66 
MEMOIR OF 
“ Their royal highnesses were not wanting in 
expressions of their satisfaction at seeing a collec- 
tion which surpassed all the notions or ideas they 
had formed of it, from even the most favourable 
accounts. On this occasion the prince shewed 
his great reading and happy memory ; for in such 
a multiplicity and such a variety of the produc- 
tions of nature and art, upon any thing being 
shewn to him that he had not seen before, he was 
ready in recollecting having read of it ; and upon 
viewing the ancient and modern medals, he made 
so many judicious remarks, that he appeared to 
be a perfect master of history and chronology. 
He expressed the great pleasure it gave him to 
see so magnificent a collection in England, 
esteeming it an ornament to the nation ; and 
expressed his fixed sentiment, how much it must 
conduce to the benefit of learning, and how great 
an honour will redound to Britain, to have such a 
grand repository established for public use to the 
latest posterity.”* 
Amidst these tranquil occupations, he attained 
an age far beyond the period assigned by the 
Psalmist to those very few “ who, by reason of 
their strength,” exceed, though “ in labour and 
sorrow,” man’s allotted portion of existence, and 
this, without these painful concomitants, even to 
the ninetieth year of his age. From that time, 
* Letter of Dr Mortimer in Gentleman’s Magazine, 
July, 1748. 
