Toru Dutt, a Hindu Poet
A strong, true, pure note in English verse has been struck by a Hindu girl. She was the daughter of Baboo Govin Chunder Dutt, a high caste Hindu, noted for the breadth of his views and his deep learning. She was born in Calcutta, March 4th, 1856. Her father educated her himself, and, having taught her English, took her when she was thirteen to France, that she might perfect herself in that language. She delved into French literature, and the outcome is unique and beautiful. Her French was more perfect than her English, but it is her English verse that has won her laurel. She lived only twenty-one years, dying in 1877. None of her work appeared in print until after her death, when her father published some of her essays in various Indian journals; then a volume of miscellaneous poems, and the rare little book entitled "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields," written in English. One of the most exquisite of this collection is:
The morning wind blows fresh and free.
Should not the hour that wakes the rose
Awaken also thee?
Light in the sky, deep red above;
Song, in the lark of pinions strong,
And in my heart, true love.
Why strive to cheat our destines?
Was not my love made for thy soul?
Thy beauty for mine eyes?
Oh, listen now;
I wait and weep,
But where art thou?"
Surely the song of this frail young daughter of sunny India may have a place in the great book of English Verse.