Kalamba
Happy passage — Grand reception at home — Tears of joy, ten thousand questions all at once and laughter — Oh, my beautiful Motherland! — The Noli raised a great deal of uproar — The General said: “Your novel roused comments; it contains subversive ideas; I wish to read it.” — “If you don’t receive a letter from me, something must have happened to me.” — Possible return to his “adopted country,” Europe.
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Calamba, 5 September 1887
Dear Friend,
A while ago I had started to write you a letter and I was about to finish it when I was summoned by the Governor General. Yes, my dear friend, I believe that I shall have to return to Europe immediately because my beloved country does not want to have anything to do with me.
I had a good trip. I found my family enjoying good health, and the joy was great when we met again. Tears of joy were shed; I had to answer ten thousand questions all at once; there was laughter, admonitions, etc., etc. Oh, my beautiful native land!
My book has raised a great deal of uproar; everybody is asking me about it. They would like to anathematize me and the General summoned me in order to get a copy of the book. He said to me: “You wrote a novel that aroused much comment; they tell me that there are subversive ideas in it. I wish to read it.” — “General,” I said, “I intend to send copies to Your Excellency and to the Archbishop as soon as I receive copies from Europe. I had only a copy and I gave it to a friend. If, then, Your Excellency will permit it, I will look for one.” — “Not only do I permit it but I demand it.” I went to the Jesuits to get their copy, but they would not give it up; so I had to take to the General a soiled copy. He received it more affably and asked me whether I was going back home or not.
So that if within a month you don’t receive another letter of mine, you would know that something bad has happened to me, or I may by then sailing towards my adopted country, that is, Europe, or it may be that they are keeping me here as if I were a prisoner. Every day I receive threats.
I gave the book to the Jesuits and they accepted it with much pleasure. Fr. Ricart was in Mindanao, so that I had to give it to the Rector.
Twice I went personally to Mr. I. de los Reyes’ house to call on him, but I did not find him. I left my card and he came to see me, precisely when I was in conference with the Governor General.
I am treating some patients. It is too warm here for me, already I have rash.
My father does not allow me to go out alone, nor eat at the house of another family. The old man fears and trembles for me.
They take me for a German spy, agent of Bismarck, Protestant, freemason, a half-damned soul, etc. Thus I prefer to stay at home. The civil guard firmly believe in all that and they whisper that I am sketching plans. The corporal (native of Madrid) believes that I hold a foreign passport and that I take a walk at night. Alas, I am in the hands of God and my fate. Happen what may happen, I am ready for it.
My living nephews and nieces are already 16; with the dead, I believe, 24. The children always ask for the little ulimanes (Germans) who are shown in the picture, especially for Dolores or Loleng. “Is it true that they already know how to speak German?” they ask me.
I received your message, but it is very short, only a postal card. Please write me more. I am beginning to paint landscapes. The photograph of Dr. Czepelack is very much admired by everybody. My father wants to frame it.
My parents and brothers greet you and your family.
I will send you something by the next mail.
Yours faithfully,
Rizal
03-264 [Reformists]