`` You have killed the Giant Antaeus , our great brother , and the ally of our nation . We declare bloody war against you , and will slay you on the spot . '' Surprised at the shrill piping of so many little voices , Hercules , after putting out the conflagration of his hair , gazed all round about , but could see nothing . At last , however , looking narrowly on the ground , he espied the innumerable assemblage of Pygmies at his feet . He stooped down , and taking up the nearest one between his thumb and finger , set him on the palm of his left hand , and held him at a proper distance for examination . It chanced to be the very identical Pygmy who had spoken from the top of the toadstool , and had offered himself as a champion to meet Hercules in single combat . `` What in the world , my little fellow , '' ejaculated Hercules , `` may you be ? '' `` I am your enemy , '' answered the valiant Pygmy , in his mightiest squeak . `` You have slain the enormous Antaeus , our brother by the mother 's side , and for ages the faithful ally of our illustrious nation . We are determined to put you to death ; and for my own part , I challenge you to instant battle , on equal ground . '' Hercules was so tickled with the Pygmy 's big words and warlike gestures , that he burst into a great explosion of laughter , and almost dropped the poor little mite of a creature off the palm of his hand , through the ecstasy and convulsion of his merriment . `` Upon my word , '' cried he , `` I thought I had seen wonders before to-day -- hydras with nine heads , stags with golden horns , six-legged men , three-headed dogs , giants with furnaces in their stomachs , and nobody knows what besides . But here , on the palm of my hand , stands a wonder that outdoes them all ! Your body , my little friend , is about the size of an ordinary man 's finger . Pray , how big may your soul be ? '' `` As big as your own ! '' said the Pygmy . Hercules was touched with the little man 's dauntless courage , and could not help acknowledging such a brotherhood with him as one hero feels for another . `` My good little people , '' said he , making a low obeisance to the grand nation , `` not for all the world would I do an intentional injury to such brave fellows as you ! Your hearts seem to me so exceedingly great , that , upon my honor , I marvel how your small bodies can contain them .
I sue for peace , and , as a condition XXXXX it , will take five strides , and be out of your kingdom at the sixth .
As after against at between by of off upon with