THE THREE TRADESMEN
Reading edition
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 a covering of hides, and nothing in the present case so good as leather.”
Every man for his own trade.