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RIZAL 01
A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS BY THE GREAT AND
THE FAMOUS IN ABSORBING PUZZLES
To decode the quotation supply
the correct letter in each box.
The same number corresponds to the same letter.
A TRIBUTE TO DR. JOSE RIZAL
RIZAL 11-01
Philippine Copyright 2007 by MAIA D. ORLANES
QUOTES IN QUIZ booklets are on sale at NATIONAL BOOKSTORE & BOOKSALE OUTLETS.
For mail order: text 0919 2803036 • fax 932-6653 • EMAIL: [email protected]
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS
QUOTES IN QUIZ
RIZAL 02
A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS BY THE GREAT AND
THE FAMOUS IN ABSORBING PUZZLES
To decode the quotation supply
the correct letter in each box.
The same number corresponds to the same letter.
CLUES: 1=F; 2=A; 3=R
1
7
4
2
3
2
3
4
5
4
6
6
1
2
8
9
4
3
6
11 6 12 13 4
15 16 10
17 4
2
14 1
11 2
3
6
3
14 16 3
18 6
2
7
8 14
4
7
6 19
8
4 15 15
14 1
14 3 12 4 10 8
8
15 4
4 10
2 10 7
9
'
4
9
2 15
12
8
9
,
7
4
,
6 14 15 8
10 14 5
18 12 20 4
,
!
18 14
4
4
RIZAL, “MY LAST FAREWELL”
(STANZA CONTINUES TOMORROW, SAME CLUES)
RIZAL 11-02
Philippine Copyright 2007 by MAIA D. ORLANES
QUOTES IN QUIZ booklets are on sale at NATIONAL BOOKSTORE & BOOKSALE OUTLETS.
For mail order: text 0919 2803036 • fax 932-6653 • EMAIL: [email protected]
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS
QUOTESIN QUIZ
FAREWELL, DEAR FATHERLAND, CLIME OF THE SUN
CARESS'D PEARL OF THE ORIENT SEAS, OUR EDEN
LOST!, GLADLY NOW I GO TO GIVE THEE ...
RIZAL, "MY LAST FAREWELL"
(TRANSLATION BY CHARLES DERBYSHIRE)
RIZAL 03
A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS BY THE GREAT AND
THE FAMOUS IN ABSORBING PUZZLES
To decode the quotation supply
the correct letter in each box.
The same number corresponds to the same letter.
CLUES: 1=F; 2=A; 3=R
8
9 12 15
6 12 1
4
2 10 7
1
3
1
'
15
2
7
3
4
21 3 12 18 9
8
4
21 6
4
5
3
4 15 8
5 14 16 6
7
12 8
8
11 14 16 10 8
,
14 3
,
12 8
3
,
13 14 3
15 8 12 6
12
9
7
21 4 15 8
4
4 15 9
4
4
6
18 12 20 4
4
4
8
9
,
10 14 3
4
11 14 15 8
RIZAL. “MY LAST FAREWELL”
.
(FROM YESTERDAY, CONTINUATION OF SAME STANZA)
RIZAL 11-03
Philippine Copyright 2007 by MAIA D. ORLANES
QUOTES IN QUIZ booklets are on sale at NATIONAL BOOKSTORE & BOOKSALE OUTLETS.
For mail order: text 0919 2803036 • fax 932-6653 • EMAIL: [email protected]
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS
QUOTES IN QUIZ
THIS FADED LIFE'S BEST, AND WERE IT BRIGHTER,
FRESHER, OR MORE BLEST STILL WOULD I GIVE IT THEE,
NOR COUNT THE COST. ---- RIZAL, "MY LAST FAREWELL"
(TRANSLATION BY CHARLES DERBYSHIRE)
RIZAL 04
A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS BY THE GREAT AND
THE FAMOUS IN ABSORBING PUZZLES
To decode the quotation supply
the correct letter in each box.
The same number corresponds to the same letter.
CLUES: 1=O; 2=N; 3=T; 6=F
1
2
1
1
4
'
12 7
6
3
6
4
5
6
7
5
10 11 3
3
8
5
9
3
4
5
6
7 16 4
3
11 18 5
6 13 5
,
16 7 18 5
8
7 18 5 17
9
1 20 10 3
3
4
5
12 11 3
3
,
19 7
1 13
21 8
5 13 17
1
3
2
3
8
,
9
2 14 15
4
5 13 17
3
4
5
4
1 20 3
4
5
5
9
11 22 5
2
1
3
“MY LAST FAREWELL”
7 13
;
---
(STANZA CONTINUES TOMORROW)
RIZAL 11-04
Philippine Copyright 2007 by MAIA D. ORLANES
QUOTES IN QUIZ booklets are on sale at NATIONAL BOOKSTORE & BOOKSALE OUTLETS.
For mail order: text 0919 2803036 • fax 932-6653 • EMAIL: [email protected]
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS
QUOTESIN QUIZ
ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE, 'MID THE FRENZY OF FIGHT,
OTHERS HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES, WITHOUT DOUBT OR
HEED; THE PLACE MATTERS NOT-RIZAL, "MY LAST FAREWELL"
(TRANSLATION BY CHARLES DERBYSHIRE)
RIZAL 05
A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS BY THE GREAT AND
THE FAMOUS IN ABSORBING PUZZLES
To decode the quotation supply
the correct letter in each box.
The same number corresponds to the same letter.
CLUES: 1=O; 2=N; 3=T; 6=F
22 15 21 13 5 17 17
1 13
17 22 11 6
21 8
8
7
8 15
1
8
9
11 7
2
6
1 13
21 8
3
4
5
1 13
8
19 4
1 13
,
3
,'
,
22 1 20 2
4
3
5
,
8
2
22 1 12 10 11 3
3
7 17
17 11 12 5
1 20 13
7
1 21 5
12 11 13 3 15 13 9
7 16 4
11 20 13 5
3
5 18 5 13
1
17 5 13 18 5
1 12 5
'
3 13 15 17
'
1 12 17
2
11 2
9
5
9
RIZAL. “MY LAST FAREWELL”
5
.
(FROM YESTERDAY, CONTINUATION OF SAME STANZA)
RIZAL 11-05
Philippine Copyright 2007 by MAIA D. ORLANES
QUOTES IN QUIZ booklets are on sale at NATIONAL BOOKSTORE & BOOKSALE OUTLETS.
For mail order: text 0919 2803036 • fax 932-6653 • EMAIL: [email protected]
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS
QUOTES IN QUIZ
CYPRESS OR LAUREL OR LILY WHITE, SCAFFOLD OR
OPEN PLAIN, COMBAT OR MARTYRDOM'S PLIGHT, ‘TIS
EVER THE SAME, TO SERVE OUR HOME AND COUNTRY'S
NEED. ---- RIZAL, "MY LAST FAREWELL"
(TRANSLATION BY CHARLES DERBYSHIRE)
RIZAL 06
A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS BY THE GREAT AND
THE FAMOUS IN ABSORBING PUZZLES
To decode the quotation supply
the correct letter in each box.
The same number corresponds to the same letter.
CLUES: 1=L; 4=U; 6=W; 7=I
1
5
9
2
2
8
11 10 12 13 4
7
1
7
5
8
9
7 18
2 12
18 9
7 12 16
8
21 10 1
9 16
3
,
4
7 12 16
8
9
7 18
,
6
7
7
1
8
9
7 12 16
17 2
19 10 17
21 11 10 15 16
11 17
14 10 7
11
1 10 12 19
4
8
,
9
10 12 19
,
7 12 21
10 12 19
2 14
9
10
14 10 15 16
20 10 12 7 14 16 18 8
1 10 12 8
1
5
5
2
17 2
5 16
2 14
4
11
2 14
20 7 12 16
RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”
!
(TRANSLATION BY NATIONAL ARTIST, NICK JOAQUIN)
RIZAL 11-06
Philippine Copyright 2007 by MAIA D. ORLANES
QUOTES IN QUIZ booklets are on sale at NATIONAL BOOKSTORE & BOOKSALE OUTLETS.
For mail order: text 0919 2803036 • fax 932-6653 • EMAIL: [email protected]
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS
QUOTESIN QUIZ
LOOK UP WITH A TRANQUIL FACE, PHILIPPINE YOUTH,
ON THIS DAY AND SHINE, MANIFESTING THE GRACE
AND GALLANTRY OF YOUR LINE, FAIR HOPE OF THIS
LAND OF MINE! --RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”
(TRANSLATION BY NATIONAL ARTIST, NICK JOAQUIN)
RIZAL 07
A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS BY THE GREAT AND
THE FAMOUS IN ABSORBING PUZZLES
To decode the quotation supply
the correct letter in each box.
The same number corresponds to the same letter.
CLUES: 1=S; 2=P; 6=O; 8=G
1 2 3 4 3 5
13 2 14 3 7 5
6 7
9 10 11
17 3 5 15
10 6 18 14 12
5 15 9 5
17 3 14 14
9
8 4 9 10 11 12 13 4
7 6 4 19 12
5 15 9 10
7 3 14 14
16 12 11 3 5 9 5 3 6 10
14 9 13 10 19 15
16 6 4 12
5 15 12
8 14 6 4 3 6 13 1
16 3 10 11
17 3 5 15
1 17 3 7 5
17 3 10 11
9 19 19 12 14 12 4 9 5 3 6 10
20 3 4 8 3 10
,
5 15 12 16
'
1
5 15 12 3 4
5 6
3 5 1
11 12 1 5 3 10 9 5 3 6 10
RIZAL, “TO THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH”
.
(TRANSLATION BY NATIONAL ARTIST, NICK JOAQUIN)
RIZAL 11-07
Philippine Copyright 2007 by MAIA D. ORLANES
QUOTES IN QUIZ booklets are on sale at NATIONAL BOOKSTORE & BOOKSALE OUTLETS.
For mail order: text 0919 2803036 • fax 932-6653 • EMAIL: [email protected]
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS
QUOTES IN QUIZ
SPIRIT OF GRANDEUR, UPLIFT AND FILL THEM WITH A NOBLE
MEDITATION THAT WILL LAUNCH WITH A FORCE MORE SWIFT
THAN THE WIND’S ACCELERATION THEIR VIRGIN MIND TO ITS
GLORIOUS DESTINATION. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”
(TRANSLATION BY NATIONAL ARTIST, NICK JOAQUIN)
MY LAST FAREWELL
TRANSLATION BY CHARLES DERBYSHIRE
2-3
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. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
4-5
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. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
6-7
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. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
8-9
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. ---RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
10-11
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. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
12-13
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. ---- RIZAL,
“MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
14-15
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. LET THE SUN DRAW THE VAPORS
UP TO THE SKY, ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
16-17
AND HEAVENWARD IN PURITY BEAR MY TARDY PROTEST LET SOME
KIND SOUL O 'ER MY UNTIMELY FATE SIGH, ....................................................................
AND IN THE STILL EVENING A PRAYER BE LIFTED ON HIGH FROM THEE, O MY
COUNTRY, THAT IN GOD I MAY REST. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
18-19
PRAY FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAPLESS HAVE DIED, FOR ALL WHO HAVE
SUFFERED THE UNMEASUR'D PAIN; FOR OUR MOTHERS THAT BITTERLY THEIR
WOES HAVE CRIED, ...................................................................
FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS, FOR CAPTIVES BY TORTURE TRIED AND THEN FOR
THYSELF THAT REDEMPTION THOU MAYST GAIN. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
20-21
AND WHEN THE DARK NIGHT WRAPS THE GRAVEYARD AROUND WITH ONLY THE
DEAD IN THEIR VIGIL TO SEE BREAK NOT MY REPOSE OR THE MYSTERY
PROFOUND ....................................................................
AND PERCHANCE THOU MAYST HEAR A SAD HYMN RESOUND 'TIS I, O MY
COUNTRY, RAISING A SONG UNTO THEE. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
22-23
AND EVEN MY GRAVE IS REMEMBERED NO MORE UNMARK'D BY NEVER A CROSS
NOR A STONE LET THE PLOW SWEEP THROUGH IT,
....................................................................
THE SPADE TURN IT O'ER THAT MY ASHES MAY CARPET EARTHLY FLOOR,
BEFORE INTO NOTHINGNESS AT LAST THEY ARE BLOWN. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST
FREWELL”
===============================================
24-25
THEN WILL OBLIVION BRING TO ME NO CARE AS OVER THY VALES AND PLAINS I
SWEEP; THROBBING AND CLEANSED IN THY SPACE AND AIR WITH COLOR AND
LIGHT, WITH SONG AND LAMENT I FARE, EVER REPEATING THE FAITH THAT I
KEEP. ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
26-27
MY FATHERLAND ADOR'D, THAT SADNESS TO MY SORROW LENDS BELOVED
FILIPINAS, HEAR NOW MY LAST GOOD-BY! I GIVE THEE ALL:
....................................................................
PARENTS AND KINDRED AND FRIENDS FOR I GO WHERE NO SLAVE BEFORE THE
OPPRESSOR BENDS, WHERE FAITH CAN NEVER KILL, AND GOD REIGNS E'ER ON
HIGH! ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST FREWELL”
===============================================
28-29
FAREWELL TO YOU ALL, FROM MY SOUL TORN AWAY, FRIENDS OF MY
CHILDHOOD IN THE HOME DISPOSSESSED! GIVE THANKS THAT I REST FROM THE
WEARISOME DAY! ....................................................................
FAREWELL TO THEE, TOO, SWEET FRIEND THAT LIGHTENED MY WAY; BELOVED
CREATURES ALL, FAREWELL! IN DEATH THERE IS REST! ---- RIZAL, “MY LAST
FREWELL”
===============================================
(1911 TRANSLATION BY CHARLES DERBYSHIRE OF THE SPANISH ORIGINAL OF
JOSÉ RIZAL'S POEM, MI ULTIMO ADIÓS)
=======================================
JOSE RIZAL’S OTHER POEMS**
WARM AND BEAUTIFUL LIKE A HOURI OF YORE, AS GRACIOUS AND AS PURE AS
THE BREAK OF DAWN WHEN DARLING CLOUDS TAKE ON A SAPPHIRE TONE,
SLEEPS A GODDESS ON THE INDIAN SHORE. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE PHILIPPINES”.
===============================================
THE SMALL WAVES OF THE SONOROUS SEA ASSAIL HER FEET WITH ARDENT,
AMOROUS KISSES, WHILE THE INTELLECTUAL WEST ADORES HER SMILE; AND
THE OLD HOARY POLE, HER FLOWER VEIL. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE
PHILIPPINES”
===============================================
MY MUSE, MOST ENTHUSIASTIC AND ELATE, SINGS TO HER AMONG
NAIADS AND UNDINES; I OFFER HER MY FORTUNE AND MY FATE. ---- RIZAL,
“TO THE PHILIPPINES”
===============================================
WITH MYRTLE, PURPLE ROSES, AND FLOWERING GREENS
AND LILIES, CROWN HER BROW IMMACULATE, O ARTISTS, AND EXALT THE
PHILIPPINES! ---- RIZAL, “TO THE PHILIPPINES”
===============================================
LOOK UP WITH A TRANQUIL FACE, PHILIPPINE YOUTH, ON THIS DAY AND
SHINE, MANIFESTING THE GRACE
AND GALLANTRY OF YOUR LINE, FAIR HOPE OF THIS LAND OF MINE! ---RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”.
===============================================
SPIRIT OF GRANDEUR, UPLIFT AND FILL THEM WITH A NOBLE MEDITATION
THAT WILL LAUNCH WITH A FORCE MORE SWIFT
THAN THE WIND’S ACCELERATION
THEIR VIRGIN MIND TO ITS GLORIOUS DESTINATION. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE
FILIPINO YOUTH”
===============================================
BEARING THE GOOD LIGHT OF ART AND SCIENCE, TO THE BATTLEGROUND
DESCEND, O YOUTH, AND SMITE: LOOSEN THE HEAVY POUND
OF CHAINS THAT KEEPS POETIC GENIUS BOUND. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE
FILIPINO YOUTH”
===============================================
SEE HOW THE LIGHT RUNS DOWN THE ARDENT ZONE WHERE DWELT THE
SHADOWS; AND HOW SPAIN, A SPLENDID CROWN, WITH PIOUS AND WISE
HAND,
OFFERS THE SCION OF THIS INDIAN LAND. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO
YOUTH”..
===============================================
YOU WHO, QUESTING, RISE UPON THE WINGS OF YOUR RICH FANTASY
INTO OLYMPIAN SKIES IN QUEST OF POETRY MORE LUSCIOUS HAN THE
FOOD OF DIVINITY; ---- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”..
===============================================
YOU OF THE HEAVENLY STRAIN, A MOST MELODIOUS RIVAL OF
PHILOMEL, WHOSE MANIFOLD REFRAIN
ON STILL NIGHTS AUDIBLE DISSIPATES THE PAIN OF THE HUMAN HELL; --- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”....
===============================================
YOU WHO ANIMATE
THE HARD ROCK WITH THE IMPULSE OF INTUITION AND CAN PERPETUATE
WITH POTENT HAND THE VISION OF GENIUS, FOR ETERNAL RECOGNITION;
---- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”...
===============================================
AND YOU WHOSE HAND TRANSFERS
WITH MAGIC BRUSHES TO A SIMPLE BOARD THE ROBE THAT NATURE
WEARS AND THE VARIED BEAUTY STORED IN PHOEBUS, WHOM DIVINE
APELLES ADORED; ---- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”
===============================================
MAKE HASTE! THE SACRED FLAME OF GENIUS, LAURELED GLORY COMES
TO CROWN: WHILE CIRCULATING FAME
PUBLISHES UP AND DOWN THE UNIVERSE A MORTAL NAME’S RENOWN. --- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”
===============================================
O HAPPY, HAPPY DAY
IS THIS, SWEET PHILIPPINES, TO YOUR DESCENT! BLESS THE ALMIGHTY
SWAY OF GOD, WHOSE LOVE HAS SENT FORTUNE SHINING UPON YOU, AND
CONTENT!
---- RIZAL, “TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH”.
===============================================
WHY HAVE YOU COME TO EARTH, CHILD-GOD, IN A POOR MANGER? DOES
FORTUNE FIND YOU A STRANGER FROM THE MOMENT OF YOUR BIRTH? ---RIZAL, “TO THE CHILD JESUS”..
================================
ALAS, OF HEAVENLY STOCK NOW TURNED AN EARTHLY RESIDENT! DO
YOU NOT WISH TO BE PRESIDENT BUT THE SHEPHERD OF YOUR FLOCK? --- RIZAL, “TO THE CHILD JESUS”...
======================
YOU ARE MY MOTHER, MARY, AND SHALL BE
MY LIFE, MY STRONGHOLD, MY DEFENSE MOST THOROUGH; AND YOU
SHALL BE MY GUIDE ON THIS WILD SEA. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE VIRGIN MARY”.
===============================================
IF VICE PURSUES ME MADLY ON THE MORROW, IF DEATH HARASSES ME
WITH AGONY: COME TO MY AID AND DISSIPATE MY SORROW!---- RIZAL, “TO
THE VIRGIN MARY”
===========================
^
WHY FALLS SO RICH A SPRAY OF FRAGRANCE FROM THE BOWERS OF
THE BALMY FLOWERS
UPON THIS FESTIVE DAY? ---- RIZAL, “MY FIRST INSPIRATION”.
===============================================
WHY FROM WOODS AND VALES DO WE HEAR SWEET MEASURES RINGING
THAT SEEM TO BE THE SINGING OF A CHOIR OF NIGHTINGALES? ---- RIZAL,
“MY FIRST INSPIRATION”.
===============================================
WHY IN THE GRASS BELOW DO BIRDS START AT THE WIND’S NOISES,
UNLEASHING THEIR HONEYED VOICES AS THEY HOP FROM BOUGH TO
BOUGH? ---- RIZAL, “MY FIRST INSPIRATION”..
===============================================
WHY SHOULD THE SPRING THAT GLOWS
ITS CRYSTALLINE MURMUR BE TUNING
TO THE ZEPHYR’S MELLOW CROONING
AS AMONG THE FLOWERS IT FLOWS?---- RIZAL, “MY FIRST INSPIRATION”
===============================================
WHY SEEMS TO ME MORE ENDEARING,
MORE FAIR THAN ON OTHER DAYS, THE DAWN’S ENCHANTING FACE
AMONG RED CLOUDS APPEARING? ---- RIZAL, “MY FIRST INSPIRATION”
===============================================
THE REASON, DEAR MOTHER, IS THEY FEAST YOUR DAY OF BLOOM:
THE ROSE WITH ITS PERFUME, THE BIRD WITH ITS HARMONIES.---- RIZAL,
“MY FIRST INSPIRATION”
===============================================
AND THE SPRING THAT RINGS WITH LAUGHTER UPON THIS JOYFUL DAY
WITH ITS MURMUR SEEMS TO SAY: “LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!” ---- RIZAL,
“MY FIRST INSPIRATION”
===============================================
AND FROM THAT SPRING IN THE GROVE
NOW TURN TO HEAR THE FIRST NOTE
THAT FROM MY LUTE I EMOTE TO THE IMPULSE OF MY LOVE!---- RIZAL,
“MY FIRST INSPIRATION”.
=======================^
11. TO JOSEFINA
JOSEFINA, JOSEFINA,
TO THESE SHORES YOU CAME IN QUEST
OF A DWELLING PLACE, A NEST, LIKE AN EMIGRATING SWALLOW; ---RIZAL, “TO JOSEFINA”
===============================================
IF YOUR FORTUNE YOU MUST FOLLOW
TO SHANGHAI, CHINA OR JAPAN, DON’T FORGET THAT ON THESE
SHORES
BEATS FOR YOU THE HEART OF ONE.---- RIZAL, “TO JOSEFINA
===============================================
TO MISS C.O. Y R.
WHY ASK FOR THOSE UNINTELLECTUAL VERSES THAT ONCE, INSANE
WITH GRIEF, I SANG AGHAST?
OR ARE YOU MAYBE THROWING IN MY FACE MY RANK INGRATITUDE,
MY BITTER PAST? ---- RIZAL, “TO MISS C.O. Y R”.
===============================================
WHY RESURRECT UNHAPPY MEMORIES
NOW WHEN THE HEART AWAITS FROM LOVE A SIGN, OR CALL THE
NIGHT WHEN DAY BEGINS TO SMILE, NOT KNOWING IF ANOTHER DAY
WILL SHINE? ---- RIZAL, “TO MISS C.O. Y R”
===============================================
AND SO IT HAS ARRIVED—-THE FATAL INSTANT, THE DISMAL
INJUNCTION OF MY CRUEL FATE;
SO IT HAS COME AT LAST—-THE MOMENT, THE DATE,
WHEN I MUST SEPARATE MYSELF FROM YOU. ---- RIZAL, “GOODBYE
TO LEONOR”.
===============================================
GOODBYE, LEONOR, GOODBYE! I TAKE MY LEAVE,
LEAVING BEHIND WITH YOU MY LOVER’S HEART!
GOODBYE, LEONOR: FROM HERE I NOW DEPART. ..
O MELANCHOLY ABSENCE! AH, WHAT PAIN! ---- RIZAL, “GOODBYE TO
LEONOR”
===============================================
SWEET THE HOURS IN THE NATIVE COUNTRY,
WHERE FRIENDLY SHINES THE SUN ABOVE! LIFE IS THE BREEZE
THAT SWEEPS THE MEADOWS; TRANQUIL IS DEATH; MOST TENDER,
LOVE. ---- RIZAL, “THE SONG OF MARIA CLARA”
===============================================
WARM KISSES ON THE LIPS ARE PLAYING
AS WE AWAKE TO MOTHER’S FACE:
THE ARMS ARE SEEKING TO EMBRACE HER,
THE EYES ARE SMILING AS THEY GAZE. ---- RIZAL, “THE SONG OF
MARIA CLARA”
===============================================
HOW SWEET TO DIE FOR THE NATIVE COUNTRY,
WHERE FRIENDLY SHINES THE SUN ABOVE!
DEATH IS THE BREEZE FOR HIM WHO HAS
NO COUNTRY, NO MOTHER, AND NO LOVE! ---- RIZAL, “THE SONG OF
MARIA CLARA”
===============================================
DRY LEAF THAT FLIES AT RANDOM TILL IT’S SEIZED BY A WIND FROM
ABOVE:
SO LIVES ON EARTH THE WANDERER,
WITHOUT NORTH, WITHOUT SOUL, WITHOUT COUNTRY OR LOVE! ---RIZAL, “SONG OF THE WANDERER”
===============================================
ANXIOUS, HE SEEKS JOY EVERYWHERE
AND JOY ELUDES HIM AND FLEES,
A VAIN SHADOW THAT MOCKS HIS YEARNING AND FOR WHICH HE
SAILS THE SEAS. ---- RIZAL, “SONG OF THE WANDERER”
===============================================
IMPELLED BY A HAND INVISIBLE, HE SHALL WANDER FROM PLACE
TO PLACE; MEMORIES SHALL KEEP HIM COMPANY— OF LOVED
ONES, OF HAPPY DAYS. ---- RIZAL, “SONG OF THE WANDERER”.
===============================================
A TOMB PERHAPS IN THE DESERT,
A SWEET REFUGE, HE SHALL DISCOVER,
BY HIS COUNTRY AND THE WORLD FORGOTTEN… REST QUIET: THE
TORMENT IS OVER. ---- RIZAL, “SONG OF THE WANDERER”.
===============================================
AND THEY ENVY THE HAPLESS WANDERER
AS ACROSS THE EARTH HE PERSISTS!
AH, THEY KNOW NOT OF THE EMPTINESS
IN HIS SOUL, WHERE NO LOVE EXISTS. ---- RIZAL, “SONG OF THE
WANDERER”
===============================================
THE PILGRIM SHALL RETURN TO HIS COUNTRY,
SHALL RETURN PERHAPS TO HIS SHORE;
AND SHALL FIND ONLY ICE AND RUIN,
PERISHED LOVES, AND GRAVES—NOTHING MORE. ---- RIZAL, “SONG OF
THE WANDERER”.. =======
BEGONE, WANDERER! IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY,
A STRANGER NOW AND ALONE!
LET THE OTHERS SING OF LOVING,
WHO ARE HAPPY—BUT YOU, BEGONE! ---- RIZAL, “SONG OF THE
WANDERER”
===============================================
BEGONE, WANDERER! LOOK NOT BEHIND YOU
NOR GRIEVE AS YOU LEAVE AGAIN.
BEGONE, WANDERER: STIFLE YOUR SORROWS!
THE WORLD LAUGHS AT ANOTHER’S PAIN. ---- RIZAL, “SONG OF THE
WANDERER”
===============================================
FLOWER AMONG FLOWERS, SOFT BUD SWOONING, THAT THE WIND
MOVES TO A GENTLE CROONING.
WIND OF HEAVEN, WIND OF LOVE,
YOU WHO GLADDEN
ALL YOU ESPY; --- RIZAL, “FLOWER AMONG FLOWERS”
===============================================
YOU WHO SMILE
AND WILL NOT SIGH,
CANDOUR AND FRAGRANCE
FROM ABOVE;
YOU WHO PERHAPS
CAME DOWN TO EARTH TO BRING THE LONELY SOLACE AND MIRTH, AND
TO BE A JOY FOR THE HEART TO CAPTURE. --- RIZAL, “FLOWER AMONG
FLOWERS”.
===============================================
THEY SAY THAT INTO
YOUR DAWN YOU BEAR THE IMMACULATE SOUL A PRISONER —BOUND
WITH THE TIES OF PASSION AND RAPTURE? --- RIZAL, “FLOWER AMONG
FLOWERS”
===============================================
THEY SAY YOU SPREAD GOOD EVERYWHERE
LIKE THE SPRING
WHICH FILLS THE AIR
WITH JOY AND FLOWERS IN APRILTIME. --- RIZAL, “FLOWER AMONG
FLOWERS”
===============================================
THEY SAY YOU BRIGHTEN THE SOUL THAT MOURNS WHEN DARK CLOUDS
GATHER, AND THAT WITHOUT THORNS BLOSSOM THE ROSES IN YOUR
CLIME. --- RIZAL, “FLOWER AMONG FLOWERS”
===============================================
IF THEN, LIKE A FAIRY,
YOU ENHANCE THE JOY OF THOSE ON WHOM YOU GLANCE
WITH THE MAGIC CHARM GOD GAVE TO YOU;
............................................................
OH, SPARE ME AN HOUR OF YOUR CHEER, A SINGLE DAY
OF YOUR CAREER,
THAT THE BREAST MAY SAVOR THE BLISS IT KNEW! --- RIZAL, “FLOWER
AMONG FLOWERS” ..
===================================================
GO TO MY COUNTRY, GO, O FOREIGN FLOWERS, SOWN BY THE
TRAVELER ALONG THE ROAD, AND UNDER THAT BLUE HEAVEN THAT
WATCHES OVER MY LOVED ONES, ....................................................
RECOUNT THE DEVOTION THE PILGRIM NURSES FOR HIS NATIVE SOD!
GO AND SAY … SAY THAT WHEN DAWN OPENED YOUR CHALICES FOR
THE FIRST TIME .................................................... BESIDE THE ICY
NECKAR, YOU SAW HIM SILENT BESIDE YOU, THINKING OF HER
CONSTANT VERNAL CLIME. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE FLOWERS OF
HEIDELBERG”
=========================================
SAY THAT WHEN DAWN WHICH STEALS YOUR AROMA WAS
WHISPERING PLAYFUL LOVE SONGS TO YOUR YOUNG SWEET
PETALS, HE, TOO, MURMURED
CANTICLES OF LOVE IN HIS NATIVE TONGUE; ---- RIZAL, “TO THE
FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG”...
===============================================
THAT IN THE MORNING WHEN THE SUN FIRST TRACES THE TOPMOST
PEAK OF KOENIGSSTHUL IN GOLD AND WITH A MILD WARMTH RAISES
TO LIFE AGAIN THE VALLEY, THE GLADE, THE FOREST, HE HAILS
THAT SUN, STILL IN ITS DAWNING, THAT IN HIS COUNTRY IN FULL
ZENITH BLAZES. .=========================================
AND TELL OF THAT DAY WHEN HE COLLECTED YOU ALONG THE WAY
AMONG THE RUINS OF A FEUDAL CASTLE,
ON THE BANKS OF THE NECKAR, OR IN A FOREST NOOK. ---- RIZAL,
“TO THE FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG”
==============================================
RECOUNT THE WORDS HE SAID AS, WITH GREAT CARE,
BETWEEN THE PAGES OF A WORN-OUT BOOK HE PRESSED THE
FLEXIBLE PETALS THAT HE TOOK. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE FLOWERS OF
HEIDELBERG”
=================================
CARRY, CARRY, O FLOWERS, MY LOVE TO MY LOVED ONES,
PEACE TO MY COUNTRY AND ITS FECUND LOAM, FAITH TO ITS MEN
AND VIRTUE TO ITS WOMEN, HEALTH TO THE GRACIOUS BEINGS THAT
DWELL WITHIN THE SACRED PATERNAL HOME. ---- RIZAL, “TO THE
FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG” .
===============================================
WHEN YOU REACH THAT SHORE, DEPOSIT THE KISS I GAVE YOU ON
THE WINGS OF THE WIND ABOVE THAT WITH THE WIND IT MAY ROVE
AND I MAY KISS ALL THAT I WORSHIP, HONOR AND LOVE! BUT O YOU
WILL ARRIVE THERE, FLOWERS, AND YOU WILL KEEP PERHAPS YOUR
VIVID HUES; --- RIZAL, “TO THE FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG”
===============================================
BUT FAR FROM YOUR NATIVE HEROIC EARTH
TO WHICH YOU OWE YOUR LIFE AND WORTH, YOUR FRAGRANCES
YOU WILL LOSE!
FOR FRAGRANCE IS A SPIRIT THAT NEVER CAN FORSAKE
AND NEVER FORGETS THE SKY THAT SAW ITS BIRTH. ---- RIZAL, “TO
THE FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG”
===============================================
WHEN I REMEMBER THE DAYS THAT SAW MY EARLY CHILDHOOD
SPENT ON THE GREEN SHORES
OF A MURMUROUS LAGOON; ............................................................
WHEN I REMEMBER THE COOLNESS, DELICIOUS AND REFRESHING,
THAT ON MY FACE I FELT AS I HEARD FAVONIUS CROON; --- RIZAL, “A
TRIBUTE TO MY TOWN” .
===============================================
WHEN I BEHOLD THE WHITE LILY SWELL TO THE WIND’S IMPULSION,
AND THAT TEMPESTUOUS ELEMENT MEEKLY ASLEEP ON THE SAND;
............................................................ WHEN I INHALE THE DEAR
INTOXICATING ESSENCE
THE FLOWERS EXUDE WHEN DAWN
IS SMILING ON THE LAND; --- RIZAL, “A TRIBUTE TO MY TOWN”
===============================================
SADLY, SADLY I RECALL YOUR VISAGE, PRECIOUS CHILDHOOD, WHICH
AN AFFECTIONATE MOTHER MADE BEAUTIFUL AND BRIGHT;
............................................................ I RECALL A SIMPLE TOWN,
MY COMFORT, JOY AND CRADLE,
BESIDE A BALMY LAKE, THE SEAT OF MY DELIGHT. --- RIZAL, “A TRIBUTE TO
MY TOWN”
===============================================
AH, YES, MY AWKWARD FOOT
EXPLORED YOUR SOMBRE WOODLANDS,
AND ON THE BANKS OF YOUR RIVERS
IN FROLIC I TOOK PART. ............................................................
I PRAYED IN YOUR RUSTIC TEMPLE,
A CHILD, WITH A CHILD’S DEVOTION;
AND YOUR UNSULLIED BREEZE
EXHILARATED MY HEART. --- RIZAL, “A TRIBUTE TO MY TOWN”
===============================================
THE CREATOR I SAW IN THE GRANDEUR
OF YOUR AGE-OLD FORESTS;
UPON YOUR BOSOM, SORROWS
WERE EVER UNKNOWN TO ME; ............................................................
WHILE AT YOUR AZURE SKIES I GAZED, NEITHER LOVE NOR TENDERNESS
FAILED ME, FOR IN NATURE
LAY MY FELICITY. --- RIZAL, “A TRIBUTE TO MY TOWN”
===============================================
TENDER CHILDHOOD, BEAUTIFUL TOWN,
RICH FOUNTAIN OF REJOICING AND OF HARMONIOUS MUSIC THAT DROVE AWAY
ALL PAIN: ............................................................
RETURN TO THIS HEART OF MINE, RETURN MY GRACIOUS HOURS, RETURN AS
THE BIRDS RETURN WHEN FLOWERS SPRING AGAIN! --- RIZAL, “A TRIBUTE TO
MY TOWN”.
===============================================
BUT O GOODBYE! MAY THE SPIRIT OF GOOD, A LOVING GIFT-GIVER, KEEP
WATCH ETERNALLY OVER
YOUR PEACE, YOUR JOY, YOUR SLEEP! ............................................................
FOR YOU, MY FERVENT PRYERS; FOR YOU, MY CONSTANT DESIRE TO LEARN;
AND I PRAY HEAVEN
YOUR INNOCENCE TO KEEP! --- RIZAL, “A TRIBUTE TO MY TOWN”
==========================
15. THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES!
1
THEY BID ME STRIKE THE LYRE SO LONG NOW MUTE AND BROKEN, BUT NOT A
NOTE CAN I WAKEN
NOR WILL MY MUSE INSPIRE! ......................................................................
SHE STAMMERS COLDLY AND BABBLES WHEN TORTURED BY MY MIND;
......................................................................
SHE LIES WHEN SHE LAUGHS AND THRILLS
AS SHE LIES IN HER LAMENTATION,
FOR IN MY SAD ISOLATION
MY SOUL NOR FROLICS NOR FEELS. ---- RIZAL, “THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES”
===============================================
THERE WAS A TIME, ‘TIS TRUE, BUT NOW THAT TIME HAS VANISHED WHEN
INDULGENT LOVE OR FRIENDSHIP CALLED ME A POET TOO. NOW OF THAT
TIME THERE LINGERS HARDLY A MEMORY, ....................................................
AS FROM A CELEBRATION SOME MYSTERIOUS REFRAIN THAT HAUNTS THE
EARS WILL REMAIN OF THE ORCHESTRA’S ACTUATION. ---- RIZAL, “THEY ASK
ME FOR VERSES”..
===============================================
3
A SCARCE-GROWN PLANT I SEEM, UPROOTED FROM THE ORIENT, WHERE
PERFUME IS THE ATMOSPHERE AND WHERE LIFE IS A DREAM. O LAND THAT IS
NEVER FORGOTTEN! .................................................... AND THESE HAVE TAUGHT ME
TO SING: THE BIRDS WITH THEIR MELODY,
THE CATARACTS WITH THEIR FORCE AND, ON THE SWOLLEN SHORES, THE
MURMURING OF THE SEA. ---- RIZAL, “THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES”
===============================================
4
WHILE IN MY CHILDHOOD DAYS I COULD SMILE UPON HER SUNSHINE, I FELT IN
MY BOSOM, SEETHING, A FIERCE VOLCANO ABLAZE.
....................................................................
A POET WAS I, FOR I WANTED WITH MY VERSES, WITH MY BREATH, TO
SAY TO THE SWIFT WIND: .................................................... “FLY AND
PROPAGATE HER RENOWN! PRAISE HER FROM ZONE TO ZONE,
FROM THE EARTH UP TO THE SKY!” ---- RIZAL, “THEY ASK ME FOR
VERSES”
===============================================
I LEFT HER! MY NATIVE HEARTH,
A TREE DESPOILED AND SHRIVELED,
NO LONGER REPEATS THE ECHO OF MY OLD SONGS OF MIRTH. I
SAILED ACROSS THE VAST OCEAN, ....................................................
CRAVING TO CHANGE MY FATE, NOT NOTING, IN MY MADNESS, THAT,
INSTEAD OF THE WEAL I SOUGHT,
THE SEA AROUND ME WROUGHT THE SPECTRE OF DEATH AND
SADNESS. ---- RIZAL, “THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES”
===============================================
6
THE DREAMS OF YOUNGER HOURS,
LOVE, ENTHUSIASM, DESIRE, HAVE BEEN LEFT THERE UNDER THE
SKIES OF THAT FAIR LAND OF FLOWERS. ---- RIZAL, “THEY ASK ME
FOR VERSES”
===============================================
OH, DO NOT ASK OF MY HEART THAT LANGUISHES, SONGS OF LOVE!
FOR, AS WITHOUT PEACE I TREAD THIS DESERT OF NO SURPRISES,
I FEEL THAT MY SOUL AGONIZES AND THAT MY SPIRIT IS DEAD. ---RIZAL, “THEY ASK ME FOR VERSES”
===============================================
HAIL, TALISAY, FIRM AND FAITHFUL, EVER FORWARD MARCH ELATE!
YOU, VICTORIOUS, THE ELEMENTS
—LAND, SEA AND AIR— SHALL DOMINATE! --- RIZAL, “HYMN TO
TALISAY
===============================================
THE SANDY BEACH OF DAPITAN AND THE ROCKS OF ITS LOFTY
MOUNTAIN ARE YOUR THRONE. O SACRED ASYLUM WHERE I PASSED MY
CHILDHOOD DAYS! ............................................................
IN YOUR VALLEY COVERED WITH FLOWERS AND SHADED BY FRUITFUL
ORCHARDS,
OUR MINDS RECEIVED THEIR FORMATION,
BOTH BODY AND SOUL, BY YOUR GRACE. --- RIZAL, “HYMN TO
TALISAY”
===============================================
WE ARE CHILDREN, CHILDREN BORN LATE, BUT OUR SPIRITS ARE FRESH
AND HEALTHY;
STRONG MEN SHALL WE BE TOMORROW
THAT CAN GUARD A FAMILY RIGHT. ............................................................
WE ARE CHILDREN THAT NOTHING FRIGHTENS,
NOT THE WAVES, NOR THE STORM, NOR THE THUNDER;
THE ARM READY, THE YOUNG FACE TRANQUIL, IN A FIX WE SHALL
KNOW HOW TO FIGHT. --- RIZAL, “HYMN TO TALISAY”
===============================================
WE RANSACK THE SAND IN OUR FROLIC;
THROUGH THE CAVES AND THE THICKETS WE RAMBLE;
OUR HOUSES ARE BUILT UPON ROCKS;
OUR ARMS REACH FAR AND WIDE. ............................................................
NO DARKNESS, AND NO DARK NIGHT,
THAT WE FEAR, NO SAVAGE TEMPEST;
IF THE DEVIL HIMSELF COMES FORWARD,
WE SHALL CATCH HIM, DEAD OR ALIVE! --- RIZAL, “HYMN TO TALISAY”
===============================================
TALISAYON, THE PEOPLE CALL US:
A GREAT SOUL IN A LITTLE BODY;
IN DAPITAN AND ALL ITS REGION
TALISAY HAS NO MATCH! ............................................................
OUR RESERVOIR IS UNEQUALLED;
OUR PRECIPICE IS A DEEP CHASM;
AND WHEN WE GO ROWING, OUR BANCAS
NO BANCA IN THE WORLD CAN CATCH! --- RIZAL, “HYMN TO TALISAY”
===============================================
WE STUDY THE PROBLEMS OF SCIENCE
AND THE HISTORY OF THE NATION.
WE SPEAK SOME THREE OR FOUR LANGUAGES;
FAITH AND REASON WE SPAN. ............................................................
OUR HANDS CAN WIELD AT THE SAME TIME THE KNIFE, THE PEN AND THE
SPADE,
THE PICKET, THE RIFLE, THE SWORD—
COMPANIONS OF A BRAVE MAN. --- RIZAL, “HYMN TO TALISAY”
===============================================
LONG LIVE LUXURIANT TALISAY!
OUR VOICES EXALT YOU IN CHORUS,
CLEAR STAR, DEAR TREASURE OF CHILDHOOD,
A CHILDHOOD YOU GUIDE AND PLEASE. ............................................................
IN THE STRUGGLES THAT AWAIT THE GROWN MAN,
SUBJECT TO PAIN AND SORROW,
YOUR MEMORY SHALL BE HIS AMULET;
SND YOUR NAME, IN THE TOMB, HIS PEACE. --- RIZAL, “HYMN TO TALISAY”
===============================================
BESIDE A SPACIOUS BEACH OF FINE AND DELICATE SAND
AND AT THE FOOT OF A MOUNTAIN GREENER THAN A LEAF, I PLANTED MY
HUMBLE HUT BENEATH A PLEASANT ORCHARD,
............................................................
SEEKING IN THE STILL SERENITY OF THE WOODS
REPOSE TO MY INTELLECT AND SILENCE TO MY GRIEF. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
ITS ROOF IS FRAGILE NIPA; ITS FLOOR IS BRITTLE BAMBOO;
ITS BEAMS AND POSTS ARE ROUGH AS ROUGH-HEWN WOOD CAN BE;
............................................................
OF NO WORTH, IT IS CERTAIN, IS MY RUSTIC CABIN;
BUT ON THE LAP OF THE ETERNAL MOUNT IT SLUMBERS
AND NIGHT AND DAY IS LULLED BY THE CROONING OF THE SEA. --- RIZAL,
“MY RETREAT”
===============================================
THE OVERFLOWING BROOK, THAT FROM THE SHADOWY JUNGLE DESCENDS
BETWEEN HUGE BOWLDERS, WASHES IT WITH ITS SPRAY,
............................................................
DONATING A CURRENT OF WATER THROUGH MAKESHIFT BAMBOO PIPES
THAT IN THE SILENT NIGHT IS MELODY AND MUSIC
AND CRYSTALLINE NECTAR IN THE NOON HEAT OF THE DAY. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
IF THE SKY IS SERENE, MEEKLY FLOWS THE SPRING,
STRUMMING ON ITS INVISIBLE ZITHER UNCEASINGLY;
BUT COME THE TIME OF THE RAINS, ............................................................
AND AN IMPETUOUS TORRENTSPILLS OVER ROCKS AND CHASMS—HOARSE,
FOAMING AND ABOIL—TO HURL ITSELF WITH A FRENZIED ROARING TOWARD
THE SEA. --- RIZAL, “MY RETREAT”
===============================================
THE BARKING OF THE DOG, THE TWITTERING OF THE BIRDS,
THE HOARSE VOICE OF THE KALAW ARE ALL THAT I HEAR;
............................................................
THERE IS NO BOASTFUL MAN, NO NUISANCE OF A NEIGHBOR TO IMPOSE
HIMSELF ON MY MIND OR TO DISTURB MY PASSAGE; ONLY THE FORESTS
AND THE SEA DO I HAVE NEAR. --- RIZAL, “MY RETREAT”
===============================================
THE SEA, THE SEA IS EVERYTHING! ITS SOVEREIGN MASS
BRINGS TO ME ATOMS OF A MYRIAD FARAWAY LANDS;
ITS BRIGHT SMILE ANIMATES ME IN THE LIMPID MORNINGS;
............................................................
AND WHEN AT THE END OF DAY MY FAITH HAS PROVEN FUTILE,
MY HEART ECHOES THE SOUND OF ITS SORROW ON THE SANDS. --- RIZAL,
“MY RETREAT”
===============================================
AT NIGHT IT IS A MYSTERY! … ITS DIAPHANOUS ELEMENT
IS CARPETED WITH THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF LIGHTS THAT CLIMB;
............................................................
THE WANDERING BREEZE IS COOL, THE FIRMAMENT IS BRILLIANT,
THE WAVES NARRATE WITH MANY A SIGH TO THE MILD WIND
HISTORIES THAT WERE LOST IN THE DARK NIGHT OF TIME. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
‘TIS SAID THEY TELL OF THE FIRST MORNING ON THE EARTH, OF THE
FIRST KISS WITH WHICH THE SUN INFLAMED HER BREAST, WHEN
MULTITUDES OF BEINGS MATERIALIZED FROM NOTHING
......................................................................
TO POPULATE THE ABYSS AND THE OVERHANGING SUMMITS AND ALL
THE PLACES WHERE THAT QUICKENING KISS WAS PRESSED. --- RIZAL,
“MY RETREAT”
===============================================
BUT WHEN THE WINDS RAGE IN THE DARKNESS OF THE NIGHT AND THE
UNQUIET WAVES COMMENCE THEIR AGONY, ACROSS THE AIR MOVE
CRIES THAT TERRIFY THE SPIRIT, ............................................................
A CHORUS OF VOICES PRAYING, A LAMENTATION THAT SEEMS
TO COME FROM THOSE WHO, LONG AGO, DROWNED IN THE SEA. --RIZAL, “MY RETREAT”
===============================================
THEN DO THE MOUNTAIN RANGES ON HIGH REVERBERATE;
THE TREES STIR FAR AND WIDE, BY A FIT OF TREMBLING SEIZED;
THE CATTLE MOAN; ............................................................
THE DARK DEPTHS OF THE FOREST RESOUND;
THEIR SPIRITS SAY THAT THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO THE PLAIN,
SUMMONED BY THE DEAD TO A MORTUARY FEAST. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT” ===============================================
THE WILD NIGHT HISSES, HISSES, CONFUSED AND TERRIFYING;
ONE SEES THE SEA AFIRE WITH FLAMES OF GREEN AND BLUE;
BUT CALM IS RE-ESTABLISHED WITH THE APPROACH OF DAWNING
AND FORTHWITH AN INTREPID LITTLE FISHING VESSEL
BEGINS TO NAVIGATE THE WEARY WAVES ANEW. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
SO PASS THE DAYS OF MY LIFE IN MY OBSCURE RETREAT;
CAST OUT OF THE WORLD WHERE ONCE I DWELT: SUCH IS MY RARE
GOOD FORTUNE; AND PROVIDENCE BE PRAISED FOR MY CONDITION:
A DISREGARDED PEBBLE THAT CRAVES NOTHING BUT MOSS
TO HIDE FROM ALL THE TREASURE THAT IN MYSELF I BEAR. --- RIZAL,
“MY RETREAT”
===============================================
I LIVE WITH THE REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE THAT I HAVE LOVED
AND HEAR THEIR NAMES STILL SPOKEN, WHO HAUNT MY MEMORY;
......................................................................
SOME ALREADY ARE DEAD, OTHERS HAVE LONG FORGOTTEN—
BUT WHAT DOES IT MATTER? I LIVE REMEMBERING THE PAST AND NO
ONE CAN EVER TAKE THE PAST AWAY FROM ME. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
IT IS MY FAITHFUL FRIEND THAT NEVER TURNS AGAINST ME,
THAT CHEERS MY SPIRIT WHEN MY SPIRIT’S A LONESOME WRAITH,
......................................................................
THAT IN MY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS KEEPS WATCH WITH ME AND PRAYS
WITH ME, AND SHARES WITH ME MY EXILE AND MY CABIN,
AND, WHEN ALL DOUBT, ALONE INFUSES ME WITH FAITH. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
FAITH DO I HAVE, AND I BELIEVE THE DAY WILL SHINE
WHEN THE IDEA SHALL DEFEAT BRUTE FORCE AS WELL;
......................................................................
AND AFTER THE STRUGGLE AND THE LINGERING AGONY
A VOICE MORE ELOQUENT AND HAPPIER THAN MY OWN
WILL THEN KNOW HOW TO UTTER VICTORY’S CANTICLE. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
I SEE THE HEAVENS SHINING, AS FLAWLESS AND REFULGENT AS IN THE
DAYS THAT SAW MY FIRST ILLUSIONS START;
I FEEL THE SAME BREEZE KISSING MY AUTUMNAL BROW,
......................................................................
THE SAME THAT ONCE ENKINDLED MY FERVENT ENTHUSIASM AND
TURNED THE BLOOD EBULLIENT WITHIN MY YOUTHFUL HEART. --RIZAL, “MY RETREAT”
.===============================================
ACROSS THE FIELDS AND RIVERS OF MY NATIVE TOWN
PERHAPS HAS TRAVELLED THE BREEZE THAT NOW I BREATHE BY CHANCE;
......................................................................
PERHAPS IT WILL GIVE BACK TO ME WHAT ONCE I GAVE IT:
THE SIGHS AND KISSES OF A PERSON IDOLIZED
AND THE SWEET SECRETS OF A VIRGINAL ROMANCE. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
ON SEEING THE SAME MOON, AS SILVERY AS BEFORE,
I FEEL WITHIN ME THE ANCIENT MELANCHOLY REVIVE;
......................................................................
A THOUSAND MEMORIES OF LOVE AND VOWS AWAKEN:
A PATIO, AN AZOTEA, A BEACH, A LEAFY BOWER;
SILENCES AND SIGHS, AND BLUSHES OF DELIGHT … --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
A BUTTERFLY ATHIRST FOR RADIANCES AND COLORS,
DREAMING OF OTHER SKIES AND OF A LARGER STRIFE,
I LEFT, SCARCELY A YOUTH, MY LAND AND MY AFFECTIONS,
......................................................................
AND VAGRANT EVEYWHERE, WITH NO QUALMS, WITH NO TERRORS,
SQUANDERED IN FOREIGN LANDS THE APRIL OF MY LIFE. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
AND AFTERWARDS, WHEN I DESIRED, A WEARY SWALLOW,
TO GO BACK TO THE NEST OF THOSE FOR WHOM I CARE,
SUDDENLY FIERCELY ROARED A VIOLENT HURRICANE
......................................................................
AND I FOUND MY WINGS BROKEN, MY DWELLING PLACE DEMOLISHED,
FAITH NOW SOLD TO OTHERS, AND RUINS EVERYWHERE. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
HURLED UPON A ROCK OF THE COUNTRY I ADORE;
THE FUTURE RUINED; NO HOME, NO HEALTH TO BRING ME CHEER;
YOU COME TO ME ANEW, DREAMS OF ROSE AND GOLD,
......................................................................
OF MY ENTIRE EXISTENCE THE SOLITARY TREASURE,
CONVICTIONS OF A YOUTH THAT WAS HEALTHY AND SINCERE. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
NO MORE ARE YOU, LIKE ONCE, FULL OF FIRE AND LIFE,
OFFERING A THOUSAND CROWNS TO IMMORTALITY;
SOMEWHAT SERIOUS I FIND YOU; ......................................................................
AND YET YOUR FACE BELOVED,
IF NOW NO LONGER AS MERRY, IF NOW NO LONGER AS VIVID,
NOW BEAR THE SUPERSCRIPTION OF FIDELITY. --- RIZAL, “MY RETREAT”
===============================================
YOU OFFER ME, O ILLUSIONS, THE CUP OF CONSOLATION;
YOU COME TO REAWAKEN THE YEARS OF YOUTHFUL MIRTH;
HURRICANE, I THANK YOU; WINDS OF HEAVEN, I THANK YOU
THAT IN GOOD HOUR SUSPENDED BY UNCERTAIN FLIGHT
TO BRING ME DOWN TO THE BOSOM OF MY NATIVE EARTH. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================================
BESIDE A SPACIOUS BEACH OF FINE AND DELICATE SAND
AND AT THE FOOT OF A MOUNTAIN GREENER THAN A LEAF,
I FOUND IN MY LAND A REFUGE UNDER A PLEASANT ORCHARD,
......................................................................
AND IN ITS SHADOWY FORESTS, SERENE TRANQUILITY,
REPOSE TO MY INTELLECT AND SILENCE TO MY GRIEF. --- RIZAL, “MY
RETREAT”
===============================
22. TO MY—
NO MORE IS THE MUSE INVOKED;
THE LYRE IS OUT OF FASHION;
NO POET CARES TO USE IT;
BY OTHER THINGS ARE THE DREAMY
YOUNG INSPIRED TO PASSION. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
NOW IF IMAGINATION
DEMANDS SOME POESIES,
NO HELICON IS INVOKED;
ONE SIMPLY ASKS THE GARÇON
FOR A CUP OF COFFEE PLEASE. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
INSTEAD OF TENDER STANZAS
THAT MOVE THE HEART’S SYMPATHY,
ONE NOW WRITES A POEM
WITH A PEN OF STEEL,
A JOKE AND AN IRONY. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
MUSE THAT IN THE PAST
INSPIRED ME TO SING OF THE THROES
OF LOVE: GO AND REPOSE.
WHAT I NEED IS A SWORD,
RIVERS OF GOLD, AND ACRID PROSE. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
I HAVE A NEED TO REASON,
TO MEDITATE, TO OFFER
COMBAT, SOMETIMES TO WEEP;
FOR HE WHO WOULD LOVE MUCH
HAS ALSO MUCH TO SUFFER. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
GONE ARE THE DAYS OF PEACE,
THE DAYS OF LOVE’S GAY CHORUS,
WHEN THE FLOWERS WERE ENOUGH
TO ALLEVIATE THE SOUL
OF ITS SUFFERINGS AND SORROWS. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
ONE BY ONE FROM MY SIDE
GO THOSE I LOVED SO MUCH:
THIS ONE DEAD, THAT ONE MARRIED;
FOR FATE SEALS WITH DISASTER
EVERYTHING THAT I TOUCH. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)” ..
===============================================
FLEE ALSO, MUSE! GO FORTH
AND SEEK A REGION MORE FINE,
FOR MY COUNTRY VOWS TO GIVE YOU
FETTERS FOR YOUR LAURELS,
A DARK JAIL FOR YOUR SHRINE. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
IF TO SUPPRESS THE TRUTH
BE A SHAME, AN IMPIETY,
WOULD IT NOT THEN BE MADNESS
TO KEEP YOU BY MY SIDE
DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY? --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)” ===
WHY SING WHEN DESTINY CALLS
TO SERIOUS MEDITATION,
WHEN A HURRICANE IS ROARING,
WHEN TO HER SONS COMPLAINS
THE FILIPINO NATION? --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
===============================================
AND WHY SING IF MY SONG
WILL MERELY RESOUND WITH A MOANING
THAT WILL AROUSE NO ONE,
THE WORLD BEING SICK AND TIRED
OF SOMEONE ELSE’S GROANING? --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)” =======
FOR WHAT, WHEN AMONG THE PEOPLE
WHO CRITICIZE AND MALTREAT ME,
ARID THE SOUL, THE LIPS FRIGID,
THERE’S NOT A HEART THAT BEATS
WITH MINE, NO HEART TO MEET ME? --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
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LET SLEEP IN THE DEPTHS OF OBLIVION
ALL THAT I FEEL, FOR THERE
IT WELL SHOULD BE, WHERE THE BREATH
CANNOT MIX IT WITH A RHYME
THAT EVAPORATES IN THE AIR. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
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AS SLEEP IN THE DEEP ABYSS
THE MONSTERS OF THE SEA,
SO LET MY TRIBULATIONS,
MY FANCIES AND MY LYRICS
SLUMBER, BURIED IN ME. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
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I KNOW WELL THAT YOUR FAVORS
YOU LAVISH WITHOUT MEASURE
ONLY DURING THAT TIME
OF FLOWERS AND FIRST LOVES
UNCLOUDED BY DISPLEASURE. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
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MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED
SINCE WITH THE ARDENT HEAT
OF A KISS YOU BURNED MY BROW …
THAT KISS HAS NOW TURNED COLD,
I HAVE EVEN FORGOTTEN IT! --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”===
BUT, BEFORE DEPARTING, SAY
THAT TO YOUR SUBLIME ADDRESS
EVER RESPONDED IN ME
A SONG FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE
AND A CHALLENGE FOR THOSE WHO OPPRESS. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
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BUT, SACRED IMAGINATION, ONCE AGAIN
TO WARM MY FANTASY YOU WILL COME NIGH
WHEN, FAITH BEING FADED, BROKEN THE SWORD,
I CANNOT FOR MY COUNTRY DIE. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)” =
YOU’LL GIVE ME THE MOURNING ZITHER WHOSE
CHORDS VIBRATE WITH ELEGIAC STRAINS
TO SWEETEN THE SORROWS OF MY NATION
AND MUFFLE THE CLANKING OF HER CHAINS. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
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BUT IF WITH LAUREL TRIUMPH CROWNS
OUR EFFORTS, AND MY COUNTRY, UNITED,
LIKE A QUEEN OF THE EAST ARISES,
A WHITE PEARL RESCUED FROM THE STY:
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RETURN THEN AND INTONE WITH VIGOR
THE SACRED HYMN OF A NEW EXISTENCE,
AND WE SHALL SING THAT STRAIN IN CHORUS
THOUGH IN THE SEPULCHER WE LIE. --- RIZAL, “TO MY (MUSE)”
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