Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/414

Rh his hearing. Vidyasagar was quite moved at his misfortune, and started the Soma-Prakasa with Sarada Prasad for its publisher, solely for the latter's benefit.

Some time after this, Sarada Prasad was, at the instance of Vidyasagar, appointed Librarian to the Maharaja of Burdwan and Assistant to the Maharaja's translation of the Mahabharat. Maharaja Mahatabchand Bahadur of Burdwan felt a great fond regard and esteem for Vidyasagar. They had met first in 1847, when Vidyasagar had gone to Burdwan in company with Babu Ram Gopal Ghosh, a most celebrated orator of the time, and Raja Satya Saran Ghoshal of Bhukailas to visit the famous city. Vidyasagar had not at that time accepted the articles of food presented by the Maharaja, but boarded with a friend of his. When the Maharaja was apprised of this, he sent for Vidyasagar. He was highly delighted at the latter's conversation, and considered himself fortunate in having been able to make his acquaintance. At the time of farewell, the Maharaja offered him a present of 500 rupees in cash and a pair of Shawl. But Vidyasagar declined the offer, and said:—'It is not my practice to accept presents. My pay from the Sanskrit College is sufficient for my maintenance. Such presents might be given to professors of Tols to greater advantage.' The Maharaja was quite amazed at Vidyasagar's self-denial. Henceforth