Section 57. THE BEQUEST[1]. I.
Reading edition
Section 57. THE BEQUEST[1]. I.
An old avaricious English gentleman[2] had three sons, of whom one[3] was a good-natured but light-minded fellow. Whenever (S. 18, N. 6) he fell[4] into any trouble, he excused himself on[5] the ground that[6] he was seeing life. His prodigality, however, annoyed[7] his father so much[8], that he resolved to disinherit (S. 1, N. 2) him. His friends interceded[9] in his favour, but their efforts were in vain.
When the old gentleman[10] felt his end approaching, he called his sons together[11], and said to them: “I leave[12] to my son John my whole estate[13], and desire him[14] to be frugal.” John[15], in a sorrowful tone, as is usual on such occasions, prayed heaven to prolong his father’s life, and give him health to enjoy the gift[16] himself.