Rue de Champagne, Brussels
The case of the estate against the friars has been lost – Rizal is determined to return to the native country though he may have “to pass over serpents and vipers.” – “Those peoples would better be assimilated by a greater Malayan nation than by a Spanish one….”
* * *
38 Rue de Philippe de Champagne, Brussels
20 July 1890
Jose Rizal
My Brother,
At the end of July I shall have to leave Brussels. I am not yet sure where I shall have to go, whether to Madrid or to the Philippines. We have lost our case of the estate against the friars. My brother has appealed to the Supreme Court and I have to go to Spain to look after it, or else return to the Philippines to be able to look at things with my own eyes. I am very confident that this time God will also protect me, and if it does not happen thus, nothing has been lost. I would rather give up my life for my people than remain here enjoying a life of leisure. If I die, you remain and you will not abandon the Filipinos.
After our case has been decided, I will surely return to the Philippines. I wish to salute again my native land though I may have to pass over serpents and vipers. I trust in God and in my fate.
Pedro Serrano is not here yet. He is waiting for me at Paris whence we may perhaps go to Madrid together. Had I enough money now, you too would have to come with us. This indeed would be a congress!
I am enjoying happy days here. We are having truly French-Flemish fetes – processions, parades of giants, reviews, parades, fairs, etc. After this festival I shall leave.
Your article on Philippine languages has taught me something important. Formerly I had not reflected on your observation that “Those peoples would better be assimilated by a greater Malayan nation than by a Spanish one….” I admit now that this is true; I have never thought of it. It is in accordance with the law of affinity.
In the future the Filipinos will learn their language better; their spirit is awakening.
Before I leave this place, I shall write you again,
Greetings to the whole family.
Yours,
Rizal
02-562 [Blumentritt V.2]