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 would 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.”
有个地主出了名的有钱，他决定把财产留给自己的两个儿子。临终之时，他把儿子们叫来，当时天刚破晓，鸡还没叫。他说：“我会把全部财产留给那个能把这个房间填满的人。我就是在这个房间里筹划出的发家之道。房间要填得满满的，一寸都不能空着。我这身体一阵儿比一阵儿虚弱，你俩必须在午夜钟声敲响之前回来，一分钟都不能晚。”他递给两个儿子一人一小块银子和一只装东西的空麻袋。
两个儿子出门去，很快买好东西赶了回来。
大儿子买了稻草，他把草铺在地面上，可是根本不够铺满整个房间，甚至连一半儿空间都填不满。“这没用，儿子，”父亲说，“咱们看看你弟弟打算怎么弄。”
小儿子从麻袋里掏出一只大蜡烛，把蜡烛放在房间中央的桌面上，然后点着了。明晃晃的烛光照亮了整个房间。父亲高兴地喊道：“儿子，你有资格做我的继承人，你肯定能合理支配这些财富。”
-gunnysack [ˈɡʌnɪsæk] n. 黄麻袋
-radiance [ˈreɪdɪəns] n. 发光；光辉
-successor [səkˈsesə(r)] n. 继承人
“The real fortune is to fill the world with light and hope.”(真正的财富是用光明和希望填满整个世界。)