human
It gives me the greatest satisfaction, Seþor Ibarra, to take you by the hand. I hope for your entire confidence.
gpt
Seþor, so much kindness----
human
Your surprise shows that you did not expect a friendly reception; that was to doubt my fairness.
gpt
A friendly reception, seþor, for an insignificant subject of His Majesty, like myself, is not fairness, but favor.
human
Well, well! said the general, sitting down and motioning Crisµstomo to a seat.
gpt
Let us have a moment of open hearts. I am much gratified by what you are doing, and have proposed you to the Government of His Majesty for a decoration in recompense for your project of the school. Had you invited me, I should have found it a pleasure to be here for the ceremony. Perhaps I should have been able to save you an annoyance. But as to what happened between you and Father DÃmaso, have neither fear nor regrets. Not a hair of your head shall be harmed so long as I govern the islands; and in regard to the excommunication, I will talk with the archbishop. We must conform ourselves to our circumstances. We cannot laugh at it here, as we might in Europe. But be more prudent in the future. You have weighted yourself with the religious orders, who, from their office and their wealth, must be respected. I protect you, because I like a good son. By heaven, I don't know what I should have done in your place!
human
They tell me you have just returned from Europe. You were in Madrid?
gpt
Yes, seþor, several months.
human
How happens it that you return without bringing me a letter of recommendation?
gpt
Seþor, replied Ibarra, bowing,
human
I cannot help being flattered that you think so. And yet, young man, you should know what a weight rests on our shoulders. Here we old soldiers have to be all--king, ministers of state, of war, of justice, of everything; and yet, in every event, we have to consult the far-off mother country, which often must approve or reject our propositions with blind justice. If in Spain itself, with the advantage of everything near and familiar, all is imperfect and defective, the wonder is that all here is not revolution. It is not lack of good will in the governors, but we must use the eyes and arms of strangers, of whom, for the most part, we can know nothing, and who, instead of serving their country, may be serving only their own interests. The monks are a powerful aid, but they are not sufficient. You inspire great interest in me, and I would not have the imperfection of our governmental system tell in anyway against you. I cannot watch over any one; every one cannot come to me. Tell me, can I be useful to you in any way? Have you any request to make?
gpt
Seþor, he replied,
human
You are the first man with whom I've spoken in this country,
gpt
Your Excellency has seen only those who while away their lives in cities; he has not visited the falsely maligned cabins of our villages. There Your Excellency would be able to see veritable men, if to be a man a noble heart and simple manners are enough.
human
Seþor Ibarra, he said, stopping before Crisµstomo,
gpt
I shall remember all my life this kindness of Your Excellency, replied Ibarra, moved;
human
Where they died, you would say more justly. Believe me, I, perhaps, know your country better than you do yourself. Ah, but I forget! You are to marry an adorable girl, and I'm keeping you from her all this time! Go--go to her! And that you may have more freedom, send the father to me, he added, smiling.
gpt
Don't forget, though, that I want your company for the promenade.
human
I am pleased, said he, giving him a light tap on the shoulder;
gpt
I have seen to-day for the first time how one may be a good Spaniard without ceasing to be a good Filipino. What a pity that this Ibarra some day or other----but call the alcalde.
human
Seþor alcalde, said the general,
gpt
Don Santiago, the general said affectionately,
human
Seþor----
gpt
Then nothing is settled, I see. If witnesses are lacking, it will give me the greatest pleasure to be one of them.
human
Yes, seþor,