Niels was made an earl by that time , and looked as handsome as any of them when dressed in all his robes . Before long the old king died , and Niels reigned after him ; but whether his father and mother stayed with him , or went back to the moor in Jutland , or were sent to Rome in a carriage and four , is something that all the historians of his reign have forgotten to mention . Shepherd Paul Once upon a time a shepherd was taking his flock out to pasture , when he found a little baby lying in a meadow , left there by some wicked person , who thought it was too much trouble to look after it . The shepherd was fond of children , so he took the baby home with him and gave it plenty of milk , and by the time the boy was fourteen he could tear up oaks as if they were weeds . Then Paul , as the shepherd had called him , grew tired of living at home , and went out into the world to try his luck . He walked on for many miles , seeing nothing that surprised him , but in an open space of the wood he was astonished at finding a man combing trees as another man would comb flax . ` Good morning , friend , ' said Paul ; ` upon my word , you must be a strong man ! ' The man stopped his work and laughed . ' I am Tree Comber , ' he answered proudly ; ` and the greatest wish of my life is to wrestle with Shepherd Paul . ' ` May all your wishes be fulfilled as easily , for I am Shepherd Paul , and can wrestle with you at once , ' replied the lad ; and he seized Tree Comber and flung him with such force to the ground that he sank up to his knees in the earth . However , in a moment he was up again , and catching hold of Paul , threw him so that he sank up to his waist ; but then it was Paul 's turn again , and this time the man was buried up to his neck . ` That is enough , ' cried he ; ' I see you are a smart fellow , let us become friends . ' ` Very good , ' answered Paul , and they continued their journey together . By-and-by they reached a man who was grinding stones to powder in his hands , as if they had been nuts . ` Good morning , ' said Paul politely ; ` upon my word , you must be a strong fellow ! ' ' I am Stone Crusher , ' answered the man , and the greatest wish of my life is to wrestle with Shepherd Paul . ' ` May all your wishes be as easily fulfilled , for I am Shepherd Paul , and will wrestle with you at once , ' and the sport began . After a short time the man declared himself beaten , and begged leave to go with them ; so they all three travelled together . A little further on they came upon a man who was kneading iron as if it had been dough . ` Good morning , ' said Paul , ` you must be a strong fellow . ' '
I am Iron Kneader , and should like to fight Shepherd XXXXX , ' answered he .
Comber Crusher Jutland Niels Paul Rome children fellow ground left