Two Worthy Brothers

The Merchant and His Sons

There was a certain merchant who had two young sons. The merchant was clever, but his sons possessed very different natures.

Opportunity for Favor

One day, the merchant learned that the landlord had died. Thinking that it was an opportunity to gain favor with the landlord’s son by expressing condolences, the merchant decided to visit the landlord’s house. However, he suddenly fell ill and asked one of his sons to go in his place.

The First Son’s Mistake

“How should I express my condolences?” asked the first son.

“Just repeat the words that others gather there will say,” responded the merchant.

Upon arriving at the landlord’s house, the first son overheard some people who had enmity with the landlord whispering, “Good that the rogue is dead!”

He approached the landlord’s son and exclaimed, “Why are you so sad? Good that your father, the rogue, is dead!”

The landlord’s son angrily beat him, and he ran away in shame.

The Second Son’s Response

“Now you go and try to appease the landlord’s son,” the merchant instructed his second son.

The second son confidently walked up to the landlord’s son and said, “Pardon my brother; he is a fool. When you die, I shall come myself and lament your death in no uncertain terms!”

This provocation resulted in the landlord’s son once again retaliating with his stick.