country because he was an Indian. The young Englishman who was placed above him did not appreciate his labours and, it is even said, sometimes treated him with scant courtesy. The veteran Educationist felt himself unjustly treated; and in 1858, before he had reached his fortieth year, Vidyasagar severed his connexion with the Government, and resigned his appointments, carrying a pay of Rs. 500, without a retiring pension or gratuity for all the work he had done. "He carries with him the acknowledgments of the Government for his long and zealous service in the cause of Native education,"—was the concluding remark in the Government letter of the 25th September 1858, accepting Vidyasagar's resignation.
It is pleasing to note that the field of Vidyasagar's labours and of his benevolent charities was widened after he had retired from service; and that he proved himself a greater man in retirement than in service. As a literary man he had no equal in Bengal, until the genius of Bankim Chandra came to be recognized at a later date; as a philanthropist and a benevolent helper of the poor and the needy, Vidyasagar stands in the highest rank achieved by any man in any age or country. The princely income derived from his books was devoted to the relief of suffering and distress; hundreds of poor widows owed him their maintenance;
