Noli Me Tangere Summary of the Entire Novel

“Noli Me Tangere,” penned by the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal, is a novel that exposes
the atrocities and abuses perpetrated by priests and the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines. The
story revolves around Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after seven years of
education in Europe. He is initially welcomed by Captain Tiago, but soon faces criticism from Father
Damaso. Ibarra learns about the unjust treatment and subsequent death of his father, Don Rafael, who
was accused of heresy by Father Damaso.

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra returns to the Philippines after seven years of education in Europe. In honor of
his return, a grand feast is hosted by Captain Tiago, with many notable personalities in attendance.At
this banquet, Father Damaso criticizes Ibarra. Rather than retaliate, Ibarra gracefully excuses himself,
stating he has urgent matters to handle. Maria Clara, Ibarra’s enchanting girlfriend and Captain Tiago’s
daughter, is visited by him the next day. Together, they reminisce about their relationship by revisiting
old letters exchanged before Ibarra left for Europe.As Ibarra departs from his visit with Maria,
Lieutenant Guevarra discloses the tragic fate of Ibarra’s father, Don Rafael, who passed away the
previous year. Father Damaso had accused Don Rafael of heresy and subversion, mainly due to his
reported absence from church and confession. These allegations were triggered when Don Rafael
defended a child against a tax collector, who accidentally killed the child.In the aftermath, an
investigation was conducted, during which several of Don Rafael’s secret adversaries levelled
accusations against him. These events deeply affected Don Rafael, leading to his illness in jail and
eventually his death.Despite the heavy rain during the exhumation of Don Rafael’s remains ordered by
an unsatisfied Father Damaso, the body was unceremoniously tossed into a lake instead of being
relocated to the Chinese cemetery.Choosing not to seek revenge, Ibarra carries on his father’s work by
constructing a school with the help of Nol Juan. Just as the school is about to be inaugurated, Elias saves
Ibarra from an assassination attempt, resulting in the death of the assassin, who was hired by a secret
enemy.When Father Damaso once again insults Ibarra, it is the belittling of his father that pushes Ibarra
to attempt to stab the priest, but he is stopped by Maria Clara. As a consequence, the Archbishop
excommunicates Ibarra from the Catholic Church. Seizing the opportunity, Father Damaso manipulates
Captain Tiago to call off Maria Clara’s engagement to Ibarra, with rumors suggesting she is to marry
Linares, a young Spaniard instead.Following the lifting of his excommunication due to the intervention of
the Captain General, Ibarra is unexpectedly arrested again, accused of instigating an attack on the
barracks. During a party held at Captain Tiago’s house celebrating the impending union of Linares and
Maria Clara, Ibarra manages to escape with Elias’ help.Before his escape, Ibarra confronts Maria about a
letter used as evidence against him in court. She vehemently denies any involvement and reveals that
the incriminating letter was stolen from him in return for another that indicates Father Damaso as her
biological father. Resigned, she affirms her love for Ibarra but maintains her decision to marry Linares
for her mother’s honor.Escaping with Elias, Ibarra boards a boat and navigates the Pasig River to Bay
Lake. In an attempt to lose the pursuers, Elias jumps into the water, leading them to believe that the
escapee they’ve shot is Ibarra.On hearing of Ibarra’s supposed death, a despairing Maria Clara pleads
with Father Damaso to let her enter a monastery, threatening suicide otherwise. Meanwhile, a mortally
wounded Elias stumbles upon the mythical Ibarra forest, where he encounters Basilio and his dead
mother, Sisa. In his dying moments, Elias implores the fortunate to remember those who have perished
in the darkness.
El Filibusterismo Summary

Thirteen years after the deaths of Sisa and Elias, the story began.A steamboat called Bapor Tabo
traveled between Manila and Laguna. Among its passengers were the jeweler Simoun, Basilio, and
Isagani.Upon arriving in San Diego, Basilio visited his mother’s grave in the Ibarra family cemetery.
There, he unexpectedly encountered Simoun, who he recognized as Crisostomo Ibarra in disguise.To
protect Ibarra’s secret, Simoun attempted to kill Basilio but was unsuccessful. Instead, Simoun tried to
persuade Basilio to join his quest for revenge against the Spanish Government. Basilio refused, as he
wanted to finish his studies.Meanwhile, while the Governor-General was vacationing in Los Baños,
Filipino students submitted a petition to establish a Spanish Language Academy.The proposal was
rejected because the clergy would be in charge, preventing the students from having any control over
the institution’s operations.Simoun and Basilio met again, and Simoun once more tried to convince
Basilio to join his planned rebellion and create chaos in a forced opening of the Sta. Clara convent to
abduct Maria Clara. However, this didn’t happen because Maria Clara passed away that same
evening.On the other hand, the students held a gathering at the Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto,
expressing their disappointment over the failed establishment of the Spanish Language
Academy.Speeches were given inside the Panciteria, where the students openly criticized the clergy. The
friars eventually learned about this.The next day, posters containing criticism and calls for rebellion were
found on the university’s doors, and the students’ organization members were blamed. The students
were arrested, and Basilio was among those apprehended. This deeply affected his lover, Juli.Although
hesitant, Juli eventually sought help from Padre Camorra to free Basilio. Hermana Bali also persuaded
her, believing that only the priest could help secure Basilio’s release.To exonerate the students, their
relatives intervened for their release. Basilio, however, remained in jail as he had no intermediary.Padre
Camorra assaulted Juli. Traumatized by the incident, she jumped from the convent window, leading to
her death.Simoun continued plotting his revenge against the government. To advance his plans, he
partnered with Don Timoteo Pelaez, Juanito’s father, and arranged Juanito’s marriage to Paulita Gomez.
The Governor-General was invited to be the wedding godfather, and other high-ranking officials were
also invited to the banquet.Two months after his imprisonment, Basilio was released with Simoun’s
help. Due to the tragic events in his life, including Juli’s death, Basilio finally agreed to join Simoun’s
rebellion.Simoun seized the opportunity to show Basilio the bomb he had made. It was a grenade-
shaped lamp, the size of a human head. He planned to present this extravagant lamp to the newlyweds,
Juanito and Paulita.The lamp would emit a bright light for twenty minutes before dimming. When the
wick was raised to brighten it again, the grenade would explode, causing the destruction of the pavilion
and ensuring no guest would survive.The explosion would serve as a signal for Simoun to initiate the
rebellion.On Juanito and Paulita’s wedding day, at around seven in the evening, Basilio paced outside
the banquet venue. Simoun also left the house, anticipating the imminent explosion.As Basilio was
about to leave, he spotted Isagani, Paulita’s former lover.Temporarily forgetting his life’s
disappointments, Basilio revealed the planned explosion to Isagani and warned him to leave the area.As
the lamp began to dim, the Governor-General ordered Padre Irene to raise the wick. However, Isagani
snatched the lamp, ran to the terrace, and threw it into the river.Simoun’s planned rebellion was
thwarted. He fled to the house of Padre Florentino, a Filipino priest.As those pursuing Simoun were
closing in, he drank poison to avoid being captured alive. It was then that he confessed his true identity
to the priest.He shared his return to the Philippines from Europe thirteen years prior, his love affair with
Maria Clara, and his disguise as a jeweler to seek revenge against the government through a
rebellion.After confessing, Simoun passed away.The remaining jewels belonging to Simoun were thrown
into the sea by Padre Florentino.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1425

AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES COURSES ON THE LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS OF JOSE RIZAL, PARTICULARLY HIS NOVELS
NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO, AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION THEREOF,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, today, more than any other period of our history, there is a need for a re-dedication to the
ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived and died;

WHEREAS, it is meet that in honoring them, particularly the national hero and patriot, Jose Rizal, we
remember with special fondness and devotion their lives and works that have shaped the national
character;

WHEREAS, the life, works and writing of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, are a constant and inspiring source of patriotism with which the minds of the youth,
especially during their formative and decisive years in school, should be suffused;

WHEREAS, all educational institutions are under the supervision of, and subject to regulation by the
State, and all schools are enjoined to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience and
to teach the duties of citizenship; Now, therefore,

SECTION 1. Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novel Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities, public or
private: Provided, That in the collegiate courses, the original or unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their English translation shall be used as basic texts.The Board of
National Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt forthwith measures to implement and
carry out the provisions of this Section, including the writing and printing of appropriate primers,
readers and textbooks. The Board shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate
rules and regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce the provisions of
this Act. The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations providing for the exemption of students for
reasons of

religious belief stated in a sworn written statement, from the requirement of the provision contained in
the second part of the first paragraph of this section; but not from taking the course provided for in the
first part of said paragraph. Said rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after their
publication in the Official Gazette.

SECTION 2. It shall be obligatory on all schools, colleges and universities to keep in their libraries an
adequate number of copies of the original and unexpurgated editions of the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, as well as of Rizal’s other works and biography. The said unexpurgated editions of the
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo or their translations in English as well as other writings of Rizal
shall be included in the list of approved books for required reading in all public or private schools,
colleges and universities.The Board of National Education shall determine the adequacy of the number
of books, depending upon the enrollment of the school, college or university.

SECTION 3. The Board of National Education shall cause the translation of the Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, as well as other writings of Jose Rizal into English, Tagalog and the principal Philippine
dialects; cause them to be printed in cheap, popular editions; and cause them to be distributed, free of
charge, to persons desiring to read them, through the Purok organizations and Barrio Councils
throughout the country.

SECTION 4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as amendment or repealing section nine hundred
twenty-seven of the Administrative Code, prohibiting the discussion of religious doctrines by public
school teachers and other person engaged in any public school.

SECTION 5. The sum of three hundred thousand pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of
any fund not otherwise appropriated in the National Treasury to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.Approved: June 12, 1956Published in the Official
Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 6, p. 2971 in June 1956.
"Mi último adiós" es un poema escrito por el héroe nacional de Filipinas, Dr. José Rizal. Fue escrito en
español y es considerado uno de los poemas más importantes y emocionales en la historia filipina. Aquí
está el poema original:

Adiós, patria adorada, región del sol querida,

Perla del mar de oriente, nuestro perdido Edén,

A darte voy alegre la triste mustia vida,

Y fuera más brillante, más fresca, más florida,

También por ti la diera, la diera por tu bien.

En campos de batalla, luchando con delirio,

Otros te dan sus vidas sin dudas, sin pesar;

El sitio nada importa, ciprés, laurel o lirio,

Cadalso o campo abierto, combate o cruel martirio,

Lo mismo es si lo piden la patria y el hogar.

Yo muero cuando veo que el cielo se colora

Y al fin anuncia el día tras lóbrego capuz;

Si grana necesitas para teñir tu aurora,

Vierte la sangre mía, derrámala en buen hora

Y dórela un reflejo de su naciente luz.

Mis sueños cuando apenas muchacho adolescente,

Mis sueños cuando joven ya lleno de vigor,

Fueron el verte un día, joya del mar de oriente,

Secos los negros ojos, alta la tersa frente,

Sin ceño, sin arrugas, sin manchas de rubor.

Ensueño de mi vida, mi ardiente vivo anhelo,

¡Salud! te grita el alma que pronto va a partir;

¡Salud! Ah, que es hermoso caer por darte vuelo,

Morir por darte vida, morir bajo tu cielo,

Y en tu encantada tierra la eternidad dormir.

Si sobre mi sepulcro vieres brotar un día

Entre la espesa yerba sencilla, humilde flor,

Acércala a tus labios y besa al alma mía,

Y sienta yo en mi frente bajo la tumba fría,

De tu ternura el soplo, de tu hálito el calor.

Deja a la luna verme con luz tranquila y suave,

Deja que el alba envíe su resplandor fugaz,

Deja gemir al viento con su murmullo grave,

Y si desciende y posa sobre mi cruz un ave,

Deja que el ave entone su cántico de paz.

Deja que el sol, ardiendo, las lluvias evapore

Y al cielo tornen puras, con mi clamor en pos;

Deja que un ser amigo mi fin temprano llore

Y en las serenas tardes cuando por mí alguien ore,

¡Ora también, oh Patria, por mi descanso a Dios!

Ora por todos cuantos murieron sin ventura,

Por cuantos padecieron tormentos sin igual,

Por nuestras pobres madres que gimen su amargura;

Por huérfanos y viudas, por presos en tortura

Y ora por ti que veas tu redención final.

Y cuando en noche oscura se envuelva el cementerio

Y solos sólo muertos queden velando allí,

No turbes su reposo, no turbes el misterio,

Tal vez acordes oigas de citara o salterio,

Soy yo, querida Patria, yo que te canto a ti.

Y cuando ya mi tumba de todos olvidada

No tenga cruz ni piedra que marquen su lugar,

Deja que la are el hombre, la esparza con la azada,

Y mis cenizas, antes que vuelvan a la nada,

El polvo de tu alfombra que vayan a formar.

Entonces nada importa me pongas en olvido.

Tu atmósfera, tu espacio, tus valles cruzaré.

Vibrante y limpia nota seré para tu oído,

Aroma, luz, colores, rumor, canto, gemido,

Constante repitiendo la esencia de mi fe.

Mi patria idolatrada, dolor de mis dolores,

Querida Filipinas, oye el postrer adiós.

Ahí te dejo todo, mis padres, mis amores.

Voy donde no hay esclavos, verdugos ni opresores,

Donde la fe no mata, donde el que reina es Dios.

Adiós, padres y hermanos, trozos del alma mía,

Amigos de la infancia en el perdido hogar,

Dad gracias que descanso del fatigoso día;

Adiós, dulce extranjera, mi amiga, mi alegría,

Adiós, queridos seres, morir es descansar.

Here is an English translation of "Mi último adiós" (My Last Farewell) by Dr. José Rizal:

Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed,

Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost,

With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed;

And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best,

I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.

On the fields of battle, in the fury of fight,

Others give you their lives without pain or hesitancy,

The place does not matter: cypress laurel, lily white,

Scaffold, open field, conflict or martyrdom's site,

It is the same if asked by home and Country.

I die as I see tints on the sky b'gin to show

And at last announce the day, after a gloomy night;

If you need a hue to dye your matutinal glow,

Pour my blood and at the right moment spread it so,

And gild it with a reflection of your nascent light!

My dreams, when scarcely a lad adolescent,

My dreams when already a youth, full of vigor to attain,

Were to see you, Gem of the sea of the Orient,

Your dark eyes dry, smooth brow held to a high plane

Without frown, without wrinkles and of shame without stain.

My life's fancy, my ardent, passionate desire,

Hail! Cries out the soul to you, that will soon part from thee;

Hail! How sweet 'tis to fall that fullness you may acquire;

To die to give you life, 'neath your skies to expire,

And in your mystic land to sleep through eternity!

If over my tomb some day, you would see blow,

A simple humble flow'r amidst thick grasses,

Bring it up to your lips and kiss my soul so,

And under the cold tomb, I may feel on my brow,

Warmth of your breath, a whiff of your tenderness.

Let the moon with soft, gentle light me descry,

Let the dawn send forth its fleeting, brilliant light,

In murmurs grave allow the wind to sigh,

And should a bird descend on my cross and alight,

Let the bird intone a song of peace o'er my site.

Let the burning sun the raindrops vaporize

And with my clamor behind return pure to the sky;

Let a friend shed tears over my early demise;

And on quiet afternoons when one prays for me on high,

Pray too, oh, my Motherland, that in God may rest I.

Pray thee for all the hapless who have died,

For all those who unequalled torments have undergone;

For our poor mothers who in bitterness have cried;

For orphans, widows and captives to tortures were shied,

And pray too that you may see your own redemption.

And when the dark night wraps the cemet'ry

And only the dead to vigil there are left alone,

Don't disturb their repose, don't disturb the mystery:

If you hear the sounds of cittern or psaltery,

It is I, dear Country, who, a song t'you intone.

And when my grave by all is no more remembered,

With neither cross nor stone to mark its place,

Let it be plowed by man, with spade let it be scattered

And my ashes ere to nothingness are restored,

Let them turn to dust to cover your earthly space.

Then it doesn't matter that you should forget me:

Your atmosphere, your skies, your vales I'll sweep;

Vibrant and clear note to your ears I shall be:

Aroma, light, hues, murmur, song, moanings deep,

Constantly repeating the essence of the faith I keep.

My idolized Country, for whom I most gravely pine,

Dear Philippines, to my last goodbye, oh, harken

There I leave all: my parents, loves of mine,

I'll go where there are no slaves, tyrants or hangmen

Where faith does not kill and where God alone does reign.

Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me,

Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;

Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day;

Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way;

Farewell, to all I love. To die is to rest.

Here is the original text of "Sa Aking mga Kababata" by Dr. José Rizal in Tagalog:

Kapagka ang baya'y sadyang umiibig

sa kanyang salitang kaloob ng langit,

sanlang kalayaan nasa ring masapit

katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawid.

Pagkat ang salita'y isang kahatulan

sa bayan, sa nayo't mga kaharian,

at ang isang tao'y katulad, kabagay

ng alin mang likha noong kalayaan.

Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita

mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda,

kaya ang marapat pagyamaning kusa

na tulad sa isang tunay na nagpala.

Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin,

sa Ingles, Kastila at salitang anghel,

sapagka't ang Poong maalam tumingin

ang siyang naggawad, nagbigay sa atin.

Ang salita nati'y huwad din sa iba

na may alfabeto at sariling letra,

na kaya nawala'y dinatnan ng sigwa

ang lunday sa lawa noong dakong una.

Here is the English translation of "Sa Aking mga Kabata" (To My Fellow Children) by Dr. José Rizal:

Whenever people of a country truly love

The language which by heav'n 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 in this way

The other living beings born in liberty.

Whoever knows not how to love his native tongue

Is worse than any best 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 angels' 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.

Certainly, Julia! Here is the original text of "A la Juventud Filipina" (To the Filipino Youth) by Dr. José Rizal
in Spanish:

¡Despierta, juventud de mi tierra,

que ya es hora de la verdad!

Muestre el sol su radiante faz

y que el tiempo no nos alcance.

¡Oh, hijos del país, el más amado,

herederos del pasado glorioso,

que vuestros nombres retumben

en los ecos de la historia!

¡Silencio ya, el ruido y los clamores!

Que no se escuche más que el murmullo

del arroyo que en su curso tranquilo

a las peñas parece hablar.

¡Que en las lides la mente se agudice,

y el ingenio despliegue su fuerza!

Que el pecho se inflame de valor

y se encienda el amor a la ciencia.

¡A las musas el ánimo consagrad!

¡A la patria, el amor más profundo!

¡Cumplid con vuestra sagrada misión

y ennoblezcan vuestras acciones!

¡Que sin cesar la industria os acompañe,

y el trabajo os conduzca al progreso!

Que en vuestros rostros la esperanza brille

y en vuestros labios la sonrisa florezca.

¡Adelante, juventud valiente!

¡Que vuestra voz retumbe en los aires!

¡Que la patria os mire con orgullo

y en vosotros encuentre su esperanza!

¡Despertad, juventud de mi tierra,

que ya es hora de la verdad!

Muestre el sol su radiante faz

y que el tiempo no nos alcance.

¡Oh, hijos del país, el más amado,

herederos del pasado glorioso,

que vuestros nombres retumben

en los ecos de la historia!

Certainly, Julia! Here is the English translation of "A la Juventud Filipina" (To the Filipino Youth) by Dr.
José Rizal:
Awake, the youth of my land,

For now is the hour of truth!

Let the sun reveal its radiant face,

And may time not overtake us.

Oh, children of the beloved country,

Heirs of a glorious past,

May your names resound

In the echoes of history!

Silence now, the noise and clamor!

Let nothing be heard but the murmuring

Of the brook that, in its tranquil course,

Seems to speak to the rocks.

May your minds sharpen in battle,

And your genius display its strength!

May your hearts be filled with courage,

And may love for knowledge ignite.

Dedicate yourselves to the muses!

Love your country with deepest fervor!

Fulfill your sacred mission,

And ennoble your actions!

May industry accompany you ceaselessly,

And may work lead you to progress!

May hope shine on your faces,

And may smiles bloom on your lips.

Onward, brave youth!

Let your voices resound in the air!

May the nation look upon you with pride,

And find its hope in you!

Awake, the youth of my land,

For now is the hour of truth!

Let the sun reveal its radiant face,

And may time not overtake us.

Oh, children of the beloved country,

Heirs of a glorious past,

May your names resound

In the echoes of history!

Certainly, Julia! Here is the original text of "A las Flores de Heidelberg" (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) by
Dr. José Rizal in Spanish:

¡Ensayad en la lira

las endechas y el llanto!

¡Erguid en alta voz

el cántico doliente!

¡Gritad con el poeta

que en su destierro canta!

¡Gritad con el que sufre

y sufre sin quejarse!

¡Callad! ¡No suspiréis!

¡No lloren! ¡No gemid!

¡Que en el dolor se encuentra

la gloria y la virtud!

¡Que el hombre que no sufre,

no tiene corazón!

¡Que el hombre que no llora,

no tiene sentimiento!

¡Oh, flores de Heidelberg,

en mi tierra natal!

¡Oh, flores queridas,

que en mi juventud vi!

¡En vosotros he visto

la imagen de mi patria!

¡En vosotros he visto

la imagen de mi amada!

¡Oh, flores de Heidelberg,

en mi lejana tierra!

¡Oh, flores queridas,

que en mi exilio añoro!

¡En vosotros he encontrado

consuelo y esperanza!

¡En vosotros he encontrado

recuerdos de mi hogar!

¡Oh, flores de Heidelberg,

que en mi corazón guardo!

¡Oh, flores queridas,

que en mis versos florecen!

¡En vosotros he dejado

mi amor y mi tristeza!

¡En vosotros he dejado

mi voz y mi nostalgia!

¡Ensayad en la lira

las endechas y el llanto!

¡Erguid en alta voz

el cántico doliente!

¡Gritad con el poeta

que en su destierro canta!

¡Gritad con el que sufre

y sufre sin quejarse!

Certainly, Julia! Here is the English translation of "A las Flores de Heidelberg" (To the Flowers of
Heidelberg) by Dr. José Rizal:

Strum on the lyre

The dirges and the weeping!

Raise in a loud voice

The mournful chant!

Cry out with the poet

Who sings in his exile!

Cry out with the one who suffers

And suffers without complaint!

Be silent! Do not sigh!

Do not weep! Do not moan!

For in pain is found

Glory and virtue!

For the man who does not suffer

Has no heart!

For the man who does not weep

Has no feeling!
Oh, flowers of Heidelberg,

In my native land!

Oh, beloved flowers,

That I saw in my youth!

In you I have seen

The image of my homeland!

In you I have seen

The image of my beloved!

Oh, flowers of Heidelberg,

In my distant land!

Oh, beloved flowers,

That I long for in my exile!

In you I have found

Consolation and hope!

In you I have found

Memories of my home!

Oh, flowers of Heidelberg,

That I keep in my heart!

Oh, beloved flowers,

That bloom in my verses!

In you I have left

My love and my sadness!

In you I have left

My voice and my nostalgia!

Strum on the lyre

The dirges and the weeping!

Raise in a loud voice

The mournful chant!

Cry out with the poet

Who sings in his exile!

Cry out with the one who suffers

And suffers without complaint!

Mi Primera Inspiracion (My First Inspiration) is a Spanish poem that is believed to have been written by
Jose Rizal when he was nine years old. There are claims, however, that this poem was actually written by
his nephew, Antonio Lopez-Rizal (Narcisa’s son) because of the seeming likeness in handwriting of the
two Rizals.

¿Porqué exhalan a porfía

del cáliz dulces olores

las embalsamadas flores

en este festivo dia?

Y ¿porqué, en la selva amena,

se oye dulce melodía

que asemeja la armonía

de la arpada filomena?

¿Porqué en la mullida grama

las aves, al son del viento,

exhalan meloso acento

y saltan de rama en rama?

Y la fuente cristalina,

formando dulce murmullo,

del cefiro al suave arrullo

entre las flores camina?

Es que hoy celebran tu día

¡oh, mi Madre cariñosa!

con su perfume la rosa

y el ave con su armonía.

Y la fuente rumorosa,

en este día feliz,

con su murmullo te dice

¡que vivas siempre gozosa!

Y, de esa fuente al rumor,

oye la primera nota,

que ahora de mi laud brota

al impulso de mi amor!

My first inspiration

Why falls so rich a spray

of fragrance from the bowers

of the balmy flowers

upon this festive day?

Why from woods and vales

do we hear sweet measures ringing

that seem to be the singing

of a choir of nightingales?
Why in the grass below

do birds start at the wind's noises,

unleashing their honeyed voices

as they hop from bough to bough?

Why should the spring that glows

its crystalline murmur be tuning

to the zephyr's mellow crooning

as among the flowers it flows?

Why seems to me more endearing,

more fair than on other days,

the dawn's enchanting face

among red clouds appearing?

The reason, dear mother, is

they feast your day of bloom:

the rose with its perfume,

the bird with its harmonies.

And the spring that rings with laughter

upon this joyful day

with its murmur seems to say:

"Live happily ever after!"

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.

Encontré el texto completo de "Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo" (Un Homenaje a Mi Pueblo) de José Rizal.
Aquí está:

la sede de mi deleite.

Ah, sí, mi torpe pie

exploró tus bosques sombríos,

y en las orillas de tus ríos

participé en juegos y travesuras.

Recé en tu rústico templo,

un niño, con devoción infantil;

y tu brisa impoluta

exhilaró mi corazón.

Al Creador lo vi en la grandeza

de tus bosques milenarios;

en tu regazo, derramé

mis penas, amigo mío.

Y en tus noches tranquilas

cuando la luna derramaba su luz,

deambulé y vi

la belleza de tus cielos.

Vi el amanecer surgir

con su luz radiante,

y el sol elevarse con esplendor

con sus rayos dorados.

Y cuando el día terminaba

y la noche llegaba con su encanto,

vi en el firmamento

las estrellas brillar como diamantes.

Y vi en la distancia,

como un sueño vívido,

una luz brillante,

la luz de tu memoria.

Oh, sí, mi pueblo, aún escucho

tu dulce y tierna voz;

y en lo profundo de mi corazón,

guardo tu memoria.

I found the full text of "Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo" (A Tribute To My Town) by José Rizal. Here it is:

the seat of my delight.

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.

The Creator I saw in the grandeur

of your age-old forests;

upon your bosom, sorrows

I poured out, my friend.

And in your tranquil nights

when the moon shed its light,

I wandered, and I saw

the beauty of your skies.

I saw the dawn break forth

with its radiant light,

and the sun rise in splendor

with its golden rays.

And when the day was done

and night came with its charm,

I saw in the firmament

the stars, like diamonds, shine.

And I saw in the distance,

like a vivid dream,

a glimmering light,

the light of your memory.

Oh, yes, my town, I still hear

your sweet and tender voice;

and in my heart, deep inside,

your memory I keep.