Joe Wilkins, Copyright © 2014

Once there were two international chess masters who challenged each other to an all or nothing chess match, with $100,000 going to the winner. Like most chess masters they were big classical music fans, so they agreed to have music playing while they competed.

After much discussion, they agreed to hire a lyre musician to strum some soothing chords while they competed. However, after an extensive search they could find no lyre musicians. They soon realized that the lyre was an ancient instrument, not much in use in these modern days. But they noted that the lyre was similar to the modern harp, though somewhat smaller. After much discussion, they agreed to hire a harp musician, since the two instruments were somewhat similar. Thus, the harpist was hired in substitution.

On the appointed day, they began their match before a small, elite group of chess aficionados, with all listen to the soothing strains of the beautiful, harp music. Midway through the match, the two competitors were so impressed with the harpist’s playing, that they stopped their match and asked the audience to give the harpist a modest round of appreciative applause.

An observer in the audience noticed how much the chess competitors were enamored with the harpist. He quietly whispered to his companion, “How wonderful, chess nuts boasting over a token lyre!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS