Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/331

 whether it is a part of the National movement that should drive off those who are without dwellings, why cry for water and that I should reject the advances of those who cry for food, These are the questions which I ask my friend here. Since I am saying something against you, I doubt whether I shall still enjoy or retain the affection of the student population and whether I shall still retain the blessing of my leaders. I ask you to have a large heart and give me a little corner in it. I shall try to steal into that corner. If you would be kind enough to teach me wisdom, I shall learn wisdom in all humility and in all earnestness. I am praying for it and I am asking for it. If you cannot teach me, I again declare myself at war with my leaders. ( Loud cheers.)

THE REWARD OF PUBLIC LIFE.

/?? reply to the titizens' address at Bangalore presented in May 1915, Mr. Gandhi made the following speech :

I did not want to be dragged in the carriage. There is a meaning in that. Let us not spoil our public men by dragging them. Let them work silently. We should not encourage the thought, that one has to work, because one will be honoured similarly. Let public men feel that they will be stoned, they will be neglected and let them still love the country ; for service is its own reward. A charge has been brought against us that we as a nation are too demonstrative and lack businesslike methods. We plead guilty to the charge. Are we to copy modern activities or are we to copy the ancient civilisation which has survived so many shocks ? You and I have^toact on the political platform from i spiritual side and if ttrs is

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