"Show us the place," said the king, walking forward.
"This is it," said Pollnitz, as they reached the end of the avenue.
"It is true," said the king, "here is space enough to erect a palace. What do you think, Knobelsdorf, will this place answer?"
"We must begin by removing all those small houses, your majesty; that would, of course, necessitate their purchase, for which we must obtain the consent of the possessors, who would, many of them, be left shelterless by this sudden sale."
"Shelterless!" said the king; "since Jordan has become the father of the poor, none are shelterless," as he glanced toward his much-beloved friend. "This spot seems most suitable to me. The palace might stand on this side; on that a handsome public building, perhaps the library, and uniting the two a lofty arch in the Grecian style. We will convert that wood into a beautiful park, with shady avenues, tasteful parterres, marble statues, glittering lakes, and murmuring streams."
"Only a Frederick could dream it possible to convert this desolate spot into such a fairy land," said Jordan, smiling. "For my part, I see nothing here but sand, and there a wood of miserable stunted trees."
The king smiled. "Blessed are they who believe without having seen," he said. "Well, Knobelsdorf, is there room here to carry out our extensive plans?"
"Certainly; and if your majesty will furnish me with the requisite funds, the work can be begun without delay."
"What amount will be required?"
"If it is all executed as your majesty proposes, at least a million."