The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home

CHAPTER L 233
Elias was transfigured; standing uncovered, with his manly face illuminated by the moon, there was
something extraordinary about him. He shook his long hair, and went on:
"Don't you see how everything is awakening? The sleep has lasted for centuries, but one day the thunderbolt
[136] struck, and in striking, infused life. Since then new tendencies are stirring our spirits, and these
tendencies, today scattered, will some day be united, guided by the God who has not failed other peoples and
who will not fail us, for His cause is the cause of liberty!"
A solemn silence followed these words, while the banka, carried along insensibly by the waves, neared the
shore.
Elias was the first to break the silence. "What shall I tell those who sent me?" he asked with a change from his
former tone.
"I've already told you: I greatly deplore their condition, but they should wait. Evils are not remedied by other
evils, and in our misfortunes each of us has his share of blame."
Elias did not again reply, but dropped his head and rowed along until they reached the shore, where he took
leave of Ibarra: "I thank you, sir, for the condescension you have shown me. Now, for your own good, I beg
of you that in the future you forget me and that you do not recognize me again, no matter in what situation
you may find me."
So saying, he drew away in the banka, rowing toward a thicket on the shore. As he covered the long distance
he remained silent, apparently intent upon nothing but the thousands of phosphorescent diamonds that the oar
caught up and dropped back into the lake, where they disappeared mysteriously into the blue waves.
When he had reached the shadow of the thicket a man came out of it and approached the banka. "What shall I
tell the capitan?" he asked.
"Tell him that Elias, if he lives, will keep his word," was the sad answer.
"When will you join us, then?"
"When your capitan thinks that the hour of danger has come."
"Very well. Good-by!"
"If I don't die first," added Elias in a low voice.