Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. III.djvu/342

316 316 AFRICAN EXPEDITION OF XIMENES. PART ed to academic study and meditation. He even '. went so far as to obtain plans at this time for his buildings from a celebrated architect. Other en- gagements, however, postponed the commencement of the work till 1500, when the cardinal himself laid the corner-stone of the principal college, with a solemn ceremonial, ^^ and invocation of the blessing of Heaven on his designs. From that hour, amidst all the engrossing cares of church and state, he never lost sight of this great object. When at Al- cakl, he might be frequently seen on the ground, with the rule in his hand, taking the admeasure- ments of the buildings, and stimulating the industry of the workmen by seasonable rewards. ^^ itsmagnifi- The plans were too extensive, however, to admit of being speedily accomplished. Besides the prin- cipal college of San Ildefonso, named in honor of the patron saint of Toledo, there were nine others, together with an hospital for the reception of in- valids at the university. These edifices were built in the most substantial manner, and such parts as admitted of it, as the libraries, refectories, and chapels, were finished with elegance, and even splendor. The city of Alcala underwent many im- portant and expensive alterations, in order to render it more worthy of being the seat of a great and 24 The custom, familiar at the observed on tliis occasion, where it present day, of depositing coins is noticed as of ancient usage, wore and other tokens, with inscriptions prisro. Gomez, De Rebus Gestis, bearing tiic names of the architect Ibl. '2B. and foun<ier and ilatc of tiie buiUi- ^ Flt'chier, llisloire de Xinie- ing, under the cornor-slone, was n^'s, p. 51)7. cen:e