British Rulers at Calcutta

To William Cavendish Bentinck, Who, during seven years, ruled India with eminent Prudence, Integrity, and Benevolence: Who, placed at the head of a great Empire, never laid aside The simplicity and moderation of a private citizen: Who infused into Oriental despotism the spirit of British Freedom: Who never forgot that the end of Government is The happiness of the Governed: Who abolished cruel rites: Who effaced humiliating distinctions: Who gave liberty to the expression of public opinion: Whose constant study it was, to elevate the intellectual and moral character of the Nations committed to his charge: This Monument Was erected by men, Who, differing in Race, in Manners, in Language, And in Religion, Cherish, with equal veneration and gratitude, The memory of his wise, upright, And paternal Administration.

This monument Is sacred to the memory Of Sir Benjamin Heath Malkin, Knight, One of the Judges of The Supreme Court of Judicature: A man eminently distinguished By his literary and scientific attainments, By his professional learning and ability, By the clearness and accuracy of his intellect, By diligence, by patience, by firmness, by love of truth, By public spirit, ardent and disinterested, Yet always under the guidance of discretion, By rigid uprightness, by unostentatious piety, By the serenity of his temper, And by the benevolence of his heart.

He was born on the 29th of September 1797. He died on the 21st of October 1837.

Near this stone is laid Charles Lord Metcalfe, A Statesman tried in many high offices And difficult conjunctures And found equal to all. The three greatest Dependencies of the British Crown Were successively entrusted to his care. In India, his fortitude, his wisdom, His probity, and his moderation, Are held in honourable remembrance By men of many races, languages, and religions. In Jamaica, still convulsed by a social revolution, His prudence calmed the evil passions Which long-suffering had engendered in one class And long domination in another. In Canada, not yet recovered from the calamities of civil war, He reconciled contending factions To each other, and to the Mother Country. Costly monuments in Asiatic and American cities Attest the gratitude of the nations which he ruled. This tablet records the sorrow and the pride With which his memory is cherished by his family.