CHAPTER XIV
RIP VAN WINKLE!
Yes, thou great sea!
I am more mighty and out-billow thee.
On thy tops I rise—
'Tis an excuse to dally with the skies.
I sink below
The bottom of the clamourous world to know.
***
I come, oh free
Ocean, to measure my huge soul with thee.
Arahindo Ghose.
MR. TILAK'S transportation to Mandalay was followed by a long period of political re-action. Boycott, political or economic, ceased to count as a factor in practical politics. Only lord Minto's "Honest Swadeshi" lived. National schools and colleges were deserted. The Samitts were suppressed. Arbitration courts collapsed. Wholesale repression drove the movement underground, bringing Terrorism in its train. The Terrorist was vigorously hunted. Popular leaders found their way either to goal or to self-imposed exile. The National Congress with its ever-dwindling enthusiasm and attendance, met only to register the growing depression of the Moderate leaders. The "Reformed" Councils had disillusioned the people. Even Mr. Gokhale's optimism was shattered. The Octopean
