The Three Tradesmen

A GREAT city was once besieged, and all its inhabitants were gathered together to consider by what means it might be protected from the enemy.

A Bricklayer earnestly recommended bricks as the best materials for successful defense.

A Carpenter with equal energy proposed timber as a preferable means of defense.

Hearing which, a Currier stood up and said, "Sirs, I differ with you wholly. There is no material for resistance equal to covering of hides, and nothing in the present case so good as leather.

Every man for his own trade.