I hoped to be set free one day, so I was nice to the Lilliputians. Gradually, they lost their fear of me. Sometimes the children even played hide-and-seek in my hair.
One day the king said to me, "I invite you to attend an important performance. It is a contest called rope dancing. Come with me."
For this contest, a thin rope was tied between two poles very high above the ground. The people who wanted the best jobs had to dance on this rope. Each dancer tried to jump higher than the others. I had never seen such a dangerous sport.
"Your Majesty," I said, "many dancers must fall and be hurt or killed."
"Yes," he replied. "Some break their arms or legs, and several have broken their necks. But I give the most important jobs in my kingdom to the men who are not afraid and jump the highest. These brave men will work hard for Lilliput."
"What a strange way to choose who will work for the country," I thought. Then, as the king watched, I attached each corner of my handkerchief to a strong stick. I pushed the four sticks into the ground. My handkerchief was now under the rope but above the ground.
"Your Majesty," I said, "any dancer who falls will now land on my handkerchief and not get hurt."
"You are wise, Enormous One," said the king. "I am pleased with your invention."
His family and many other people watched the rope dancing.
"Would you and the queen like to see better?" I asked the king. I gently put them on my hand and held it beside the rope. They had a good view of the dancers. One very skilled performer turned several cartwheels on the rope. Then he held on to the rope and flipped his body right over it. The king and queen clapped loudly and cheered. Later the king told me that he made this man one of his chief advisers.
The king and I met often. He seemed to enjoy our conversations. One day, I said again, "Your Majesty, please set me free."
This time he answered, "I have talked to my advisers. We agree that you have been good to our people. I will set you free if you make six promises."
"What must I promise?" I asked.
"You must help my country in war and peace," said the king.
"I promise," I said.
"Before you visit the capital," continued the king, "you must give two hours’ warning. Then my people can get out of the streets."
"I promise."
"You must not step on my people or their animals."
"I promise."
"You must carry important messages for me quickly to anywhere in Lilliput."
"I promise."
"Also," said the king, "you must help my workers carry heavy objects."
"I promise."
"The last promise," said the king, "is this: you must not leave the kingdom without my permission. If you do so, I will be angry."
"I promise that too," I told the king.
"Then you may have your freedom," he said. "Unchain the Enormous One," the king ordered his men. "Now you can travel throughout Lilliput," he said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said. "I would like to see more of your country."
"When you come to the capital city, you may visit my palace," the king said. "I’m sure you will find it the most beautiful you have ever seen."