I have found at least that they make you much more indulgent and tender to women than our own; and I hope, therefore, you will forgive me if I ask more than I have any right to do." "I could scarcely refuse my bride's first request, whatever it might be.

But your hesitation and your apologies might make me fear that you are about to ask something which one or both of us may wish hereafter had neither been asked nor granted." She still hesitated and faltered, till I began to fancy that her wish must have a much graver import than I at first supposed.

Perhaps to treat the matter lightly and sportively would be the course most likely to encourage her to explain it.
"What is it, child," I asked, "which you think the stranger of another world more likely to grant than one of your own race, and which is so extravagant, nevertheless, that you tremble to ask it even from me?
Is it too much to be bound not to appeal against me to the law, which cannot yet determine whether I am a reality or a fiction?
Or have I proved my arm a little too substantial?
Must the giant promise not to exercise the masculine prerogative of physical force safely conceded to the dwarf?
Fie, Eveena! I am almost afraid to touch you, lest I should hurt you unawares; lest tenderness itself should transgress the limit of legal cruelty, and do grave bodily harm to a creature so much more like a fairy than a woman!" "No, no!" she expostulated, not at all reciprocating the jesting tone in which I spoke.

"If you would consent to give such a promise, it is just one of those we should wish unmade.

How could I ask you to promise that I may behave as ill as I please?
I dare say I shall be frightened to tears when you are angry; but I shall never wish you to retain your anger rather than vent it and forgive.