Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/434

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MICHAEL M. DATTA.
391

the trouble to ask him for them, but would stretch out his hands to receive them, and before Vidyasagar could prevent him, he would help himself to a handful and make good his escape. Vidyasagar bore Madhusudan's such acts of wanton mischief and violence with a degree of patience, which was quite unusual with him. He, who could not tolerate the failings of his own children and did not feel difficulty in estranging his only son, easily put up with the outrages of Madhusudana. In fact, he felt a sort of magnetic attraction for the poetic genius of Michael.

After his return to Calcutta, Michael obtained from Vidyasagar 4,000 rupees over and above the 6,000 rupees that had been remitted to him in Europe by his generous friend. But he never repaid a single pice.

The 6,000 rupees which Vidyasagar remitted to Madhusudana in Europe, he had raised by loans from Onoocool Chunder Mookerjee and Sris Chandra Vidyaratna.

Besides, he had borrowed from them various other sums on Michael's account to pay off his other debts, which were very considerable. When Michael returned from Europe, Onoocool Chunder began to make pressing demands for repayment of his money, as will be seen from the following letter, which was addressed by him to Vidyasagar.

"April the 8th 1867.

"My Dear Sir, **** "I am at present much in want of money, pray