Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/87

 determining always to go against his wishes. This stubbornness of mind, which formed a principal element of his character, ripening with age, was productive of many noble deeds, for which Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar's name will be ever remembered with grateful reverence.

The stubbornness of Isvar Chandra reminds us of the stubbornness of Johnson in his early years. It is said of JhonsonJohnson [sic] that in his childhood, a servant used daily to accompany him to and from school. One day, the servant was a little too late, and Johnson walked out of the school by himself. The governess being apprised of this, ran after the child, for fear lest he should miss his way and fall into some trouble. When Johnson found, that he was followed by the governess, his pride was touched, that she must have been doubtful of his powers. He was so much provoked at what he considered to be a deliberate affront on the part of the governess, that he retraced his steps, came back to school, and struck her. This stubbornness was very conspicuous in Johnson's after-life.

When Isvar Chandra entered the Belles-lettres class, he was only eleven years old. Besides, he was not sufficiently tall for his age. The teacher of this class, Jay Gopal Tarkalankar objected to take him into his class, and stated that