Rue du Hainaut, Gand
Rizal is pleased with Blumentritt’s criticism of El Filibusterismo – Rizal will write a third novel – In it politics will not occupy much space – Ethics will play a principal role – There will be only two Spaniards in it: The curate and the lieutenant of the civil guard – Sends Blumentritt six copies of Fili – Will return to the Philippines – Too much politics in Europe – “I have to give an example not to fear death…” – “Life in Europe is becoming impossible for me. It is better to die than to live miserably.”
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9 Rue du Hainaut, Ghent, Belgium
22 September 1891
Jose Rizal
My Brother,
At last I can breathe freely and gladly. Fearfully I awaited your verdict! This has arrived. And though I ought to believe that there is much deference in it, I can look forward to the future with confidence and to home for my luck. I would have liked to pour forth all my knowledge, all my brains, all my sentiments on the pages of my book; but my characters did not give me an opportunity for it and neither did I have enough space. I am thinking of writing a third novel, a novel in the modern meaning of the word. But this plays the principal role. I will deal only with the ideas and customs of the Filipinos; there will be only two Spaniards – the curate and the lieutenant of the civil guard. I want to be witty, satirical, and candid; I want to cudgel and laugh, laugh amid tears, that is to say, to cry bitterly.
You will receive six copies – one for our friend Czepelack and the rest for you. You may do with them what you please. Last year you paid too much for a copy of Morga; I did not know it and I was very sorry and it gave me many unpleasant moments. Whenever I think of it, I am disgusted with myself. Much later, you will receive a bound copy with dedication and a photograph. You can give away the copy you have. If you still want more, I beg you to write me, because, otherwise you would buy it too dearly and I would be sorry about it.
I have to return to the Philippines. Life is becoming a burden to me here. I have to give an example not to fear death, even if this may be terrible. Besides, many are complaining against me that I am doing this and that to the Filipinos. I have some secret enemies. I want to go there so that I shall not hear anything more. I have enough with my political enemies; I do not want to have them within the party. I am going to meet my destiny. If I die, you remain. Life in Europe is becoming impossible for me. It is better to die than to live miserably. I expect to finish my third novel during the trip. If I receive money, I shall leave on 4 October.
I embrace you.
Yours,
J. Rizal
03-651 [Reformists]