9 April 1896

Dapitan

Rizal deplores the death of Dr. Rost – He was like a father to him and his house a home to Rizal – He died serving the cause of science – Affectionate phrases from Rizal – Rizal also complains that he cannot see those dear to him – If he did not believe in the immortality of the soul, he would invent it to be able to see Rost again.

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Dapitan

9 April 1896

Jose Rizal

My dear Friend,

Your short letter announcing the death of Dr. Rost received yesterday cause me profound grief. Dr. Rost was a father to me when I was in London, and he never forgot me. I keep his most affectionate letters addressed to me here at Dapitan and in them he proves that not only had he behaved so well towards me but also that his kindness had increased. His house on Primrose Hill was a real home to me.

He died serving the cause of science! His last letter to me showed that his hand was shaky foreboding his death. Among other things, he said to me:

“Jagor and I had only been speaking about you a few days ago; (he came here to attend the Geographic Congress though he is eighty years old) and Blumentritt also spoke much about you in his last letter. I wish and pray that Heaven may grant me before I die the great blessing” (To my misfortune it was not granted!)[1] “that I may behold your dear face once more. My health is very indifferent; constant cares and worries have brought on diabetes and my vital strength is waning (!) … If I could do literary work of my own choosing I should feel happier! It is a great treat to me to converse with old friends! ….” [2]

Alas, my friends are dying; many have already died – Czepelack, Willkomm, Schadenberg, Nordmann. But I will have you, you, the only one perhaps who has the courage to call yourself my friend. Shall I repeat the words of Rost? “I wish and pray that Heaven may grant me before…. Constant cares and worries, the climate, the place, and a faulty diet, have brought on anemia… my vital strength is waning too!”

I do not wish to complain to my friends about my situation; I know that others are in worse conditions; but indeed I complain of not being able to see the faces of those who, like the old and learned Rost, have loved me well and have died without our having seen each other again! If I did not believe in immortality of the soul, I would invent it in order to entertain myself with the hope of seeing him again!

I shall write you to Frau Dr. Rost. But, should my letter be lost, tell her of my profound sorrow.

Your friend,

Rizal

05-895 [100 Letters]