Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/89

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OR, GENIUS AND COMMON SENSE.
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that few things are impossible with man, and nothing with God; and because they could not bear that any one (much less one despised) should accomplish what they had not the courage even to attempt. But he was not meant for a clothier, and could not repent and turn back.

Coming to the trial, he behaved himself with great courage and perseverance, and succeeded to a certain, but very limited degree; so that it was indeed (as expected) a decided failure. The king, being deeply interested in it, attended; and, like most great (that is, rich and powerful) but inconsiderate men, from habits of commanding and being obeyed, had soothed himself into certain hopes of success, which, when they were blighted, turned all to the fury of disappointment. Calling Philippo before him, he reproved him for the great loss he had put him to, and charged him with ignorance and folly. But Philippo, whose sagacity and vigilance were roused, and who for the first time was in earnest, saw plainly, that the king was enraged only at not having got back his valuables, and secretly in his heart no way abused him.

Knowing the worth of the ships sunk to be uppermost, and a great matter in the king's