Dapitan
Rizal sends his mother his poem Mi Retiro — Also Himno a Talisay written for his pupils — His pupils just finished their exams — He vows not to buy anything from the local Chinese stores — Sends honey and fruits to his mother — Mr. Rafael Morales, a new commandant —Sitges, former Dapitan politico-Military Commander, and his wife will call on her.
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Dapitan, 22 October 1895
MY DEAR MOTHER,
Though I have no letter from you, nevertheless I write you this sending you the enclosed poem that I promised you.[1] Many months have already passed but I have not been able to correct it yet on account of my numerous tasks. Besides I follow that advice of Horace to let manuscripts sleep a long time in order to correct them better later. Enclosed also is the poem for the boys or rather the Himno a Talisay. On the 14th of this month the boys had their examination and many came to witness it. The examiners are all outsiders. Rómulo, José, Lucas, Anis, Elum, and Marcel won prizes.
A new commandant has come and I believe he is called Mr. Rafael Morales. He seems to be a very good man, at least by sight, he is winsome. Let us see how he will behave later.
On account of Adolfo I had a lawsuit with the Chinese and I vowed not to buy any more from them, so that sometimes I find myself very hard up. Now we have almost neither dishes nor tumblers.
By this mailboat I’m sending you a demijohn of honey, some boxes of lanson, etc.
With nothing more, I kiss affectionately your hand and father’s.
Your son who loves you sincerely,
RIZAL
Mr. and Mrs. Juan Sitjes say that they will call on you there. It is probable that they may really do so. I would be much pleased if you will receive them well, better than when he was governor.
05-870 [100 Letters]
[1] The poem, Mi Retiro