School: Ballinree, Nenagh (roll number 15560)

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   “There was a farmer one time and he had three sons.”

   

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   There was a farmer one time and he had three sons. Their names were Bill, Jack and Tom. He did not know which of them to leave the farm to. He sent them off to seek their fortune's. They got three horses and set out. They came to a cross road and said to one another we will meet here in twelve months time. Bill went one road Jack went another and Tom another. Bill went on until he met a man who asked him where he was going. I am going to find a trade said Bill. Come along with me and I'll show you a trade. Bill said what are you and the man said I am a marksman. Jack was the next to meet a man and the man asked him where he was going. I am going to learn a trade said Jack. Come along with me and I will teach you a trade. What are you said Jack? I am a joiner he said. Tom met another man who asked him where he was going. I am going to learn a trade said Tom. Come along with me and I'll teach you a trade. What are you? I am a robber he said. When the twelve month's were up the three of them met at the cross road. They went home and told their father the story. Next day the father brought them out in the yard and he asked them what their trades were. I am a marksman said Bill, I am a joiner said Jack and I am a robber said Tom.
   There is (was) a pidgeon's nest up in a tree. Go up there and bring down an egg without the pidgeon flying

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Folktales index

   AT0653: The Four Skillful Brothers

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Ellen Duff

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Clashnevin, Co. Tipperary