Though the language of the Vetala-Panchavingsati was more elegant and refined than that of the "Vasudeva-Charita," it was, at first, rejected by the authorities of the Fort William College, because K. M. Banarji, whom Mr. Marshall had intrusted with the examination of the book, had not approved it. Vidyasagar, dissatisfied with this decision, referred the matter to the European missionaries of Serampore. Mr. Marshman, certified it to be the best of all the Bengali prose books published up to that time. It was then that the authorities of the Fort William College purchased one hundred copies of the book for their college at an outlay of 300 rupees. The remaining copies were presented to friends.
It is no wonder that the book did not, at first, meet with general approbation. Such is the fate of all writers. The invaluable treasures of Shakspeare lay hidden for a long time. What was the fate of Milton's great work, the "Paradise Lost?" It was not appreciated during his life-time. Johnson could not procure a suit of decent clothes. Goldsmith struggled hard with poverty all his life. But why run to other countries for illustrations? What was the fate of the great Bengali poet, Michael Madhusudana Datta? He had to pass the last days of his life in a medical hospital, separated from his family, and forsaken by his countrymen. Babu Hem Chandra Banarji, the great living poet of Bengal, is immersed in poverty, living on the small pittance generously awarded by Government.
