Rough, Dull, and Dirty

This article is taken from the December/January edition of the Hiram's Hams Amateur Radio Society Newsletter.

King Solomon was presiding over a feast celebrating the laying of the cornerstone of his temple. He arose and called to the entered apprentices asking, "What is great, judicious, and distinct in architecture?"

The overseer of the work answered, "A solid cornerstone. Smooth ashlars. Properly laid out work."

"What say the fellowcrafts?" asked King Solomon.

After deliberation, they answered, "Plumb walls, a level floor, square corners."

"How about the masters? Surely they know." called Solomon once more.

The chief architech arose and answered, "Well-drawn plans. Correct placement of the parts of the building. Appropriate decorations and detail-work."

King Solomon the said, "It is good."

He continued, "Master Hiram, you have been quit, what is your answer?"

Hiram answered, "Rough stones. Dull tools. Dirty Aprons."