3 December 1887

Kalamba

Rizal is busy with surgical operations — He has earned more that Php 900 — Will return to Europe — “Everybody wants me to leave the Philippines.” — The Government wants him as far away as possible — “The Filipinos fear for me and for themselves.” — Kind words of Blumentritt in the Geographic Commercial Review.

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Calamba, 3 December 1887

Dear Friend,

What will you think of me and what can I say to excuse myself? I received your two letters, the post cards, and the books and I have not even thanked you! But Dr. Czepelack has to forgive me even more, because I did not write him a single word not did I send him the drawing! Yes, dear friend, but I have been very busy and also I have earned much money — more than Php 900. I have cured patients, I did many operations, and I have written much, and made many calls, and so forth. I will return to Europe soon and so I have to earn money. Everybody wants me to leave the Philippines, but I no longer want to spend family funds. The friars do not want even to hear about me; the government employees want to see me as far away as possible; and the Filipinos fear for me and for themselves; consequently, I will return to Europe!

Through the next mail you will receive a piña handkerchief. The embroiderer did not understand well the name “Blumentritt.”

I have called on Tavera on your behalf and we talked a great deal about you. Viola accompanied me.

You do not need authorization to translate my novel. From now on you may do what you please with my works. If you feel the need for a written legal authorization, I will get you one through the Governor.

Your photograph has pleased me very much. Thanks! According to my father, you look very serious in the picture. My nephews ask if I am not afraid of your beard! To them you look like a big terrible man from whom they must hide! I like the little books very much, especially Hebbel’s The Little Treasure.[1] As soon as I shall have time, I will translate it into Tagalog.

I hope you would tell me if you have received a package containing a lighter, a coin, and other things.

I thank you for your kind words in the Geographic Commercial Review. The Tagalogs are very grateful to you. May the Philippines someday have the freedom of speech so that she can tell you what her heart feels.

My family sends you and your family many regards. I’m waiting for the pictures of the children. Here you are very popular. Everybody talks about you. Your name has been transplanted here philologically: Bumentir, Bulumentrit, Blumentiririt, etc. Do come then!

I am sorry that your picture is not ready. We would have liked to receive to before the Christmas season, but we hope that it may be here before February, because in March I will leave the Philippines!

I embrace you, and despite my silence, I remain your best and faithful friend who is always thinking of you.

Rizal

03-279 [Reformists]