Page:True Tales of Indian Life - Dwijendra Nath Neogi.pdf/25

Rh the purity of the cause for which I fight by killing a man in anger and for a personal revenge I determined to free you, but now that I have put aside the temptation there is naught to prevent me from fighting once again for the true faith. So take up your sword and defend yourself." But instead of arming himself, the man threw himself at Ali's feet crying, "I am conquered—conquered, not so much by your steel as by the grandeur of your soul; and true must be the faith that can make man so like to God!"

This man was afterwards one of the most faithful of Ali's followers. one occasion Babu Bhudev Mukherjee paid a visit to Maurbhanja (Orissa) whilst inspecting schools in the district. Before going there he had heard it reported that the Rajah of Maurbhanja was a man who, apparently unmindful of his birth and rank, adopted a cringing attitude towards those with whom he was brought in contact. It was even said that when one of the magistrates in his district called upon him he would help him off his horse or out of his carriage, follow him meekly into his own drawing room, and fan him with his own hands, so forgetful was he of his position. "How shameful," said everyone, "to think that one who bears a name known throughout all Orissa should so demean himself!"

When Bhudev Babu arrived at the palace-gate, he found the Rajah standing there to receive him. He