Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/101

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ISVAR CHANDRA VIDYASAGAR.

Dinamayi Devi, a most beautiful girl of eight years.[1] Satrughna said to Thakurdas:—'You see, Bandyopadhyay, I present my daughter to your son, not for the sake of your riches, for you are not a rich man, I know, but simply because your son, Isvar Chandra, has won a great reputation for his profound erudition. At first, Isvar Chandra had had no mind to enter into such an early marriage, but he had to yield to his father's requisition, for fear of his parent's great disappointment and displeasure. We have already said, that Isvar Chandra had always a great reverence for his father, and he now unhesitatingly submitted to his direction. Isvar Chandra must have considered himself fortunate in having Dinamayi for his wife. Without her aid, much of his future noble deeds might have remained undone. She was as noble-minded and generous, as she was kind and forgiving. To understand her character fully, the reader should be acquainted with her father.

Satrughna Bhattacharya was a robust Brahman of great strength, both of body and mind, and of irritable temper, but, at the same time, generous, liberal and forgiving. His co-villagers dreaded him for his uncommon prowess and strength, but

  1. According to the Hindu Sastras, eighth year is the best time for a girl to marry:—

    "অষ্টবর্ষে ভবেদ্ গৌরী নবমে চ রোহিণী।
    দশমে কন্যকা প্রোক্তা অত ঊর্দ্ধং রজস্বলা॥"