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。

youdao

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。

youdao

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。

youdao

Still, compared with Mr Powell's original request, NATO's (and Europe's) involvement in Middle Eastern security remains modest indeed.

ECONOMIST: A creaking partnership