Greek Anthology Book XIV: Metrodorus: 143

Arithmetical Epigram of Metrodorus

 * The father perished in the shoals of the Syrtis, and this, the eldest of the brothers, came back from that voyage with five talents.


 * To me he gave twice two-thirds of his share,
 * on our mother he bestowed two-eighths of my share,


 * nor did he sin against divine justice.

Solution
Let $a$ be the elder brother's share.

Let $b$ be the narrator's share.

Let $c$ be the mother's share.

We have:

So:
 * the elder brother takes $1 \frac 7 8$


 * the narrator takes $2 \frac 1 2$


 * the mother takes $\dfrac 5 8$ of a.