讀點好英文:The Wise Son 聰明的兒子

The Wise Son 聰明的兒子

A rich landowner who was well known for his wealth decided to leave his possession to his two sons. As he lay on his deathbed, he called the lads to him；at the break of dawn and even before the cock could crow.He then said，“I will leave all my wealth to the one who can best fill this room.It was in this room that I made plans on how to build up my fortune.Not an inch must be left uncovered.As I am getting weaker by the hour you both must come back by the stroke of midnight, not a minute late.”He handed each son a small piece of silver and an empty gunnysack to put in their purchases.

They both went out and hurriedly came back with their purchases.

The eldest who had brought straw proceeded to spread it about the floor, but far from filling the room, it did not even cover half the space.“This is no use, son，”said the father，“and let us see how your brother fills the room.”

The younger son took from his bag a large candle and, setting it on table in the center of the room, lighted it. A brilliant bright radiance filled up the whole room.The father was delighted and exclaimed，“Son, you're worthy to be my successor and I am sure you will use the wealth well.”

一個以財富而聞名的地主決定將所有的財富都留給兩個兒子。臨終前，他把孩子們叫到跟前，此時天剛蒙蒙亮，雄雞尚未報曉。他說：“就是在這間房子里，我制訂出了如何積累財富的計劃。你們誰能夠更好地填滿這個房間，不留一英寸空間，誰就能得到我所有的財富。我越來越虛弱了，你們必須在午夜之前回來，一分鐘也不能耽擱。”他給了兩個兒子一人一些銀子和一個空麻袋，讓他們裝買來的東西。

他們都出去了，很快又帶著貨物回來了。

大兒子買來稻草，在地板上鋪開來。但他連一半的空間都沒有填滿。父親說：“兒子，這是沒有用的，讓我們看看你弟弟怎么填吧！”

小兒子從包里拿出一支大蠟燭，在房子中間的桌子上固定下來，點亮了。蠟燭明亮的光芒充滿了整個房間。父親高興地稱贊道：“兒子，你有資格成為我的繼承人，我相信你一定會合理地使用這筆財富?！?/p>