Silence fell on the noisy throng; all waited expectant.
"Eat, good giant," he said.
I sat up, took the apple, smiled thanks, and would have eaten; but the moment I bit into it, I flung it far away.
Again rose a shout of delight; they flung themselves upon me, so as nearly to smother me; they kissed my face and hands; they laid hold of my legs; they clambered about my arms and shoulders, embracing my head and neck.

I came to the ground at last, overwhelmed with the lovely little goblins.
"Good, good giant!" they cried.

"We knew you would come! Oh you dear, good, strong giant!" The babble of their talk sprang up afresh, and ever the jubilant shout would rise anew from hundreds of clear little throats.
Again came a sudden silence.

Those around me drew back; those atop of me got off and began trying to set me on my feet.

Upon their sweet faces, concern had taken the place of merriment.
"Get up, good giant!" said a little girl.