Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/205

 position in it the means of guarding and guiding them amidst the manifold temptations of life; that they should remember that in the literary field especially, a great literature implies a great and noble national character; that the literature of a nation presents the prevailing thoughts, passions, tendencies and aspirations of its people, as these are reflected by men of genius, and therefore as the nature of a people is higher, purer and richer, so will their literature be higher, purer and richer, and the more will that nation have to contribute to the wisdom, and the elevation, and the prosperity of mankind. Then I say, love your country and your people. Let the motive to push forward their welfare be ever and ever the monitor of your souls, and resolve that in the future of the world this country, which in the past has played so important apart, shall now recover it and be amongst the greatest of the earth.

Gentlemen of the Senate,—It must be a subject of regret to you that our learned and eminent Chancellor is not able to preside here on this occasion. Other public duties have withdrawn him for this time, and the duty has devolved upon me, who am so ill able to perform it, not only for reasons which would be good enough in themselves, but which would not perhaps be altogether modest to dwell upon—since recounting in detail one's deficiencies differs but little from elaborating one's merits; but I also feel that on this occasion there are so many interesting subjects to dwell upon that it is doubly and trebly a matter of regret that one so much more able to deal with them than I can pretend to be is not here to discuss them as you would desire. However, if you find what I have to say somewhat tedious, as no doubt you will, I think I can promise you that that irksomeness shall not be repeated. You will no doubt yourselves feel that it is desirable that this University should be represented by some one, who is free from any trammels which might interfere with his duty to the University. And even if one is not bound by such trammels it is desirable that even the bare suspicion of any cross-lights or clashing interests should never touch the Vice-Chancellor of this University, who has so often to represent it before the public and before the Government. I feel also that the duties which have now devolved upon me and the changed position I occupy since I last addressed you, as they call me away from Bombay through the greater