It will be observed that the people had lost nothing of the outward show of respect, and always addressed the king in the proper way.
Poor Bibbs bought a penny biscuit, and with the remaining twopence a piece of card and a bit of string. He wrote on the card,
"PRAY PITY A POOR CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCH."
And with his crown in his hand to get whatever charity would give, he went into the bitter world to beg his way down to the grave.
Things went on merrily with the ministry for years. They filled all the old places and invented new. They put the king's head on the coin, and put the coin in their pockets.
But one fine day a certain Eastern despot with whom they had been intriguing, thought it a politic thing to pay King Bibbs a visit in state. Here was a pretty kettle of fish! What were they to do for a king?
It would never do to tell the Eastern despot they didn't know where their king was, and they did not care; he would have broken with them at once.
They sent in all directions to inquire for the king, but he was not to be found.
They then tried an advertisement:—