Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/44

32 England to India, he did the even greater service of interpreting India to the English. The west had long since gone to the East, eager to explore its mysteries and develop its resources. With Ram Mohan Roy the East for the first time broke through the bonds which had so long held it and began the journey to the west. He may well be called the first ambassador of India to the English people.

The great reformer was destined never again to return to his native land. His health gradually failed and though surrounded by all that modern science could provide, he slowly sank and died amid a faithful little company of friends at Bristol on the 27th September, 1833. Though his remains lie far from the land he strove so hard to serve his memory will ever live in the hearts of his grateful fellowcountrymen. [sic] Above his grave a memorial stone pays this last tribute—

RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY BAHADOOR.