4 June 1890

Brussels

Rizal writes Ponce in Tagalog – Returning Ramon Riego de Dios’ greetings – Rizal is very friendly towards those who know how to love their native country – He esteems those of Kawit or Maragondong – “May the flowers form the Philippines not wither in Spain.” – May Reigo de Dios excel Rizal – “Great is my hope that the rising generation will surpass that of the past and of the future.” – Hoping Ponce can do something about the gambling in Madrid – The heads of families in Manila have heard and are disgusted.

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Brussels, 4 June 1890

38 Rue Phil. de Champagne

MR. MARIANO PONCE

Barcelona, Espana

MY FAVORITE FRIEND:

So that this letter will overtake you I am answering immediately your letter, which I have just received today, and also I am sending you two copies of Morga by parcel post.

I enclose my photograph taken in Paris when I was printing Morga.

I consider your article published in La Solidaridad very good. It shows that you think and observe well and it is a pity that you do not write a longer book.

Please return to me the greetings of our compatriot Ramon Riego de Dios. Tell him that I am a friend of all our compatriots, whether they are sympathizers or enemies, and still more of our fellow countrymen who know how to love their land. Besides this, I esteem much the people of Kawit where I have many friends as I do also in Maragongdong. May the flowers form the Philippines not wither in Spain. There are many promising young men who, when they get to Madrid, are led astray and are spoiled. I hope that our friend Riego will greatly surpass Rizal who formerly was also a student of medicine and a painter, although he never won a medal in Amsterdam and Madrid. Great is my hope that the rising generation will surpass that of the past and of the future.

I have learned that Roxas’ son has died.[1] How and of what did he die?

May you finally take that trip to Madrid. Awaken there the goodwill of the chaps. Those of Paris have many complaints against our compatriots in Madrid who are devoting their time to gambling. They say that they know it already in Manila and the heads of families are disgusted.

This is all. Regards to all.

RIZAL

01-543 [Family]