Jose Rizal's Life and Early Education PDF

RIZAL’S LIFE: Family, Childhood and Early Education LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:...

RIZAL’S LIFE: Family, Childhood and Early Education LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to: 1. Analyze the family, childhood, and early education of Rizal. 2. Evaluate the people and events and their influence on Rizal’s early life. 23 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education 3 Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education The Rizal family was known to be well-off family in Calamba, Laguna and they were considered as one of the biggest families in those times. They lived a life of comfort and prosperity, then considered that his family belonged to the principalia class or the ruling elite of their town. Jose Rizal came from a 13-member family, consisted of his father Don Francisco Mercado II and his mother Teodora Alonso Realonda. Jose Rizal had nine sisters and one brother. Saturnina Rizal was the eldest child among the siblings, followed by Paciano, Narcisa, Olympia, Lucia, Maria, Jose, Concepcion, Josefa and the youngest was Soledad. Photo from https://tagacalamba.wixsite.com/calamba/single-post/2015/12/13/The-Rizal-Familys-origin Rizal came from a mixture of races, his paternal ascendant was Domingo Lamco, a full-blooded Chinese. He married a wealthy Chinese mestiza, Ines de la Rosa. Domingo Lamco adopted the surname Mercado, which means “market” in keeping the gubernatorial decree of Narciso Claveria on the use of Spanish surnames. From the Parian in Manila, the coupled moved to Biñan, Laguna and became tenants in the Dominican hacienda. Rizal’s father is one of the 14 children of Juan Mercado, paternal grandfather and his grandmother was Cirila Alejandrino, a Chinese-Filipino mestiza. Juan Mercado became a gobernadorcillo of Biñan Laguna. Rizal’s maternal great grandfather was Manuel de Quintos, a Chinese mestizo from Lingayen, Pangasinan. Manuel married Regina Ursua, with a Japanese ancestry to whom they bore the grandmother of Rizal, Brigida who married Lorenzo Alberto Alonso, one of their 24 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education DON FRANCISCO RIZAL MERCADO (1818-1898) Rizal’s father was born on May 11, 1818 and was the youngest of his 13 siblings. Mercado was a well-respected man in their home town of Calamba in which citizens made him the their "cabeza de barangay" (head of town.) He was of part Chinese descent, having been related to a Chinese entrepreneur by the name of Domingo Lamco. Mercado die shortly after Rizal in the home of his daughter, Narcisa Rizal in Binondo, Manila on January 5, 1898. TEODORA ALONSO (1827-1913) Doña Teodora Alonso was born on November 14, 1827 in Santa Cruz Manila. Her parents were Lorenzo Alonso, a municipal captain and Brijida de Quintos, an educated housewife and had four other siblings. It is said that her great grandfather, Eugenio Ursua was of Japanese ancestry making her of Japanese descent. When Teodora was 20 years old, she married Francisco Mercado, a native from Binan, Laguna. Together they prospered in Calamba after involving themselves in business and agriculture. She was known to be a hardworking, intelligent, business minded woman. She died in 1913 in Manila. SATURNINA RIZAL (1850-1913) Saturnina Mercado Rizal Hidalgo was born in 1818 and was the eldest sister of Jose Rizal. She had five children together with husband Manuel T. Hidalgo and died the same year as her mother in 1913. PACIANO RIZAL (1851-1930) General Paciano Mercado Rizal aka "Lolo Ciano" was the only brother of Jose Rizal. He was born in 1851 and studied in Biñan later attending school at the Colegio de San Jose in Manila. After the execution of his brother, he joined in the Philippine Revolution where he rose up to the ranks of a General. He later married Severina Decena of Los Banos and had two children of which one died at an early age. Paciano passed away in 1930. NARCISA RIZAL (1852-1939) Narcisa Rizal Lopez was born in 1852 and was the one who found the unmarked grave of her brother, Jose in the abandoned Old Paco Cemetery. Narcisa married Antonio Lopez who was a teacher and musician from Morong, Rizal. She died in 1938. OLYMPIA RIZAL (1855-1887) Olympia Rizal Ubaldo was born in 1855. She married Silvestre Ubaldo and together they had three children. She died in 1887 from childbirth when she was only 32 years old. LUCIA RIZAL (1857-1919) Lucia Rizal Herbosa was born in 1857. She married Mariano Herbosa and had 5 children together. In 1889 Mariano died due to an epidemic but was denied a Christian burial. This was due to the fact that he was the brother in law of Jose Rizal. This showed the beginning of the persecution of the Rizal family by Spanish friars. Lucia died in 1919. 25 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education MARIA RIZAL (1859-1945) Maria Cruz Rizal was born in 1855. She married Daniel Faustino Cruz of Biñan, Laguna and together they had 5 children. Mauricio Cruz, one of Maria's children became a student of Jose Rizal in Dapitan and was known to be one of his uncle's favorites. Maria was a known recipient of many od Jose's letters during his lifetime. Maria died in 1945. JOSE RIZAL Jose Protacio Rizal was the second son and the seventh child. He was executed by the Spaniards on December 30,1896. CONCEPCION RIZAL (1862-1865) Concepcion Rizal was born in 1862. Concepcion did not live very long as she died at the age of 3 in 1865. JOSEFA RIZAL (1865-1945) Josefa Rizal was born in 1865. She was unmarried lived together with sister Trinidad until death. Josefa was said to have suffered from epilepsy. She died in 1945. TRINIDAD RIZAL (1868-1951) Trinidad Rizal was born in 1868. She remained unmarried and lived together with her sister Josefa. Trinidad was the one who received an alcohol lamp from brother Jose, in which he secretly hid the "Last Farewell" better known as "Mi Ultimo Adios," a poem Rizal wrote on the eve of his death in 1896. Trinidad died in 1951, outliving all her siblings. SOLEDAD RIZAL (1870-1929) Soledad Rizal Quintero was born in 1870 making her the youngest of the Rizal siblings. She married Pantaleon Quintero and together they had 5 children. Soledad died in 1929.. RIZAL’S CHILDHOOD AND EARLY EDUCATION Jose Rizal (Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonso Realonda) was born on June 19, 1861 at Calamba, Laguna. According to some readings, his mother nearly died during his delivery because of his big head. Three days after his birth, Rizal was baptized on June 22 of the said year with the name Jose Rizal Mercado at the Catholic church of Calamba by the parish priest Rev. Rufino Collantes. He was the seventh child of Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso y Quintos. During 1865-1867, his mother taught him how to read and write. At the age of three, Rizal mastered and learned the alphabet taught by his mother. At a very young age, he has shown great interest in reading. He enjoyed reading books in their library at home, with his Photo from https://www.joserizal.com/childhood-jose-rizal/ mother who acts as his reading teacher and a critic. At this time, he also learned how to pray and even read the bible. 26 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education  When Jose Rizal grew older, his parents acquired private tutors to give him lessons at home in preparation for his formal education. One of them was Leon Monroy, a classmate of his father who taught him the rudiments of Latin. At about this time, his mother’s cousin, Uncle Manuel Alberto, who frequently visited the family in Calamba, was worried about his nephew’s physical development. He then taught Rizal to develop the skills in swimming, fencing, wrestling and other sports, while Uncle Jose taught him to love and admire the beauty of nature. Photo from https://alambaninyo.wordpress.com/tag/rizal/ On the other hand, Uncle Gregorio, a scholar, has instilled in Rizal’s mind the love for education and its importance, the value of hard work, to think for himself, and to observe his surroundings carefully. When he was four years old, his sister Concepcion, the eighth child in the Rizal family, died at the age of three. This was the first time he cried as a young boy. As sad as he was, the parish priest of Calamba, Father Leoncio Lopez, helped Rizal understand the philosophy of life and learned the value of scholarship and intellectual honesty. Rizal, in his childhood, used to take long rides through all the surrounding country by riding his pony that his father gave him. Among his pets were doves and a dog. Owing to the continuous teaching of Doña Teodora, Rizal was persuaded to express his feelings through verses. He was able to write his first poem when he was eight years old. The poem was entitled “Sa Aking Mga Kababata” (To My Fellow Children), which showed that Rizal, even at a young age, already had love for his country. Here, he similarly incorporates the love for the native language with God’s gift of freedom. He compared his native language or Tagalog to Latin, English and Spanish. Tagalog, like any other languages, had its own alphabet and system writing, which according to Rizal, disappeared because they were neglected or ignored. With this, he encourages his fellow children to love their native tongue. Then, after Rizal’s tutor Leon Monroy died, his parents decided to transfer Rizal to a private school in Biñan, Laguna. He was accompanied by his older brother Paciano, who acted as his second father during his school days in Biñan. The school was then supervised by Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz. Rizal’s first day of class in the school was not easy. The maestro asked him if he knows how to speak Latin or Spanish, but in response, he only knew a little of the languages. As a result, one of his classmates named Pedro, the son of the maestro, laughed at him. Pedro was always bullying him that eventually resulted to a brawl. But knowing Rizal’s acquired knowledge and skill in the art of wrestling from his Tio Manuel, he defeated Pedro. After the said incident, Rizal became popular in his class. Here, Rizal was able to show his intellectual superiority. He excelled in his class in Latin, Spanish and other subjects in the curriculum for elementary pupils. Because of this, many of the students became jealous to him and do everything to destroy Rizal’s name to Maestro Cruz. While Rizal’s interest in painting was nurtured early on by an old painter named Juancho of Biñan. During this time, knowledge was taught in the minds of the students by doing tedious memorization method. Despite some lack of the elementary education in Spanish system, Rizal was able to have the needed instruction preparatory for college work in Manila. 27 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education  TO MY FELLOW CHILDREN Whenever people of a country truly love The language, which by heaven they were taught to use That country also surely liberty pursue As does the bird which soars to freer space above. For language is the final judge and referee Upon the people in the land where it holds sway; In truth our human race resembles this way The other living beings born in liberty. Whoever knows not how to love his native tongue Is worse than any beast or evil smelling fish. To make our language richer ought to be our wish The same as any mother loves to feed her young. Tagalog and the Latin language are the same And English and Castilian and the angel’s tongue; And God, whose watchful care o’er all is flung, Has given us His blessing in the speech we claim. Our mother tongue, like all the highest that we know Had alphabet and letters of its very own; But these were lost – by furious waves were overthrown Like bancas in the stormy sea, long years ago. 28 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Family, Childhood and Early Education  RIZAL’S LIFE: Higher Education and Life Abroad LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to: 1. Explain the principle of assimilation advocated by the Propaganda Movement. 2. Appraise Rizal’s relationship with other Propagandists. 3. Analyze Rizal’s growth as a Propagandist and disavowal of assimilation. 32 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad 4 Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad Ateneo was known to be the most prestigious college for boys because of its great teachings. From 1872-1877, under the supervision of the Jesuit priests Rizal studied in Ateneo de Manila. Rizal went to Ateneo Municipal, formerly known as Escuela Pia. In search for Rizal’s formal knowledge as a high school student, his father wanted to send Rizal to Letran but decided to have him enrolled at the latter instead. AT ATENEO DE MANILA Rizal took first the Photo from https://www.ateneo.edu/grade-school/news/looking -back-rizal%E2%80%99s-ateneo entrance examination at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran on June 10, 1872. His brother, Paciano, accompanied him when he took the exam. The exams for incoming freshmen in the different colleges for boys were administered or held at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran since the Dominicans exer- cised the power of inspection and regula- Photo from https://hubpages.com/education/Education-in-the-Philippines-Jose-Rizal-in-Ateneo tion over Ateneo that time. After passing the exam, Rizal was admitted at the Ateneo Municipal. Although Rizal qualified in the entrance examination, Father Magin Ferrand, who was then the College Registrar, refused Rizal’s admission in the institution for two reasons: first, Rizal was a late registrant and second, he was very pale, thin and undersized for an 11-year old. But, with the help of Manuel Burgos he was accepted in the institution. Jose was not able to use Mercado as his surname when he enrolled at Ateneo. He was registered as Jose Rizal because his real surname had rung a bell to the ears of the authorities — this was because of Paciano’s relation with one of the leaders of the secularization movement, Father Burgos. At that time, Ateneo was offering a six-year program that gives students the academic title of Bachiller en Artes. This program exposed students to five subjects: Christian doctrine; Languages of Spanish, Latin, Greek and French; History and Geography (World History and Geography and History of Spain and the Philippines; Mathematics and Sciences (geometry, trigonometry, mineralogy, chemistry, physics, botany and zoology); and the Classic disciplines (poetry, rhetoric, and philosophy). Ateneo, as a prestigious school, offered the best secondary education for boys that enhances the character of their students through strict religious instruction and discipline. Before the classes start, the students must first hear masses and end with prayers. To encourage the spirit of competition among students in academics, with the help of Atenean teachers, the school proposed a program of dividing the class into two competing groups (empires): the Roman Empire composed of boarding students at Ateneo and the Carthaginian Empire composed of non-boarding students. Both groups have ranks and classifications and they competed through question and answers. When banners are raised, it means victory for the group; there is defeat if banners are lowered. 33 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad  Rizal’s first professor was Father Jose Bech. At first, Rizal was left behind among his classmates but he knew the severity of his studies, so he organized and seriously observed himself a timetable to manage his studies. He excelled as the emperor in his class, a title given to the most intelligent in the class. The method of instruction used at Ateneo was the ration studiorum, a system of indoctrination under tight and constant discipline but with reward. It applies memorization and understanding of the concepts taught in class. At that time, the Atenean education had one goal: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (or For the Greater Glory of God). A student’s life was centered on the chapel, considered as the highest level of extra-curricular activity. Rizal was able to pass his oral examination on March 14,1877. He finished with the degree, Bachiller en Artes, with the highest academic honors. Looking at Rizal’s scholastic records, it is evident that he excelled in his academic studies during the entire time that he was studying at Ateneo. Racial pride, monastic discipline and seclusion of boarding school life were the factors that gave Rizal the motivation to outshine his classmates. Note that in doing so, he wanted to prove to his Spanish classmates that a Filipino student can compete and beat them academically. The competition inside the classroom was an opportunity to outdo his classmates in the daily activities designed to test the student’s memory and understanding of their lessons in the different curriculum. For Rizal, being in a boarding school was effective as it gave him more time to focus on his studies. Aside from academics, Rizal was also active in extra-curricular activities. He became a member of Marian Congregation and an officer in the religious confraternities at Ateneo. This position is only offered to students who consistently possessed the highest degree of scholarship and leadership. There, he was mentored by Father Pablo Pastells, S.J. He was also a member of two academic societies: Academy of Spanish Literature and the Academy of Natural Sciences, both were considered elite organizations for students who excelled in literature and the sciences. STA. ISABEL COLLEGE Rizal took private lessons in Santa Isabel College to be proficient in Spanish and develop his skills in poetry writing more. But before he took up lessons, he was guided by Father Francisco Paula de Sanchez in developing his skills in poetry. Through his poetry he was able to finish poems about photofrom https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/463589355366532147/?lp=true religion, education, and childhood experiences. It also gave him the opportunity to develop more mature emotions, patriotic sentiments and exquisite sensitivity. Rizal did not waste any time to learn new things during his time. On his vacant time, Rizal took painting lessons from Agustin Saez and sculpture lessons from Teodoro Romualdo de Jesus to enhance his interest in arts. As a result, he was able to sculpt the image of the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father Jose Villaclara, S.J. encouraged him to pay attention also to the sciences and philosophy. 34 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad LITERATURE FOR RIZAL The first poem that Rizal wrote as a student was entitled Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration). This poem was dedicated to his mother during her birthday, but according to some, this was a work of his cousin. My First Inspiration Why do the scented flowers in fragrant fray Rival each other’s flower this festive day? Why is the sweet melody bruited in the sylvan dale, Harmony sweet and fluted like the nightingale? Why do the birds sing so in the tender grass, Flitting from bough to bough with winds that pass? And why does the crystal spring run among the flowers While lullaby zephyrs sing like its crystal showers? I see the dawn in the East with the beauty endowed Why goes she to a feast in a carmine cloud? Sweet mother, they celebrate your natal day The rose with her scent innate, the bird with his lay. The murmurous spring this day without alloy. Murmuring bids you always to live in joy. While the crystalline murmurs glisten, hear you the accents strong Struck from my lyre, listen! To my love’s first song. When he was a student at Ateneo, he wrote another poem entitled Un Recuerdo de Mi Pueblo (In Memory of My Town). Written in 1876, this poem was his way of giving tribute to his hometown, Calamba. The content of the poem shows how Rizal appreciates the beauty of his place, which made him love nature and to strengthen his faith and beliefs in God. In Memory of My Town When I recall the days, that my boyhood saw By the green banks of a murmuring lagoon; When I recall the murmur of the wind That sweetly amused by brow with delicious freshness; I recall, sadly recall your countenance, infancy precious That a loving mother Oh! Succeeded in embellishing I recall a simple town, my contentment, happiness and cradle, by the fresh lagoon, seat my love. 35 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad  The Creator I saw in the grandeur of your secular forests; Sorrows on your bosom, never did I come to know; While at your blue sky I gazed, neither love nor tenderness Did I lack, for in Nature my pleasure depended. Tender childhood, beautiful town, rich fountain of happiness Of harmonious melodies that banish sorrows! Return to my heart, return my gentle hours Return as the birds return when flowers are in bloom! But alas! Adieu! Eternally keep vigil over your peace, joy and Repose, Genie of goodness who kindly his gifts presents with love; For you my fervent wishes, for you my constant yearning To learn and to heaven I pray that you your candor keep! The exposure of Rizal into the Atenean system of education became his way to write more poems on religion and education. Among the notable poems were: Al Niño Jesus (To the Child Jesus) as Rizal’s expression of his devotion to Catholicism; La Alianza Intima Entre Religion y La Buena Educacion (The Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Good Education); and Por La Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria (Through Education The Country Receives Light) that shows Rizal’s various ideas on education. From this, Rizal likened education to a lighthouse — that it can guide people in their behaviors and actions. Rizal even quoted the good effects that a country and its people can learn from an excellent and wise education. He believes that through education, the country could bear a group of educated youth who can guide them towards progress. AT UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS After completion of Bachiller en Artes at Ateneo, Rizal was admitted to higher studies at a university. Doña Teodora was against Rizal’s decision to pursue a higher education because of her fear of what might happen to her son due to the martyrdom of Gomburza. However, Don Francisco sent Rizal to UST, the Dominican University of the http://ydcourseworkkfqt.seaphnconference2017.org/rizal-in-ust-jadosopo165.html Philippines. At the beginning, Rizal was not sure of what course to take after graduation. His former mentors in Ateneo suggested priesthood or farming, but Rizal considered taking up literature, law or medicine. Paciano, his brother discouraged him to take law, saying that Rizal will not be able to practice it later on because of the political conditions in the country that time. Rizal was 16 years old when he began his freshman year at UST. He enrolled under the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Major in Philosophy. This was the course that his father wanted him to pursue, but then it turned out that he took up courses 36 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad in Cosmology, Metaphysics, Theodicy and History of Philosophy. He also took up surveying course at Ateneo. Once again, he excelled in the said course while underage. But because of this, he could not practice the surveyor’s profession yet. Instead, Rizal was presented the title on November 25, 1881 for his excellency. After his first year, Rizal changed his course from Philosophy and Letters to Medicine. Rizal believed that he should finish medicine so that he could cure his sick mother who had an eyesight failure. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AT UST Rizal’s performance in UST was not as good as his accomplishment in Ateneo, where he excelled in all his subjects. On the contrary, some of Rizal’s grades in UST were still excellent but he had lower grades in other subjects. This might have been because Rizal was not actually happy while in UST. Three contributing factors explain this: The attitude of Dominican professors towards Rizal; there was racial discrimination against Filipino students; and he was disgusted at the primitive method used in UST. It was manifested in Rizal’s scholastic records that he was not into a medical course. Most of his grades in his medical subjects were generally average, his real vocation was really in the arts. Rizal’s not-so-good performance can also be attributed to a number of distractions he experienced as a youth in Manila, specifically his interest in women when he was a UST student. The first woman he was into was Segundina Katigbak of Batangas, whom he frequently visited in her boarding house. But when Rizal learned that she was getting married, he turned his eyes on other women. At that time, he was courting both Leonor (Orang) Valenzuela and Leonor Rivera. Upon learning that Orang was already engaged with another man, Rizal focused on courting Leonor Rivera, his first cousin. From these, we could tell that Rizal became very busy with other things, a reason why he had less time for studies. He also joined gang fights, attended parties and even did cutting classes. LIBERALISM AND LITERARY WORKS AS A UNIVERSITY STUDENT Liberal ideas were significantly introduced in Manila owing to the culmination of the Spanish Civil Wars, opening of Suez Canal and the availability of the Philippines to world trade. Filipino students were heavily influenced by the entry of these ideas and were exposed to the significant revolutions of 19 th century in the country such as: revolution against monasticism; human reason against the comforting certitudes of the catechism; and race and nation against inequality and subjection. To support the production of literary works in Manila, the Liceo Artistico Literario de Manila, an organization of art lovers in the city, initiated regular competitions in literary writing. Rizal joined the contests to prove that the Filipinos can be equal and even surpass the Spaniards in literary prowess. Sponsored by the association in 1879 and 1880, his works, A La Juventud Filipina (To The Filipino Youth) and El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods) were recognized as the best entry in the competition. A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA This literary work is considered as one of the best work of Rizal. The English translation of this poem is seen on the next page, which Rizal wrote when he was 18. 37 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad Rizal expressed that he wanted to contribute to Spanish-Philippine society, but instead of being famous to have the prize for excellence in the arts, it was rejected. To The Filipino Youth Theme: “Grow, O Timid Flower” Lift up your radiant brow, This day, Youth of my native strand! Your abounding talents show Resplendently and grand, Fair hope of my motherland! Soar high, oh genius great, And with noble thoughts fill their mind; The honor’s glorious seat, May their virgin mind fly and find More rapidly than the wind. Descend with the pleasing light Of the arts and sciences to the plain, Oh Youth, and break forthright The links of the heavy chain That your poetic genius enchain. See that in the ardent zone, The Spaniard, where shadow stand, Doth offer a shining crown, With wise and merciful hand To the son of this Indian land. You who heavenward rise On wings of your rich fantasy Seek in the Olympian skies The tenderest poesy, More sweet than divine honey; You of heavenly harmony, On a calm unperturbed night, Philomel’s match in melody, That in varied symphony Dissipate man’s sorrow’s blight; You, at the impulse of your mind The hard rock animate And your mind with the great pow’r consigned Transforms into immortal state The pure mem’ry of genius great; 38 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad  And you, who with magic brush On canvas plain capture The varied charm of Phoebus, Loved by the divine Apelles And the mantle of Nature; Run! For genius’ sacred flame Awaits the artist’s crowning Spreading far and wide the fame Throughout the sphere proclaiming With trumpet the mortal’s name. Oh, joyful, joyful day, For you fair Philippines! The Almighty blessed be Who, with loving eagerness Sends you luck and happiness. This poem won the grand prize in the contest wherein Rizal received a silver quill for sharing his talent in poetry. A La Juventud Filipina was considered a great work in Philippine literature for the following reasons: one, the Spanish authorities noticed that it was the first best poem in Spanish written by a Filipino; and two, it showed that the Filipinos were the fair hope of the motherland — a nationalistic concept that portrayed Rizal’s love for the country. In his piece, he clearly mentioned that Philippines is his motherland, Mi Patria. However, the Spanish authorities did not see the political involvement of the poem. In the poem Spain was considered to be the Patria but, contrary to what was written, Rizal used the term to mean the Philippines. Rizal, for that reason was the first Filipino to call the country his motherland. He also pointed out in his poem the role of the youth in nation-building. In the poem, he stated that the youth is, “THE FAIR HOPE OF THE MOTHERLAND” (La Bella Esperanza de la Patria Mia ). He challenges the youth of his day to practice three things: to enhance their talents in the arts; to develop their knowledge of the sciences; and to not be afraid of the future and remove the chain of bondage. EL CONSEJO DE LOS DIOS This is one of Rizal’s entry in the literary contest of 1880. The poem was announced as the best entry in the competition that year. However, the jury knew that its author was a Filipino so they decided to confer the grand prize to a Spaniard. Even though Rizal did not receive the best award, he had proven that Filipinos can compete with other races in a fair play irrespective of the superiority of the Spaniards. JUNTO AL PASIG At the request of the Jesuits, Rizal wrote a one-act play and was staged at Ateneo in celebration of the Feast Day of Immaculate Conception on December 8. The play was essentially considered as continuation of Rizal’s appeal to the Filipino youth to rebuke foreign individuals for causing them misery. 39 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad A FILIPINAS In February 1880, Rizal wrote a sonnet dedicated to the Philippines that aimed at encouraging Filipino artists to thank the country through their art works. This is the most passionate poem about the Philippines written by Rizal. To the Philippines Warm and beautiful like a houri from heaven, Gracious and pure like the rising dawn When it colors the sapphire clouds, There sleeps a goddess of the Indian soil. The light foam of the sonorous sea Kisses her feet with a lover’s desire; The civilized West adores her smile, And the white Pole her flowered veil. My muse, stuttering with tenderness, Sings to her among the naiads and undines; I offer her my happiness and fortune. With green myrtle and purple roses And Madonna lilies crown her pure brow, O artists, and sing the praises of the Philippines! It can be deducted from Rizal’s work that he is grateful to God for all his experiences of the scenery of his country. His love for natural beauty had always been appreciated since he was a child, but the depiction of the lake, sky, mountains and fields in “A Filipinas”, the country to which he was personally connected, was something new. ACTIVISM AT UST Rizal stood as a leader in student activism when he was studying philosophy and medicine in UST. The Spanish and mestizo students called the Filipinos indio or chongo. In return, Rizal and his peers retaliated by calling them Kastila or bangus. As a result, student fights in the university campus and even in the streets of Manila became common. Rizal, being the front-runner, was recognized for winning the brawls because of his determination and skills in fencing and wrestling. In fact, there was also a time that Rizal was wounded due to a fight with the Spanish students of Escolta, Manila. Rizal then created a secret group of Filipino students called “ Compañerismo.” The members were called Companions of Jehu, the patriot general of the Jews. Rizal automatically became the president of this secret society and Galiciano Apacible was the secretary. Rizal’s activism was also expressed in his disapproval of the faulty and outmoded system of education in the university during his time. He condemned the humiliation of brown Filipino students, who were most of the time insulted by their Dominican mentors. He also criticized the archaic method of instruction at UST. He ridiculously described the teaching of Physics devoid of laboratory experiments. Students were not allowed to touch the laboratory 40 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad apparatus and equipment that is why they were always kept inside the display cabinets. Besides, favoritism and skin color were bases for getting the good grades and not the actual intellectual capacity of the students. EXPERIENCING SPANISH BRUTALITY Rizal first experienced Spanish brutality during his first summer vacation at Calamba after his freshman year in UST. While walking past the streets, he did not notice the man passing by because of the darkness of the night. This man happened to be a lieutenant of the Guardia Civil. But since Rizal did not pay respect to the lieutenant by saluting or greeting him, the lieutenant whipped him with his sword and slashed it at Rizal’s back causing him to be wounded. Of course, everybody was expected to bow down for the Guardia Civil during that time. Consequently, Rizal wrote a complaint letter to Governor-General Primo de Rivera but the response, as foreseen, was nothing as good, considering that he was an indio. The incident left Rizal a bad impression of the unfair and unjust acts of the Spaniards towards the Filipinos. RIZAL’S LIFE ABROAD Barcelona Rizal did not continue his studies in the Philippines, instead, he went to Europe to widen his learning and to acquire knowledge about a cure for his mother’s worsening eye condition. He left Calamba on May 1, 1882 and was able to reach Manila in ten hours. He left Manila on May 3, 1882, with his brother Paciano and Uncle Antonio Rivera’s blessing. He decided to go abroad after completing his fourth year in the medical course. But he did not seek his parents’ permission because clearly, they will not approve of Rizal’s plan. Bringing with him his disappointments during his days as a student, he left the Philippines for Europe. Photo fromhttp://philippine-embassy.de/2017/07/06/retracing-rizals-journey-through-germany/ Initially, he was going to finish his medical course in Barcelona, Spain. Then again, he wanted to make a name for himself in the field of journalism, to observe and study the European society and to prepare himself from being freed from the tyrants of Spain. This was seen in Paciano’s letter to Rizal dated May 26,1882 and reads: “When the telegram advising us of your departure was received in Kalamba, our parents were naturally grief-stricken, especially the old man who would not speak a word and took to his bed, crying to himself at night, all advice from the family, the parish priest and others not doing any good at all. He made me go down to Manila to find out his satisfaction how you had managed to make a trip. When I returned, I told them that some friends of yours in Manila had Photo from https://www.barcelonayellow.com/index2.php? option=com_content&task=emailform&id=53&itemid=3 41 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad shouldered the expenses, hoping to reassure them. For all that, I could see that he was still depressed and, seeing this and fearing, for another thing, that his continued brooding might make him ill, I told him everything, but only to him, pleading with him to keep it to himself, which he promised. Only since then have I seen him somewhat cheerful and back to his usual self. This is what happened in the family. As far as our friends, our acquaintances, and strangers are concerned, you will finish your medical course in Barcelona, not in Madrid; to my way of thinking, the main purpose of your going is not to improve yourself in the profession but in other more useful things or what comes to the same thing, that to which you have greater inclination. That is why I believe you should follow it in Madrid, the center of all the provinces, for, while it is true that in Barcelona there is more activity and even less to do business and as afar as a good education is concern, if it should not be available in Madrid, the application of the student can supply it. It should be more convenient for you to be there together with our countrymen who can show you around until you can get the hang of things. Paciano did everything to make sure that Rizal can leave the country secretly to avoid detection by Spanish authorities, especially by the friars. He was the one who secured Rizal’s passport using the name Jose Mercado and through the endorsements from Pedro Paterno. From Manila, he boarded the steamer Salvadora and sailed to Singapore. Rizal stayed there for two days and visited the botanical garden, art galleries, parks and some historical places. After Singapore, he boarded the ship Djemnah that passed through Colombo in Sr Lanka, Aden in Yemen, and the entire Suez Canal until it landed at Port Said. The ship reached the Naples in Italy on June 11,1882. From there, the steamer stopped at the harbor of Marseilles, and then he rode a train going to Barcelona, Spain. He arrived at the city on June 16,1882. Upon his coming, Rizal noticed that the community practices freedom and liberalism. But in the end, he adored the hospitality, open-heartedness and courage shown by the people. To welcome Rizal, his fellow Filipinos (most of them were his former schoolmates at Ateneo Municipal), gave him a celebration at Plaza de Cataluna. He roamed around the city and visited the historical spots. Not forgetting his family, he made sure that he wrote them, his relatives and friends a letter. This trip aimed to satisfy one of Rizal’s mission: to make a name for himself by sharing his writings and to express his love for his country. At the age of 21, the first piece he made was the essay entitled, El Amor Patrio or Love of Country. While writing this, he used the screen name Laong Laan. It was published in the Diariong Tagalog in Manila on August 20, 1882. Love of Country It has been said that love has always been the most powerful force behind the most sublime actions. Well then, of all loves, that of country is the greatest, the most heroic and the most disinterested. Read history, if not, the annals, the traditions. Go to the homes, what sacrifices, self-denial, and ears are held on the sacred altar of the nation! From Brutus, who condemned his sons charged with treason, to Guzman the Good who allowed his son to die in order not to fail his duty, what dramas, what tragedies, what martyrdom have not been enacted for the welfare of that inexorable divinity who has not nothing to give you in return for your children but gratitude and blessings! And notwithstanding, with the pieces of their hearts they raise glorious monuments to their motherland; with the work of their 42 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad hands, with the sweat of their brow, they have sprinkled and made fruitful her sacred tree, and neither have they expected nor received any reward………. The motherland is in danger! Soldiers and leaders as if by charm, spring from the ground. The father leaves his children, the sons leave their parents and all rush to defend their common mother. They bid farewell to the quiet pleasures of the home and hide under the helmets the tears that tenderness draws. They all leave and die……. Some have sacrificed for her their youth, their pleasures; others have dedicated to her the splendors of their genius; others shed their blood; all have died, bequeathing to their motherland an immense fortune: LIBERTY and GLORY……… Fair and grand is the Motherland when her children at the cry of the battle, get ready to defend the ancient land of their ancestors; cruel and arrogant when she sees from her throne the terrified foreigner flee before the invincible phalanx of her sons. But when her sons, divided into rival factions, destroy one another; when anger and rancor devastate the fields, towns, and cities; then ashamed, she tears away her robe and hurling her scepter, she puts on mourning clothes for her dead sons. Whatever our conditions might be then, let us love her always and let us wish nothing but her welfare. Then we shall labor in conformity with the purpose of humanity dictated by God, which is the harmony and universal peace of his creatures. You have lost the ideal of your souls, you, who with wounded hearts have seen your illusions disappear one by one and like the trees in autumn you find yourselves without flowers and without leaves, and desirous of loving, find no one worthy of you, there you have the Motherland: Love her. You have lost a father, mother, brother, wife, child, in short, love, upon which you have founded your dreams, and you find in yourselves a deep and horrible void. There you have the Motherland: Love her. Love her! Oh, yes! But not as they loved in other times by performing ferocious acts, denied and condemned by true morals and mother nature; by making a display a fanaticism, destruction and cruelty, no. A more promising dawn appears in the horizon – a soft and gentle light, the messenger of life and peace – the dawn, in short, of true Christianity, the prelude to happy and peaceful days. It is our duty to follow the arid but peaceful and productive paths of science, which lead to progress, and thence to the unity desired and asked by Jesus Christ on the night of his sorrow. Jose Rizal Barcelona, June 1882 Love of Country was considered to portray the purest, most noble and courageous human sentiment. It reminds us of the love, affection and gratitude to the Philippines. Other forms of sacrifices can be read in the article such as the fathers who gave up their children for the sake of the country. After writing the El Amor Patrio, Rizal suspended writing articles about the country because of his mother’s opposition. Apart from this, he also had a difficulty in putting his name to fame and wanted to finish his studies first. MADRID On September 1882, Rizal moved to the capital city of Spain to continue his studies. Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid on November 3, 1882 he took up Philosophy and Letters in Medicine. While studying in the university, he also enrolled at the Academy of San Carlos taking up painting and sculpture, and 43 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad languages in French, German and English. He also took up shooting and fencing at the Hall of Sanz and Carbonell. He also showed great interest in taking the examination in Roman law. Rizal passed the medical examination which he took from June 5 to 26. He was given the degree of Licentiate in Medicine for this and continued his doctorate degree in medicine. However, he was not able to accomplish the diploma because he failed to present the thesis required for graduation. He was allowed to practice medicine but cannot teach medicine. Rizal was saddened by this decision and thought that the education system in Madrid had no difference with that in Manila. He then finished his Photo from https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/342203271662313214/?lp=true course in Philosophy and Letters and gained the degree Licenciado en Filosofia y Letras. During this time, Rizal was halfway done with his novel, the Noli Me Tangere. CIRCULO HISPANO FILIPINO Circulo Hispano Filipino was a social organization meant to create reforms for the Philippines. The members were mostly Filipino elderlies, who were exiles of 1872. It was led by Juan Atayde, a retired army officer and a Philippine-born Spaniard. They conducted informal programs, which included poetry reading and debates. Even with a busy schedule, Rizal took the time to join his fellow Filipinos in Madrid. The group knew that Rizal is a good writer — he was actually requested to comment or write a few verses to the review published by the group. Rizal was able to do the poem entitled Mi Piden Versos (They Ask Me for Verses). Rizal, while in Madrid, sent a letter to Don Francisco about joining the Circulo Hispano. But later on, he told him that the society was disbanded because of: 1) the differences among its members who were young student expatriates and retired colonials, and 2) due to their age difference. It was difficult for Rizal during his stay in Madrid. There were delays in his monthly allowance coming from the Philippines, considering the financial status of Rizal’s family caused by crop failures brought by drought and locusts, and the increase in rentals of the Dominican hacienda lands in his hometown. Truth be told, there were times when Rizal attended his classes on an empty stomach. Influenced by Miguel Morayta, a history professor at the Universidad de Madrid, Rizal became a member of freemasonry with “Dimasalang” as its masonic name. It is an organization outlawed by the Catholic Church because its beliefs are contrary to the doctrines of the church. It is said that the mason’s view of life is that, knowledge should be achieved by the light of reason and universal brotherhood of men. He became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad on November 15,1890. Hence, Rizal was immediately removed from the Catholic church. Rizal’s love interest in Madrid was Consuelo, Don Pabolo’s daughter. Because of her good traits and beautiful smile he got attracted and fell for her but he held back his feelings for Consuelo knowing that he was engaged with Leonor Rivera in the Philippines. Aside from this, Rizal did not want to ruin his friendship with Eduardo de Lete, who is the latter’s love interest. Before leaving Madrid in 1883, Rizal composed a poem that expressed his admiration to Consuelo, entitled A La Senorita C.O. y R. On June 25, 1884, in honor of Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo Rizal made a speech, the Brindis which gave him praises from the public audience because for the 44 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad first time, they heard a Filipino delivering a speech fluently in the Castillan language. He stated that Luna and Hidalgo were the pride of Filipino people. Luna was awarded the top prize for his painting Spolarium while Hidalgo got the second place for his painting Virgines Christianas Expuestas al Populacho (Christian Virgins Exposed to the Population). Both Filipino painters joined the National Exposition of Fine Arts. In his speech, Rizal said that intelligence knows no race and the prizes they got were results of both Philippines and Spain. He also hoped that someday, Spain will accept the changes that the Filipinos have to offer. The speech was published in the newspaper, El Liberal. RIZAL’S LIFE IN OTHER COUNTRIES Paris Rizal arrived in Paris on November 1885. At that time, he was 24 years old and a full-pledged surgeon. He decided to migrate to Paris to specialize in Ophthalmology, but prior to doing so, he went to visit Maximo Viola, a friend from San Miguel, Bulacan. Rizal also worked as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert’s eye clinic for four months. During his stay, Rizal knew how to conduct the operation of the eye, its ailments, and the different techniques of eye operation. He spent his past time with his fellow Filipinos in the city, something that contributed much to learning how to speak French fluently. His friends were Felix Hidalgo, Juan Luna and Pardo de Tavera. For the duration of his stay with Juan Luna, Rizal became a model and posed for two historical paintings of Luna: The Blood Compact (as Sikatuna) and Death of Cleopatra (as a Priest). It was also in Paris that he finished some part of his Noli. Germany Due to high cost of living, Rizal left Paris for Germany on February 1886. He arrived at an old university town in Heidelberg. He worked as an assistant of Dr. Otto Becker at the University Eye Hospital. It is where Rizal mastered the techniques of diagnosing eye ailments, which he learned from Dr. Louis de Wecker. But before transferring to the university, Rizal resided in a German boarding house where he became friends with a number of German law students. He became a member of the Chess Players’ Club of Heidelberg. He was known among the students not because he was good at chess but because he also joined them in their drinking sessions. While in Heidelberg, he used to write letters to his sis- ters Maria and Trinidad in the Philippines, telling them good things about Germany, the good traits of the German students including the women. The letter was to show her sisters that they can imitate the virtues of German women. There, he wrote a poem entitled, A Las Flores de Heidelberg (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) to express his homesickness for his loved ones. During the summer, Rizal spent his three-month vacation at Wilhelmsfeld. He stayed with Dr. Karl Ulmer, a pastor of the vicarage of Wilhelmsfeld, owing to his pleasant traits, his skills in sketching and his knowledge on different languages. For these reasons, Pastor Ulmer’s wife genuinely admired Rizal. With the hospitality and friendship that the Ulmer family showed him, Rizal enjoyed his vacation at Wilhelmsfeld. Rizal had the thought that, unlike the friars in the Philippines, Pastor Ulmer can get along well with the Catholic priest in the area. After his vacation at Wilhelmsfeld, on July 31,1886 Rizal started his correspondence with Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, the director of Ateneo of 45 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad Leitmeritz, Austria then. Together with his letter, Rizal sent him a book entitled Aritmetica by Rufino Baltazar Hernandez. Blumentritt was amazed by Rizal and their frequent communication started through writing and sending letters to each other. On August 14, 1886, after attending the fifth centenary foundation day celebration of the University of Heidelberg, he arrived in Leipzig. There he met Prof. Friedrich Ratzel, a well-known German historian and Dr. Hans Meyer, a famous German anthropologist who both wrote a book on the Philippines. In Leipzig, he was able to translate Schiller’s William Tell into Tagalog. The book presented how the Swiss achieved their independence in a peaceful manner. For his nephews and nieces in the Philippines, Rizal also translated the fairy tales that Hans Christian Andersen wrote. During his two months stay in Leipzig, he worked in a publishing company as a proofreader to sustain his allowance. Then on October 29, 1886, Rizal arrived at Dresden. There he met Dr. Adolph Meyer, the Director of Anthropological and Ethnological Museum of the city, where he saw the collection about the Philippines. After three days in Dresden, he left for Berlin and rode the train. Rizal arrived at Berlin on November 1, 1886. He wanted to learn more about ophthalmology, languages and sciences. He then became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnographic Society and the Geographic Society because of the recommendation from Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer. Rizal wanted to learn the economic and political conditions of Germany so he also joined the circle of famous German scientists and scholars. There he aimed to complete and publish the novel, Noli Me Tangere. In Berlin, he met Dr. Rudolf Virchow and his son Dr. Hans Virchow, two known German anthropologists; Dr. W. Joest, a famous German geographer; and Dr. Karl Ernest Schweigger, a well known ophthalmologist. He also presented a paper entitled Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art) to the Ethnographic Society of Berlin. Rizal’s life in Berlin was challenging — in the morning, he worked as an assistant in the clinic of Dr. Schweigger; in the evening, he attended classes at the University of Berlin. He continued his physical training and practiced his languages of German, French, and Italian at home. He also took the time to finish his novel. At times, Rizal cannot sustain his daily needs in Berlin as his brother Paciano failed to send his monthly allowance because of the crop failures in Calamba. Rizal had to pawn his diamond ring given to her by his sister Saturnina and sell his books to bookstores to enable him to eat. Due to his poor nutrition, he got sick with tuberculosis. Without money during his time in Berlin, he planned to burn the manuscript of his first novel. In Prague, Viola and Rizal visited several historical places. They were accompanied by Dr. Welkomm, a history professor at University of Prague through the recommendation of Blumentritt. They visited the tomb of Nicolaus Copernicus, a famous Polish astronomer; the museum of natural history, the bacteriological laboratories; and the cave where San Juan Nepomuceno was jailed. Rizal and Voila arrived at Vienna, the capital city of Austria-Hungary, on May 20, 1887. They visited art galleries, museums, public parks and recreation centers. The two doctors spent four days in the city and stayed at Hotel Metropole. They decided to take a small boat that brought them to the famous Danube River, where they saw the archaic villages on the riversides. After passing by the Danube River, they ended their trip at Linz. Rizal and Viola left Austria, went back to Germany and arrived at Munich on May 27,1887. They continued to Nuremberg, where they saw the torture machines used during the Inquisition against the enemies of the Catholic Church. After Munich they proceeded 46 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad to Ulm, known to have the largest and tallest cathedral in Germany. Both Rizal and Viola tried to climb the cathedral. From Ulm, they went to Stuttgart, Baden and Rheinfall. At Rheinfall, the most beautiful waterfall in the continent of Europe can be seen, the Bin Waterfall. From Rheinfall, Rizal and Viola crossed the Swiss border. They rode a small boat and arrived at Geneva, the most beautiful city of Switzerland. In Geneva, Rizal received a bad news from his friends in Madrid about the bad conditions of the primitive Igorots who were exhibited in the Exposition on the Philippines. Rizal learned that some of the Igorots died and some of their possessions like their g-strings and crude weapons became the source of bullying and laughter by the Spaniards and the Spanish press. On June 6,1887, he started communicating with Blumentritt about what had happened to his fellowmen from Northern Luzon. Rizal, as an advocate of human dignity, was angered by the incident. After fifteen days in the city, Rizal and Viola parted ways on June 23, 1887. Rizal continued his trip to Italy, while Viola returned to Barcelona. After a week of travel in Rome, Rizal prepared for his return in the Philippines. JOSE RIZAL RETURNED TO CALAMBA Rizal lived five years of his life abroad and away from his loved ones. He left Rome and rode the train going to Marseilles, France on July 3,1887. He then boarded the Djemnah, the vessel that ferried him to Saigon, and from Saigon, he transferred to the steamer Haiphong in Vietnam and reached Manila on August 5,1887. He stayed in Manila for three days and tried to visit and call Isabelo de los Reyes twice but unfortunately, he was unable to reach him. Later on, he visited Ateneo wherein the Jesuits attempted to get Rizal back to his old faith. Rizal was able to talked to Padre Faura, the priest who showed him the Sacred Heart of Jesus that he carved during his student days. Then, Padre Faura told Rizal all the wrong points that he said in his novel, Noili Me Tangere. But for Rizal, everything he wrote was the truth. Upon Rizal’s arrival in Calamba on August 8, 1887, there were rumors spreading that Rizal was a German spy, a mason and many more. Because of these, Rizal received death threats each day and his family was worried about the possible consequences of such. So Paciano accompanied him whenever he goes out— even his father, Don Francisco, had hesitations on allowing Rizal to go out of their house. Nevertheless, Rizal kept himself busy while in Calamba. He established a medical clinic and his first patient was his mother. He cured the sick and soon he was known to be an eye specialist and surgeon. Rizal successfully removed the cataracts on his mother’s eyes. In the town, Rizal was called Doctor Uliman, because he was mistaken for a German. On August 30, 1887, Rizal left Calamba and went to Manila for he was invited to see Governor-General Emilio Terrero as regards his Noli. The Governor-General asked for a copy of the novel and so Rizal gave him the copy that was worn out. The former did not see anything wrong with the novel. On the same day, the Archbishop of Manila recommended that the importation, reproduction, distribution and possession of the book should be stopped. The Governor-General, concerned about the safety and security of Rizal, assigned Lieutenant Jose Taviel de Andrade to protect him. Terrero requested Jose Rizal to leave the country, but Rizal refused and stayed at his hometown. At about the same time, Terrero wanted to have an investigation to solve the Calamba agrarian problems. The Dominican-owned hacienda in Calamba was one 47 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad of the properties owned by the friars that were affected. Rizal led the group of Calamba tenants to represent for the investigation. Rizal presented the following findings to Terrero for actions (Zulueta 2004): 1.The hacienda of the Dominican Order comprised not only the lands around Calamba but the whole town of Calamba; 2. There was increased profits of the Dominican order because of the arbitrary increase of the rentals paid by the tenants; 3. The hacienda owner never contributed for the celebration of the town fiesta, for education of the children, and for the improvement of agriculture; 4. Tenants who spent more labor in clearing the lands were dispossessed of the said lands for a weak reason; 5. For delayed payment of rentals, high rates of interest were charged to the tenants; 6. Work animals, tools and farm implements of the tenants were confiscated by the hacienda management if the rentals were not paid by the tenants. In effect, the friars were furious so they commanded the Malacañang to order the departure of Rizal to leave the country. But Terrero did not mind the friars’ request. As a result, the friars demanded his deportation. Then again, Terrero adviced Rizal to leave the country for good. The same counsel was given to Rizal by his family and relatives for his own safety. After six months in the Philippines, he left the country and went to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the friars forced all the tenants to leave the Dominican Hacienda as a revenge. The Rizal family was the first among the tenants to be evicted because they refused to pay the rent and interest. Terrero, on the other hand, was replaced by Lieutenant General Valeriano Weyler, who was grateful of the role of the friars in the conquest of Luzon and Visayas. He pointed out that religion should be a means of the government in the aforementioned islands in the Philippines. The tenants protested in Manila headed by Doroteo Cortes. In the said demonstration, the tenants presented a petition to Queen Regent requesting the departure of the friars from the Philippines. After the protest, there were rallyists who got arrested. On the other hand, Rizal’s brother-in-law, Mariano Herbosa was denied of having a Christian burial by the Roman Catholic Church because he was married to Lucia, Rizal’s sister. Rizal wrote an essay to address this issue and it was entitled, “A Profanation” (Una Profanacion). Note that when Rizal left, Don Francisco, Paciano, Saturnina, Narcisa and Lucia were exiled to other parts of the country. Rizal felt sorry for what had happened to his family after supporting the rights of the tenants. This caused him so much despair. Before leaving Calamba on February 3,1888, a friend of Rizal from Lipa requested him to write a poem to celebrate the conversion of Lipa from a pueblo (town) to a villa (city). The poem, Himno al Trabajo or Hymn to Labor (Osias, 1948) depicts Rizal’s appreciation for men’s efforts and compliment the country’s wealth and energy. He believed that hardwork or labor is the country’s blood, health and life. TRIP TO HONG KONG Rizal arrived in Hong Kong on February 8,1888. His fellow Filipinos namely Jose Maria Basa, Balbino Mauricio and Manuel Yriarte, who were all exiled in 1872, met Rizal. In Hong Kong, he was able to study the Chinese language, Chinese drama and theater, Chinese cultures and Chinese values. Rizal even became friends with 48 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad some Spaniards that were based in Hong Kong. He met Barranda, Terrero’s secretary, together with other Spaniards and went to visit Macao, a Portuguese colony near Hong Kong. Rizal and his friends visited the botanical garden, theatre, casino, cathedral and churches, pagodas and bazaars. They lived in the house of Juan Lecaroz and on February 20, 1888, he went back to Hong Kong. Two days after, he left for Japan on Board the SS Oceania on February 22, 1888. TRIP TO JAPAN AND SHORT ROMANCE WITH O-SEI-SAN Rizal arrived in Yokohama, Japan and stayed at Tokyo Hotel on February 28, 1888f or a few days. He was then invited by Juan Perez Caballero to live at the Spanish Legation for a month. On March 7,1887, he left the hotel and lived at the Spanish legation. During his stay in Japan, he studied the Japanese language or Nippongo, Japanese culture, theatres, martial arts and visited Japanese provinces. Rizal appreciated the cleanliness, politeness, and industry of the Japanese. Rizal then met O-Sei-San and their romance began when he lived at the Spanish legation. They became friends and later on developed to become lovers. O-Sei-San or Seiko Usui and Rizal fell in love for each other. Because of this, Rizal thought of staying in Japan for good. Nonetheless, Rizal had duties to fulfill for his country. So he decided to leave Japan and said his goodbyes to O-Sei-San. TRIP TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Aboard a steamer on April 28,1888, the entire boat was quarantined when it stopped in San Francisco because accordingly, the ship came from a country where cholera was epidemic. Rizal knew that this was not the fact — he found out that the ship was halted for the Chinese and Japanese laborers who accepted cheap labor, replacing the American laborers. On May 4, 1888, after a week of the quarantine, some passengers were allowed to disembark, except for the Japanese and Chinese passengers who were quarantined for a longer period. Rizal went to different cities in America like Reno, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Chicago, Albany, and New York City. He was very much impressed with all the cities for its natural beauty, the hardworking Americans, the material progress and the high standard of living, and the opportunities offered for poor immigrants for a better life. The negative impressions include the lack of racial equality and the presence of racial prejudice against other nations. The Americans value valued money more than human life and fairness and justice were only offered to white people. TRIP IN LONDON After Rizal’s trip to the United States of America, he left New York City on May 16, 1888 and arrived in Liverpool, England on May 24 of the same year. He stayed for a day at Adelphi Hotel and left for London the following day. He was welcomed by Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor on May 25, 1888 and stayed as a guest in their home. Dr. Regidor was an exile of 1872 and a practicing lawyer in London. Rizal had reasons why he chose to live in London. First, he wanted to enhance his knowledge on the English language; he sought to have further study on Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas ; to do research on the Philippine history; and to continue to write for La Solidaridad in defense of his people against the Spanish tyranny. Jose Rizal then met Dr. Reinhold Rost, the librarian of the Ministry of Foreign 49 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad Affairs in England and also an authority on Malay languages and customs. Dr. Rost was the one who allowed Rizal to undertake research at the British Museum. Thankful to Dr. Rost, Rizal had the time to read Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. The doctor was also the one who inspired Rizal to contribute two articles in the Asian Studies Journal Trubner’s Record on May 1889. The first was entitled, Specimens of Tagal Folklore (a collection of 14 proverbs, 8 puzzles and 2 verses) and the second was Two Eastern Fables (a comparison of Japanese fables with the Filipino fables). At that time, he transferred and became a boarder of the Beckett family. Unfortunately, he still received good and bad news from the Philippines while he was in London and some of them are as follows: 1. Persecution of his fellow Filipinos who signed the Anti-Friar Petition of 1888 that was submitted to Queen Regen for the expulsion of the friars in the Philippines; 2. Persecution of the tenants of Calamba, including the Rizal family and relatives because of their petition for the reforms in the government; 3. The exile of Rizal’s brother-in-law, Manuel T. Hidalgo, in Bohol; 4. Furious attacks of the Spanish senators; 5. The arrest of Rizal’s friend, Laureano Vida, for keeping copies of Noli Me Tangere in his home; 6. The good news that Rev. Vicente Garcia defended the Noli against the attacks of the friars. Earlier in September 1888, Rizal went to Paris to continue his research on the Philippine history in the Bibliotheque Nationale or the National Library in Paris. There he polished the annotated version of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. Rizal stayed in the house of Valentin Ventura. Despite the good life that he had in Paris, Rizal kept himself busy at the National Library. He also studied the French language and made plenty of lesson drills for the students. On December 24,1888, Rizal spent his Christmas and New Year with the Beckett family. That time, Rizal was attracted to another woman, Gertrude Beckett, known by her nicknames Tottie and Sissie. Like Segunda Katigbak, Gertrude was small and chubby. This just goes to show that Rizal’s love for Leonor Rivera was not that deep. But unlike Leonor, Gertrude was not as appealing. Rizal was interested with Gertrude because they had close relationship and have a happy family. Rizal, however, prevented his feelings for Gertrude when he knew that she was falling in love with him. Rizal was also welcomed by Juan Luna and his wife in London. Rizal visited Madrid and Barcelona again on December 1888 and there he first met Marcelo H. del Pilar and Mariano Ponce, the leaders of the Propaganda Movement. Rizal became more active in the Propaganda Movement with his fellow ilustrados. In the face of Rizal’s absence, he was still chosen to be the Honorary President during the inauguration of Asociacion La Solidaridad on December 31,1888, which was founded by Graciano Lopez Jaena in Barcelona on February 15,1889. The Propaganda Movement aimed for reforms such as: 1) for the Philippines to be made a province of Spain so that the native Filipinos would have equal rights accorded to Spaniards; 2) to have a representation of the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes; and (3) secularization of parishes. Rizal became busy in writing articles and essays that were published in the Propaganda Movement’s newspaper, La Solidaridad. Rizal had translated into Tagalog the letter to The Women of Malolos on February 22,1889 as requested by Marcelo H. del Pilar. 50 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad Said letter will be discussed in greater detail later on. Rizal founded the Kidlat Club and the Indios Bravos on March 19,1889 to prove that the Filipinos are not only capable of excellence but can also be the best in terms of intellectual and physical aspects. Another society that Rizal founded in Paris in 1890 was the R.D.L.M. (Redencion de los Malayos), its acronym revived the Malay race, for the purpose of increasing the knowledge of the people in the Philippines. To continue his writings for La Solidaridad, Rizal contributed articles such as the “Filipinas Dentro de Cien Años (The Philippines a Century Hence) and the essay “Sobre la Indolencia de los Filipinos ” (On the Indolence of the Filipinos) in 1890. In Paris, Rizal published Por Telefono, using the screen name Dimas Alang, to answer the attacks of the Spanish friar, Fr. Salvacion Font against the novel Noli Me Tangere. IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM On January 28,1890, Rizal left Paris for Brussels, Belgium. He was accompanied by Jose Alberto when he moved to Brussels. When Jose Alberto left the country, an engineering student, Jose Alejandro stayed with Rizal at the boarding house owned by Suzanne and Marie Jacoby. Aside from the cost of living in Paris, which was too much, Rizal cannot focus on writing his second novel El Filibusterismo because of the social life in Paris that interfered with his writings. While doing the chapters of the novel, he continued to write articles for La Solidaridad and they were: 1. “ A La Defensa” (To la Defensa) on April 30, 1889 as his answer to an Anti-Filipino writing of Patricio de la Escorura; 2. “La Verdad Para Todos” (The Truth For All) on May 31, 1889 as his reply against the Spanish accusations that the Filipino officials were ignorant and immoral; 3. “Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo” on June 15, 1889; 4. Barrantes’ ignorance on the theatrical art of the Tagalog; 5. “Una Profanacion” (A Profanation) on July 31, 1889 as his attack against the friars for ignoring and not allowing Christian burial for his brother-in-law, Mariano Herbosa; 6. “Crueldad” (Cruelty) on July 31, 1889 defending Blumentritt from mocking and insulting attacks of his rivals; 7. “Verdades Nuevas” (New Truths) on August 15, 1889, that because of the letter written by Vicente Belloc Sanchez, saying that if reforms were granted, it will start in the destruction of the peaceful ruling of the friars in the Philippines; 8. “Diferencias” (Differences) on September 15, 1889 in response of the attacks of the article, saying mean and bad comments to the Filipinos who were then protesting for reforms from the Spanish government; 9. “Inconsequencias” (Inconsequences) on November 30, 1889 to defend Antonio Luna against the attacks of Pablo Mir Deas’s article in El Pueblo Soberano, a newspaper in Barcelona; 10.“LLanto y Risas” (Tears and Laughters) on November 30, 1889 as Rizal’s way of saving the Filipinos from the Spaniards racial prejudice; 11.“Ingratitudes” (Ingratitudes) on January 15, 1890 in response to Governor- General Weyler’s words, that people of Calamba should not be fooled by empty promises of their ungrateful sons. To sustain his living condition in Brussels, Rizal practiced and treated patients as a surgeon. Unlike the Noli Me Tangere, Rizal spent too much time in writing his 51 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad second novel El Filibusterismo and articles for La Solidaridad. Rizal had been hearing news from Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura that his fellow Filipinos in Spain were too much into gambling. With this, Rizal sent a letter to Marcelo H. del Pilar on May 28,1890, asking him to remind the Filipinos in Madrid that they are not to gamble in Europe but to work for the freedom of the Philippines. On the other hand, Rizal received bad news coming from home that his family and relatives were forced to leave and go to different places because the Calamba land problem had worsened, that the Dominican management raised the rents for the land. This was the reason why the tenants, including Rizal’s father, refused to pay the rent, which resulted for the filing of a case by the Dominicans to strip the ownership of Calamba land from the Rizal family. The illegal eviction of his family angered him and made him depressed. Rizal planned to go home to the Philippines because he could not bear the pain about what happened to his family. Rizal then wrote a poem entitled “ A Mi Musa” (To My Muse) to address his disappointments on the land problems of Calamba. This poem was published in La Solidaridad with Laong Laan as Rizal’s pen name on December 15,1890. Rizal failed to defend the case against the Dominicans and justice was not received for his family and the tenants of Calamba. While in Madrid, Rizal attended a gathering of Filipinos where he had a fight with Antonio Luna and dared Wenceslao Retana to a duel. Retana, was a Spanish scholar and Rizal’s rival in writing. While in Madrid, Rizal asked for the help of the former members of the ministry who were liberal Spanish statesmen, but they only gave him a pat on the shoulder and sympathized with him. The Asociacion Hispano Filipino was formed, led by Dr. Miguel Morayta, a Spanish professor and a mason grandmaster. To decide what is the goal of the propaganda, they initiated an election who the leader will be. There were ninety participants, all were Filipinos. The competition was between Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar and during the first two canvass, M.H. del Pilar was leading the votes and it was Rizal who won in the end. But Rizal chose to leave rather than divide the Filipinos in Madrid. On February 1891, Rizal arrived in Biarritz, France. He was entertained by the Boustead family. The one-month trip to France made him forget all his bad experiences in Madrid and on his vacation, he once again had an affection to Nelly Boustead. He finished his second novel El Fili on March 29,1891 and on March 30,1891, the revision of the novel was completed, ready to be published anytime soon. LIFE IN HONG KONG Rizal left Madrid and went to Hong Kong after he published the El Fili in Europe. He did not like the political situation between him and del Pilar, and the other Filipinos in Spain. It was during this time that Rizal heard that his friend, Jose Ma. Panganiban (his pen name was Jomapa), bid his farewell to the world. As saddened as he was, he recognized Jomapa’s talent, intelligence, and industry through a eulogy, considering him as a lost for the country. Due to his unpleasant experiences in Madrid, Rizal planned on leaving the political life in Europe to focus on his mission instead. On November 20,1891, he arrived in Hong Kong. He then decided to practice medicine, through his association with Dr. Lorenzo P. Marquez, so he applied for a license and the license and was eventually granted. His family went to Hong Kong and he supported them in the city. 52 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad  While in Hong Kong, he translated The Rights of Man written in French into Tagalog, Ang Mga Karapatan ng Tao. He also wrote articles entitled, A La Nacion Española (To The Spanish Nation), as a reconsideration for Spain to correct the wrong things they have done to the tenants of Calamba; and Sa Mga Kababayan (To My Countrymen), as Rizal’s interpretation of the Calamba agrarian problem. During his days in Hong Kong, he started to write the constitution of La Liga Filipina, through the help of Jose Ma. Basa. La Liga Filipina aimed for: the unity of the whole archipelago into one body; common protection in every want and necessity; protection against all forms of violence and injustice; stimulation of instruction, agriculture and commerce; and the undertaking of study and application of reforms. The motto of the league was Unus Instar Omnium Or One Like All. There were three organizational councils in La Liga: popular, provincial and supreme. Qualification in the tests and a recommendation from the town’s council was necessary to become a member of this organization. It also requires a monthly contribution for the following projects: 1. Helping a member or his son who had problem in financing his studies but with excellent aptitude for study; 2. Helping member who are less fortunate; 3. Lending funds to am member who needs finances for his farm or industrial activities; 4. Aiming to help the member to defend his rights; 5. Putting up stores to help members in their needs at lesser price. Before going back to the Philippines, he sought to see Governor-General Eulogio Despujol on his North Borneo project because the latter does not have a response to it. Rizal and his sister Lucia left Hong Kong and returned to Manila in 1892, Despite the warnings and his family’s disapproval, Rizal arrived on June 26, 1892 and immediately went to visit his friends in Central Luzon. He encouraged them to join the La Liga Filipina but sadly, a few days after the Liga’s formation, Rizal was captured and brought to Fort Santiago on July 6, 1892 for the accusation that he brought with him from Hong Kong, leaflets entitled “ Pobres Friales” or poor friars — a satire against the rich Dominican friars and their accumulation of wealth, which was against their vow of poverty. Though untrue, Rizal was exiled in Dapitan, Mindanao. 53 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Higher Education and Life Abroad  RIZAL’S LIFE: Exile, Trial, and Death LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to: 1. Analyze the factors that led to Rizal’s execution. 2. Analyze the effects of Rizal’s execution on Spanish colonial rule and the Philippine Revolution. 59 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Exile, Trial and Death 5 Rizal’s Life: Exile, Trial and Death As soon as Rizal arrived in Manila on June 26,1892, he was welcomed by Apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, Ambrosio Salvador, Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Deodato Arellano, and other patriots, who, altogether founded La Liga Filipina (The Filipino League). They wanted to discuss the plan for La Liga Filipina which was held in a house on Calle Ylaya. That time, Rizal was able to talk to Governor- General Despujol on July 1892, saying his gratitude for lifting the order of exile for his sisters. Dapitan is a remote town in Mindanao, which served as an outpost of the Spaniards in the Philippines. Dapitan became the only witness to Rizal’s fate since July 1896. During his exile, Rizal became close with Captain Ricardo Carnicero for allowing him to roam the place on the condition that Rizal will relay his activities in his office once a week. In Dapitan, he continued his medicine, research and continued his talent in sculpture, painting, sketching and poetry writing. He put up a school for boys and introduced projects for the community. As a gift to Captain Carnicero, Rizal wrote a poem entitled, “A Don Ricardo Carnicero” on August 26, 1892. Rizal helped the people of Dapitan with their livelihood — he did farming and business and even invented a wooden equipment in making bricks. On September 21, 1892, Rizal together with Carnicero and another Spaniard, won a lottery ticket. The amount given to him as his share was P6,200. Part of his share was used to buy a land in Talisay. He built a house, a clinic and a school within the area. He sent letters to Blumentritt, narrating his daily activities in Dapitan: He wrote poems, performed operation on his mother’s eyes, and studied on medicinal plants of Dapitan to be prescribed to his patients. That time, Rizal had been known to be one of the best ophthalmologist. Upon hearing this, George Tauffer who had an eye ailment, together with her adopted daughter, Josephine Bracken, traveled from Hong Kong to Dapitan. Rizal developed an attraction with Josephine and soon, they became husband and wife even if it was against Father Obach and both their relatives. Another project of Rizal for Dapitan was the creation of a big map of Mindanao at the plaza to be used for geography class. He explained the position of Dapitan to the town people in relation to other places in Mindanao. With the help of Rizal’s students, he invented a water system that gave the town people water for their drinking and irrigation. He also helped the people in putting-up lamp posts in every corner of the town. When revolution commenced in Manila in 1896, Dr. Pio Valenzuela together with Raymundo Mata, a blind man, visited Rizal in Dapitan to narrate to him the founding of Katipunan and its plan for revolution. For awhile, Rizal sent letters to Governor General Ramon Blanco from 1894 to 1895. He wanted his case be reviewed so Blumentriit proposed that Rizal may offer his services as a surgeon to the Spanish government in Cuba to end his exile. That time, Cuba was also a colony of Spain and was raged by a yellow-fever epidemic. On July 30,1896, Governor-General Ramon Blanco granted Rizal’s request to go to Cuba. Rizal left Manila, embarked the steamer España and on September 3, 1896 he went to Barcelona boarded the steamer Isla de Panay. When he arrived at the port, Governor-General Despujol told Rizal that there was a command to return him back to Manila. Rizal was arrested while on his trip at the Mediterranean Sea. He was put 60 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Exile, Trial and Death into prison in Barcelona, Spain and was brought back to the Philippines. Safely guarded while on the way from Barcelona to Manila, Rizal reached the capital on November 3,1896 and was soon brought to be imprisoned at Fort Santiago. TRIAL AND DEATH OF RIZAL Fort Santiago at present. Photo taken from www.google.com. On November 20, 1896, the assigned Judge to summon Rizal was Colonel Francisco Olive, an Advocate of the Spanish military tribunal. The preliminary investigation began, and a five-day investigation was conducted. He was blamed for being the leader of the revolution by increasing the people’s ideas about rebellion and making illegal organizations. As expected, Rizal was not given the chance to interrogate his witnesses. He was only allowed to choose his lawyer from a list of young Spanish officers who were not into law. He chose Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade, who was the bodyguard of Rizal when he first came home. There were two kinds of evidences presented to him during the investigation: documentary and testimonial. There were fifteen documents against Rizal and ten witnesses for testimonial. All efforts were made by Lt. Taviel de Andrade to defend Rizal of his innocence but as obvious as it may have seemed, Rizal was still found guilty. Note that Rizal cited twelve points to prove his innocence: 1. Rizal was against rebellion as testified by Pio Valenzuela. 2. No letter consisting of revolutionary elements was addressed to the Katipunan was written 3. Without his consent, the Katipunan used his name as one of the passwords. 4. If he was guilty, he could have left the country while in exile; he would not have built a home, and would not have bought a parcel of alnd to put up a hospital in Dapitan. 5. The revolutionists could have consulted him if he was the leader. 6. He did not deny that he wrote the by-laws of the Liga Filipina, but to make things clear, it is a different organization from Katipunan. The former being a civic association and the latter being a revolutionary society. 7. After the first meeting of the Liga, the association banished because of his exile in Dapitan and it did not last long. 8. He had no idea, that the Liga was reorganized nine months after. 9. If the Liga had a revolutionary purpose, then Katipunan should not have been founded. 10. If the Spanish authorities found his letters offending, it was because in 1890, his family has been persecuted. 11. He lived a good life in Dapitan – the politico military commander and missionary priest in the province could attest to it. 12. The witnesses said that if the speech delivered at Doroteo Ongjunco’s house had inspired the revolution, he should be given a chance to confront these persons. If he was in the revolution, the Katipunan should not have sent an unfamiliar emissary to him in Dapitan. For this, his friends knew that he never promoted violence. RIZAL’S REMAINING DAYS AND THE LAST FAREWELL When Rizal heard the court decision, he knew that there will be no chance of 61 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal Rizal’s Life: Exile, Trial and Death changing his fate. At six o’ clock in the morning of December 29, 1896, Captain Rafael Dominguez, read him the official notice of his execution. Rizal spent his last hours by going to the prison chapel. His mother and sisters visited him on the same day. He then gave them his remaining possessions, reached out for the gas lamp and gave it to his sister, Trinidad and carefully whispered, “There is something inside.” Then Trinidad and his sister Maria got a copy of Rizal’s last poem from the lamp. Unfortunately, it was said that on his last days that Rizal was not allowed to embrace his mother. He took time to write his last letter to his best friend Bluementrit. The last poem he composed was the longest he ever written, it was entitled “ Mi Ultimo Adios” or My Last Farewell. My Last Farewell Farewell, dear Fatherland, clime of the sun caress'd Pearl of the Orient seas, our Eden lost!, Gladly now I go to give thee this faded life's best, And were it brighter, fresher, or more blest Still would I give it thee, nor count the cost. On the field of battle, 'mid the frenzy of fight, Others have given their lives, without doubt or heed; The place matters not-cypress or laurel or lily white, Scaffold or open plain, combat or martyrdom's plight, T is ever the same, to serve our home and country's need. I die just when I see the dawn break, Through the gloom of night, to herald the day; And if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take, Pour'd out at need for thy dear sake To dye with its crimson the waking ray. My dreams, when life first opened to me, My dreams, when the hopes of youth beat high, Were to see thy lov'd face, O gem of the Orient sea From gloom and grief, from care and sorrow free; No blush on thy brow, no tear in thine eye. Dream of my life, my living and burning desire, All hail ! cries the soul that is now to take flight; All hail ! And sweet it is for thee to expire ; To die for thy sake, that thou mayst aspire; And sleep in thy bosom eternity's long night. If over my grave some day thou seest grow, In the grassy sod, a humble flower, Draw it to thy lips and kiss my soul so, While I may feel on my brow in the cold tomb below The touch of thy tenderness, thy breath's warm power. Let the moon beam over me soft and serene, Let the dawn shed over me its radiant flashes, Let the wind with sad lament over me keen ; And if on my cross a bird should be seen, Let it trill there its hymn of peace to my ashes. 62 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal