Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/90

 lion sterling towards the expence of building this magnificent pile. The King spared no cost to render this edifice the most magnificent and superb palace in the universe. Gilbert had an unlimited power granted him to follow his genius in every particular, without the least restraint. Fleets of ships were continually passing from Portland to Hull and Lynn with cargos of stone, which were conveyed in barges to the place where the palace was to be built. Ten sail were sent to the different ports of Italy, to load the finest marbles. In short, nothing was spared to make this palace the wonder of the world; but the erection of it was only a part of the King's design.

In the plain above described his Majesty formed the scheme of raising a city; but was staggered at the thoughts of