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66 mind, he talked coolly with him; telling him he had observed what part of the works had failed, in the great practice and trial of the whole, which he never could do in his small chamber; and that, if the king would advance him more money to defray the expenses, he would again undertake it, and try, with his improved knowledge, to do it with more success. After more words, and some hesitation, the king consented to it. Philippo, not at all faint-hearted, but inveterately determined on gaining his purpose, began with renewed courage (notwithstanding the sneers and scoffings of those about him) to labour in his design, and when the time came, he again tried it; and, though with more success, yet with certain failure; so that the king grew disgusted, and was crowned in such common dresses as could be got for him.

Philippo's father, seeing him ridiculed for his folly, and laughed at by all, joined (like a man of business) in the cry, and drove him from his house to try his fortune, and live (like the birds of heaven) as he could. But he, deaf to their folly, and dumb to their malice, was above them; having such deep grief of mind at his failure, that he thought not of them, and went beating his head, and cursing himself for a beast, at the smallness of his wit.