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 a covering of

hides, and nothing in the present case so good as leather.”

* * * * *

Every man for his own trade.

Æsop's Fables: A Version for Young Readers · 第 37 / 226 题