A Suitable Boy

by Vikram Seth

‘They say he takes Rama’s name all day. Why does he do so?’ ‘Wood burns when rubbed and rubbed till it gives you the light you desire.’

Sympathy does not run out by being generously bestowed.

Well, I made the point that there are three kinds of teachers: those who are forgotten, those who are remembered and hated, and the third, the lucky ones, and I hope I am one of them, those who are remembered and’—he paused—‘forgiven.’