Labour in Vain?

I came across this 16th century German woodcut, called 'Labour in Vain' it goes on to list various follies, not just to do with milling but does include threshing in a millpond and trying to hear a hurdy gurdy being played beside a waterwheel.

But listening for a gurdy is not that foolish, as we've seen at our annual Tudor Festivals at Stretton Watermill when we've been joined by Richard and Elizabeth York and heard not only the hurdy gurdy being played right alongside the rumbling of the breastshot wheel, but the sweet sound of their harps has also managed to make itself heard too. 

Still, it's a nice picture...  And the Tudor Festival will take place at the mill again next year, exact date will be announced soon.