820 MISCELLANEOUS
Two things we.had in common to the fullest measure*- love of country and the steadly pursuit of Swaraj, I can, therefore, assure the anonymous writer, that yielding to none in my reverence for the memory of the deceased, I will march side by side with the foremost of the Lokamanya's disciples in the pursuit of Swaraj. I kcow that the only offering acceptable to him is the quickest) attainment of Swaraj by India, That and nothing else can give his spirit peace.
Disoiplaship, however, is a sacred personal matter. I fell at? Dadabh'u'a feet in 1883, but he seemed to be too far away from me. I could ba as son to him, not disciple. A disciple is more than a son. Disoipleship is a second birth. It is a voluntary surrender. In 1896 I meb almost all the known leaders of India in connection with my Soufch African mission. Justice R^nade awed me. I could hardly talk in his presence. Badruddin Tayabji fathered me, and asked me to be guided by Rinade and Pherozashab. The latter became a patron. His will had to be law, * You must address a public meeting on the 26:h September, and you must be punctual.' I obeyed-. GJ the 25sh evening I was to vvaib on him. I did*
' Have you written out your speech T he inquired.
'No, Sir/
- That won't do, young man. Can you write it out
to-night ?'
1 Munshi, you must go to Mr. Gandhi and receive the manuscript from him. It mrst be printed over-nighfr and you must send me a copy-' Turning bo me, he added, ' Qandhi, you must not write a long speech, you do nob know Bombay audiences cannot stand long addresses.' B
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