16 December 1895

Dapitan

Dapitan, 16 December 1895

MR. PEDRO A. PATERNO

MY DISTINGUISHED FRIEND,

As very rarely news reach me – and even these are very confused – since I have been exiled to this corner of the world, I did not know for this reason if your father is still living (as I wish) and hence I address this letter to you and not to him as I should.

I have learned through the Oceania that my old and good friend, Dr. Antonio Paterno, had died at Tambobong.[1]

You who know the never disturbed friendship that had existed between him, Minong,[2] and I, of about the same age, can figure out how much the news has grieved me. There rises before me old memories, occasions, circumstances, sensations, ideas, and I was not able to shake his friendly hands or to return to him so many good services and I owed him.

Since I have been here, how many friends of my youth have passed away! Abreu, Aguirre, del Rosario, Antonio Paterno. I can repeat with Thomas Moore:[3]

When I remember all

The friends to linked together

I have seen around me fall

Like leaves in wintry weather,

I fell like one

Who treads alone

Some banquet hall deserted,

Whose lights are fled

Whose garlands dead

And all but me departed!

How lonely we the living are becoming! I could say parodying Becquer;[4] because here I live alone and I live only on memories, the memories of good friends.

I beg you to express my profound condolence to your distinguished family, to your father, sisters as well as to the unforgettable Minong.

Command your most attentive servant and friend who kisses your hand.

JOSE RIZAL.

04-879 [Misc.]