26 January 1887

Berlin

Rizal admires Dr. Pardo de Tavera for his knowledge of Sanskirt — He would discover more Sanskirt words in Tagalog — Perfect agreement on Philippine independence — Peaceful struggle is a dream — Spain will never learn the lesson of her former South American colonies — We only ask for greater attention, better education, good government, and representatives — Rizal, member of the Ethnographic Society.

* * *

Berlin, 26 January 1887

Esteemed Friend,

Today I received again a letter from you so that I owe you two replies.

I could not answer at once your first letter, because nothing new has occurred here at all and also because I had been in bed with fever for some time.

I’m really sorry that you are sick because there is nothing more unpleasant that to be confined in bed. I cannot appreciate what one suffers for not being able to smoke because at any rate I don’t smoke. But I imagine that it is not like being able to drink water, which is my passion.

I envy Pardo de Tavera for his knowledge of Sanskrit.[1] If I knew as much Sanskrit as he does, I could perhaps discover more Sanskrit words in our language that he, because he does not know much Tagalog. But I can no longer work so much at night as before, because if I did so, my temperature rises and I will perspire horribly during the night. If my compatriot had not been with me I would have transferred probably to Italy, because this climate is not healthful for me.

I agree with you concerning the independence of the Philippines. Only, such an event will never happen. A peaceful struggle shall always be a dream, for Spain will never learn the lesson of her former South American colonies. Spain cannot learn what England and the United States have learned. But, under the present circumstances, we do not want separation from Spain. All that we ask is greater attention, better education, better government employees, one or two representatives, and greater security for our persons and property, Spain could always win the appreciation of the Filipinos if she were only reasonable! But, Quos vult perdere Jupiter, prius dementat![2]

I thank you for whatever you may do for my compatriot Isabelo de los Reyes. I shall be very much pleased to write home that an Austrian scholar published what the beloved mother country has rejected.

I am planning to translate into Tagalog the travels of Jagor as soon as I finish the translation of Waitz, because of Soler’s[3] translation is deficient and contains errors. I hope to be able to finish this work in spring. I have not been able to buy Humboldt’s works because they are very costly. Later, when I earn some money, I’ll buy all these good books.

I have had the great honor of being appointed member of the Ethnographic Society. I was present at its ordinary as well as the extraordinary sessions. Recently Dr. Donitz gave an interesting lecture on Japanese prehistoric tombs with the dishes and decorations found in them. It was the best lecture I heard in the two sessions.

Regards to your esteemed lady and your father. I wish you good health.

Your most affectionate friend,

Rizal

My compatriot sends you regards.

03-193 [Reformists]