Dutt, Romesh Chunder: The literature of Bengal: being an attempt to trace the progress of the national mind in its various aspects, as reflected in the nation’s literature from the earliest times to the present day ; with copious extracts from the best writers (Calcutta, 1877)

THE PERIOD OP EUROPEAN INFLUENCE. 199

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than Bimala, n*>w an inmate, of 'Katlu Khan's yjarem?
Who sang sweeter or danced with more voluptuous grace
or seat keener darts from the quiver of her glances'? Katlu
Khan could resist no longer; the lights were extin-
guished, Bimala fell, as if melting, on Katlu Khan, and
then stabbed him to the hilt of her poniard. " Fiend !
Satan !" exclaimed the wounded Katlu Khan. "Iam
neither a fiend" replied Bimala "nor Satan; I am
the widow of murdered Birendra Sing !"

The remainder of the story is soon tdld. Tilottama
and Bimala soon escaped from the palace of Katlu
Khan now filled with confusion ; the Pathans humbled
by the death of Katlu Khan asked for and obtained
truce by setting Jagat Sing free1; that prince eventually
married Tilottama the idol of his heart, while Ayesha
returned from the scene silent and broken hearted and
devoted her life to doing good to men and seeking com-
fort from Him who is the Comforter of the distressed.

Bimala is the central" figure in the above story, aMd
no picture can be more graphic and superb, more gorgeous
or complete. She is a splendid, an inimitable woman.
She is inimitable in her gaiety and accomplishments, ini-
mitable in her devoted love towards her husband, inimita-'
ble in her fertility and presence of mind, inimitable in the
real greatness and heroism of her soul. She is a most
accomplished charming, bewitching, almost a wicked
woman, she is a devoted and ever faithful wife, she is a
real hero at heart. In the festive hall or in the
presence of her lord, she is a desperate flirt, and her
charms are irresistible; in times of danger she is calm and