ease, and soon snapped
every stick asunder. The Father then addressed them to this effect: O,
my Sons, behold the power of unity! for if you, in like manner, would
but keep yourselves strictly conjoined in the bands of friendship, it
would not be in the power of any mortal to hurt you; but when you are
divided by quarrels and animosities, you fall a prey to the weakest
enemies.