Marseille
On Tagalog art of versification — Blumentritt understands Rizal — The Germans believe they have a “transparent chest” — Something German? — A fine type of Jesuit — Merit, virtues, are the foundation of friendship — Rizal in good luck — Of magnetic attraction — whoever deals with them becomes his friend — consoled by Blumentritt.
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Marseille, 2 July 1887
Dear Friend,
I was not disappointed at my arrival here because I found waiting for me two letters with pleasant farewell greetings. Before answering them, may I thank you for the copy of Globus. I have not yet read it carefully because my departure gives me a lot to do. However, I have leafed through it a little. Concerning the art of versification in Tagalog, I have sent an article to the Ethnographic Society (March-April)
You understand me thoroughly, you read my most intimate thoughts, and that flatters me because it indicates that I have something German in me, and the Germans, according to one of your letters, believe they have a “transparent chest” or they are sincere and give no importance to form. I say that for your kindness in recommending me to the “powerful” Fr. Ricart. I thank you for it and I’ll do all I can to be worthy of the one who recommended me.
You can call Fr. Ricart amigo, though among the Spaniards the appellation does not have as much value as it does among the Germans. Besides, Fr. Ricart has given also given you this appellation, believing that you are worthy of it and wishing to be your friend. Moreover, Fr. Ricart is a worthy and serious man. Among the Spaniards there do not exist the customs that govern the relation of priests and private German citizens according to which merit, virtues, and dignity by themselves can cement friendship, though it may not be old like ours. For example Fr. Ricart does not have the captivating look of Fr. Heras. He is pale like a corpse, cold, polite, and distinguished. I have never seen him smile; he walks softly with head raised. He is the type of a fine and distinguished Jesuit. Whoever has seen him once does not forget him anymore. He has a face of a dead man without being repulsive.
Mrs. Luise Klutschack kindly sent me her picture which pleased me. It has touchde me deeply. At times it seems to me that I am a child of good luck, at least in Europe where I have so many good friends. Yesterday and the day before yesterday were two pleasant days for me. Day before yesterday on the train I met an Italian priest who treated me like an old friend, or as if he were my father confessor. And yesterday an American couple treated me with greatest kindness. The wife was about 35 years old, spoke only English, and was traveling in Europe for the first time. The husband a banker, spoke German, French, and a little Italian. They invited me several times to eat and drink with them. We were on an express train and we took our lunch in the dining coach. The wife was very glad when I accepted their invitation and sent her husband to buy oranges, fruit, and other things. And when I wanted to buy something for them, she would not let me go down. For dessert she gave me a piece of chocolate and when we parted, she told her husband to give me his card. They went down at Monaco and wished me good luck. I shall never forget this meeting and mutual was the sympathy that grew from it. The husband had nothing particular about him, but the wife had blue eyes, sweet and noble traits and a chaste smile like that of the ancient Christian maidens. I told him at parting: “Goodbye, hardly shall we meet again!” She replied: “You do not know. I hope we shall meet again. I think so!” I too hope to meet them again because disinterested persons are appreciated. I believe that I am a child of fortune! Indeed! I think so! as the good lady said. They waved to me until the train moved away. What have I then? I’m neither rich nor handsome and as Goethe said, I can go home alone. Undoubtedly, I am a child of fortune in Europe. The child of fortune today sends his picture to Frau Louise and requests that of Mr. Klutschack. Professor Willkomm deserves the honor of being Rector Magnificus. I’m glad and I’m going to congratulate him.
I am very sorry that Mr. Labhart has to leave the Philippines. I was already happily counting on becoming his friend; but due to his responsibilities nothing can be done. I’ll try to continue the work Mr. Labhart was doing for you and I’m going to speak to Reyes about it.
As my drawings are at the bottom of my suitcase, I cannot send any to Dr. Czepelack; but I promise you that I’ll send authentic drawings of the Philippine landscapes and customs. You can count on them.
With your letter I return home consoled. I know that I have a good friend, and that is great luck. The ancient Greeks considered a good friend to be the best gift of the gods. I will conduct myself in such a way that you will never repent for having honored me with your friendship.
I expect your letters in Calamba. At every station I shall write you. Pardon the poor ink and style of this letter, for I’m traveling. Tomorrow at ten o’clock I leave this place. Europe, free life of the pilgrim, goodbye!
I kiss my little friends and may God let me live in my native land until a Blumentritt would go there. Then the beautiful golden days will come back!
I greet the elders and I embrace you. Don’t forget your good friend
Rizal
Do you know if Dr. Czepelack has any picture of himself? I did not want to ask him as it may hurt him if he is not in a position to have one taken. Don’t tell him anything about this.
02-248 [Blumentritt V.1]