Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/134

Rh and genius. But, when we take into account the heads of such intelligent and talented great men, as Alexander, Julius Caesar, Frederick the Great, Byron, Bacon, Plato, Aristotle, and others, we arrive at a different conclusion. Would it not be better then if, instead of relying on these doubtful conclusions, every one had tried to follow and better the calling of his forefathers. The ancient Hindus bestowed their best thoughts on the subject, and apportioned a particular occupation for each, to be strictly adhered to, by his descendants. Thus originated the Hindu caste system, the propriety or otherwise of which we leave the reader to judge.

After giving up Mathematics, Vidyasagar began to read Shakspeare with Babu Ananda Krishna Basu. For this purpose, he often frequented the Sobhabazar Raj house, which, in a few days, had also the effect of making him acquainted with Raja Radha Kanta Dev Bahadur. It so happened that, one day, when the Raja Bahadur was washing his face and hands after dinner, Vidyasagar passed by him, on his way to Ananda Krishna Babu. The Raja Bahadur caught a glimpse of him, and enquired of a relation who was near by;—'Who is that stout and strong, handsome Brahman youth, who passed by us? His very appearance indicates that he is a man of uncommon genius. Send for him at once.' Vidyasagar immediately appeared before the Raja Bahadur, who heard from him