15 February 1891

Leitmeritz, Bohemia, Austria

After all the misfortunes suffered by Rizal now his beloved abandons him – How it hurts his heart –But Rizal is like those heroes who conquer the pain of love’s wounds – “You have a brave heart and a more noble woman looks at you lovingly: Your Native Land” – The Philippines is like one of the enchanted princesses of German folklore – Photograph of Rizal — Blumentritt has been sick — Dr. Czepelack and Klutschack — An album of ethnographic objects from Northern Luzon – “What novel are you writing?” — Igorot pipes which prove the existence of ancient relations with Japan – Another review of the Quioquiaps.

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Leitmeritz, Bohemia, Austria

15 February 1891

Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt

My Brother,

Only today I’m able to write you. Your last letter filled us with sadness. After all the misfortunes that have befallen you, now your beloved[1] abandons you. My wife can’t understand how a woman whom a Rizal has honored with his love could abandon him; she is indignant at that girl. I myself am very sorry, but only for your sake, because I know how your heart aches. But you’re one [of] the heroes who [can] overcome the pain of the wounds inflicted by a woman, because they pursue more lofty ends. You have a brave heart and a more noble woman looks at you lovingly: Your Native Land. The Philippines is like one of the enchanted princesses of German folklore who is the prisoner of an ugly dragon waiting for a valiant knight to liberate her.

I already imagine something like it upon reading your New Year’s letter. I said to my wife then that something has happened to Rizal and it was done by a woman. Chercez la femme![2]

Your photograph has filled us with joy; it’s an excellent likeness. I’ve not been able to show it to Dr. Czepelack; I haven’t been able to visit him since last February because I’ve very much work to do, and today when I’ve planned to do so, I have to stay home on account of a catarrh. I write with much difficulty because my head is aching very much, but as I can’t keep silent, I send you these few lines. Dr. Czepelack lives as usual. He writes and paints and so he overcomes his physical pains. Every time I see him, he asks about you. Klutschack has been sick but has recovered. For four years he has been working on his book, Guide to Leitmeritz and its Environs, but he can’t finish it, because he’s so thorough that he’s always changing something. That’s a real work of Penelope.

What novel are you writing? Is it a new edition of Noli me tángere or a new novel?

I’ve seen the manuscript of A. B. Meyer and A. Schandenberg. It’s an album of ethnographic objects, with text, of Northern Luzon. Most wonderful and interesting things! Some Igorot pipes arouse much interest for their decorations which are identical with those of objects found in very ancient tombs in Japan. This proves that the Igorots must have had relations with Japan long before the coming of the Spaniards.

You’ll like much Schiffer Worse; Kielland is another author who writes with his heart.

The Quioquiaps have founded a review in Manila. I’ve read between the lines that that gang of political bandits will give up their old insults against the Indios. That’s already some progress! But I attack Quioquiap again; perhaps the issue of La Solidaridad for today carries my article against Quioquiap.

My family greets its Rizal. Your Brother embraces you.

Blumentritt

01-605 [Family]