There was once a very famous general. He was a very strong fine tall man. He was fond of saying that he would give all the money in his purse to any man who was stronger than himself.
One day, when the general was out riding with some friends, his horse stumbled and cast a shoe. There was a village just ahead, and the horse was led up to door of a blacksmith.
The blacksmith was also a fine tall man, with broad shoulders and strong arms. The general asked him to bring out one of his best horse-shoes.
The blacksmith did so. Then the general, looking at it, said, "This is poor stuff. It will not stand work. Look here!" He took it in his strong hands and with one twist, he broken the iron like a biscuit.
For a moment the blacksmith looked at him then he brought out another shoe, which the general treated in the same way. Then, the general said, "I see it no use picking and choosing among such a trashy lot. Give me another shoe, and let me go away."
The blacksmith brought another shoe, and fifted it on the horse. Then the general tossed him a gold coin. The blacksmith held it up to the light and said, "This coin of yours is poor stuff, my lord. Look here!"
He took the coin between his finger and stumb, and with one pinch, he cracked it in two like a wafer.
Then the blacksmith said, "I see it is no use picking and choosing such a trashy lot; give me another coin and we will say good bye."
The general looked at him, then burst into a laugh, "Fairly caught!". He then said,"My mam, I promised all the money in my purse to anyone I met stronger than myself. Here it is; it is yours. Now come along with me and serve as smith in my army. You shall not repent having met me."
And the general was as good as his word.
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