Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/365

 man, by name Srimanta, to act as body-guard to Vidyasagar. This Srimanta was as strong in muscles as he was dexterous in fencing with his club. It was with the help of this man, that Vidyasagar saved himself one night, when a number of his opponents attempted to fall upon him with an evil intent.

It is said that, at this period, whenever he went out into the streets, people surrounded him on all sides. Some threw at him vile taunts, while others abused him in filthy language; some threatened him with assaults, while others went so far as to threaten him with murder. But he cared very little for these insults and threats. One day, he was told that a certain wealthy man had engaged men to waylay and beat him, and the men were looking out for an opportunity to carry out their vicious master's orders. Vidyasagar at once presented himself before the rich man at his residence, where he was engaged in deep consultation with his flatterers and dependents, anticipating the sweet pleasure of chastising the wicked Pandit. At his sight, every one of the company hung down his head in shame, and could not give utterance to a word. At last, one of their number ventured to break silence, and ask the visitor the cause of his sudden appearance. Vidyasagar replied,—'I hear, you have engaged men to beat me, and they are always on the look out for me. To save them from their trouble, I have thought it better to present