the present age which can justify any thing like detailed description.
Nevertheless, a number of circumstances in regard to this building are
occasionally mentioned in the historians of the time, that convey an
idea of vastness and splendour, which probably might have been lost
had minute examination been possible. Immense halls[10]--magnificent
galleries--a college--a library--baths, where a hundred persons could
swim at large--a theatre and a cathedral--a profuse display of the
finest marble--gates and doors of wrought brass--columns from Rome,
and pavements from Ravenna,--such, we know, to have been some of the
many things which that great palace displayed.

[9] In all probability, the crypt of the church of
Aix-la-Chapelle, as it stands at present, is all that remains of
the original edifice.

[10] The baths of Aix-la-Chapelle, constructed by the emperor for
the enjoyment of this recreation, were of immense extent; and
while their splendour and their size showed the progress of
luxury, the manner in which they were used, evinces the curious
simplicity and condescension of the monarch. "Not only his sons,"
says Eginhard, "but also the great men of his court, his friends,
and the soldiers of his guard, were invited to partake of the
enjoyment which the monarch had provided for himself; so that
sometimes as many as a hundred persons were known to bathe there
together."

Workmen were gathered together from every part of Europe; and, though
but small reliance can be placed upon the anecdotes related by the
Monk of St. Gall, it is evident, from every account, that the building
must have been the most magnificent architectural effort which Europe