12 February 1896

Dapitan

Let them follow their respective vocations — Moris, the same as before — Teodosio wants to be a farmer — “We cannot all be doctors.” — Dome must till the land — Tan loves studying — Miss Bracken likes them very much — Rizal will teach them Spanish, English, arithmetic, and gymnastics.

* * *

Dapitan, 12 February 1896

MY DEAR SISTER LUCÍA,

The boys arrived yesterday and I was very glad to see them.

Moris is the same, but Teodosio and Tan[1] have gained much with their stay in Manila and are grown up. They don’t seem to me unpromising boys. All in the contrary, and I hope that with time they will become very useful men. Teodisio is not lazy; he has more liking for the land than for books. We cannot all be doctors. It is necessary that there be some to cultivate the land. One must follow one’s inclination. Tan, on the other hand is a boy who likes to study and has ability. He has already looked at my books and asked me for some. With time this lad will be a man of books. When I asked them what was their order for Manila, Teodisio asked for his bolo and Tan for his books. This proves the inclination of each one. And after all, I who have spent my life studying, now I’m going to plant coconuts! I’m going to operate on Tan’s tongue within a few days. Here they will become very dark with the air and the sea-baths. They are very much contented and Miss Bracken likes them very much.

Today I have made them write a letter. The writer was Tan and Teodosio helped him. You will see by the characters that Teodosio is economical and Tan is generous. Here I shall teach them Spanish, English, arithmetic, and gymnastics.

With regard to what you heard in Biñan, he will not go there anymore. Here the fright will pass away.

We have received the oranges and peanuts. Thanks.

I am beginning to build my house. The posts are of molave, kubí, gisok.

Tell Delfina that I have received her letter and that I’m not returning it because it has no mistakes. There is only one accent left out; When she writes muchísimo. She should continue studying as she is getting along well.

With Miss Bracken’s regards, command your brother who loves you.

JOSÉ RIZAL

05-887 [100 Letters]