Long , long ago , there lived an old man and his wife who had three sons ; the eldest was called Martin , the second Michael , while the third was named Jack . One evening they were all seated round the table , eating their supper of bread and milk . ` Martin , ' said the old man suddenly , ' I feel that I can not live much longer . You , as the eldest , will inherit this hut ; but , if you value my blessing , be good to your mother and brothers . ' ` Certainly , father ; how can you suppose I should do them wrong ? ' replied Martin indignantly , helping himself to all the best bits in the dish as he spoke . The old man saw nothing , but Michael looked on in surprise , and Jack was so astonished that he quite forgot to eat his own supper . A little while after , the father fell ill , and sent for his sons , who were out hunting , to bid him farewell . After giving good advice to the two eldest , he turned to Jack . ` My boy , ' he said , ` you have not got quite as much sense as other people , but if Heaven has deprived you of some of your wits , it was given you a kind heart . Always listen to what it says , and take heed to the words of your mother and brothers , as well as you are able ! ' So saying the old man sank back on his pillows and died . The cries of grief uttered by Martin and Michael sounded through the house , but Jack remained by the bedside of his father , still and silent , as if he were dead also . At length he got up , and going into the garden , hid himself in some trees , and wept like a child , while his two brothers made ready for the funeral . No sooner was the old man buried than Martin and Michael agreed that they would go into the world together to seek their fortunes , while Jack stayed at home with their mother . Jack would have liked nothing better than to sit and dream by the fire , but the mother , who was very old herself , declared that there was no work for him to do , and that he must seek it with his brothers . So , one fine morning , all three set out ; Martin and Michael carried two great bags full of food , but Jack carried nothing . This made his brothers very angry , for the day was hot and the bags were heavy , and about noon they sat down under a tree and began to eat . Jack was as hungry as they were , but he knew that it was no use asking for anything ; and he threw himself under another tree , and wept bitterly . ` Another time perhaps you wo n't be so lazy , and will bring food for yourself , ' said Martin , but to his surprise Jack answered : ` You are a nice pair !
You talk of seeking your fortunes so as not to be a burden XXXXX our mother , and you begin by carrying off all the food she has in the house ! '
After At for if in like on than that while