Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/381

 been slighted by a native, and tried to humiliate Vidyasagar by other means.

At last, on the 5th August, 1858, he communicated to the Government of Bengal, through his superior, his final decision of retirement from public service. We crave indulgence to quote below the letter at length:—

",

Director of Public Instruction.

"Sir,

"The unceasing mental exertion required by the discharge of my public duties has now so seriously affected my general health, as to compel me to tender my resignation of the Education service to the Honorable the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal.

"2. I feel that I can no longer devote the assiduous attention to my duties which their due performance necessitates. I need repose, and in justice to the public interests, as well as to my own comforts and happiness, can only secure that repose by retiring into private life.

"3. The moment my health is restored, it is my intention to devote my time and attention to the composition and compilation of useful works in the Vernacular language of Bengal. Thus, although my direct official connection with the education and enlightenment of my countrymen will have ceased, I venture humbly to hope that my remaining years will still be devoted to the advancement of a great and sacred cause in which my deep and earnest interest can only close with my life.