Mr. Dutt's pioneer work was done in the realms of poesy, somewhen in the eighteen-sixties, and the fruits are gathered together in this _brochure_ under the title _Songs_, published at Chittagong, in India, which, in some bewildering way, reached a second edition in 1886. In the opening "distich" Mr. Dutt makes the claim to be the first Asiatic poet to write in English, and if that is true this insignificant work becomes the seed of which the full flower is the gifted Rabindra, son of Tagore, whose mellifluous but mystic utterances lie, I am told, on every boudoir table. Me they, for the most part, stump. Baboo Ramkinoo Dutt, although a pioneer, made no claim himself to have originated the startling idea of writing songs "in English word" and English rhyme; he merely accepted the suggestion and acted upon it. The suggestion came, under divine guidance, from Mr. J. D. Ward, the Chittagong magistrate. Here are the lines, setting forth that epoch-making moment, in an address to the Deity: I thank Thee for an idea that Thou has created in my heart On which through the faculty I met now a very fresh art. ... Being myself desired by the Chittagong magistrate, Mr. J. D. Ward, Got encouraged and commence writing a few songs in English word. To Mr. Ward, then, much honour; and, indeed, one of Ramkinoo Dutt's pleasantest qualities is his desire always to give honour where it is due. Mr. Ward was perhaps his especial darling among the white sahibs of Chittagong, but all are praised. Thus, in another invocation to Heaven, we read: King, conqueror of nations, encourage two sorts of mortals, One skilled in war, the other in counsel. If so, why not Captain Macdonald should be the former? If so, why not Mr. J. D. Ward would be the latter? And here is part of a "distich on arrival of 38th N.I.": We paid a visit upon Captain John A. Vanrenen, He is a high-spirited hero and jolly gentleman, So is the Lieutenant George Fergus Graham, So is the Lieutenant Henry Tottenham. The last poem of all is wholly devoted to eulogies of Chittagong worthies. For example, Mr. H. Greavesour, the judge, Is a pious and righteous man, Administering justice with mental pain. Of Mr. D. R. Douglas: There is Mr. D. R. Douglas, Joint Magistrate, His judgment is pure, yes, on the highest rate. And Mr. A. Marsh, Magistrate-Collector: He is devout, holy man, naturally shy, His mind seems runs through righteous way. And the Executive Engineer, Mr. C. A. Mills: The energitic gentleman is getting on well. All these were living and probably in daily reception of the obeisances of the retired medical officer who esteemed them so highly; but Dr. Beatson was dead: