Barcelona
M. H. del Pilar values highly Rizal’s praise of his La Soberania Monacal – Rizal has no right yet to die – All the darts that are hurled against his name are received in the hearts of those who cherish him – Case of the gobernadorcillos who signed the petition for the expulsion of the friars – Rizal will meet one of the gobernadorcillos in Paris.
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Barcelona, 10 March 1889
FRIEND LAONG LAAN,
Rizal’s praise of La soberania monacal nearly made me swell with pride for it cannot be otherwise – praises like those of the author of Noli me tangere, Consejo de los Dioses, Vision, etc., etc. etc. constitute an invaluable triumph for a pretty author trained in a country of petty governors, directors, lawyers, fiscals, and other diminutive eminences; but the truth is that desire deceives and you are a palpable example. Wishing to redeem myself, I believed myself redeemed. I accept then your praises under pretext of aspiration. Thanks for the good will.
Rizal has no right yet to die. His name constitutes the purest and most immaculate standard of sacrosanct aspirations and Plaridel and his men are no other than mere volunteers who serve under that standard.
For that reason, you must have observed that all the darts that are hurled against your name are received in the hearts of those who cherish you, of which I have had palpable proofs.
Quiroga does not carry any power of attorney of the imprisoned gobernadorcillos, nor has the case reached that stage when it can be taken up in Madrid. It is in the process of indictment, and ask Regidor how many years the Spanish indictment lasts, when the accused is innocent and there is an earnest desire to annoy him.
They tell me that you are intending to go to Paris. There you will meet one[1] of the gobernadorcillos who signed the petition. At Marseille I gave him a letter of introduction to you and probably he will give it to you there. If you will stay in the room they have found for you at the Hotel de Castilla, it is easy for him to go to you to greet you.
Your affectionate friend embraces you,
M. H. DEL PILAR
03-369 [Reformists]
[1] Justo Trinidad