Books & Literature

Chapter 22: Lights and Shadows Three days have passed since the events narrated, three days which the town of San Diego has devoted to making preparations for the fiesta, commenting and murmuring at the same time. While all were enjoying the prospect of the pleasures to come, some spoke ill of the gobernadorcillo, others of the teniente-mayor, others of the young men, and … [Read more...] about Noli Me Tangere Chapter 22 English Translation

Chapter 21: The Story of a Mother Andaba incierto—volaba errante,Un solo instante—sin descansar.[1]ALAEJOS. Sisa ran in the direction of her home with her thoughts in that confused whirl which is produced in our being when, in the midst of misfortunes, protection and hope alike are gone. It is then that everything seems to grow dark around us, and, if we do see some faint … [Read more...] about Noli Me Tangere Chapter 21 English Translation

Chapter 20: The Meeting in the Town Hall The hall was about twelve to fifteen meters long by eight to ten wide. Its whitewashed walls were covered with drawings in charcoal, more or less ugly and obscene, with inscriptions to complete their meanings. Stacked neatly against the wall in one corner were to be seen about a dozen old flint-locks among rusty swords and talibons, … [Read more...] about Noli Me Tangere Chapter 20 English Translation

Chapter 19: A Schoolmaster’s Difficulties El vulgo es necio y pues lo paga, es justoHablarle en necio para darle el gusto.[1]LOPE DE VEGA. The mountain-encircled lake slept peacefully with that hypocrisy of the elements which gave no hint of how its waters had the night before responded to the fury of the storm. As the first reflections of light awoke on its surface the … [Read more...] about Noli Me Tangere Chapter 19 English Translation

Chapter 18: Souls in Torment It was about seven o’clock in the morning when Fray Salvi finished celebrating his last mass, having offered up three in the space of an hour. “The padre is ill,” commented the pious women. “He doesn’t move about with his usual slowness and elegance of manner.” He took off his vestments without the least comment, without saying a word or … [Read more...] about Noli Me Tangere Chapter 18 English Translation