Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/196

 of the Bengali prose were displayed in his very first translation. He did not, in the beginning, attempt at original composition. His early writings were all translations, which served gradually to strengthen his powers of composition, and make him so famous an author. The "Vasudeva-Charita", although only a translation, is not wholly wanting in proofs of his creative genius. Vidyasagar was the first to show the way how to compose translations in chaste, plain, easy, graceful language. But, at the same time, it must be admitted, to his credit, that the language and style of his subsequent translations and original compositions are more refined and elegant than those of the "Vasudeva-Charita." It is obvious, that the difference between the language of this his first translation and that of his subsequent writings is exactly similar to the difference between the language of Johnson's first English translation, the "Voyage to Abyssinia," and that of the latter's subsequent prose works.

However much progress and development the Bengali language may attain, it must always remain highly indebted to Vidyasagar as its pioneer. His style, and arrangement of words and sentences, are peculiar by his own, and bear the appearance of newness at all times. Even when he has made a literal translation, there is no lack of beauty and grace in it.

He, who can express his many thoughts and ideas in the fewest possible words, is reckoned to