বঙ্কিম-কণিকা we get angry with them ; or if we do, do we consider them to be rebels 2 We never do so. Similarly, the English ruler will not take us to be rebels merely on account of our crying for what we want, and our bragging. To rebellion is necessary, if not equality, at least the power to stand forth as an opponent. That we have it not, the Englishman knows very well. If he did not know it before, he has come to know it during the recent severe trial. Therefore it does not seem to us probable that the English can think of us as rebels. But, as we cannot enter into the (depths of) civilized intellect, we are unable to make any statement with emphasis. As we are incapable of understanding how the English think on any particular matter, it is best for us to adopt a candid language and attitude. When no one can say that if we adopt genteel and insincere language the Englishman will not to take us for rebels, why should we take upon our heads the troubles of hypocrisy and the botherations of civilization ? It is best that we make a clean breast of our tuncivilized Hindu ideas. Our chief idea is that, although the English have captured us by brute force, they cannot approach near us in ethics. This statement may be rude, but it is perfectly true. You have ২৩
