1·The first is comparison; the real request seems modest when it comes straight after an absurd request.
首先是对比，在一个荒唐的请求之后再提出真正的请求就会显得比较谦恭。
2·It seemed so modest a request that the principal tree at once agreed to it.
看来他的请求非常谦虚，立刻得到了树的首领的同意。
3·It seemed so modest a request that the principal tree at once agreed to it. and it was settled among them that the plain, homely Ash should furnish what was wanted.
看来他的请求非常谦虚，立刻得到了树首领的同意。他们决定由平凡而朴素的白杨树来提供所需要的东西。