Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/275

Rh the leaders of English life and thought but by visiting the famous centres of industry he would be enabled to realise the great resources of modern times and to gain a wide and comprehensive view of modern conditions. It was in the spring of 1865 that arrangements were finally completed and the Nawabzada at the impressionable age of nineteen, accompanied by two of his younger brothers, set out under the guidance of Colonel Herbert who had been especially selected to escort him. The party left Calcutta by the Peninsular and Oriental Steamer Candia on the 9th of March, and after visiting Cairo and other parts of Egypt en route finally reached Southampton on April the 19th.

On arrival in London the Nawabzada and his brother at once began a round of sight-seeing that must have been a continual source of delight to the young men whose previous knowledge of the world had been limited to Murshidabad. Practically everything of interest in London was shown to them. At the British Museum, the Tower and various other places of interest they spent many fascinating hours. The Crystal Palace was a never-failing source of delight, while the opera and the theatres were a revelation to them in their utter dissimilarity from eastern plays and music. Innumerable parties were given in their honour and there were few of the most interesting people of the day whom they did not meet. No efforts were spared to make their stay in London enjoyable and instructive. At the Levée held by His Royal Highness the Prince