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 eight years after its foundation. Never was any building raised so expeditiously.—It was, indeed, astonishing; but, the King sparing no expense, Gilbert finished this superb edifice in so short a time, by means of the infinite number of hands he kept constantly employed on it. It would be endless to describe this amazing pile of building; and it has already been done in all the languages of Europe. The famous Escurial of Philip the IId. of Spain, and Versailles of Lewis XIV. of France, of both which we read such pompous accounts, were infinitely exceeded by Stanley. The shell of the building alone cost the King above eight millions stering. The adorning and furnishing it was the work of above fifty years, and the expense infinite. The ceilings and apartments were painted by Nicholson, Tomkins, Vere, Norton, and many other celebrated artists. The King had