Famous Last Words

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FAMOUS LAST WORDS

For H. E. Caen, who always has the last word

FOREWORD Some time ago, when I was about a decade more remote from my own final bulletin than I am today, I published in a national magazine a part of my private collection of deathbed utterances. These Passing Remarks, as I called them, seemed to strike a sympathetic chord. I heard from at least a hundred fellow-collectors, many of whom generously passed on to me their favorite specimens. The communication I most treasure came from a New England correspondent who wrote that when his father was dying the nurse put her ear down close to his face to see whether she could detect any breathing. The old gentleman opened his eyes and said: "Boo!" My informant added, quite properly, "I envy him that." So do I. He also enclosed an epitaph found on a New England tombstone commemorating a youth who died at twenty-one. It reads: "Don't take on so. It's all right." These are true Yankee farewells. My fellow-hobbyists made me feel that I was one of a world-wide fraternity of collectors of Last Words. This sense of community has now been reconfirmed, and most pleasantly, by the reading of the book you hold in your hands. It will at once take an honorable place on the slim shelf holding anthologies in this odd, delightful field. By its very nature a book that consists of nothing but conclusions hardly seems to call for a foreword. I shall not write one, therefore, beyond setting down my opinion that Barnaby Conrad has done a fine job, and that his volume is 7

full of last-minute inspirations. He has cast his net wide and come up with some odd fish indeed. Naturally a few got away. Among these few is a still-smaller minority of specimens I have myself been treasuring, though I have little doubt that many of them have already seen the light in other publications. On the chance that they will divert or move the reader and perhaps even please the exacting palate of the editor of this book, I append some of them, glad of the chance to secure them shelter between covers. Few of us are lucky enough to exit on an absolutely appropriate last line. The English wood engraver, Thomas Bewick, who died in 1828, did not have to think one up. The goddess of chance did the job for him. At his death he left his last woodcut unfinished. Title: The Old Horse Waiting for Death. There is something no less eerily providential (as well as moving) about the circumstances of Alben Barkley's death. You may recall that he was stricken while addressing a church congregation at Lexington, Virginia, just after he had quoted from the Bible: "I would rather be a servant in the house of the Lord than sit in the seat of the mighty." We might call this unconscious prescience. An example (there are many) of conscious prescience is that of Dostoevsky. On his deathbed in January 1881, Dostoevsky asked his wife to read from the New Testament. She opened it at random and read from Matthew III, 15: "'Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness."' "You see," said Dostoevsky, "'Suffer it to be so now'which means I am to die." And that same evening he did so. This suggests the equally punctual passing of the great Spanish mystical poet St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), the pure genius who wrote Dark Night of the Soul. On his deathbed at the convent of Ubeda he said: "I shall sing Matins in Heaven." At midnight the bell began to toll. "It is time for Matins," he remarked quietly, and died. 8

Such exit lines start a shiver of awe; they touch something just the other side of nature. My mundane temper is more drawn to those words which to the very last still smell of human frailty or are charged with unpretentious common sense. In one of his letters the poet Thomas Gray relates the passing of a Cambridge worthy named "Frog" Walker. The nurse by his bedside said: "Ah, poor gentleman, he is going!" With an endearing fretfulness Mr. Walker muttered his valedictory: "Going, going, where am I a-going? I'm sure, I know no more than the Man in the Moon!" As reserved as was his life are the last coherent recorded words of Gray himself. Turning to his second cousin Mary Antrobus, seated at his bedside, he said merely: "I shall die." Note the exactness of the grammar; the author of the Elegy was to the end a precisionist in language. To me there is something appealing about such absences of the flourish of trumpets. We enter the world rather noisily; perhaps we can at least learn to leave it quietly. Hence my fondness for Maria Mitchell, the first woman astronomy professor (you will find her in the Hall of Fame), who departed with the words: "Well, if this is dying, there is nothing very unpleasant about it." A woman who, like Maria Mitchell, was born in Nantucket and died in Lynn, Massachusetts, is not apt to make a fuss over things. Just as little fuss was made by a certain physician about whom my reticent notes tell me nothing, except that Fidge was his improbable name; that, like the Water Rat in The Wind in the Willows, he loved messing about in boats; and that for many years he kept under his bed a boat converted into a coffin. Ready to make his final exit, Dr. Fidge suggested to his nurse: "Just pull my legs straight, and place me as a dead man; it will save you trouble shortly." Then he died. If you value terseness, nothing of course can beat mere silence, and indeed most dyings are probably non-vocal. But 9

the great eighteenth-century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler did pretty well in the laconic line. This wonderful old man was totally blind during his latter years and conducted his complex calculations entirely in his head. On September 18, 1783, while playing with his grandson, he suffered a stroke. His pipe dropped from his hand. He said: "I die," and did. Another contemporary mathematician, Abraham de Moivre (he worked out, among other matters, the normaldistribution probability curve) is not credited with any last words, but he did predict the day of his death. He noted that each day, as he grew weaker, he was sleeping ten minutes longer than during the preceding day. Therefore he figured he would die in his sleep the day after he had slept about twenty-three hours, forty-five minutes. He did so, contributing perhaps the only case on record of death by arithmetic. Witty ultimatums are legion; this book flashes with them. It does not however include the famous mot of the Victorian politician, belle-lettrist and bon vivant, Richard Monckton Milnes, probably because, though we know it to be a deathbed utterance, we are not sure that it was his very last: "My exit is the result of too many entrees." Though finicky souls may deny their wit, I continue to derive unfailing amusement whenever I think of both the penultimate and the ultimate utterances of the Comtesse de Vercelles, in whose service Rousseau spent a short period of his early life. In the Confessions Rousseau describes her aristocratic passing: "In the agonies of death she broke wind loudly. 'Good!' she said, turning around, 'a woman who can fart is not dead!"' Now that a lady has been mentioned, we might find it interesting to contrast the last lines of perhaps the two most famous female authors of their time, the contemporaries Colette and Gertrude Stein. In his recollections of Colette, her husband, Maurice Goudekoy, speaks of her next-to-the1Ci

last day, spent in her apartment in the Palais-Royal in the heat of a summer afternoon. This magnificent old creatureshe was eighty-one when she died-had evanesced till there was little left of her but her burning passion (it was her life) for noticing and remembering. To her husband she pointed out the swallows passing her open window, her boxes of mounted butterflies. . . . "'Ah!' she said. Close to death and knowing it, she found everything more beautiful, more astonishing than ever before. . . . Her arm described an arc, which embraced all she had shown me. 'Look,' she said. 'Maurice, look!"' She spoke not another word and died the next day, ". . . back in the garden of her childhood." We should not have expected Gertrude Stein to die with anything as translucent as "Look!" upon her lips; and she did not disappoint us. She was sibylline to the end. There are several published versions of her last words. One is: "What is the question? . . . What is the question? . . . If there is no question, there is no answer." Alternate version, to be found in Donald Sutherland's biography: "What is the answer? . . . In that case, what is the question?" Slight variation, which I find the most beautifully baffling of all: "Well, what is the answer?" Her friend vouchsafed no reply. A long silence. Then: "But what, then, is the problem?" she exclaimed, and expired. Nothing in her life so became her as the leaving of it. Anyone browsing through the literature of the subject will note how few dying utterances are fearful or even pathetic in nature. The English philosopher Hobbes, remembered by the ordinary reader for one terrifying phrase (". . . and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.") was told that he could no longer live. His comment seems at first characteristically saturnine, but I think it conceals uncharacteristic heartbreak: "I shall be glad then to find a hole to creep out of the world at." 11

For pure pathos, however, I select another example from my sample case. In 1840 in Surrey there died a recluse. Originally he had been a wealthy brewer, but in his latter years he retired from the pomps and vanities of the bottling business, dug himself a sandstone cave, and subsisted entirely on ferns. Toward the end of this vegetative existence he was discovered by a couple of workmen who described him as not having two pounds of flesh on all his bones. He was removed to the poorhouse and there died, his last words being: "Do take me to the cave again." Pathos raised to the Virgilian lacrimae rerum may be felt in one version of the last words of Louis XIV, who is reported to have said brokenly: "When I was King"-an exquisite use of the past tense. Another version, the least interesting but somehow the most genuine-sounding: "Help, 0 God, help me quickly." It is a shame that Louis did not keep for his final moment the delicious if hardly courtly remark he made to Madame de Maintenon three days before his death. He stated that he regretted leaving her but that at her age he could expect to see her shortly again. The most wonderfully British farewell utterance of all is preserved for us in the Notebooks of Samuel Butler. He mentions a New Zealander named Wright, who, visited by a friend in his last hours, said casually, "Be pleased to leave the room. I want to die." The friend did so and so did Mr. Wright. We have many reports of final gestures-Beethoven shaking his fist at the storm, for example. Reading Montaigne recently, I came across a magnificent ultimate beau geste. In his essay "Against do-nothingness," Montaigne cites the case of a contemporary, one Moulay Moloch, King of Fez, fatally wounded in a great battle against the Portuguese. Dying, he had himself rushed again and again to whatever battle area he felt needed the spur of his presence. At last he grew so weak he could tall: no longer. Anxious to head 12.

off the morale-destroying news of his death, he expired, holding, as a sign of silence, his finger against his mouth. "Who," says Montaigne beautifully, "ever lived so long and so far forward into death? Who ever died so much on his feet?" Such a gesture is virtually posthumous. Of actual posthumous last words there is in the nature of things a paucity of examples. But I give you the gallant Sir Everard Digby, involved in the famous Gunpowder Plot, and executed on June 30, 1606. In accordance with the nice protocol of such occasions the executioner plucked out Sir Everard's heart and held it up, crying: "Here is the heart of a traitor." To him, Digby: "Thou liest!" Though I have weighed many curtain lines, the perfect one still seems to me Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's "It has all been very interesting." But for charm, sweetness, and a kind of te salutamus gaiety, Bishop Corbet's last words take high rank. You may learn about Dr. Richard Corbet in John Aubrey's perennially enchanting Brief Lives. Corbet was not an example to the young. His poems, at least for a bishop of Oxford, are not salutary. He is rumored, says Aubrey, to have married his own daughter, but on the other hand Aubrey, in accordance with James Gordon Bennett's advice to the reporter, rarely spoiled a story by oververification. Corbet's chaplain, Dr. Lushington, was of Corbet's kidney. The bishop and the chaplain would lock themselves in the wine cellar. Then the good Corbet would lay down his episcopal hat with: "There lies the Doctor." He would take off his gown with: "There lies the Bishop." And then, writes Aubrey, it was nothing but: "Here's to thee, Corbet," and "Here's to thee, Lushington." It is my sad duty to report that the bishop did not die with the word of God upon his lips. His last words were: "Good night, Lushington." 13

In my original dissertation on passing remarks, I suggested, as a lively diversion for cold winter nights, the inventing of appropriate deathbed utterances for famous people. During World War II., quite in keeping with the English temperament, The New Statesman used to run assorted lighthearted competitions among its blitz-bedeviled readers. The most successful of these turned out to be Unrecorded Last Words. Almost all the entries were brilliant, particularly those listing the farewell statements of animals. For example, the Flea: And now for Abraham's bosom. Or the Phoenix: It's my wish to be cremated. Or the Ostrich: Where's that sand? Of those for celebrated humans I think I like as well as any the unrecorded final utterance of Mrs. Eddy: Impossible! Not with any hope of rivaling the brilliance of our English cousins, but merely to suggest to the reader how the game may be played, I submit a few homemade samples: Marilyn Monroe: I'm not quite ready. Mike Wallace: Now, Sir, You once said in Genesis . . . Gypsy Rose Lee: Are those wings detachable? Henry Luce: It's time, life. Clifton Fadiman

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INTRODUCTION I am grateful to Clifton Fadiman, not only for his fine foreword, but for helping to prove that I am not the only literary necrophile around. There are lots of us. Many unenlightened people, however, have accused us of excessive morbidity and gloominess for making a book around the subject. Nonsense, say I. In this volume you will find last words that are edifying and revealing, amusing, compassionate, and poignant. There are a few tragic and bitter ones, of course, but on the whole, after reading thousands of deathbed utterances, one is struck and comforted by how comparatively pleasant dying is reported to be. Especially when compared with other ordeals. Such as living, for example. As Helen Keller wrote recently: "I cannot understand anyone's fearing death. Life is more cruel than death, for life divides and estranges. Death, on the other hand, is life eternal where we are all united and reconciled." Dr. Sigmund Freud suffered a fainting spell in 1912 and upon regaining consciousness he immediately remarked: "How sweet it must be to die!" He also said once that he thought of death every day of his life. (As to how he actually met his friend Death, refer herein.) Despite the basic graveness (and that is the right word) of the theme, there are often circumstances around the saying of the last words that seem amusing to us, if not always to 15

the author of them. Take for example, the cautious poisoner William Palmer. Silent when the rope was put around his neck, when he was told to step out on the gallows trap he inquired plaintively: "Are you sure it's safe?" Or how about James Rodgers, the resourceful murderer who was executed in 1960 in Nevada. When asked by the rifle squad if he had a last request he smiled and replied: "Why, yes-a bullet proof vest." In spite of that rare sense of humor the reprieve was not granted. On the other hand, for the most chilling last words of the whole book meet Carl Panzram. This murderer of twenty-three people, who was executed in 1930, when asked for his last words replied: "I wish the whole human race had one neck and I had my hands around it." It is amazing how many last words are in character with the speaker's life and personality. Take William the Silent, assassinated at Delft. He preserved his famous taciturnity to the end, for when asked if he trusted his soul to God he merely replied with a succinct and characteristically terse "Yes" and turned it over to Him without further fuss. Could anything be more in character than Anna Pavlova's last command before dying: "Get my swan costume ready!"? Or the sporty vagabond Wilson Mizner, who took his doctor's hand and quipped: "Well, Doc, I guess this is the main event!" People's final statements frequently reflect their trades, especially, it would seem, the painters. John Dekker, dying in a Hollywood hospital, looked at the yellow blooms on a plant that a visitor had brought and then spoke his last words: "The blossoms are the same color that Raphael used for the hair of his angels." The great French artist Corot's ultimate thoughts were the plaintive ones: "In spite of myself I go on hoping . . . I hope with all my heart there will be painting in heaven!" (Which reminds one of the 16

indomitable Winston Churchill's expressed intention to "spend the first million years of eternity painting.") Gainsborough's hopes were along these same lines as he died saying: "We are all going to Heaven, and Van Dyck is of the company." That a painter's passion for his calling can assume more importance than even death is best exemplified by this prickly scene: Georges Roualt, even though he loved his wife very much, looked at her face as she lay dying and observed: "God, what a beautiful purple!" Robert Benchley remained a humorist to the sudden last. He had been reading an essay by James Harvey Robinson entitled "Am I Thinking?" and opposite the title he penciled this last joke before dying: "No. (And supposing you were?)." Thoreau, in Walden, notes with admiration the last statement of one Tom Hyde, a miscreant tinker. When asked on the gallows if he had anything to say, Hyde replied: "Tell the tailors to remember to make a knot in their thread before they take the first stitch." Thoreau himself said probably the best known of all last words, and justly so. Asked whether he had made his peace with his God, he answered calmly that he was not really aware that they had ever quarreled. When someone asked him about his views on the hereafter, he replied: "One world at a time, one world at a time." As he began to fade away, he whispered mystically: "Moose . . . Indian . . ." and died. The erudite Edward Le Comte has written: "Death can make even triviality momentous and delirium oracular." If Thoreau's are the best known, the least known of any great man are Abraham Lincoln's. On that fatal night his wife, sitting next to him, coyly asked what the others in the presidential theater box would think of her holding his hand. "They won't think anything about it," he replied. 17

Then came Booth's shot and with it the oblivion from which Lincoln would never emerge. You will find all types of exit lines in this book. The most arrogant: uttered by Ethan Allen. When told by the parson that the angels were waiting, he answered: "Waiting are they? Waiting are they? Well, Goddamn 'em, let 'em wait!" The most vain: Napoleon's sister, the handsome, scandalous Pauline, who died declaring: "I always was beautiful." (Which of those words was stressed? one wonders. Placing the emphasis on any one of the four words shades the statement. Try it.) The most misogynistic: King Abimelech of Israel, who said to his soldiers after being struck on the head by a woman with a piece of millstone: "Draw thy sword and slay me, that men say not of me, 'A woman slew him!"' The most distressing: Leonardo da Vinci, who perhaps accomplished more in his life than any other man in history, died in the king's arms, saying despairingly: "I have offended God and mankind because my work didn't reach the quality it should have." The most intemperate: Dylan Thomas's, which start, "I've had eighteen straight whiskies. I think that is the record. . . ."

The most revealing: Clifton Webb's mother. When she died in 1960, the elderly woman's last thoughts were for her sixty-year-old and devoted son: "How is Clifton? Has he had his luncheon?" The coolest: England's Dr. Joseph Green. Looking up at his doctor, the surgeon said: "Congestion." Then, taking his own pulse, he remarked: "Stopped," and died. The most poignant: Evariste Galois, the great mathematician. After being shot in a duel he said to his weeping brother: "Don't cry. I need all my courage to die at twenty." They go on and on. You yourself can browse through 18

the book and find the most bitter, the most enlightening, and so forth. Perhaps the most humorous are not strictly the last words, but they are a last joke. On the gravestone of the vaudevillian Al Shean is written: I could have lived longer, But now it's too late Absolutely, Mr. GallagherPositively, Mr. Shean. It is amazing how this somber subject gravitates toward humor. I remember trying to check the last words of W. C. Fields at a gathering recently. He is supposed to have said: "On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia." To which DuBarry Hillman replied: "On the whole, I'd rather be dead!" Mr. Fadiman's suggestion to play the Make-Them-UpYourself game often brings good results, though none quite as good as the one he himself offered for Sam Goldwyn on his deathbed: "I never thought I'd live to see the day." The brilliant Kenneth Tynan fell quickly into the spirit of

the game and quoted one for Noel Coward, which sounds even better when delivered in an Oxford accent: "Harps or shovels, m'dear, it really doesn't matter- What hurts is dying in the provinces!" When it came to finding a title for this book, everyone seemed to want to get into the act. That fine pianist Andre Previn lapsed into musicians' lingo and suggested that it be entitled Dig You Later. Columnist Herb Caen volunteered: I Thought He'd NEVER Leave. Then there were Le Dernier Cri, Words to Die By, My Future Just Passed, Before I Was So Rudely Interrupted, and, the how-to-do-it book to end all, Learn to Speak Effectively While Dying, and dozens of others equally as irreverent.

People have asked how one goes about gathering last words. It really couldn't be simpler. One merely goes to

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libraries and then reads the last chapter of every biography in the place. It takes a while, but it is rewarding. I also availed myself of the information in Edward Le Comte's thorough Dictionary of Last Words, and the researching of Thomas Kelly. Then, too, [ made myself a monumental, monothematic bore by asking people I met for a year if they knew any good last words. What pains me is to think of the fine ones not included in this volume, all the touching or inspiring or illuminating last moments of the unfamous that have gone unrecorded. For example, just a few days ago, I saw this routinely reported suicide in the San Francisco Chronicle: A 57 year old San Diego businessman jumped headfirst to his death yesterday afternoon from the 11th story window of a hotel at O'Farrell and Taylor streets-slipping out of the grasp of a chambermaid. The sound of shattering glass enabled a pair of pedestrians to run screaming from his path. The victim identified as Claud Stephen had finished off the last of five bottles of vodka at 2:45 P.M. when Versa Snodgrass, the chambermaid, came in to tidy up his room. "Do you know 'Baby Blue Eyes'?" Stephen asked her abruptly. "Well, I wrote it," he added. "I'll sing it for you."2 Miss Snodgrass reported, "He only got as far as 'Beautiful, beautiful baby blue eyes. You and I were . . .' "Then he closed his eyes and said, 'I'm going to jump."' And he did. 20

There must be dozens more poignant and revealing happenings in every city every day. I rarely raise the subject in a group that I don't garner one or two leads. For example, a friend of mine the other day was telling me about her father, Maurice Simmons, a New York municipal judge (the same fellow who once told a prostitute who came before his court: "Young lady, would you please remove your lipstick, I can hardly hear you."). As he lay dying in 1958, his daughter asked if he had any messages for his family and friends, and he replied so characteristically and sensibly: "Just give 'em the facts, lady," and died. That same day Steinbeck told me of the painter Miguel Covarrubias' father, who had years before abandoned the Church. He was lying in a hospital in a semicoma, but when he saw four priests bustle into his room, he sprang out of bed, ran down the hall and out into the street, where he collapsed. Before he died, surrounded by the priests, he gasped half in terror, half in relief: "I knew they'd get me!" We are all interested in the subject of death since we shall all share that "beautiful adventure," as Charles Frohman referred to it in his last words as the Lusitania was sinking. From the last transitional moments of others we hope to glean an inkling of what the experience will be like for us. In perusing the words in this book one can arrive at a picture of what it must be like to die; Xhe over-all conclusion, as I said at the beginning of this introduction, is that it isn't so bad. Occasionally fear or panic is encountered, such as Max Baer's last words after a heart attack: "Oh, God, here I go!" But over and over again we see the sentiments echoed: "Gosh, is this all there is lb it?" and "You mean this is what I've been fearing for so long?" For example, Thomas Carlyle said mildly: "So this is deathwell . . ." And Gerard Manley Hopkins murmured: "I am so happy, so happy!" Elizabeth Barrett Browning, when 21

asked how she felt as she was dying, replied: "Beautiful!" Arthur Brisbane's last utterance was: "This is the best of all possible worlds," but leaving it did not seem a fearsome ordeal to him. The words that best seem to me to sum up the physical aspect of the average departure from this globe are those said by the twenty-nine-year-old author of The Red Badge of Courage, Stephen Crane, as he died: "Robert -when you come to the hedge-that we must all go over -it isn't so bad. You feel sleepy-and you don't care. Just a little dreamy anxiety-which world you're really in-that's all." In other words, as Dr. Johnson said: "The lady confounds annihilation, which is nothing, with the apprehension of it, which is dreadful. It is in the apprehension of it that the horror of annihilations consists." In conclusion, let me pass on to you the most simplifying commentary I know on the complex subject of dying. It was made by a child. Margaret Millar, now a noted novelist, wrote a poem at the age of eleven around this delightful opening line: "O what is death but an end to idle breathing . . ." And on that note let us plunge into the world of byelines! Barnaby Conrad San Francisco, 1961

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FAMOUS LAST WORDS

ABD-ER-RAHMAN III 891-961 One of the greatest caliphs of C6rdoba; he brought order out of chaos. "l have now reigned above fifty years in victory or peace; beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot: they amount to Fourteen: 0 man place not thy confidence in this present world." ABELARD, PIERRE 1079-1142 The French scholastic philosopher, teacher, and theologian whose love affair with Heloise is one of the famous romances in history said: "I don't know. I don't know!" ABIMELECH This king of Israel was struck on the head by a woman with a piece of millstone. "Draw thy sword and slay me, that men say not of me, 'A woman slew him!"'

ACCORMBONI, VITTORIA 1557-1585 A young woman of great beauty, she was struck down with a knife by a disinherited relative of her elderly and wealthy husband, the Duke of Bracciano. "Jesus!! I pardon you."

ADAM, ALEXANDER 1741-1809 This classical scholar and author was once the teacher of Sir Walter Scott. Failing rapidly, he spoke believing that 25

he was back in the classroom. "That Horace was very well said; you did not do it so well . . . But it grows dark, very dark, the boys may dismiss." ADAMS, ABIGAIL 1744-1818 The wife of the second President of the United States said: "Do not grieve, my friend-my dearest friend. I am ready to go, and-John, it will not be long." ADAMS, HENRY BROOKS 1838-1918 Speaking to his secretary wistfully: "Dear child, keep me alive." ADAMS, JOHN 1735-1826 The second President of the United States thought he was leaving the country in good hands, saying: "Thomas Jefferson still survives," not knowing, in one of the most remarkable coincidences in American history, that Jefferson had died a few hours earlier. The date: July 4, exactly fifty years after the independence of America! ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY 1767-1848 Both Houses adjourned out of respect for the sixth President of the United States. Late in the afternoon of February 23 he was heard to say: "Thank the officers of the House." Just before nightfall he murmured: "This is the last of earth. I am content." For John Quincy Adams, as for the hero of Goethe's Faust, living meant to be discontented and to strive for perfection. For him contentment was tantamount to death. ADDAMS, JANE 1860-1935 Asked if she would like a glass of water, the great humanitarian answered: "Always! Always water for me." 26

ADDISON, JOSEPH 1672-1719 The English essayist, poet, and statesman said: "See in what peace a Christian can die!" AGESISTRATA ?-240 B.C. Acting in confirmation of the king's words, Amphares, the force behind the executions, ordered the death of Agis's mother and grandmother. He owed the king's family a personal debt that now he could not be called upon to pay. Agesistrata, the mother, also addressed the ephors. "I pray that it may redound to the good of Sparta." AGIS III 9?-240 B.C. The first king in Sparta ever to be killed by Spartans, Agis addressed a sympathetic ephor concerning the righteousness of the act. "Weep not, friend, for me, who dies innocent, by the lawless act of wicked men. My condition is much better than theirs." AGRIPPINA 15?-59 Nero's mother told the assassins who took their orders from her son: "Smite my womb!" AKIBA BEN JOSEPH 50-132 Flayed alive by Hadrian for supporting Bar Cocheba in his revolt as the second Messiah, Akiba stubbornly held to his beliefs despite the pain and insisted upon the unity of the divinity: "One!" ALBERT, Prince Consort of England 1819-1861 Consort to Queen Victoria, he kept his final thoughts for her when typhoid fever took his life early in an influential career. "Good little woman!" 27

ALBERT I, King of Belgium 1875-1934 On the Rocher de Marches les Dames, a mountain in Belgium, the king told his companions, before falling to his death: "If I feel in good form, I shall take the difficult way up; if I do not I shall take the easy one. I shall join you in an hour." ALCOTT, LOUISA MAY 1833-1888 Accomplished author of juvenile fiction, she asked the nature of the debilitating disease. "Is it not meningitis?" ALDERSON, SIR EDWARD HALL 1787-1857 He told an inquirer of his condition: "The worse, the better for me." ALDRICH, THOMAS BAILEY 1836-1907 The author of The Story of a Bad Boy said: "In spite of it all I am going to sleep." ALEXANDER, King of Judea ?-145 B.C. Speaking to his wife: "Do thou therefore, when thou art come to Jerusalem, send for the leading men among them and show them my body, and with great appearance of sincerity, give them leave to use it as they themselves please, whether they will dishonor the dead body by refusing it burial, as having severely suffered by my means, or whether in their anger they will offer any other injury to that body. Promise them also that thou wilt do nothing without them in the affairs of the kingdom. If thou dost but say this to them, I shall have the honor of a more glorious funeral from them than thou couldst have made for me: and when it is :28

within their power to abuse my dead body, they will do it no injury at all, and thou wilt rule in safety." ALEXANDER I, Czar of Russia 1777-1825 The death of his natural daughter in 1824 helped to break the heart of the emperor, who died in December 1825 in the seaport town of Taganaog. "What a beautiful day-" ALEXANDER II, Czar of Russia 1818-1881 After several abortive attempts the Nihilist party of Russia finally succeeded in assassinating the czar by throwing a bomb under his carriage. "More quickly . . . inside . . . carry me to the palace . . . there . . . to die." Other sources say he added: "I am sweeping through the gates, washed in the blood of the Lamb." ALEXANDER VI, Rodrigo Lanzol y Borgia, Pope 1431-1503 Elected Pope in 1492, Rodrigo Borgia used his influence to further the careers of his children, the most notorious of whom was Caesar Borgia. "I come. It is right. Wait a minute."

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

356 B.C.-323 B.C. Alexander, dying of a fever, when asked to whom he would leave the throne, answered: "To the strongest!" ALFIERI, VITTORIO, Conte 1749-1803 The Italian tragic poet said: "Clasp my hand, dear friend, I am dying." 29

ALFONSO XIII, King of Spain

1886-1941

The king went into exile in 1931 and never returned during his lifetime. Two weeks before he died he abdicated in favor of his third son: "Spain.' my God!" ALI PASHA 1741-1822 The Albanian "lion of Jania," who had more gall than territory, lost his empire to the Turks by reason of a fine piece of treachery. They took his life but not his lady. "Go my friend, dispatch poor Vasiliky, that these dogs may not profane her beauteous form." ALLEN, ETHAN

1738-1789

The leader of the Green Mountain Boys, when told by the parson that the angels were waiting, answered: "Waiting are they? Waiting are they? Well, Goddamn 'em, let 'em wait!"

ALLINGHAM, WILLIAM 1824-1889 An Irish poet of delicate artistic expression, he kept his greatest vision to himself: "l am seeing things that you know nothing of."

ANAXAGORAS 500 B.C.-428 B.C. The philosopher summed up the significance of his own life with these instructions: "Give the boys a holiday." ANAXARCHUS flourished about 350 B.C. The Greek philosopher was bludgeoned to death. "Pound pound the pouch containing Anaxarchus; ye pound not Anaxarchus."

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ANAXIBUS The Spartan general was fatally wounded from ambush. "Men, it is good for me to die on this spot, where honor bids me; but you hurry and save yourselves before the enemy can close with us." ANDRE, JOHN 1751-1780 The British spy, executed during the American Revolution at Washington's orders, wished to be shot and, hoping that his request would be granted, was taken aback when he saw the gallows. "I am reconciled to my death, but I detest the mode." A little later he added: "It will be but a momentary pang. I pray you bear witness that I met my fate like a brave man." ANDREW, the Apostle ?-70 Saint Andrew suffered martyrdom on the X-shaped cross long associated with his name. "O cross most welcome and long looked for; with a willing mind joyfully and desirously I come to thee, being the scholar of Him who did hang on thee; because I have been always thy lover, and have coveted to embrace thee." ANNE of Austria 1601-1666 The wife of Louis XIII, court playgirl of George Villiers and Mazarin, acknowledged a large debt: "Monsieur de Montaigu, consider what I owe to God, the favor He has shown to me, and the great indulgence for which I am beholden to him." ANNE, Queen of England 1665-1714 The author of Queen Anne's Bounty at her death gave 31

Lord Shrewsbury the symbolic staff of the treasury and instructed him: "Use it for the good of my people."

D'ANNUNZIO, GABRIELE 1863-1938 At seventy-five the energetic Italian poet was ready for new worlds. Speaking to his chauffeur, he said: "Stop . . . I Turn home . . . ! I'm bored . . . I'm bored."

ANTONY, MARK 83 B.C.-30 B.C. Mark Antony, suffering defeat at Actium and hearing of Cleopatra's reported suicide, fatally wounded himself by falling on his sword. He was carried off before his death to Cleopatra, who bewailed his condition. He admonished her with these words: "You must not pity me in this last turn of fate. You should rather be happy in the remembrance of our love and in the recollection that of all men I was once the most powerful and now at the end have fallen not dishonorably a Roman by a Roman vanquished."

ANTONY, SAINT 251-356 "I indeed go the way of the fathers, as it is written, for I perceive that I am called by the Lord. Promise to bury me secretly, so that no one shall know the place, save you alone, for I shall receive my body incorruptible from my Savior at the resurrection of the dead. And distribute my garments thus. To Athanasius, the bishop, give one of my sheepskins, and the cloak under me, which was new when he gave it to me, and has grown old by me; and to Serapion, the bishop, give the other sheepskin; and do you have the hair cloth garment. And for the rest, children, farewell, for Antony is going, and is with you no more." 32

AQUINAS, SAINT THOMAS 1225-1274 As he received Communion for the last time: "I receive Thee, redeeming price of my soul. Out of love for Thee have I studied, watched through many nights, and exerted myself; Thee did I preach and teach. I have never said aught against Thee. Nor do I persist stubbornly in my views. If I ever expressed myself erroneously on this Sacrament, I submit to the judgment of the Holy Roman Church, in the obedience of which I now part from this world."

ARCHIMEDES 287 B.C.-212 B.C. When the city of Syracuse was taken by the Romans, Archimedes was discovered in the market place contemplating some figures he had drawn in the sand. A Roman soldier approached him and he spoke: "Stand away, fellow, from my diagram!" He was then killed.

ARMISTEAD, LEWIS ADDISON 1817-1863 The Confederate general, his horse shot out from under him, led his men on foot to the emplacements of the Union artillery. Placing one hand on a cannon and waving his sword in the other, he shouted to his men, who had long since run out of ammunition: "Give them the cold steel, men!"

ARNOLD, BENEDICT 1741-1801 Again taking up the colors he had for so long regretfully forsaken, Arnold prayed God for that which neither his old nor his newly adopted country could grant him. "Let me die in my old uniform. God forgive me for ever putting on any other!"

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A R R I A, wife of Caecine Paetus ?-42 When her husband was commanded by the emperor to kill himself and was reluctant to do so, Arria plunged the knife into her own breast and said: "Paetus, it doesn't hurt!"

ARUM, EUGENE 1704-1759 After being condemned for the murder of a shoemaker and defending himself well at the trial, he confessed and wrote a last letter and opened the veins of his arm. "To die is natural and necessary. Perfectly sensible of this, I fear no more to die than I did to be born. But the manner of it is something which should, in my opinion, be decent and manly. I think I have regarded both of these points . . . I solicitously recommended myself to the Eternal and Almighty God of Being, the God of Nature . . Though I am now stained by malevolence, and suffer by prejudice, I hope to rise fair and unblemished. I slept soundly till three o'clock, awakened, and wrote these lines: Come, pleasing rest, eternal slumber fall Seal mine, that once must seal the eyes of all: Calm and composed my soul her journey takes, No guilt that troubles and no heart that aches. Adieu! thou son; all bright, like her arise; Adieu! fair friends, all that's good and wise."

When the authorities found him and stanched his bleeding and carried out the sentence, Mr. Arum was not dismayed. AUDUBON, JOHN J. 1785-1851 Shortly before his death he remarked that he had enjoyed the world, "a world which though wicked enough in all conscience, is perhaps as good as worlds unknown."

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AURELIUS, MARCUS 121-180 The last of the great Antonine emperors was asked by the tribune what the watchword would be for the night. Relinquishing the authority to give it, he sent the tribune to his successor. "Go to the rising sun, for I am setting."

AURUNGZEBE 1618-1707 Emperor of Hindustan, the Mogul emperor who devoted himself to a righteous government and to a Mohammedan religion. His last words were murmured happily. He said: "No one has seen the departure of his own soul, but I know mine is departing."

AUSTEN, JANE 1775-1817 Asked, after several months of failing health, if she wanted anything, the author replied: "Nothing but death." AUSTIN, STEPHEN F. 1793-1836 The territory he had colonized became, under his leadership, a new republic. "Texas recognized. Archer told me so. Did you see it in the papers?"

BACON, FRANCIS 1561-1626 He caught pneumonia while stuffing a chicken with snow to observe the effects of refrigeration on the meat, but before dying he dictated this letter: "My very good Lord,-I was likely to have had the fortune of Caius Plinius the elder, who lost his life by trying an experiment about the burning of the mountain Vesuvius. For I was also desirous to try an experiment or two, touching the conservation and induration of bodies. As for the experiment itself, it succeeded excellently well; but in the journey (between London and

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Highgate) I was taken with such a fit of casting, as I know not whether it were the stone or some surfeit, or cold, or indeed a touch of them all three. But when I came to your Lordship's house, I was not able to go back and therefore was forced to take up my lodging here, where your housekeeper is very careful and diligent about me; which I assure myself your Lordship will not only pardon towards him, but think the better of him for it. For indeed your Lordship's house was happy to me, and I kiss your noble hands for the welcome which I am sure you give me to it, etc. I know how unfit it is for me to write to your Lordship with any other hand than my own; but in troth my fingers are so disjointed with this fit of sickness, that I cannot steadily hold a pen." Then, some sources say he stated: "My name and memory I leave to man's charitable speeches, to foreign nations and to the next age." BAER, MAX 1909-1959 Onetime heavyweight champion of the world, he said, after a heart attack: "Oh, God, here I go!" BAGEHOT, WALTER 1826-1877 The British economist, journalist, and critic was in command to the end. Refusing assistance in the arrangement of his pillow, he said: "Let me have my own fidgets." BAILLY, JEAN SYLVAIN 1736-1793 Elected mayor of Paris at the outset of the French Revolution, he held the office for a dangerous twenty-six months. He became unpopular when he tried to stop the rioting and attempted to defend the queen. At the guillotine 36

someone observed that he was trembling. "My friend, I am cold."

BALBOA, VASCO NUNEZ DE 1475-1517 On false charges and manufactured evidence he was accused and convicted of being a traitor. Before being beheaded, the discoverer of the Pacific Ocean stated: "That is false. I always have served my king loyally and sought to add to his domains."

BALZAC, HONORE DE 1799-1850 In a half delirium he called upon his fictional physician, Horace Bianchon, who worked scientific miracles in Balzac's Comidie Humaine: "If Bianchon were here he would save me!"

BARKLEY, ALBEN WILLIAM 1877-1953 Democratic majority leader from 1937-1946 before being elected as the Vice-President on the ticket with President Harry S. Truman in 1948. (see Fadiman foreword) BARNATO, BARNETT 1852-1897 The English financier and diamond king of great success and notable failures, he jumped from a ship into the sea after saying: "What is the time?" BARNUM, P. T. (PHINEAS TAYLOR) 1810-1891 The master showman did not quite say: "There's one dying every minute," but he did say something in character: "How were the circus receipts today at Madison Square Garden?"

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BARRE, JEAN FRAN(2OIS LE FEVRE 1747-1766 The young man of nineteen was condemned to death for having mutilated a crucifix. "I did not think they would put a young gentleman to death for such a trifle."

BARRIE, JAMES M. 1860-1937 The author of Peter Pan said: "I can't sleep."

BARRON, CLARENCE WALKER 1855-1928 The publisher of the Wall Street Journal asked: "What's the news?"

BARROW, ISAAC 1630-1677 The English theologian and mathematician said: "I have seen the glories of the world."

BARTON, CLARA 1821-1912 The "Angel of the Battlefield" and founder of the American Red Cross died at ninety-one, saying: "Let me go, let me go." She is buried at North Oxford, Massachusetts, and over her grave is a quotation from one of her letters: "Nature has provided cure and final rest for all the heartache that mortals are called to endure."

BASHKIRTSEV, MARIE 1860-1884 The Journal of the Russian painter and diarist has been compared to Rousseau's Confessions. Dying of tuberculosis, she watched a flickering candle. "We shall go out together." 38

BASS, SAM 1851-1878 The American desperado was mortally wounded by the Texas Rangers in Round Rock, Texas, as he arrived to rob a bank. "The world is bobbing around," he uttered, and died.

BAYARD, GEORGE DASHIELL 1836-1862 General Bayard had time, despite his fatal wounds at Fredericksburg, to draw his will: "My black mare and sorrel horses I give to you, father. There are about sixty dollars in my pocketbook. There are papers in my trunk to be turned over to the Department [Quartermaster's] to settle. Once more, good bye, beloved father, mother, sisters, all. Ever yours, George D. Bayard."

BAYARD, PIERRE TERRAIL, Seigneur de 1473-1524 Probably the most noble of knights outside of fiction, Bayard was fatally wounded by a stone from a harquebus during the rebellion of Genoa. He asked to be propped at the base of a tree in order that he might die facing the enemy. When a rebel pitied him, he answered: "It is not I who am to be commiserated, but you, far more, who fight against your king and your country."

BEARD, GEORGE MILLER 1839-1883 The doctor tried to make a last contribution to medical knowledge: "Tell the doctors it is impossible for me to record the thoughts of a dying man. It would be interesting to do so, but I cannot. My time has come. I hope others will carry on my work." 39

B E A T R I X of Bavaria, Grand Duchess "To the Duke of Bavaria: Neumarket, March 11, 1447 Our warm devotion and all love and goodness in our power. Noble prince, dear brother, it is proper that you should know that we fell ill last Monday, and though we had hope of getting the better of our infirmity, we notice that the weakness and sickness is going from bad to worse. Therefore we beg of you in all friendliness to send promptly one or two of your councillors here to Neumarket, so that if God the Almighty calls us, your brotherly affection may know what sort of departure we made."

BECKET, THOMAS A. 1118-1170 Having upheld the rights of the Church against the policies of Henry II, the saint was set upon by misguided emissaries of the king and threatened with death if he continued to disobey the monarch. "I am prepared to die for Christ and for His Church. I charge you in the name of the Almighty not to hurt any other person here, for none of them have been concerned in the late transactions."

BEDDOES, THOMAS LOVELL 1803-1849 The author of Death's Jest-Book was a doctor of medicine, as was his father. He left a note: "l am food for what I am good for-worms. I ought to have been among other things a good poet; life was too great a bore on one peg and that a bad one. -Buy for Dr. Eklin above mentioned Reade's best stomach pump."

BEECHER, HENRY WARD 1813-1887 An energetic orator and preacher of exceptional vitality, 40

he was, at seventy-four, a game patient. When the doctor asked him how high he could raise his arm, he replied: "Well, high enough to hit you, doctor."

BEECHER, LYMAN 1775-1863 The Presbyterian theologian was afflicted with a disease in later life that progressively enfeebled his mind, but not to the point that he forgot the words of St. Paul: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me righteousness, which God, the righteous Judge, that day. . . . That is my testimony-write it is my testimony."

I have kept a crown of will give at down-that

BEETHOVEN, LUDWIG VAN 1770-1827 The wine he requested was slow in coming. "Too bad! too bad! it's too late!" Another version says the deaf composer said: "I shall hear in heaven." And still another says he suddenly sat up in bed, shook his fist, at God or man one does not know, and fell dead. BEHAINE, MONSIGNEUR PIERRE PIGNEAU DE, Bishop of Adran 1741-1799 "Here I am finally-here I am at the end of the tumultuous career that, whatever my repugnance, I have kept for so long. My troubles will soon be over and my true happiness is coming, since I have all confidence in the mercy of my God. I willingly leave this world where I have been thought happy in that I have had public admiration, been respected by the great, esteemed by kings. I can't say that I regret all these honors-it's just that they add up to vanity and trouble."

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BELL, ALEXANDER GRAHAM 1847-1922 Cautioned not to hurry his dictation, he said: "But I have to. So little done. So much to do!" BENCHLEY, ROBERT CHARLES 1889-1945 The humorist was reading an essay entitled "Am I Thinking?" by James Harvey Robinson, and he had just made the notation opposite the title: "No. (And supposing you were?)." BENJAMIN, JUDAY PHILIP 1811-1884 The Confederate statesman and British barrister, dying in Paris, gasped out a sentiment frequently expressed by tourists to that city: "What I require is warmth-will it never come?" BENNETT, ENOCH ARNOLD 1867-1931 He plucked at the pleating of a nurse's uniform and said in appreciation of the workmanship: "Beautiful!" Then later to Dorothy Cheston Bennett: "Everything has gone wrong, my girl." BENSON, ROBERT HUGH 1871-1914 The monsignor first addressed his brother: "Arthur, don't look at me! Nurse, stand between my brother and me . . . ! Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul." BENTHAM, JEREMY 1748-1832 "I now feel that I am dying; our care must be to minimize pain. Do not let the servants come into the room, 42

and keep away the youths; it will be distressing to them, and they can be of no service." BENTON, THOMAS HART, Missouri senator 1782-1858

He called his Negro nurse to his bedside and said: "Do you hear that?" She laid her head on his chest. "Kitty, that is the death rattle!" Then he died.

BERG, ALBAN 1885-1936 The composer of Wozzeck was working on a concerto when he was urged by his wife to take it easy. "But I have so little time," he exclaimed, and died.

BERLIOZ, LOUIS HECTOR

1803-1869

In a note: "A thousand greetings to Balakirev."

BERNADETTE, SOUBIROUS

1843-1879

"All this is good for heaven! . . . Blessed Mary, Mother of God, pray for mel-a poor sinner, a poor sinner."

BERNADOTTE, FOLKE, Count 1895-1948 The U.N. mediator was assassinated shortly after he acknowledged "good luck" wishes with: "I'll need it!" BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, SAINT 1090-1153 Speaking to his monks: "I know not to which I ought to yield-to the love of my children, which urges me to stay here; or to the love of God, which draws me to Him."

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BERNARD, CLAUDE 1813-1878 The renowned French physiologist accepted the comfort of a lap robe. "This time it will serve me for the voyage from which there is no return, the voyage of eternity."

BESTUZHEV-RYUMIN, MICHAEL ?-1826 A convicted Russian revolutionary; the first rope broke at his hanging. "Nothing succeeds with me. Even here I meet with disappointment."

BEWICK, SIR THOMAS 1753-1828 Noted English wood engraver. (see Fadiman foreword)

BILLINGS, JOSH (H.W. Shaw) 1818-1885 The American humorist and lecturer remarked: "My doctors East ordered a rest of brain, but you can see I do not have to work my brain for a simple lecture-it comes spontaneously."

BILLY THE KID (William H. Bonney) 1859-1881 He was trapped in bed in a Mexican friend's house. He received a disappointing answer when he called outside in Spanish: "Who is there?" A moment later Sheriff Pat Garrett shot him.

BISMARCK, OTTO VON, Prince 1815-1898 Called the "Iron Chancellor" and known as the "peacekeeper" of Europe he served well under William I. He fell out with William II and resigned his post. "I do not want 44

a lying official epitaph. Write on my tomb that I was the faithful servant of my master, the Emperor William, King of Prussia."

BIZET, GEORGES 1838-1875 The composer of Carmen and The Pearl Fishers said: "I am in a cold sweat. It is the sweat of death. How are you going to tell my father?"

BLAKE, WILLIAM 1757-1827 To his "Kate" he spoke of the songs he was singing, perhaps wistfully. "My beloved, they are not mine-nothey are not mine."

BLASCO IBANEZ, VICENTE 1867-1928 Because of his political activities, the Spanish novelist died in exile. "My garden-my garden!"

BL1YCHER, GEBHARD LEBERECHT VON 1742-1819 After a career marked by leadership displayed while under fire, the field marshal addressed a former comrade in arms: "Nostitz, you've learned many a thing from me. Now you are to learn how peacefully a man can die."

BLUM, ROBERT 1807-1848 A German liberal sentenced to death by a military tribunal during the upheaval of 1848, he tried to refuse the blindfold. "I want to look death in the eye. I die for freedom. May my country remember me!" 45

BOAS, FRANZ 1858-1942 The American anthropologist said before dying: "It isn't necessary to wear oneself out repeating that racism is either a monstrous error or a shameless lie. The Nazis themselves have recently had to appreciate the accuracy of the facts that I have brought together on the European emigrants of America." BOILEAU-DESPREAUX, NICOLAS 1636-1711 The "Lawgiver of Parnassus" reordered the literary tastes of France, and any resultant change in social values was necessarily an improvement. "It is a great consolation to a poet at the point of death that he has never written a line injurious to good morals." BOLEYN, ANNE 1507-1536 Shouldering hazardous duties at a tender age, Anne became the mistress of Henry VIII at twenty, his queen at twenty-six, and his victim at twenty-nine. At the guillotine she said to the executioner: "The executioner is, I believe, very expert; and my neck is very slender." On the scaffold, however, she repeated over and over in a dazed manner: "O God have pity on my soul, 0 God, have pity on my soul . . ."

BOLINGBROKE, Viscount 1678-1751 "God who placed me here will do what he pleases with me hereafter, and he knows best what to do." BOLIVAR, SIMON 1783-1830 The Peruvian liberator, dying in Colombia, raved: "Let 46

us go-let us go-these people don't want us in this land! Let us go, boys. -Take my luggage on board the frigate." BONAPARTE, ELIZABETH 1785-1879 When someone said that nothing was so sure as death, the sister-in-law of Napoleon suggested a familiar comparative. "Except taxes!' BONAPARTE, PAULINE 1780-1825 Napoleon's favorite sister, a handsome, scandalous, and vain woman, died saying: "I always was beautiful." BONIFACE, SAINT 680-755 As hot lead was poured into his mouth. "I thank Thee, Lord Jesus, Son of the living God!" BONNET, CHARLES 1720-1793 With his health failing rapidly the naturalist imagined that a thieving domestic was being brought to him for justice. "So he repents? Let him come and all will be overlooked."

BOOTH, EDWIN

1833-1893

In reply to his grandson's question he said: "How are you yourself, old fellow?" BOOTH, JOHN WILKES 1838-1865 The only member of the Booth family that sided with the Confederacy, he lived just long enough to regret his last act in support of the cause. Shot at Bowling Green, Virginia, 47

hiding in the Garret barn, he gasped: "Tell my mother-I died for my country . . . I thought I did for the best . . . Useless! Useless!" BORGIA, LUCRETIA 1480-1519 Letter to the Pope. "Most Holy Father and Honored Master: With all respect I kiss your Holiness's feet and commend myself in all humility to your holy mercy. Having suffered for more than two months, early in the morning of the 14th of the present, as it pleased God, I gave birth to a daughter, and hoped then to find relief from my sufferings, but I did not, and shall be compelled to pay my debt to nature. So great is the favor which our merciful Creator has shown me, that I approach the end of my life with pleasure, knowing that in only a few hours, after receiving for the last time all the holy sacraments of the Church, I shall be released. Having arrived at this moment, I desire as a Christian, although I am a sinner, to ask your Holiness, in your mercy, to give me all possible spiritual consolation and your Holiness's blessing for my soul. Therefore I offer myself to you in all humility and commend my husband and my children, all of whom are your servants, to your Holiness's mercy. In Ferrara, June 22, 1519, at the fourteenth hour. Your Holiness's humble servant, Lucretia d'Este." BOUHOURS, DOMINIQUE 1628-1702 A grammarian. "I am about to-or I am going to-die: either expression is used." BOWDITCH, NATHANIEL 1773-1838 The self-educated mathematician and navigator quoted after he had drunk some water: "How delicious. I have swallowed a drop from Siloa's brook that flowed fast by the oracle of God." 48

BRAHMS, JOHANNES 1833-1897 The German composer died of cancer. He had just finished a glass of wine. "Ah, that tastes nice, thank you!"

BRAINERD, DAVID 1718-1747 The missionary to the Indians devoted more than his heart and soul to his work. Broken in health while still young, he returned to the house of his friend, Jonathan Edwards, to die. "It is another thing to die than people have imagined."

BRINDLEY, JAMES 1716-1772 The illiterate canal engineer built a barge canal for the Duke of Bridgewater that included an aqueduct to carry it over the river Irwell. He did it entirely without written calculations. Other engineers had asked him how to make their canals hold water. "Then puddle it . . . then puddle it again . . . and again."

BRISBANE, ALBERT 1809-1890 To his wife the journalist and social theorist said: "My love, turn me over . . . towards you."

BRISBANE, ARTHUR 1864-1936 Journalist. "This is the best of all possible worlds."

BRODERICK, DAVID C. 1818-1859 Having engaged in a profession of dubious fortunes, the California senator left a challenging bequest, after being mortally wounded in a duel. "I die; protect my honor." 49

BRONTE, ANNE 1820-1849 Though aware she was dying and had just said she "was very happy and believed she was even then passing out of earth into Heaven," her last thought was of her praying sister, to whom she said: "Take courage, Charlotte, take courage!"

BRONTE, CHARLOTTE 1816-1855 The most prolific of the sisters lived but a year after her marriage. "Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy!"

BRONTE, EMILY JANE 1818-1848 "If you will send for a doctor, I will see him now."

BROOKE, RUPERT 1887-1915 Dying from blood poisoning, the English poet was visited by his friend Denis Browne. Still struggling to maintain his easygoing attitude, he murmured a faint "Hallo" and then sank into unconsciousness.

BROOKS, PHILLIPS 1835-1893 The composer of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" said: "Take me home. I must go home!"

BROWN, JOHN 1800-1859 A willing martyr to the antislavery cause, he was asked if he was tired while standing on the scaffold. "No, but don't keep me waiting longer than necessary." 50

BROWNING, ELIZABETH BARRETT 1806-1861 She quoted from A Vision of Poets: "Knowledge by suffering entereth, And Life is perfected by death."

Later, when asked how she was feeling, she replied, "Beautiful," and died.

BROWNING, ROBERT 1882-1889 Informed of the favorable reception of Asolando. "How gratifying!"

BRUNO, GIORDANO 1548-1600 The former Dominican was arrested by the Inquisition and burned at the stake for his unorthodox beliefs. "I die a martyr and willingly. My soul shall mount up with the smoke to paradise."

BRUTUS, MARCUS 85 B.C.-42 B.C. Plutarch states that Brutus killed himself. "Oh wretched Valour, thou wert but a name, And yet I worshipped thee as real indeed; But now, it seems, thou wert but Fortune's slave."

BRYAN, WILLIAM JENNINGS 1860-1925 Five days after the completion of the trial of John T. Scopes, in which he participated as an assistant to the prosecution, Bryan died confirming the simple faith that was revealed in the celebrated Darrow cross-examination. "With hearts full of gratitude to God." 51

BUCHANAN, GEORGE 1506-1582 The poet and satirist was called to account for some of his recently effective writing. "Tell the people who sent you that I am summoned to a higher Tribunal." BUCHANAN, JAMES 1791-1868 The odds were apparently too much in an unequal struggle. "O Lord God Almighty, as Thou wilt!" BUCHANAN, ROBERT WILLIAMS 1841-1901 The English writer and critic of "The Fleshly School of Poetry" said: "I should like to have a good spin down Regent Street." BUCK, RUFUS ?-1896 Legend has it that this gang leader, one of the most dangerous ever to roam Oklahcma, left a picture of his mother in his cell on the back of which he wrote a poem just before being hanged. "My Dream I dreamt I was in Heaven Among the Angels fair; I'd ne'er seen none so handsome That twine in golden hair. They looked so neat and sang so swell And played the Golden Harp. I was about to pick an angel out And take her to my heart; But the moment I began to plea, I thought of you, my love. 52

There was none I'd seen so beautiful On earth or Heaven above. Good by my dear wife and Mother Also my sister. Yours truly, Rufus Buck"

BUCKLAND, FRANCIS TREVELYAN 1826-1880 Naturalist, surgeon, and specialist in ichthyology: "God is so good, so good to the little fishes, I do not believe He would let their inspector suffer shipwreck at last."

BUDDHA

c. 563 B.c.-483 B.C. "Bhikshus, never forget it: decay is inherent in all component things."

BUDGELL, EUSTACE 1686-1737 Imitating the younger Cato and listening to his cousin Addison instead of Steele, a despondent Grub Street author drowned himself in the Thames and left this note: "What Cato did and Addison approved cannot be wrong."

" B U FF A L O B I L L " (Cody, William Frederick) 1846?-1917 When his doctor told him he had a very short time to live, he asked: "Do you really think it's too bad?" "Yes." "Well," he said to his brother-in-law, "let's forget about it and play high five." Later he said of his adopted son: "I wish Johnny would come," and then died. 53

BURKE, ROBERT O'HARA 1820-1861 One of the first white men to cross the Australian continent from south to north, he died of starvation on the return journey, leaving these notes: "I hope we shall be done justice to. We have fulfilled our task, but we have been aban-. We have not been followed up as we expected, and the depot party abandoned their post. King has behaved nobly. He stayed with me to the last, and placed the pistol in my hand, leaving me lying on the surface as I wished."

BURNETT, FRANCES HODGSON 1849-1924 A novelist, she is best remembered for her children's books, among which was Little Lord Fauntleroy. "With the best that was in me I have tried to write more happiness into the world."

BURNEY, CHARLES 1726-1814 The father of novelist Fanny Burney said: "All this will soon pass away as a dream."

BURNS, ROBERT 1759-1796 The Scottish master of poetry was less than a success at business affairs. These words erupted upon receipt of a bill collector's notice: "That damned rascal, Matthew Penn!" His last written words concerned his wife, who was about to have a baby: "Do for heaven's sake, send Mrs. Armour immediately. My wife is hourly expecting to be put to bed. Good God! What a situation for her to be in, without a friend."

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BURROUGHS, JOHN 1837-1921 The naturalist gathered most of the material for his books at his home, Riverby, on the Hudson River, where he died. "How far are we from home?"

BURTON, SIR RICHARD FRANCIS 1821-1890 The daring explorer and translator of the Arabian Nights called imperatively to his wife, Isabel: "Quick, Puss, chloroform-ether-or I am a dead man!"

BUTLER, SAMUEL 1835-1902 The author of Erewhon and The Way of All Flesh said: "Have you brought the checkbook, Alfred?"

BYRNE, DONN 1889-1928 The popular author said jauntily: "I think I'll go for a drive before dinner. Anyone come along?"

BYRON, (ALFRED LORD) GEORGE GORDON NOEL, 6thBaron 1788-1824 Dying in Greece, the poet, age thirty-six, gasped: "The damned doctors have drenched me so that I can scarcely stand. I want to sleep now."

CAESAR, AUGUSTUS 63 B.C.-A.D. 14 "Live mindful of our wedlock, Livia, and farewell."

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CAESAR, JULIUS 102? B.C.-44 B.C. According to Gerard Walter, as he entered the assembly to tell the Senate that the session would be postponed, Tillius Cimber began bowing before him, begging Caesar to recall his brother from exile. Caesar would not listen to him. This was not the moment; they could go into the question another time. Tillius insisted. The others joined in his entreaties. They seized his hand, kissed him on the forehead, on the chest. Then Tillius, as though he wanted to make one last attempt to persuade him, caught hold of a corner of his toga. The naked shoulder became visible: the agreed signal. Caesar uttered a cry. "But this is violence!" Instantly Casca struck him from behind. He missed his mark. Caesar had not lost his sang-froid. He turned and recognized the man who had just raised his hand against him. "Villain! What are you doing?" he cried while seizing him by the arm. But Cassius stood in front of him and thrust his dagger full in his face. He staggered, did not know which way to turn. Daggers were raised on all sides. At each thrust there was a cry, a savage howl. When Brutus struck him, he was quiet, covered his head with his toga and collapsed at the foot of Pompey's statue. (Some have written that when Brutus rushed at him he said in Greek: "You, too, my child?" And, of course, "Et tu, Brute?")

CALHOUN, JOHN C. 1782-1850 From South Carolina, he was the champion of the Southern cause in the Senate debates. "The South! The poor South! God knows what will become of her."

CALVIN, JOHN 1509-1564 "Thou bruisest me, 0 Lord, but it is enough for me that it is Thy hand." 56

CAMBRINI, FRANCESCA, SAINT 1850-1917 The first American citizen to be canonized was asked what she would have for lunch. "Bring me anything you like. If I don't take it I may take something else." CAMBRONNE, PIERRE 1770-1842 The French general of the Old Guard at Waterloo said: "Ah, mademoiselle, man is thought to be something, but he is nothing." CAMOENS, LUIZ VAZ DE 1524-1580 Portugal's immortal poet died in obscurity and poverty after a life of successive escapades. "Who would imagine that on such a tiny bed so great a calamity would occur? And I-as if this had not been enough-align myself on its side; for the effort to withstand so many sorrows would appear as a kind of impudence. And so I shall conclude my life, and all will see that I was so attached to my country that I was not satisfied to die IN it, but to die WITH it." CAMPAN, MME. JEANNE LOUISE HENRIETTE 1752-1822 Sensing that her time was running out, the French educator gave a hasty order to a servant and then reflected: "How imperious one is when one no longer has time to be polite." CANARY, MARTHA JANE, "Calamity Jane" 1851-1903 According to her biographer, Aikman: "Next day there was delirium, loud chatter of riding up the gulch with Wild Bill Hickok; about a daughter she had, or thought she 57

had . . . about wild lights, sounds, brawls, excitements, men pawing furiously over their women. . . In the evening she

was dead." CANIUS c. 88 A Latin poet. "I have determined with myself to mark well, whether in this short pang of death my perceive and feel that he goeth out of my body. I fully intend to take heed of; and if I can I bring you and the rest of my fellows word, what what is the state of our souls."

soul shall This point will surely I felt, and

CAPEL, ARTHUR, BARON 1610-1649 A supporter of the king during the Civil War, he was recaptured after an escape from the Tower and beheaded as a royalist. "God Almighty staunch this blood, God Almighty staunch, staunch this issue of blood; this will not do the business, God Almighty find out another way to do it."

CARLYLE, THOMAS 1795-1881 The British essayist and historian said calmly: "So this is death-well . . ."

CARNEGIE, ANDREW 1835-1919 To his wife's good-night wish that he rest well he replied: "I hope so, Lou." "CARNICERITO DE MEXICO," JOSE GONZALEZ 1907-1947 Gored by a bull a month after his hero, Manolete, he died saying: "Look at me. I'm dying just like Manolete!" And he repeated Manolete's deathbed words almost exactly. 58

CARNOT, MARIE FRAN4:OIS SADI 1837-1894 The fourth president of the French Republic was stabbed to death by an Italian anarchist. He spoke to the friends about him. "I am very touched by your presence, and I thank you for what you are doing for me."

CAROLINE, QUEEN OF ANSPACH 1683-1737 This little dialogue took place as the queen lay dying. When she urged the king, George II, to remarry after her death, he replied: "No, I shall have mistresses," to which the queen replied: "Ah, mon Dieu! That needn't stop you." She asked that the candles be removed from near her bed. The king inquired whether they hurt her eyes. "No, but I would spare you the affliction of seeing me die," she said. She held the king's hand: the voices grew fainter. "Pray . she said, and died.

CARROLL, LEWIS (C. L. DODGSON) 1832-1898 "Take away those pillows-I shall need them no more."

CARSON, KIT (CHRISTOPHER CARSON) 1809-1868 The frontiersman was very ill and had been warned by his doctor that the first sight of blood in his sputum would indicate the end. Chatting with his friend, Mr. Scheurich, he coughed suddenly and his saliva was red. "I'm gone," he uttered. "Goodbye, Doctor. Adios, compadre." He grasped Scheurich's hand and held it to the end. 59

CARTERET, JOHN, Earl Granville 1690-1763 Looking at the preliminaries of the Treaty of Paris: "It has been the most glorious war and it is now the most honorable peace this nation ever saw." CARUSO, ENRICO 1873-1921 The Neapolitan tenor and star of the Metropolitan Opera died of pleurisy in the city of his birth. The lungs that had produced such power were failing when he said: "Doro, I can't get my breath!" CARY, PHOEBE 1824-1871 The American poetess quoted one of her own poems: "One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er I am nearer home today Than I have ever been before."

CASANOVA, GIOVANNI JACOPO 1725-1798 According to some, he said: "I have lived as a philosopher; I die as a Christian." According to the Prince de Ligne, the great lover is supposed to have stayed in character with the remark: "Life is a wench that one loves, to whom we allow any condition in the world, so long as she does not leave us." CASSIUS, LONGINUS, CAIUS ?-42 B.C. From a hill at the Battle of Philippi, Cassius watched as Titinius, his scout, was enveloped in a group of approaching soldiers. He blamed himself for the apparent capture 60

saying: "Through too much fondness of life, I have lived to endure the sight of my friend taken by the enemy before my

face." He retired to his tent, where he was found by the arriving soldiers, his allies. He had been beheaded at his own order by a freedman. CASTLEREAGH, ROBERT STEWART, Viscount 1769-1822 In a fit of insanity he cut his throat with a penknife. To the doctor who vainly tried to save him he said: "Oh, Bankhead, it is all over."

CATHERINE THE GREAT or CATHERINE II, Empress of Russia 1729-1796 The empress arose as usual at six o'clock, drank her customary five cups of coffee, and then began the day's routine. She saw her lover and her secretary, gave him his orders, and then asked to be left alone for a moment. When the secretary re-entered her apartment, he found her unconscious before the door to the bathroom. She died the following evening. CATHERINE DE MEDICI 1519-1589 A master of intrigue, she felt that she had been outwitted by fate at the last. The name of her confessor was a name she had been warned to fear by a fortuneteller. "Ah! my God, I am dead!"

CATHERINE OF SIENA, SAINT 1347-1380 The patron saint of the Dominicans bore the tokens of God's favor in the form of Christ's Stigmata, which were 61

imprinted on her body. Her enthusiasm converted many and it was she who persuaded Pope Gregory XI to move back to Rome from Avignon for the sake of the Church. "No, I have not sought vainglory, but only the glory and praise of God."

CATO, MARCUS, the Censor 234 B.C.-149 B.C. On his deathbed Cato spoke of Scipio in terms of confidence that was not misplaced. "The only wise man of them all is he, The others e'en as shadows flit and flee."

CATO, MARCUS PORCIUS, the Younger 95 B.C.-46 B.C.

Cato refused to live under Caesar's tyranny. His last words were to his manservant: "Shut the door." When the servant left, Cato stabbed himself. His friends, hearing him fall, rushed to his aid and dressed the wound while he was still unconscious. Cato awoke in their absence, removed the dressing, and took out his intestines. The second attempt by the Roman Stoic was successful. It is also said that he said: "Now I am master of myself."

CAVELL, EDITH LOUISA 1865-1915 As a Red Cross nurse she assisted in the escape of Allied soldiers during World War I. She was condemned by a German court-martial and shot. "I know now that patriotism is not enough; I must have no hatred and bitterness toward anyone."

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CAVOUR, CAMILLO BENSO, Conte di 1810-1861 The Italian statesman spoke of Prussia and the American Civil War. Then gradually his voice began to fall. When Fra Giacomo was called, he grasped his hand and uttered: "Friar, friar, a Free Church in a Free State." An hour later he said: "Italy is made-all is safe."

CAZOTTE, JACQUES 1719-1792 The French writer defied the Jacobins from the shadows of the guillotine itself. "I die as I have lived, faithful to God and my King."

CERVANTES, MIGUEL DE 1547-1616 In wavering letters he penned his last thoughts: "Goodbye, all that is charming, goodly, wit and gaiety, goodbye, you merry friends, for I am dying and wishing to see you soon contented in another life!"

CEZANNE, PAUL 1839-1906 The painter in his delusion spoke the name of the curator of the Aix museum who had refused to display his work. "Pontier. Pontier!"

CHALAIS, HENRI DE TALLEYRAND DE 1599-1626

Convicted of treason against Richelieu, he spoke sharply to the executioner: "Do not keep me in suspense!"

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CHAMFORT, SEBASTIEN ROCH NICOLAS 1741-1794 A French revolutionary at a time when it was hazardous to confess any partisan feelings whatever, Chamfort was eventually arrested by the leaders of the Jacobins who had suffered from his rapier-like wit. Depressed as a result of his arrest, he attempted suicide, which was only temporarily unsuccessful. "Ah! my friend, at last I am about to leave this world, where the heart must be broken or be brass." CHAPMAN, JOHN JAY 1862-1933 The essayist was apparently delirious in his last moments. Plucking at his wife's fingers as though on a harp: "I want to take it away, I want to take it away!" "What, the pillow?" "No, the mute, the mute . . . I want to play on the

open strings!" CHARLEMAGNE 742-814 The King of the Franks was the first Christian emperor of the West. "Into Thy hands, Oh Lord, I commend my spirit." CHARLES I, King of England 1600-1649 The troubled monarch lost his throne with the success of Cromwell's leadership in the English Civil War. He was disposed to seek a more peaceful realm. When called to the scaffold for high treason: "Remember! . . . I go from a

Corruptible to an Incorruptible Crown where no disturbance can be, but Peace and Joy for evermore." CHARLES II, King of England 1630-1685 The "Merry Monarch" of the worst reign of England's history first said: "I have been a most unconscionable time 64

a-dying; but I hope you will excuse it." Then to James about his mistress, Nell Gwyn: "Don't let poor Nellie starve."

CHARLES VIII, King of France 1470-1498 Son and successor of Louis XI, he repeated: "I hope never again to commit a mortal sin, not even a venial one, if I can help it."

CHARLES XII, King of Sweden 1682-1718 Struck by a bullet while inspecting the trenches during an attack on Norway, he tried to bolster the courage of his troops. "Don't be afraid!"

CHARLOTTE AUGUSTA 1796-1817 Princess of Wales, given a hot toddy by the doctors: "They have made me tipsy . . . Stocky, Stocky!"

CHARMION, an attendant on Cleopatra ?-30 B.C. Octavian's messengers hurried to prevent Cleopatra's suicide, but were too late. One of them asked: "Was this well done of your lady, Charmion?" "Extremely well," she replied, "and as became the descendant of so many kings." So saying she fell dead at the bedside of her mistress.

CHATEAUBRIAND, RENE DE 1768-1848 The author of Atala and Reng was the precursor of the romantic school of literature in France. At eighty years of age, informed of the fighting in Paris where he was dying, he said: "I want to go there." 65

CHATTERTON, THOMAS 1752-1770 The young English poet's appearance shocked his landlady and, knowing that he had been living on one loaf of bread for a week, she asked him to eat with her. He refused. That night he went to the baker and asked for another loaf on credit, but was refused. Then-going to an apothecary, he was able to obtain some arsenic, saying he wanted to get rid of garret rats. Two days later, no sound having been heard from his room, the door was broken open and his body found amid torn manuscripts.

CHEKHOV, ANTON PAVLOVICH 1860-1904 Given a glass of champagne permitted by the doctor, he said: "I am dying . . . I haven't drunk champagne for a long time."

CHENIER, ANDRE MARIE DE 1762-1794 A French poet who at first supported the Jacobins, he later used his pen against them and became one of their victims. Recognizing a friend in the same tumbrel on the way to the guillotine, he recited: "Yes, since I find a friend so true, My fortune has an aspect new."

CHESTERFIELD, LORD, PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE 1694-1773 Ever the man of grace and manners, he welcomed a visitor for the last time. "Give Dayrolles a chair."

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CHESTERTON,

GILBERT K. 1874-1936

The creator of the Father Brown series, he became a Catholic in 1922. Any doubts he may have entertained were resolved at his death. "The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and every one must choose his side." CHOPIN, FREDERIC FRAN(;OIS

1810-1849

He asked for paper and a pen and, in a shaky hand, he wrote his last request: "The earth is suffocating . . . swear to make them cut me open, so that I won't be buried alive." On October 17, at two o'clock in the morning, the

doctor bent over his pillow and asked if he was in pain. "Not any more," he said. "Plus." JESUS CHRIST 0-33 "My God! my God! why hast Thou forsaken me? Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit . . . It is finished."

CHRISTINA, Queen of Sweden 1626-1689 The strong-willed daughter of Gustavus Adolphus succeeded her father on the throne, and what she lacked by nature she supplied with a title. She was crowned king in 1650. The epitaph she requested was simple. "Christina lived LXIII years."

CHRISTOPHER, SAINT ?-249 The patron saint of travelers was martyred under the Roman Emperor Decius. "I know, 0 king, that I shall be dead on the morrow. When I am dead, do thou, tyrant,

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make a paste of my blood, rub it upon thine eyes, and thou shalt recover thy sight." The miracle is said to have occurred.

CHRYSIPPUS,

280 B.C.-206 B.C. Laughing after an ass had eaten up his figs, the stoic said: "Now give it a drink of pure wine to wash down the figs."

CHRYSOGONUS, SAINT ?-304 "I adore the one God in heaven, and I spurn thy proffered dignities as clay."

CHUANG-TZU Fourth Century B.C. The Chinese philosopher, when asked about his burial replied: "Above ground, I shall be food for the kites; below I shall be food for mole-crickets and ants. Why rob one to feed the other?"

CHURCHILL, CHARLES 1731-1764 The poet and satirist led a short and dissipated life. He died of a fever while visiting the political reformer John Wilkes, who was in exile in France. "What a fool I have been!"

CHYTRAUS, DAVID ?-1600 The historian finished a self-imposed mission. "I have concluded the history of this century and put the finishing touches to it, and not another work will I write."

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CICERO, MARCUS TULLIUS 106 B.C.-43 B.C. After Caesar's death Cicero was placed on the list of the proscribed because of his bitter attacks on Antony. Old and feeble, he fled to his home at Formiae, pursued by the triumvir's soldiers. Overtaken while being carried on a litter, he raised his head to his captors and with calm courage said: "Here, veteran, if you think it right-strike!" CLAY, HENRY 1777-1852 The "Great Pacificator" died of tuberculosis, saying, "I believe, my son, I am going." Or, cording to other sources, "Now I lay me down to sleep . . ." CLEMENCEAU, GEORGES 1841-1929 The leader of France during World War I, he expressed his continued distrust of Germany by stating his wish to be: ". . . buried standing, facing Germany." CLEMENT, JACQUES 1567?-1589 By subterfuge the assassin obtained an appointment with Henry III, who was leading a Huguenot army against the Catholics. When he identified himself as a Dominican, he was asked if he dared to look an angry king in the face, to which he answered: "Yes, yes, yes, and kill him, too." He pulled a knife and mortally wounded the king and was himself dispatched by the guard.

CLEOPATRA

69B.c.-30B.c.

She committed suicide and, according to Plutarch, upon discovering the asp in a basket of figs, she said: "So here it is!"

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CLEVELAND, GROVER 1837-1908 Dying in retirement at Princeton, New Jersey, he said: "I have tried so hard to do right." CLIVE, ROBERT 1725-1774 The founder of the British Empire in India returned to England after a brilliant career, only to be attacked bitterly in Parliament and in the press. In later years, broken in health, addicted to opium, and given to fits of depression, he took his own life. Asked by a lady to fashion a pen, he said: "To be sle," and took out a penknife which he shortly turned on himself. COHAN, GEORGE M. 1878-1942 His death in 1942 is another of the reasons why songs of a more enduring nature were not produced in World War II. His last thoughts were of his wife. "Look after Agnes."

COLBERT, AUGUSTE, General 1777-1809 The French general was killed in a battle near Astorga, Spain, just after he replied to a suggestion that he take cover: "You are then very much afraid of dying today." COLERIDGE, SAMUEL TAYLOR 1772-1834 The poet had been supported by his friends for many years, but finally had recourse to his relatives to fulfill a last obligation. It is described in a letter, his last; ". . . I beg, expect, and would fain hope of them according to their means such a contribution as may suffice collectively for a hand70

some legacy for that most faithful, affectionate and disinterested servant, Harriet Macklin.* Henry can explain. I have never asked for myself. S. T. Coleridge." COLETTE (SIDONIE GABRIELLE CLAUDINE COLETTE) 1873-1954 According to her husband, the noted French writer rambled at the last: "To reach completion is to return to one's starting point . . . My instinctive bent which takes pleasures in curves and spheres and circles . . ." (for her very final words see Fadiifn foreword) COLIGNY, GASPARD DE 1519-1572 The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of the Huguenots, engineered by Catherine de' Medici, began with the murder of the Huguenot chief, Coligny. He had been wounded the day before as a result of a similar plot and greeted the predawn attacker with the words: "Young man, you ought to consider my age and my infirmity. But you will not make my life shorter." COLUMBUS, CHRISTOPHER 1451-1506 The discoverer died in poverty, still believing that the land he found by sailing West was the east coast of Asia. "Into Thy hands, 0 Lord, I commend my spirit." COMBE, ANDREW 1797-1847 The highly successful physician was also the recognized authority of the day in the field of physiology. "Happy, happy." * His

nurse.

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COMBE, GEORGE 1788-1858 The Scottish phrenologist said calmly: "From my present sensations, I should say I was dying-and I am glad of it." COMTE, AUGUSTE 1798-1857 The French positivist philosopher sighed about his imminent end: "What an irreparableloss!"

CONFUCIUS .551

B.C.-479 B.C.

"No intelligent Monarch arises; there is not one in the kingdom that will make me his master. My time has come to die." CONRAD, JOSEPH 1857-1924 Both he and his wife, Jessie, were ill. After a bad night he called early in the morning to her: "You Jess, I am better this morning. I can always get a rise out of you!" He died shortly after. COOKE, W. W., Lieutenant ?-1876 Custer's adjutant who died at the Little Bighorn wrote this message at Custer's direction: "Benteen-come onBig Village- Be Quick- Bring packs." COOLIDGE, CALVIN 1872-1933 As the twenty-ninth President of the United States went upstairs to shave, he briskly said: "Good morning, Robert," to the handy man. Shortly afterward Mrs. Coolidge found him dead on the bathroom floor. 72

COPLEY, JOHN SINGLETON "Happy, happy, supremely happy!"

1737-1815

CORBET, RICHARD 1582-1635 (see Fadiman foreword)

CORBULO, GNAEUS DOMITIUS ?-A.D. 67 One of Nero's ablest generals, he was suspected of being involved in a conspiracy against the emperor. He was given the privilege of taking his own life. The judgment he passed on himself: "Well deserved."

CORDAY (D'ARMONT), MARIE CHARLOTTE 1768-1793 Dressed in the red smock worn by murderers for their execution, the killer of Marat was driven to the Place de la Revolution in a cart. When the executioner tried to hide the sight of the guillotine from her, she leaned forward, saying: "I have a right to be curious. I have never seen one before." Then she mounted the steps to the guillotine and threw herself on the block.

COROT, JEAN BAPTISTE CAMILLE 1796-1875 One of the few painters who managed to achieve recognition and success during his lifetime: "In spite of myself I go on hoping . . . I hope with all my heart there will be painting in heaven." 73

COWPER, WILLIAM 1731-1800 English poet who suffered religious mania periodically during his lifetime died saying: "What does it signify?"

CRABBE, GEORGE 1754-1832 The English poet had acquired an Irish tradition: "All is well at last . . . ! You must make an entertainment . . . God bless you- God bless you!"

C R A G I E, P E A R L (pen name John Oliver Hobbes) 1867-1906 Telegram sent home at an intermediary point in a journey that ended in death when her train wrecked: "Excellent journey-crowded train-reachedhere by ninefondest love- Pearl."

CRANE, HART 1899-1932 His poetry was frequently obscure, but in the end his language was clear as he jumped overboard into the sea. "Good-bye, everybody!"

CRANE, STEPHEN 1871-1900 The terror of death, which he described so vividly in The Red Badge of Courage, was absent as the spectre approached him in the ultimate phase of tuberculosis. "Robert -when you come to the hedge-that we must all go overit isn't so bad. You feel sleepy-and you don't care. Just a little dreamy anxiety-which world you're really in-that's all."

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CRANMER, THOMAS 1489-1556 During his trial for treason and heresy the archbishop, fearing the death sentence, signed seven recantations of his faith. Brought to the stake to burn, he thrust his right hand into the flames. "This hand having sinned in signing the writing must be the first to suffer punishment! This hand hath offended!" CRANTOR Late Fourth Century B.C. The first commentator on Plato was asked where he wished to be buried. "Sweet in some corner of native soil to rest." CRATES, of Thebes Late Fourth Century B.C. On a pessimistic note the philosopher remained a cynic to the end: "You're going, noble hunchback, you are going to Pluto's realms, bent double by old age." CRAWFORD, FRANCIS MARION 1854-1909 The novelist said before dying: "I love to see the reflection of the sun on the bookcase." CREVEL, RENE 1901-1935 The surrealist poet committed suicide, leaving the note: "Je suis dggoatt de tout." CROLL, JAMES 1821-1890 The physicist relaxed his discipline and requested some good Scotch whisky. "I'll take a wee drop o' that. I don't think there's much fear o' me learning to drink now." 75

CROME, JOHN 1768-1821 The English landscape painter died speaking of a Dutch painter of the previous century. "Hobbema, my dear Hobbema, how I have loved you!" CROMWELL, OLIVER 1599-1658 The leader of the Independents during the English Civil War, diseased in body by a tertian fever and in spirit by grief for the death of his daughter, refused to feed either affliction. "It is not my design to drink or sleep; but my design is, to make what haste I can to be gone." CROMWELL, THOMAS 1485-1540 Adviser to Henry VIII, a risky business at best, Cromwell had done his utmost to protestantize England in order to increase the power of the king. He lost favor because of some poor marital advice and spoke from the scaffold before being beheaded. "The devil is ready to seduce us, and I have been seduced: but bear me witness that I die in the Catholic faith of the holy church, and I heartily desire you to pray for the king's grace that he may long live with you in health and prosperity, and after him that his son Prince Edward, that goodly imp, may long reign over you. And once again I desire you to pray for me, that so long as life remaineth in this flesh, I waver nothing in my faith." CROWFOOT, ISAPWO MUKSIKA ?-1890 The chief of the Blackfoot Confederacy, who for years had held his warriors in check, died speaking his last words to Father Doucet. He said: "A little while and I will be gone from among you, whither I cannot tell. From nowhere we come, into nowhere we go. What is life? It is a flash of a 76

firefly in the night. It is a breath of a buffalo in the winter time. It is as the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset." CRUMPTON, "BOOD" BOUDINET ?-1875 A Western outlaw hanged for a murder he committed while intoxicated, his last thoughts were of liquor: men, the next time you lift a glass of whiskey, I want you to look into the bottom of the glass and . a hangman's noose in it, like the one he dramatically to the one about to be placed

CUMMINGS, BRUCE FREDERIF 1889-1919 The English biologist was the author Disappointed Man, in which he describe( progress of his incurable disease. "The kind body has shown the Journal, and the fact tl understood its meaning have entirely changed my outlook. My horizon has cleared, my thoughts are tinged with sweetness, and I am content."

CURIE, MADAME MARIE SKLODOWSKA 1867-1934 She said to a doctor who came to give her an injection: "I don't want it. I want to be left alone."

CUSHING, HARVEY 1869-1939 With his last the eminent brain surgeon complimented his solicitous nephew, who had made him more comfortable. "Pat, you have the 'touch'-you're a good doctor." 77

CUVIER, GEORGES LEOPOLD Baron 1769-1832 The French geologist and zoologist said to his nurse, who was applying leeches: "Nurse, it was I who discovered that leeches have red blood."

CYRUS THE GREAT

600? B.C.-529 B.C. The King of Persia died during the conflict with a barbarian tribe to the east of the Caspian Sea. "Remember my last saying: show kindness to your friends, and then you shall have it in your power to chastise your enemies. Good-bye, my dear sons, bid your mother good-bye for me. And all my friends, who are here or far away, good-bye." CYRUS, the Younger 424? B.C.-401 B.C. Cyrus was killed in battle trying to wrest the throne of Persia from his brother, Artaxerxes. "Clear the way, villains, clear the way!" DAHLGREN, JOHN A. 1809-1870 The admiral was speaking to his attentive wife: "Madeleine, I will take nothing more until you go to your breakfast, which you must require." DALBERG, KARL VON 1744-1817 The German nobleman proposed a classic toast: "Love! Life . . . ! God's will!" DAMIEN, FATHER 1840-1889 The Catholic missionary to the leper colony at Molokai in the Hawaiian Islands died of the disease after twenty-five 78

years of labor among those afflicted unfortunates. "Well! God's will be done. He knows best. My work with all its faults and failures, is in His hands, and before Easter I shall see my Savior." DANTON, GEORGES JACQUES 1759-1794 At his farcical trial Danton treated his accusers with contempt. At the guillotine he maintained his composure. "Show my head to the people, it is worth it."

DARIUS III 380

B.C.-330 B.C.

His armies scattered by Alexander the Great, the fleeing Darius was fatally wounded and left for dead by one of his own satraps. Found dying, he received a drink from Alexander's soldiers and mourned the fact that he could give them nothing in return. "But Alexander, whose kindness to my mother, my wife, and my children I hope the gods will recompense, will doubtless thank you for your humanity to me. Tell him, therefore, in token of my acknowledgement, I give him this right hand." DARNLEY, HENRY STUART, Lord 1545-1567 The night he was murdered, in a plot of which his wife had knowledge, the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, read Psalm LV. "It is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonor, for them I could have borne it. It was even thou, my companion, my guide, and my own familiar friend." DARWIN, CHARLES 1809-1882 The great naturalist said calmly: "I am not the least afraid to die." 79

DAVENANT, SIR WILLIAM 1606-1668 The English poet and dramatist, apologizing because he could not finish a poem on which he was working, said: "I shall ask leave to desist, when I am interrupted by so great an experiment as dying."

DAVID, JACQUES LOUIS 1748-1825 The painter criticized a print of his Leonidas at Thermopylae, indicating blemishes. "Too dark . . . Too light . . . The dimming of the light is not well enough indicated . . . This place is blurred . . . However, I must admit, that's a unique head of Leonidas."

DA VINCI, LEONARDO 1452-1519 Leonardo died in the king's arms saying: "I have offended God and mankind because my work didn't reach the quality it should have."

DAVIS, JEFFERSON 1809-1889 When offered some medicine the Southern leader said: "Pray excuse me. I cannot take it."

DAVIS, RICHARD HARDING 1864-1916 The journalist died of angina pectoris prior to the entry of the United States into World War I, after writing so optimistically: "That France and her allies succeed should be the hope and prayer of every American. The fight they are waging is for the things the real unhyphenated American is supposed to hold most high and most dear. Incidentally, they are fighting his fight, for their success will later save him, unprepared as he is to defend himself, from a humiliating and terrible thrashing. And every word and act of his now that

80

helps the Allies is a blow against frightfulness, against despotism, and in behalf of a broader civilization, a nobler freedom, and a much more pleasant world in which to live."

DECATUR, STEPHEN 1779-1820 The courageous navy captain was killed in a duel with James Barron. The enmity stemmed from what Decatur considered to be questionable behavior during wartime on the part of Barron. In his last battle his words were more accurate than his gun. "I am mortally wounded, I think."

DEFOE, DANIEL 1660-1731 The author of Robinson Crusoe died in Popemakers' Alley, Moorfield, in April of 1731, saying: "I do not know which is more difficult in a Christianlife, to live well or to die well."

DEKKER, JOHN Artist and close associate of many Hollywood personalities, he was brought a mock strawberry plant in the hospital. Looking at the yellow blooms on the plant, he said: "The blossoms are the same color that Raphael used for the hair of his angels."

DEM ONAX Second Century A.D. The philosopher, refusing to be concerned about his exposure to vultures and dogs after his death: "l can see nothing out of the way about it, if even in death I am going to be of service to living things."

DEMOSTHENES 385? B.c.-322 B.c. When Athens was captured by Antipater, the orator took refuge in Poseidon's temple, where he ate poison rather 81

than be taken by the enemy. "Now, as soon as you please, you may commence the part of Creon in the tragedy, and cast out this body of mine unburied. But, 0 gracious Poseidon, I, for my part while I am yet alive will rise up and depart out of this sacred place, though Antipater and the Macedonians have not left so much as thy temple unpolluted." DESCARTES, RENE 1596-1650 The philosopher died tranquilly in Sweden from an inflammation of the lungs. "My soul, thou hast long been held captive; the hour has now come for thee to quit thy prison, to leave the trammels of this body; suffer, then, this separation with joy and courage." DESMOULINS, CAMILLE 1760-1794 For advocating moderation the journalist was executed with Danton. Producing a lock of his wife's hair, he made a last request: "Thus, then, the first apostle of Liberty ends! Have this sent to my mother-in-law . . . ! 0 my poor wife!" DESMOULINS, LUCIL E 1771-1794 The courageous Mme. Desmoulins died for her husband's principles after reminding another prisoner of the protocol with which royalty is greeted: "You insulted Antoinette when she was in the tumbrel; that does not surprise me. Had you not better keep a little of your courage to brave another queen, Death, to whom we are hastening?"

DE STA•L, GERMAINE,Madame 1766-1817 When a friend asked: "Now, are you going to go to sleep?" she replied: "Heavily, like a big peasant woman." 82

DE VEGA, LOPE FELIX 1562-1635 The Spanish dramatic poet and founder of the national Spanish drama said: "True glory is in virtue. Ah, I would willingly give all the applause I have received to have performed one good action more."

DEWEY, GEORGE, Admiral 1837-1917 The heroic admiral in his delirium relived a victorious battle while he lost another. "Gentlemen, the battle . . . is . . .done. The victory . . . is . . . ours."

DICKENS, CHARLES 1812-1870 The author died suddenly, saying to those trying to assist him to a couch: "On the ground!"

DICKINSON, EMILY 1830-1886 The eminent poetess is supposed to have said: "l must go in, for the fog is rising." Another version says that she

spoke: "Oh, is that all it is!" Unfortunately, she was referring to a glass of water and not to the process of dying. DIDEROT, DENIS 1813-1884 Upon a reproof from his wife for eating an apricot, the man of encyclopedic knowledge demanded the source of her intuition. "But what the devil do you think that will do to me,"

he said and died of apoplexy. Another version: "The first step toward philosophy is incredulity."

DIGBY, SIR EVERARD (see Fadiman foreword) 83

1578-1606

D I O G E N E S Fifth Century B.C. Greek critic and philosopher who strangled himself under a tree on the way to a festival because he felt that he would not recover from a fever, was asked by Xeniades: "How do you want to be buried?" "Face downward," he replied. "Why?" "Because everything will shortly be turned upside down." DISRAELI, ISAAC 1761-1848 Maurois describes his end thusly: "In days gone by he had written that a man must go proudly up to face death. Insistently he asked to be told whether he was dying, and added: 'I should prefer to live, but I am not afraid of dying.' He watched his own agony with the detachment of an artist. Never had his patience been greater; it charmed all those who surrounded him. Lying stretched out there, he corrected with difficulty the proofs of his last speech: 'I will not go down to posterity talking bad grammar.' To the last he retained his hatred for prosaic comfort. A nurse wanted to give him support by putting an air cushion behind his back. 'No, no,' he murmured, 'take away that emblem of mortality.' "On April 19th, about two in the morning, Dr. Kidd saw that the end was drawing near. Lord Rowton was there, holding the right hand of the motionless body. Suddenly the dying man slowly straightened up his head and shoulders, throwing back the shoulders with a movement which the astonished bystanders recognized as that familiar to him when, rising in the House, he was about to speak. His lips moved. His friends leaned over him, but could catch no word. He fell back and did not emerge again from his sleep." Clifton Fadiman noted his end as a reply to a suggestion that Queen Victoria attend his deathbed: "Why should I see her? She will only want to give a message to Albert." 84

DOLET, ETIENNE 1509-1546 The French renaissance martyr was burned at the stake for his heresy; not for his puns. "This is not doleful for Dolet, but it means dole for the good people."

DOLLFUSS, ENGELBERT 1892-1934 The Austrian chancellor was assassinated by the Nazis. "Children, you are so good to me. Why aren't the others? I have only desired peace-we have never attacked anybodywe have always had to defend ourselves. May God forgive them."

DOMINIC, SAINT 1170-1221 "Let not my departure in the flesh trouble you, my sons, and doubt not that I shall serve you better than alive."

DONNE, JOHN

1573-1631

As the author of the lines about the tolling bell lay dying, he had macabre fancies. He had himself painted in a shroud, his eyes shut, and his face rigid as though already in rigor mortis, and when the picture was finished he kept it at his bedside . . . "his hourly object until his death." The

Lord's Prayer was the last to leave his lips: "I were miserable if I might not die . . . Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.

DOSTOEVSKY, FEDOR MIKHAILOVICH

1821-1881 Russian novelist, journalist, and short-story writer. Owing to the hardships experienced as an epileptic, and as one obsessed with gambling, owing, as well, to the experiences 85

endured in a Siberian labor camp and through an unhappy marriage, he had great psychological perceptiveness that enabled him to transcend and communicate in his works, which are characterized by an overwhelming pity for man and his acknowledgment of the dualistic, irrational nature of man. (see Fadiman foreword)

DOUGLAS, SIR HOWARD, General 1776-1861 The artillery expert had little respect for passive defense. "All that I have said about armored ships will prove correct. How little do they know of the undeveloped power of artillery!"

DOUGLAS, STEPHEN A. 1813-1861 When asked if there were any instructions he wished to leave for his sons, the senator left no room for debate. "Tell them to obey the laws and support the constitution of the United States."

DOWSON, ERNEST 1867-1900 The tubercular English poet said to Mrs. Robert Sherard: "You are like an angel from heaven. God bless you."

DOYLE, SIR ARTHUR CONAN 1859-1930 Speaking to his wife, he said: "You are wonderful!"

DRAYTON, MICHAEL 1563-1631 The English poet spent his last efforts in tribute to his love, Anne Rainsford: 86

"So all my thoughts are pieces but of you, Which put together make a glass so true, As I therein no other's face but yours can view."

DREXEL, ANTHONY J., III 1826-1893 He was exhibiting a pistol to a friend. The demonstration was complete. "Here's one you've never seen before . .

DRUSUS, MARCUS LIVIUS ?-109 B.C. The modest tribune failed to influence his assassin. "When will the republic find again a citizen like me?"

DU BARRY, JEANNE BECU,Comtesse 1743-1793 Mistress of Louis XV, in her last hours she hoped to save her life by revealing the hiding place of her treasures, but to no avail. When taken to be guillotined, she collapsed and had to be carried to the block. She awoke for a moment, threw herself at the executioner: "Give me just a few moments more-" but he tore her away and threw her face down on the plank. "You are going to hurt me! Oh, please don't hurt me!" One fearful scream shrilled through the dusk and the knife fell. DUBOS, JOHN BAPTISTE 1670-1742 The French abb6, a diplomat and an historian, said: "Death is a law and not a punishment. Three things ought to console us for giving up life: the friends whom we have lost, the few persons worthy of being loved whom we leave behind us, and finally the memory of our stupidities and the assurance that they are now going to stop." 87

DUCOS, JEAN FRANCOIS 1765-1793 The leading French Girondist to be guillotined said: "The Convention has forgotten one decree

.

.

A decree on

the indivisibility of heads and bodies."

D U D L E Y, J O H N, Duke of Northumberland 1502-1553 The duke was beheaded for his part in the conspiracy to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne. "I have deserved a thousand deaths."

DUMAS, ALEXANDRE, Pere 1802-1870 Talking to his son about Monte Cristo, the author became tearful. "I shall never know how it all comes out," he moaned. Alexandre fils choked back his tears. "Papa," he said. "Papa." "Yes, Son," Dumas said in a faraway voice. "Forgive me, Papa. Forgive me!" "What for, my boy?" his father asked, as if an explanation were possible. He then sank into a coma from which he never awoke. It is also reported that he asked his son: "Tell me, on your soul and conscience, do you believe that anything of mine will live?"

DUNCAN, ISADORA 1878-1927 The famous dancer suffered fatal injuries in Nice when her scarf caught in the wheel of the car she was riding in. "Adieu, my friends, I go on to glory!"

DUSE, ELEANORA 1859-1924 One of the greatest actresses of all time, she died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saying: "We must stir ourselves. 88

Move on! Work! Work! Cover me! Must move on! Must work! Cover me!"

DUVEEN, LORD JOSEPH 1869-1939 The commercial giant of the art world died at Claridge's Hotel in London after a lengthy illness during which doctors had repeatedly told him he had only months to live. His last words were to his nurse: "Well, I fooled 'em for five years!"

DWIGHT, TIMOTHY 1751-1817 Perhaps his incentive to continue the struggle to live was removed in the completion of his last manuscript. He put the finishing touches on Evidences of Divine Revelation, saying: "There, I have done."

EARHART, AMELIA 1898-1937 These words are taken from a letter to her husband written just before attempting the flight across the Pacific. "Please know that I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others."

EASTMAN, GEORGE 1854-1932 The founder of the Eastman Kodak Company left a suicide note: "To my friends: My work is done. Why wait? G.E."

EDDY, MARY BAKER 1821-1910 The founder of Christian Science. "God is my life." 89

EDISON, THOMAS ALVA 1847-1931 Coming out of a coma, the inventor paused briefly between two worlds. "It is very beautiful over there."

EDWARD I, King of England 1239-1307 The English monarch, son of Henry III, died on an expedition to Scotland against Robert the Bruce. He told his soldiers: "Carry my bones before you on your march, for the rebels will not be able to endure the sight of me, alive or dead."

EDWARD VII, King of England 1841-1910 The successor to Queen Victoria earned the sobriquet "Edward the Peacemaker" by dint of a determination that sustained him to the end. "No, I shall not give in; I shall go on; I shall work to the end."

EGALITE, PHILIPPE (Louis Philippe Joseph) 1747-1793 Liberal in views, a reformer and friend of common people, he aided the French Revolution, renouncing his title and assuming the name Egalit6; sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Tribunal, he said to the executioner, who was about to remove his boots: "Tush, they will come ofi better after. Let us have done."

ELDON, JOHN SCOTT, Lord 1751-1838 To a comment on the weather, the chancellor answered: "It matters not to me, where I am going, whether the weather here be hot or cold." 90

ELIOT, CHARLES W. 1834-1926 The long-lived educator said; "I see Mother." ELIOT, GEORGE (MaryAnn Evans) 1819-1880 The author of Adam Bede and Silas Marner said: "Tell them I have great pain in the left side." ELIOT, JOHN 1604-1690 The last remark of this member of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was: "Welcome Joy!" ELISABETH,Madame 1764-1794 She was executed with her brother, Louis XVI. On the scaffold her fichu dropped, at which she exclaimed: "In the name of your mother, monsieur, cover me!" ELIZABETH I, Queen 1533-1603 The queen silenced the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had been enumerating for her the great achievements of her reign. "My Lord, the crown which I have borne so long has given enough of vanity in my time. I beseech you not to augment it in this hour when I am so near my death." It is also said she commented: "All my possessions for a moment of time." Both seem too good to be true, unfortunately. ELLIS, HENRY HAVELOCK 1859-1939 The British scientist and researcher on the psychology of sex said, "You must go to bed, you are so tired and I feel better. Perhaps I may sleep a little . . . I shall ring if I need you." 91

EMERSON, RALPH WALDO 1803-1882 Speaking to Bronson Alcott, he said: "Goodbye my friend." On his gravestone in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, Massachusetts, are words from his own pen: "The passive master lent his hand To the vast Soul that o'er him planned."

EMMET, ROBERT 1778-1803 The Irish patriot was unsuccessful in his attempt to seize Dublin Castle and was captured by the British afterward when he returned to see his sweetheart, Sarah Curran. When the hangman asked if he was ready, he answered slowly and incompletely: "Not . . ."

ENGHIEN, LOUIS ANTOINE HENRI DE BOURBON-CONDt, Duc d' 1772-1804 Facing Napoleon's firing squad: "Let's go, my friends."

EPAMINONDAS

418 B.C.-362 B.C. The greatest of Theban generals and statesmen, he was mortally wounded at the battle of Mantineia. Pulling the javelin out, he said: "Now it is time to die." EPICURUS 341 B.C.-270 B.C. The works of Epicurus survive mainly in the writing of Lucretius, making it evident that his last advice to his pupils was followed. "Now farewell, remember all my words."

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ERASMUS, DESIDERIUS 1469?-1536 According to Stefan Zweig, Erasmus, who thought, spoke, and wrote in Latin all his life, said his last words in German: "Dear Godl" EULER, LEONHARD 1707-1783 Swiss mathematician known for his work on analytical mathematics and mechanics and who was given the honors of being invited to teach in their respective countries by Frederick the Great and by Catherine I of Russia. (see Fadiman foreword) EVANS, DANIEL 1854-1875 Accused of murder, he was hanged with five others. Asked if he had anything to say, he looked over the crowd that had gathered and said: "There are worse men here than me." FAIRBANKS, DOUGLAS 1883-1939 The swashbuckling actor asserted: "I've never felt better!"-and died. Inscribed on the white marble sarcophagus at the head of a 125-foot lagoon in Hollywood Cemetery are the words from Hamlet: "Good-night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." FILLMORE, MILLARD 1800-1874 The thirteenth President of the United States said: "The nourishment is palatable."

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FISCHER, ADOLF 1.848-1886 An instigator of the Haymarket riots, he was hanged. "Don't draw it too tight. I can't breathe . . . Long live Anarchy . . . This is the happiest moment of my life."

FITZGERALD, FRANCIS SCOTT KEY 1896-1940 The American novelist was talking to Sheila Graham in the Garden of Allah Hotel in Hollywood as he made notes on the margin of an article: "I'm going to Schwab's to get some ice cream." "But you might miss the doctor-," she said, "if it's something sweet you want, I've got some Hershey bars." "Good enough. They'll be fine," he replied. Suddenly he started up out of the chair, grasped the mantel, then fell to the floor unconscious. He died shortly after. FLAVUS, SUBRIUS First Century A.D. Condemned for plotting against Nero, the Roman was told by the executioner to be resolute. "I wish that your stroke may be as resolute!" FOCH, FERDINAND, Marshal 1851-1929 The old soldier said: "Let us go." FONTENELLE, BERNARD DE 1657-1757 The hundred-year-old French man of letters replied to a question from his physician: "I feel nothing except a certain difficulty in continuing to exist." FOOT, SOLOMON 1802-1866 Senator and master of parliamentary law. "What, can this be death? Is it come already? . . . I see it! I see it!

The gates are wide open! beautiful! beautiful!" 94

FOOTE, ANDREW HULL, Rear Admiral 1806-1863 An American naval officer, who broke the Confederate defenses along the Mississippi in 1862. "We will have them, North and South . . . The colored people. Yes, we will have them . . . We must have charity-charity--charity."

FORRESTAL, JAMES V. 1892-1949 Having written down a question of Sophocles, the Secretary of Defense committed suicide. ". . . Woe to the mother, in her close of day, Woe to her desolate heart, and temples gray, When she shall hear Her loved one's story whispered in her ear: 'Woe, woe!' Will be the cry,No quiet murmur like the tremulous wail-"

FOSTER, STEPHEN 1826-1864 The writer of "Old Black Joe" and "O Susanna" had a note in his pocket that was discovered shortly after he died in the charity ward at Bellevue: "Dear friends and gentle hearts . . ."

FOX, GEORGE 1624-1691 The founder of the Quakers died at a religious meeting. "I am glad I was here. Now I am clear, I am fully clear! . . . All is well; the seed of God reigns over all and over death itself. And though I am weak in body, yet the power of God is over all, and the Seed reigns over all disorderly spirits."

FRANCE, ANATOLE 1844-1924 The celebrated man of letters departed as he had come. "Maman!" 95

FRANCIS OF ASSISI, SAINT 1182-1226 The outward symbols of his inner grace were visited upon him in the form of the stigmata. "Welcome, sister death." FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN 1706-1790 Poor Richard delivered his last aphorism when his daughter urged him to roll over that he might breathe more easily. He said: "A dying man can do nothing easy." Franklin had earlier written an epitaph for himself in the language of the profession in which he took such pride: "The Body of Benjamin Franklin, Printer, Like the Covering of an old Book, Its Contents torn out, And stript of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies here, Food for Worms; But the Work shall not be lost, It will (as he believed) appear once more, In a new and more beautiful Edition, Corrected and amended By the Author." FREDERICK THE GREAT 1712-1786 King of Prussia, admired as a "benevolent despot" and for his penal and legal reforms and for his encouragement of the arts, heard the clock strike while dying and only half conscious. "What o'clock?" he asked. "Eleven, sir." "At four I shall rise," he replied. "Throw a quilt over it," he ordered when he saw one of his dogs shivering. Then he had a severe coughing fit and in his delirium (according to Moore) murmured: "Now the mountain is passed. Now we will go better."

96

FREDERICK WILLIAM I, King of Prussia 1688-1740 Quoting from Job, the priest said to the Prussian King: "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither." The king replied: "No, not quite naked. I shall have my uniform on," and died.

FREUD, SIGMUND 1856-1939 According to Dr. Ernst Jones: "On September 19, 1 was sent for to say goodbye to him and called him by name as he dozed. He opened his eyes, recognized me and waved his hand, then dropped it with a highly expressive gesture that conveyed a wealth of meaning: greetings, farewell, resignation. It said as plainly as possible: 'The rest is silence!' There was no need to exchange a word. In a second he fell asleep again. On September 21, Freud said to his doctor: 'My dear Schur, you remember our first talk. You promised me that you would help me when I could no longer carry on. It is only torture now and it has no longer any sense.' Schur passed his hand and promised he would give him adequate sedation. Freud thanked him adding, after a moment of hesitation: 'Tell Anna about our talk.' There was no emotionalism or self-pity, only reality-an impressive and unforgettable scene. "The next morning Schur gave Freud a third of a grain of morphine. For someone at such a point of exhaustion as Freud was, and so complete a stranger to opiates, that small dose sufficed. He sighed with relief and sank into a peaceful sleep; he died just before midnight the next day, September 23, 1939. Freud died as he had lived . . . a realist."

97

FROEBEL, FRIEDRICH 1782-1852 Against the doctor's orders the German educator insisted that he be placed before an open window. "My friend, I have peeked at lovely Nature all my life. Permit me to pass my last hours with this enchanting mistress."

FROHMAN, CHARLES 1860-1915 The producer of Peter Pan paraphrased a line from Barrie's play ("To die will be an awfully big adventure!"). As the Lusitania was sinking he consoled a group of friends with: "Why fear death? Death is only a beautiful adventure." GABLE, CLARK 1901-1960 The actor's last spoken words were routine ones to his nurse, for one suffering from a heart attack. His last words on the screen, however, were in The Misfits, completed just a few days earlier. When Marilyn Monroe asked: "How do you find your way back in the dark?" Gable replied, indicating the heavens: "Just head for the big star straight on. The highways under it take us right home." GADSDEN, CHRISTOPHER, Reverend 1724-1805 "I am reaching toward my inheritance." GAINSBOROUGH, THOMAS 1727-1788 The painter said: "We are all going to heaven, and Van Dyck is of the company." GALBA, SERVIUS SELPICIUS 5 "Strike, if it be for the good of Rome." 98

B.C.-A.D.

69

GALOIS, EVARISTE 1811-1832 The French mathematician was shot through the intestines in a duel. He said to his sobbing younger brother: "Don't cry. I need all my courage to die at twenty." GAMBETTA, LEON 1838-1882 The French statesman was startled when a friend, who heard that the premier's illness was going to be fatal, passed out on the floor. "Good heavens! Has he hurt himself?" GANDHI, MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND 1869-1948 When the Indian political leader was assassinated, he murmured: "Oh, God." GARDINER, ALLEN F. 1794-1851 The naval commander turned missionary wrote this letter before starving to death in Patagonia. "My dear Mr. Williams, The Lord has seen fit to call home another of our little company. Our dear departed brother left the boat on Tuesday at noon, and has not since returned; doubtless he is in the presence of his Redeemer, whom he served so faithfully. Yet a little while, and through grace we may join the blessed throng to sing the praises of Christ throughout eternity. I neither hunger nor thirst, though five days without food! Marvelous loving kindness to me a sinner! Your affectionate brother in Christ, Allen F. Gardiner September 6, 1851." GARDINER, STEPHEN 1483-1555 The Bishop of Winchester made a renouncement of papal authority during the reign of Henry VIII. Under more 99

favorable circumstances he resumed his religion, but the guilt of having left it under stress pursued him to the grave. "l have denied with Peter, I have gone out with Peter, but not yet have I wept with Peter."

GARIBALDI, GUISEPPE 1807-1882 The Italian patriot indicated the two birds playing on the window sill: "Feed them when I am gone."

GARRICK, DAVID 1717-1779 The great actor said: "Oh dear!"

GARRICK, MRS. DAVID 1724-1822 A Viennese dancer, she was shunned by many of her husband's friends and developed a lasting spirit of independence. Accepting a cup of tea from the solicitous hands of a servant, she said: "Put it down, hussy! Do you think I cannot help myself?"

GASPARIN, AGEMOR DE 1810-1871 His wife wished to follow him up the steps: "No, you know I like to have you go before me."

GAUGUIN, PAUL 1848-1903 The painter dying in the South Seas, appealed to a missionary for help. "Dear Monsieur Vernier: Would it be troubling you too much to ask you to come to see me? My eyesight seems to be going and I cannot walk. I am very ill. P.G." He was found dead later. 1(0

GELLERT, CHRISTIAN F. 1715-1769 The German poet asked how long he had to live and was told an hour. "God be praised-only one more hour!" GEORGE IV, King of England 1762-1830 Calling to his page: "Wally! What is this? . death. They have deceived me."

..

It is

GEORGE V, King of England 1865-1936 Members of the Privy Council were awaiting the initials of the king on some documents. "Gentlemen, I am sorry for keeping you waiting like this-I am unable to concentrate." GIDE, ANDRE 1869-1951 The French writer said: "C'est bien." GILBERT, SIR HUMPHREY 1539-1583 The navigator's ship foundered and went down on the return trip from Newfoundland, where he had established the English colony at St. John's. With the decks of the Squirrel awash, he continued his efforts to raise the spirits of his men. "We're as near to Heaven by sea as by land!" GILBERT, SIR WILLIAM SCHWENCH 1836-1911 At the age of seventy-five Sullivan's famed collaborator went for a swim in a lake with two young women, when one became frightened. Sir William swam to her saying: "Put your hands on my shoulders and don't struggle." He died immediately of a heart attack from the exertion, but the girl was saved. 101

GITANILLO DE TRIANA 1903-1931 When his femoral artery was severed by a Spanish bull, the matador told his father: "Don't cry, little papa. You remember how bad the automobile thing was and they all said we wouldn't get over it? This is going to be the same way. But tell them to moisten my mouth. Just moisten my mouth a little." GOEBBELS, JOSEPH

1897-1945

Having just had his children murdered by lethal injections, the nazi propaganda expert called his adjutant. "Schwaegermann, this is the worst treachery of all. The generals have betrayed the Fuehrer. Everything is lost. I shall die together with my wife and family. You will burn our bodies. Can you do that?" GOETHE, JOHANN WOLFGANG VAN

1749-1832 The great German writer died peacefully in his armchair in the presence of relatives and friends. "More Light!" GOGH, VINCENT VAN 1853-1890 "Don't weep," he said to his brother after shooting himself. "What I have done was best for all of us. No use. I shall never be rid of this depression." Another version: "Now I want to go home." GOLDSBY, CRAWFORD,knownasCHEROKEE BILL 1876-1896 The Oklahoma desperado was hanged for murder. At the gallows one of the guards asked him if he had anything to say. "No, I came here to die, not to make a speech," he 102

retorted. Then soon after calling: "Goodbye" to the crowd, he turned to one of the guards and said: "The quicker this thing's over the better." He stepped on the hinged planks and was dead. GOLDSMITH, OLIVER 1728-1774 The British poet, playwright, and novelist was ruined by dissipation; his health giving way, he called for professional assistance, but it was too late. "Is your mind at ease?" he was asked. "No, it is not," he replied, and died. GOMPERS, SAMUEL 1850-1924 The elderly labor leader praised the country of his greatest successes. "God bless our American institutions. May they grow better day by day." GORDON, "CHINESE" CHARLES 1833-1885 First known for his daring leadership of the armies of the Imperial Chinese Government, the Englishman was killed in the Egyptian Sudan by the Mahdi. Gordon's servant told him the Arabs had broken in. He seized an ax-ran toward the fortifications, but was too late. He threw the ax away, walked back to the palace, and waited on the topmost step. The Arabs suddenly appeared and looked at the unarmed man. "Where is the Mahdi?" Gordon asked. No answer. He repeated himself. The leader of the group leaped forward, raised his spear, crying: "O cursed one, your time is come!" and the spear struck. GRANT, ULYSSES S. 1822-1885 What the general thought was a sore throat was a cancer at the base of his tongue. "Water!" 103

GRAY, THOMAS 1716-1771 (see Fadiman foreword) GREEN, JOSEPH HENRY ?-1863 Looking up at the doctor, the English surgeon and metaphysician said: "Congestion." Then he felt his own pulse and remarked: "Stopped," and died. GREGOIRE, HENRI 1750-1831 The Bishop of Blois was delirious at the time. "Monsieur Baradere, I have been tormented for eight days; I see a whole population of blacks isolated on an island which serves as their refuge. They are going to die of hunger ! I was told that some Protestantsand Jews came to see me; although they are not of my church, I desire to make acknowledgements to them . . . Let someone send theological books to Haiti. The poor Haitians . . . ! I see that my last hour has come . . . Do not desert me in my last moments!" GREGORY VII, Pope 1020-1085 As Pope he attempted to establish the supremacy of the Church over temporal law in Christian societies. Emperor Henry IV of Germany opposed him in this and eventually drove the Pope from Rome into exile in Salerno. "l have loved righteousness and hated iniquity, and therefore I die in exile." GRENVILLE, SIR RICHARD 1541-1591 The commander was master of the Revenge in Lord Thomas Howard's squadron of six vessels when it fell in with 104

fifty-three Spanish sail. The English admiral fled and made good his escape with the four other ships. Grenville gave battle. The battle raged from the middle of the afternoon until the next morning, when the Revenge was captured. It had beaten off fifteen Spanish ships in turn, sunk two, disabled two more, inflicted two thousand casualties not counting wounded, but it had spent its powder and suffered forty per cent casualties. The commander died of his wounds aboard a Spanish vessel. "Here I die, Richard Grenville, with a joyful and a quiet mind, for that I have ended my life as a good soldier ought to do, who has fought for his country, Queen, religion and honor. Wherefore my soul most joyfully departeth out of this body, and shall always leave behind it an everlasting fame of a valiant and true soldier, who hath done his duty, as he was bound to do. But the others of my company have done as traitors and dogs, for which they shall be reproached all their lives, and leave a shameful name forever." GREY, LADY JANE 1537-1554 Queen of England for nine days, she was beheaded. At the guillotine she said to the executioner: "I pray you dispatch me quickly. Will you take it [her head] off before I lay me down?" "No, madam," he said. She bound the handkerchief over her eyes-then she lost consciousness of where she was and asked: "Where is it? What shall I do? Where is it?" Then, led to the block, she cried out: "I die in peace with all people; God save the Queen!"

GRIEG, EDVARD 1843-1907 The Norwegian composer prepared himself resignedly but not without a certain wistfulness. "Well, if it must be so." 105

GRONTOFT ?-1922 This wireless operator of a Norwegian freighter wired to the Estonia coming to the rescue- "We are sinking stern first. The boats are smashed. Can't hold out longer. -The skipper dictated that, he ought to know. Where did I put my hat? Sorry we couldn't wait for you. Pressing business elsewhere. Skaal."

GROTIUS, HUGO 1583-1645 The father of modem science and international law became very ill after an arduous sea voyage. A clergyman was called and after he said a prayer, Grotius replied: "I hear your voice well, but I understand with difficulty what you say."

GUITEAU, CHARLES JULIUS 1840-1882 The assassin of President Garfield, a lawyer who had become incensed at the rejection of his application for a consulate position in Marseille, said on the scaffold: "Glory, hallelujah! Glory!"

GUNTHER, JOHN, JR. 1929-1947 The son of the American author died of a brain tumor. In the diary he kept all through his illness, the last words written inside the back cover were noted after his mother had told him the story of the ancient Hebrew toast "L'chaim." His notation: "Hebrew Toast: Le Hy-eem-To Life." Then, as a brain hemorrhage occurred, he murmured: "Mother," and then: "Father."

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HADRIAN, Emperorof Rome 76-138 The emperor speculated pessimistically on his future. "O blithe little soul, flitting away, Guest and comrade of this my clay, Whither now goest thou, to what place, Bare and ghastly and without grace? Nor, as thy wont was, joke and play."

HALE, NATHAN 1755-1776 Captured behind British lines during the American Revolution, he was hanged as a spy on Long Island. Scoffing at death upon the scaffold, he quoted from Addison's Cato: "What a pity it is that we can die but once to serve our country." Impressed by his fortitude, British General Howe gave orders to keep secret his manner of going so "that the rebels should not know they had a man in their army who could die with so much firmness."

HALLECK, FITZ-GREENE 1790-1867 Speaking to his sister: "Maria, hand me my pantaloons, if you please."

HALLER, ALBRECHT VON 1708-1777 The Swiss physiologist checked his own pulse as it began to fail: "Now I am dying. The artery ceases to beat." HALLIBURTON, RICHARD 1900-1939 The colorful American writer, explorer, flyer, mountain climber, and swimmer was on his last swashbuckling adventure, attempting to sail a Chinese junk from Hong Kong to 107

San Francisco when the ship foundered. The last message from the vessel was a radio message to the liner President Coolidge: "Southerly gales, squalls, lee rail underwater, wet bunks, hard tack, bully beef, wish you were here-instead of me!"

HAMERTON, PHILIP GILBERT 1834-1894 It is hoped that the writer found the place of which he spoke in his last essay. "If I indulge my imagination in dreaming about a country where justice and right would always surely prevail, where the weak would never be oppressed, nor an honest man incur any penalty for his honesty-a country where no animal would ever be ill-treated or killed, otherwise than in mercy-that is truly ideal dreaming, because, however far I travel, I shall not find such a country in the world, and there is not any record of such a country in the authentic history of mankind."

HAMILTON, ALEXANDER 1757-1804 Shot by Aaron Burr, he instructed his sobbing wife: "Remember, my Eliza, you are a Christian."

HANNIBAL

247 B.C.-183 B.C.

The Carthaginian general living in exile was pursued by the Romans and eventually took poison to avoid being captured. "Let us ease the Romans of their continual dread and care, who think it long and tedious to await the death of a hated old man. Yet Titus will not bear away a glorious victory, nor one worthy of those ancestors who sent to caution Pyrrus, an enemy, and a conqueror too, against the poison prepared for him by traitors." 108

HARDING, WARREN 1865-1923 The twenty-eighth President of the United States was resting in his bed in a San Francisco hotel. His wife was reading to him from The Saturday Evening Post. It was an article entitled "A Calm View of a Calm Man," in praise of the President. "That's good. Go on. Read some more," he said. Suddenly a convulsive tremor came on him and he died. HAROUN AL-RASHID 764-809 During a military campaign against rebels in Khorassen, the caliph died of apoplexy. "Sahl, remember in a moment like this what the poet has said- 'Descended from a race so great, I firmly bear the hardest fate."'

HARRIS, JOEL CHANDLER 1848-1908 The creator of the Uncle Remus stories was asked if his condition had improved any. "l am about the extent of a tenth of a gnat's eyebrow better."

HARRISON, THOMAS, General 1606-1660 In the English Civil War the general signed the death warrant of King Charles I. At the time of the Restoration he refused to flee the country or compromise his principles. He was hanged, drawn and quartered. "He hath covered my head many times in the day of battle. By God I have leaped over a wall; by God I have run through a troop; and by my God I will go through this death, and He will make it easy to me. Now into Thy hands, 0 Lord Jesus, I commit my spirit."

HASTINGS, WARREN

1732-1818

"Surely at my age it is time to go . . . God only can do me good . . . My dear, why wish me to live to suffer thus? None of you know what I suffer." 109

HAVELOCK, SIR HENRY 1795-1857 The British general died of dysentery a week after the relief of the siege of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny. "Come, my son, and see how a Christian can die." HAWKER, ROBERT STEPHEN 1803-1875 The English poet who spent many of his years in work for the Church of England became a Catholic some twelve hours before his death. "His banner over me was love." FRANZ JOSEPH, Emperor of Austria 1830-1916 The Austrian emperor died singing: "God preserve the emperor." HAYDN, FRANZ JOSEPH 1732-1809 The composer died in Vienna at the age of seventyseven. "Cheer up, children, I'm all right." HAYDON, BENJAMIN ROBERT 1786-1846 Haydon, a British artist, was a bad painter but a superb portraitist in words. In the diary he kept for over twenty-six years he gives an account of himself, his few ups and downs, and of his friends, that has become a classic of its kind. The entry for June 22, 1846, when Haydon was in his sixtieth year, reads: "God forgive me. Amen. Finish of B. R. Haydon. Stretch me no longer on this rough world." On that day he was found slumped over his diary with his throat cut. The quote he was paraphrasing is ". . . 0, let him pass! He hated him that would upon the rack of this tough world stretch him out longer." King Lear.

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HAYES, RUTHERFORD B. 1822-1893 The nineteenth President was thinking of his beloved wife as he died. "l know that I am going where Lucy is." HAZLITT, WILLIAM 1778-1830 The many difficulties the English essayist had in finances and in marriage apparently didn't bother him. "Well, I have had a happy life."

HEARN, LAFCADIO 1850-1904 The author was disgusted with himself for dying. "Ah! because of sickness!"

HEGEL, GEORG WILHELM 1770-1831 The German philosopher said: "Only one man ever understood me." Then he paused and said: "And he didn't understand me."

HEINE, HEINRICH 1797-1856 The poet, paralyzed and suffering from an incurable disease, had left some important things unsaid. "Writewrite! Paper . . . pencil!" Just before that, he is supposed to have said: "God will pardon me-it's His profession."

HENLEY, WILLIAM E. 1859-1903 The author of Invictus wrote a letter of some urgency to the critic and man of letters Charles Whibley. "Dear Boy, -I'd give much to see you right now. When can you come? I can't get to town; being kind of brokenhearted; or I'd

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tryst you there. But I want your advice and (if I can get it) your help. And I want the first of these things soon. The sooner the better. W.E.H."

HENRY, PATRICK 1736-1799 The orator of the Revolution always had words that served to rally his friends. "Be thankful for the kind God who allows me to go thus painlessly."

HENRY IV, King of England 1367-1413 Taken as an invalid to the Jerusalem Chamber at Westminster, the king saw an omen in the name. "Lauds be given to the father of heaven, for now I know that I shall die here in this chamber, according to the prophecy of me declared, that I should depart this life in Jerusalem."

HENRY IV, King of France 1553-1610 He was stabbed in the heart by the religious fanatic Ravaillac. "It is nothing."

HENRY, Prince of Wales 1594-1612 The prince presumably died of typhoid fever, but many suspected that he was poisoned by his father. Perhaps he had an accusation in mind when he died. "I would say somewhat, but I cannot utter it."

HERBERT, EDWARD 1583-1648 After taking note of the time the poet and deist made a determined announcement: "Then an hour hence I shall depart." And he was as punctual as always. 112

HERBERT, GEORGE 1593-1633 The English religious poet contracted consumption, knew he was dying, and made elaborate preparations for death, composing "such hymns and anthems as the Angels

sing in Heaven." Having completed his task, he handed over his will and said: "I am now ready to die. Lord forsake me not, now my strength faileth me: but grant me mercy for the merits of my Jesus. And now Lord, Lord, now receive my soul."

HERRICK, MYRON T. 1854-1929 The elderly ambassador to France was told that he would soon be all right, to which he answered gamely: "Do you really think so? Well, I will do my best!"

HERZL, THEODOR 1860-1904 The founder of modern Zionism, speaking to his son, said: "Your brethren are dispersed throughout the whole world. If you want to you will find them. I have found them, too, because I have been looking for them. Think of it and don't forget that your people need young, healthy strength and that you are the heir of the name Herzl."

HEWITT, ABRAM S. 1822-1903 Confined to an oxygen tent for the waning moments of a long life, the industrialist removed the tube from his mouth long enough to say: "And now I am officially dead."

HICKOK, JAMES B. (WILD BILL) 1837-1876 American frontier marshal. After a tour of the East with Buffalo Bill, Hickok went to Deadwood and was there 113

murdered by Jack McCall. He wrote in a letter to his wife: "Agnes Darling: If such should be we never meet again, while firing my last shot, I will gently breathe the name of my wife-Agnes--and with wishes even for my enemies I will make the plunge and try to swim to the other shore. J. B. Hickok." HILARY, SAINT 315-367 "Soul, thou hast served Christ these seventy years, and art thou afraid to die? Go out, soul, go out!" HILL, BENJAMIN 1823-1882 American statesman. "Almost home!" HIMMLER, HEINRICH 1900-1945 The scientific butcher of the Third Reich admitted his identity to his British captors after they had picked him up wearing a private's uniform. They failed to search him properly and he committed suicide by means of a vial of poison concealed in his gums. His last words were: "l am Heinrich Himmler!" HITLER, ADOLF 1889-1945 Hitler married Eva Braun in the closing days of the Third Reich; the marriage was consummated in a doublesuicide ceremony. Eva took poison, and Hitler shot himself. Their bodies were soaked in gasoline and burned to avoid the possibility of revilement by the people. Before his death the Fuehrer completed his will and a "Political Testament" from which the following comments are taken. "Above all, I enjoin the government of the nation and the people to uphold the racial laws to the limit and to resist mercilessly the poisoner of all nations, internationalJewry. Berlin, 29 April 114

1945, 0400 hours. A. Hitler. My wife and I choose to die in order to escape the shame of overthrow or capitulation. It is our wish for our bodies to be cremated immediately on the place where I have performed the greater part of my daily work during 12 years of service to my people."

HOBBES, THOMAS 1588-1679 (see Fadiman foreword) HODGE, CHARLES 1797-1878 The Presbyterian clergyman said to one of his children: "Why should you grieve, daughter? To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord, to be with the Lord is to see the Lord, to see the Lord is to be like Him."

HOGG, JAMES 1770-1835 A peasant poet of Scotland, he was plagued by the recurrence of severe hiccups. "It is a reproach to the faculty that they cannot cure the hiccup."

HOKUSAI 1760-1849 The Japanese artist was an accomplished craftsman, but at eighty-nine years of age was still pursuing what he considered to be an elusive talent. "If Heaven had only granted me five more years '7 could have become a real painter."

HOLLAND, HENRY RICHARD VASSALL FOX, Baron 1773-1840 The English Whig statesman said about George Selwyn, who enjoyed executions and corpses: "1f Mr. Selwyn calls again, show him up; if I am alive I shall be delighted to see him, and if I am dead, he would like to see me." 115

HOLLIDAY, JOHN HENRY, "DOC" 1852-1887 The gun-toting dentist pal of the Earp brothers died of tuberculosis in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Emerging from a coma, he demanded a drink of whiskey, drank, and then apparently commenting on the fact he was not dying from a bullet, remarked: "This is funny!" and died. HOLMES, OLIVER WENDELL 1841-1935 "Why should I fear death?" the jurist had said earlier at the age of ninety-four. "I have seen him often. When he comes, he'll seem like an old friend. If I were to die, my last words would be 'Have faith and pursue the unknown end."' What he actually did say, shortly thereafter when it came time for him to die, was, upon seeing an oxygen tent being rigged around him in the hospital: "Lot of damn foolery!" HOLTBY, WINIFRED 1898-1935 The English novelist was struggling with a persistent bout of Bright's disease, with which she had long been afflicted. She made plans to be married the day before she died; she said the arrangement was: ". . . not an engagement-just an understanding." HOPKINS, GERARD MANLEY 1844-1889 The English poet suffered from typhoid fever followed by peritonitis. Then the last rites were administered and he murmured: "I am so happy, so happy," and died. HOPKINS, HARRY 1890-1946 Writing to Winston Churchill: "Do give my love to Clemmie and Sarah . . ." 116

HORN, TOM 1860-1902 The almost legendary Western character, according to Gene Ceasor, went to the gallows in the following manner: "Sheriff Edwin Smalley, Deputy Dick Proctor and County Clerk Joe Cahill began strapping him into the hanging harness. 'Tom,' someone called up, 'did you confess to the preachers?' 'Hell, no!' Horn looked them all in the eye. 'Nor to LeFors or anyone else. I never killed that kid!' The sheriff and his two helpers finished the strapping, slipped a black hood over Horn's head and lifted him onto the trapdoor, where his weight set off a special water-device designed to give him about 30 seconds to live. He felt Smalley's hands shaking. 'What's the matter, Eddie?' he asked through the hood above the gurgle of escaping water. 'You ain't getting nervous are you?' 'My first hangin',' the sheriff gulped weakly. 'Mine too,' Tom laughed. 'So long, kid. So long, Dick. So long, Joe. Hear you're married now. Treat her . . ."' That was all he had time to say.

HOUDINI, HARRY (Erich Weiss) 1874-1926 The American magician, after a serious appendicitis attack aggravated by having been struck in the stomach by two students testing his strength, said to his brother, Theodore: "I am tired of fighting, Dash. I guess this thing is going to get me." He closed his eyes, opened them briefly-looked at his wife-then fell back on the pillow dead.

HOUSMAN, A.E. 1859-1936 The poet had received sedation and was cheered by his doctor with a risque story. Beginning to feel the effects of the injection, the poet laughingly said: "Yes, that's a good one and tomorrow I shall be telling it on the Golden Floor." 117

HOUSTON, SAM 1793-1863 Taken from his daughter's account: "The day before his death, he fell into a comatose state from which we could not rouse him; but during the next forenoon, we heard his voice in a tone of entreaty, and listening to the feeble sound, we caught the words, 'Texas! Texas!' Soon afterward my mother was sitting by his bedside with his hand in hers, and his lips moved once again. 'Margaret,' he said, and the voice we loved was silent forever."

HOWARD, CATHERINE 1520?-1542 Henry VIII was a vengeful cuckold. His fifth wife was convicted of adultery and beheaded. "I die a Queen, but I would rather die the wife of Culpepper. God have mercy on my soul. Good people, I beg you pray for me."

HOWELLS, WILLIAM DEAN 1837-1920 The author on his deathbed wrote warmly of Henry James, whose expatriation he defended in two unfinished works. "Our walks by day were only in one direction and in one region. We were always going to Fresh Pond, in those days a wandering space of woods and water where people skated in winter and boated in summer."

HUBBARD, ELBERT 1856-1915 The founder of the Ryecroft Press went down in the Irish Sea with the Lusitania. At the initial shock of the torpedo he and his wife emerged from their cabin and he called to a friend: "Well, Jack, they have got us. They are a damned sight worse than I ever thought they were." Arm in arm, they disappeared into their cabin again and were not seen after.

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HUGO, VICTOR

1802-1885

The author died of a congestion in the lungs at eightythree and as he died exclaimed: "l see the black light!" Another version: "Goodbye, Jeanne, goodbye!"

HULL, ISAAC, Commodore 1773-1843 Upon being told that he had not very long to live, he summoned the undertaker, his lawyer, and his biographer. He put all his affairs in order calmly and terminated the last battle. "I strike my flag."

HUNTER, WILLIAM 1718-1783 The eighteenth-century anatomist said: "If I had the strength enough to hold a pen I would write how easy and pleasant it is to die."

HUXLEY, THOMAS HENRY

1825-1895

In a letter: "At present I don't feel like sending in my checks! and without being oversanguine I rather incline to think that my natural toughness will get the best of itAibuminuria or otherwise. -Ever your faithful friend,

T.H.H." HUYSMANS, JORIS KARL

(CharlesMarie

Georges) 1848-1907 The French novelist, dying from cancer, dictated the invitation to his own funeral leaving the date blank: "Vous etes prig d'assister aux convoy, service, et enterrement de M. Joris-Karl Huysmans, Homme de Lettres, 119

President de l'Acadegmie de Goncourt, Officier de la Legion d'Honneur decedg le , mnuni des Sacrements de l'Eglise en son domicile, rue Saint-Placide, No. 31." Shortly after, he felt well enough to get up and after smoking a cigarette he went back to bed and fell into a coma from which he never awoke. IBSEN, HENRIK 1828-1906 The playwright's wife saw, a few days before his death, a brightness in his eye and a freshness in his complexion that led her to exclaim to the nurse: "See, the doctor will be quite well again." The doctor, however, sat up in the bed and shouted his last words in a manner that startled the others: "On the contrary!" Then he died. IRVING, WASHINGTON 1783-1859 The author at seventy-six was preparing for bed with the assistance of his niece Sarah, to whom he said: "Well, I must arrange my pillows for another night. When will this end?" At the conclusion of which he suffered a stroke and died on the spot. ISABELLA, Queen of Spain 1451-1504 Speaking to those gathered about her deathbed: "Do not weep for me, nor waste your time in fruitless prayers for my recovery, but pray rather for the salvation of my soul!" JACKSON, ANDREW 1767-1845 The seventh President of the United States died with his family about him. "Oh, do not cry. Be good children, and we shall all meet in Heaven." 120

JACKSON, HELEN HUNT 1830-1885 The author of Ramona wrote her last letter to President Cleveland. "Dear Sir: From my deathbed I send you message of heartfelt thanks for what you have already done for the Indians. I ask you to read my Century of Dishonor. I am dying happier for the belief I have that it is your hand that is destined to strike the first steady blow toward lifting the burden of infamy from our country and righting the wrongs of the Indian race. With respect and gratitude, Helen Jackson. JACKSON, THOMAS JONATHAN 1824-1863 Weakened by wounds received at the hands of his own men, Stonewall Jackson succumbed to pneumonia near Chancellorsville. "Let us cross over the river and sit under the shade of the trees." JACOB, Son of Isaac and Rebekah "I am gathered unto my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah. The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth." JACOBS, CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH WILHELM 1764-1847 The German classic scholar died with a Latin verse of death on his lips. "Who would wish, indeed, to prolong pain, 121

the breath failing all too gradually? Better to die in death, than to drag out a dead life, the senses buried in the limbs."

JAMES, HENRY 1843-1916 Informed that he had been awarded the Order of Merit, the dying novelist said: "Nurse, take away the candle and spare my blushes." Then, at the very last, he remarked: "So here it is at last, the distinguished thing!"

JAMES, JESSE WOODSON 1847-1882 The American outlaw picked up a feather duster and started to dust off a picture of a race horse, saying to his wife: "It's awfully hot today." He took off his coat and opened the front door. Realizing his guns were visible, he took them off saying: "If anybody passes, they'll see me." Then he stood on a chair to finish the dusting. Robert Ford, one of his gang, waiting in the kitchen for such an opportunity, cocked his gun. Jesse heard the sound too late to keep from being shot in the back. His epitaph reads: "In loving memory of my Beloved Son, Murdered by a Traitor and Coward Whose Name is Not Worthy to Appear Here."

JAMES, "The Just" A.D. 62 The brother of Jesus was stoned to death. "O Lord God, Father, I beseech Thee to forgive them, for they know not what they do."

JAMES II, King of Scotland 1430-1460 The king was killed by the accidental bursting of a cannon during the siege of Roxburgh Castle. "0 Lord; lay not this great sin to their charge."

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JAMES V, King of Scotland 1512-1542 The king died of a slow fever seven days after the birth of his ill-fated daughter, Mary Stuart. Speaking of the birth, he said: "The Devil go with it. It will end as it began. It came with a lass, and will go with a lass."

JAMES, WILLIAM 1842-1910 The American psychologist and philosopher (brother of Henry James) murmured: "it's so good to get home!"

JAY, JOHN 1745-1829 The American statesman died after a long life of public service. "I would have my funeral decent, but not ostentatious. No scarfs-no rings. Instead thereof, I give two hundred dollars to any one poor deserving widow or orphan of this town, whom my children shall select."

JEFFERSON, THOMAS 1743-1826 Thomas Jefferson, who composed the Declaration of Independence, became himself independent of worldly affairs on a date seemingly reserved by him for such declarations. In July of 1826, fifty years to the day after signing the Declaration, and within hours of his old friend John Adams, he died calmly after the affirmative answer to his question: "Is it the fourth?"

JEZEBEL Ninth Century B.C. The Phoenician princess was slain by Jehu and her body eaten by dogs. With her final efforts, she taunted her slayer: "Had Zimri peace who slew his master?" 123

JINNAH, MOHAMMED ALI 1876-1948 The creator of Pakistan was seriously ill and his doctor gave him an injection saying: "Sir, we have given you an injection to strengthen you, and it will soon have its effect. God willing, you are going to live." The Moslem moved his head faintly and replied: "No, I'm not." He was dead thirty minutes later.

JOAN OF ARC, SAINT 1412-1431 Burned at the stake for heresy. "Ah, Rouen! I have great fear that you are going to suffer by my death . . . I Jesus, Jesus!"

JOFFERE, JOSEPH JACQUES CESAIRE 1852-1931 The hero of the Marne of World War I made his last confession: "I have not done much evil in my life, and I have sincerely loved my wife."

JOHNSON, SAMUEL 1709-1784 Boswell's brother, Thomas David, wrote Boswell the following: "The Doctor, from the time that he was certain his death was near, appeared to be perfectly resigned, was seldom or never fretful or out of temper, and often said to his faithful servant, who gave me this account, 'Attend, Francis, to the salvation of your soul which is the object of greatest importance.' He also explained to him passages in the scripture, and seemed to have pleasure in talking upon religious subjects. On Monday, the 13th of December, the day on which he died, a Miss Morris, daughter to a particular friend of his, 124

called and said to Francis that she begged to be permitted to see the Doctor, that she might earnestly request him to give her his blessing. Francis went into his room, followed by the young lady, and delivered the message. The Doctor turned himself in the bed, and said, 'God bless you, my dear!' These were the last words he spoke. -His difficulty of breathing increased till about seven o'clock in the evening, when Mr. Barber and Mrs. Desmoulins, who were sitting in the room, observing that the noise he made breathing had ceased, went to the bed, and found he was dead."

JONES, JOHN LUTHER 1864-1900 The famous Casey Jones (named for Cayce, Kentucky) was killed at Vaughn, Mississippi, and his gravestone in Jackson, Tennessee, quotes one of his last words: "To the memory of the locomotive engineer, whose name as 'Casey Jones' became a part of folklore and the American language. 'For I'm going to run her till she leaves the rail-or make it on time with the southbound mail."'

JONES, SIR HENRY ARTHUR 1851-1929 The dying English playwright was asked whether he would like his niece or his nurse to spend the night by his bedside. "The prettier,"he replied. "Now fight for it!"

"JOSELITO" GOMEZ, JOSE 1895-1920 Considered by many people to be the most perfect matador who ever lived, he was gored terribly in Spain by a small bull with defective vision. Dying in the ring infirmary, he called out the name of his favorite doctor, who was not present. Then he said: "Mother, I'm smothering," and died. 125

JOSEPH Joseph was the elder of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel. "I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence."

JOSEPH II, King of Germany 1741-1790 The king directed that his epitaph should read: "Here lies Joseph, who was unsuccessful in all his undertakings."

JOSEPHINE, MARIE ROSE 1763-1814 The empress of the French was not permitted to join her former husband in his exile but died at Malmaison calling his name. "Napoleon . . . ! Elba . . . Marie-Louise!"

JUDAS ISCARIOT First Century A.D. One of the twelve apostles, he betrayed Jesus and later committed suicide. "l have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood."

JUGURTHA ?-104 B.c. The King of Numidia was finally captured by the Romans and thrown into a dungeon where he died of starvation. "O Hercules! How cold your bath is!"

KAFKA, FRANZ 1883-1924 German novelist and essayist who presented modem man making a futile search for personal salvation. Though very few of his works were published during his lifetime, 126

among his last words were, according to Max Broad, ones urging him to burn or destroy all he had written so that: "There will be no proof that I ever was a writer."

KALAKAUA, DAVID 1836-1891 Political opposition forced the King of the Hawaiian Islands to take refuge in San Francisco. Speaking to Leilani, an old love, he said: "Aloha kaua . . . ! we greet each other . . . ke hoi nei no paha . . . now go to Hawaii, to Honolulu, tell my people . . . I tried to restore our gods, our way of life . . ." His voice faltered and he fell back dead.

KAMEHAMEHA 1753-1819 The prime minister said to Hawaii's first king as he was dying: "We are all here with you . . . give us your last charge." "Continue," he said, "continue on in my good way, and . . ." Then he raised his arms and drew John Young's head to touch noses in a last farewell. Whispering instructions for burial in Chief Hoapili's ear, he died.

KANT, IMMANUEL 1724-1804 Apparently the German philosopher found his eighty years sufficient. "It is enough!"

KATTE, HERMANN VON 1704-1730 A youthful friend of Frederick the Great, Katte assisted the prince in his abortive attempt to escape the rigid discipline of the Prussian king. For his part in the conspiracy, Katte was beheaded and the king's son was made to witness the event. On the scaffold, he maintained his defiance. "Death is sweet for a prince I love so well." 127

KEATS, JOHN 1795-1821 The poet had been in delicate health for a long time and died in Rome attended by his devoted friend Severn. "Severn,-I-lift me up, for I am dying. I shall die easy. Don't be frightened! Thank God it has come."

KIDD, WILLIAM Captain 1645-1701 In 1696, the shipowner and sea captain was commissioned to sail against the pirates of Madagascar, but upon reaching the island, he became converted himself. After two years of preying on merchantmen, he returned to New England where he surrendered to authorities upon being promised a pardon. He was hanged in England in 1701. "This is a very fickle and faithless generation."

KLUGE, GUNTHER VON 1882-1944 The field marshal was implicated in the plot to kill Hitler in July of 1944. He wrote a letter to Hitler before taking poison to avoid the dishonor of a trial by the Peoples' Court. "l depart from you,, my Fiuhrer, as one who stood nearer to you than you perhaps realized in the consciousness that I did my duty to the utmost. Heil, my Fiuhrer, Von Kluge, Field-Marshal. 18 August 1944."

KNICKERBOCKER, CHOLLY (Maury Paul) 1890?-1942 The Hearst newspaper society editor, after a sleepless night caused by illness, called to his mother. She came to him, took his hands in hers, and he murmured: "Oh mother, how beautiful it is!" and died. 128

KNOX, JOHN 1505-1572 The religious reformer died from a stroke two weeks after his last public appearance. "Now it is come .

KNOX, RONALD, Monsignor 1888-1957 According to Evelyn Waugh's biography, the noted English cleric's last moments were these: "For three days he lay in a coma, but once Lady Eldon saw a stir of consciousness and asked him whether he would like her to read to him from his own New Testament. He answered very faintly, but distinctly: 'No'; and then after a long pause in which he seemed to have lapsed again into unconsciousness, there came from the deathbed, just audibly, in the idiom of his youth: 'Awfully jolly of you to suggest it, though.' They were his last words."

KUANG HSU 1871-1908 The Chinese emperor of the Manchu dynasty was dominated throughout his reign by his aunt, the dowager empress. He recorded a proposed vengeance that was never executed: "We were the second son of the Prince Ch'un when the Empress Dowager selected Us for the Throne. She has always hated Us. But for Our misery of the past ten years, Yuan Shi Kai is responsible and none other. When the time comes, I desire that Yuan be summarily beheaded."

LE BEDOYERE, CHARLES ANGELIQUE HUCHET,Comtede 1786-1815 The French soldier pointed to his heart as he spoke to the firing squad before which he stood as a traitor. "This is what you must not miss."

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LABOUCHERE, HENRY, Baron Taunton 1789-1869 When the oil lamp at the bedside of the British statesman flared, he had a premonition: "Flames? Not yet, I think." (This is similar to the last words of Voltaire.) LACtPIDE, BERNARD DELAVILLE, Comte de 1756-1825 The French writer called to his son concerning a not yet completed manuscript. "Charles, write in large letters the word END at the foot of the page."

LAENNEC, RENE THEOPHILE HYACINTHE 1781-1826 The French physician and inventor of the stethoscope spoke as he removed his rings, "It would be necessary soon that another do me this service. I do not want anyone to have the bother of it."

LA FOLLETTE, ROBERT MARION 1855-1925 Mr. La Follette was an American political leader from Wisconsin. "I am at peace with all the world, but there is still a lot of work I could do. I don't know how the people will feel toward me, but I shall take to the grave my love for them which has sustained me through life."

LAKANAL, JOSEPH 1762-1845 The French educator and politician was an exile to the United States from France after Napoleon's fall. In the United States he held the post of President of Louisiana 130

State University and was permitted to return to France upon the establishment of the Consulate. "Your attentions will not save me; I feel that there is no more oil in the lamp."

LAMB, CHARLES 1775-1834 English essayist, editor, critic, and confidant of the literary figures of his time. "My bedfellows are cramp and cough-we three all in one bed."

LAMBALLE, Princess de 1749-1792 The beautiful friend and companion to Marie Antoinette was cut down by the French mob when, after demanding that she cry "Vive la nation!" she answered: "Fie on the

horror!" Her head became a trophy and her heart was cooked and eaten. LANCLOS, NINON (ANNE) DE 1620-1704 The French courtesan, whose salon was the gathering place for most of the notable literary men of her time, added her own bons mots to the scene, such as: "A woman should not take a lover without the consent of her heart, nor a husband without the consent of her reason." Before she died she dictated a poem ending with: "Je suis en age de mouriri Que ferais-je

ici d'avantage?" (I am old enough to die, what is there left for me to do here?) LANE, FRANKLIN K. 1864-1921 The Secretary of the Interior, under Wilson, left a manuscript fragment which is quoted here: ". . . But for my heart's content in that new land, I think I'd rather loaf with Lincoln along a river bank. I know I could understand him.

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I would not have to learn who were his enemies, what theories he was committed to, and what against. We could just talk and open out our minds, and tell our doubts and swap the longings of our hearts that others never heard of. He wouldn't try to master me nor to make me feel how small I was. I'd dare to ask him things and know that he felt awkward about them too. And I know I would find, I know I would, that he had hit his shin on those very stumps that had hit me. We'd talk of men a lot, the kind they call the great. I would not find him scornful. Yet boys that he knew in New Salem would somehow appear larger in their souls, than some of these that I had called the great. His wise eyes saw qualities that weighed more than smartness. Yes, we would sit down where the bank sloped gently to the great stream and glance at the picture of our people, the Negroes being lynched, the miners' civil war, labor's hold-ups, employers' ruthlessness, the subordination of humanity to industry,-"

LAPLACE, PIERRE SIMON, Marquis de 1749-1827 The French astronomer and mathematician's final remark was: "What we know is not much; what we do not know is immense."

LATIMER, HUGH 1485-1555 When they brought lighted fagots to the pyre of the Protestant martyr, he turned to his companion and pronounced these words: "Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out."

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But Nicholas Ridley, heaped with green shrubbery, called in woe: "Let the fire come unto me, I cannot burn!"

LAVAL, PIERRE 1883-1945 The vice-premier of the Vichy government was executed for treason. "Vive la France!"

LAWRENCE, GERTRUDE 1901-1952 Appearing in the long-run play The King and 1, the dying actress said: "See that Yul [Brynner] gets star billing. He has earned it."

LAWRENCE, JAMES 1781-1813 As the American naval hero was dying from wounds aboard the Chesapeake, he gave the order: "Don't give up the ship. Blow her up!"

LAWRENCE, SAINT Third Century The Christian martyr was broiled alive on a gridiron during the persecution of Valerian. Told to give up the treasures of the church he brought forth the poor and the sick that were in his care. "This side is roasted enough, turn up, 0 tyrant great; assay whether roasted or raw thou thinkest the better meat."

LAWRENCE, THOMAS EDWARD 1888-1935 The daring British soldier, who established his reputation during the Arab revolt against the Turks, died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Wales. His 133

many adventures include his enlistment in the R.A.F. under the name of Ross, which he later changed to Shaw. It is as Shaw that he signed the telegram that is his last known communication. "Lunch Tuesday wet fine cottage one mile north Bovington Camp. Shaw."

LEACH, WILLIAM ?-1876 Hanged with four other men, he was accused of murdering a fiddle player while intoxicated. At the gallows he made a lengthy speech that he had prepared and memorized: "l am placed where I am because I drank too much. I want to warn all within hearing of my voice not to engage in the evils of drink . . . I earnestly pray that you will resist drink and see God."

LEAR, EDWARD 1812-1888 The English painter is best known to children for his nonsense rhymes. He died in Italy after having written a letter to his manservant. "My good Guiseppe, I feel that I am dying. You will render me a sacred service in telling my friends and relations that my last thought was for them, especially the Judge and Lord Northbrook and Lord Carlingford. I cannot find words sufficient to thank my good friends for the good they have always done me. I did not answer their letters because I could not write, as no sooner did I take a pen in my hand than I felt as if I were dying."

LE CLERC DU TREMBLAY, FRANCOIS 1577-1638 The "Gray Eminence," Father Joseph, was an aide to Richelieu, the French Cardinal, who ran the affairs of France under Louis XIII. "Render an account, render an account!" 134

LEE, ROBERT E. 1807-1870 Long after the war's last cannon was silenced, the old warrior's mind was still filled with visions of the battlefield. "Tell Hill he must come up-" he said. And finally: "Strike the tent!"

LEHAR, FRANZ 1870-1948 The Austrian composer was most famous for his operetta The Merry Widow. "Now I have finished with all earthly business-high time, too . .. child, now comes death."

Yes, yes, my dear

LESPINASSE, JULIE DE 1732-1776 A member of French society, she is remembered for the passionate nature of her love letters, which were published in 1809. "Am I still alive?" LEWIS, SINCLAIR 1885-1951 "Alec," he said to his secretary, "something terrible has happened-I'm dying!" Then later in a Rome hospital he emerged from his coma to say to his nurses: "I am happy. God bless you all!"

LEY, ROBERT, Dr. 1890-1945 The doctor was awaiting trial as a war criminal, but committed suicide beforehand by fashioning a noose from towel strips and hanging himself. "Farewell, I can't stand this shame any longer. Physically nothing is lacking; the food is good; it is warm in my cell; the Americans are correct and partially friendly. Spiritually, I have reading matter and write whatever I want. I receive paper and pencil. 135

They do care more for my health than is necessary, and I may smoke and receive tobacco and coffee. I may walk at least twenty minutes every day. Up to this point, everything is in order, but the fact that I should be a criminal-that is what I can't stand."

LIGNE, CHARLES VON, Prince 1735-1814 The Austrian soldier and skillful diplomat tried to avoid a summit meeting. "Close the doors! Away with it! There is the monster, the Grey Comrade."

LINCOLN, ABRAHAM 1809-1865 When his wife asked coyly what the others in the theatre box would think of their holding hands, Lincoln replied: "They won't think anything about it." Then came Booth's bullet, and Lincoln never regained consciousness.

LINDSAY, VACHEL 1.879-1931 Poverty began to hound the poet, and, sinking into despair, he began to have hallucinations. He turned against his wife and began to yearn for his virgin youth, for his dead mother. Finally, completely broken, he drank a bottle of Lysol and died uttering: "They tried to get me; I got them first!"

LINTON, MRS. LINN 1822-1898 The English novelist died with a memory. "I am very forlorn at the present moment, and wish I was at Malvern. Oh, don't I just!"

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LISZT, FRANZ

1811-1886

The composer gasped: "Tristan!" LONDON, JACK GRIFFITH 1876-1916 The American author committed suicide like the hero of his autobiographical novel Martin Eden, whose end he described thusly in a very graphic scene: "He glanced at the open port-holes. Yes, it was large enough. For the first time in weeks he felt happy. At last he had discovered the cure of his ill. He picked up the book [Swinburne] and read the stanza slowly aloud: 'From too much love of living, From hope and fear set free, We thank with brief thanksgiving Whatever gods may be That no life lives forever; That dead men rise up never; That even the weariest river Winds up somewhere safe to sea.' ..... It was time to go. He wondered if he ought to write a swan song but ..... laughed the thought away . . . He was too impatient to be gone. ... ... He was in a milky froth of water..... A bonita struck at his white body and he laughed aloud. It had taken a piece out . . . The lights of the Mariposa were growing dim in the distance, and there he was swimming confidently... .. It was the automatic instinct to live. He ceased ... ... swimming. . .. Then he let ... ... He glanced up at the quiet stars......

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himself go and sank without movement, a white statue, into the sea. . . .Deeper and deeper he went..... . . . Then came pain and strangulation. This hurt was not death . . . it was life . it was the last blow life could deal him. ... . There was a long rumble of sound, and it seemed to him that he was falling down a vast and interminable stairway. And somewhere at the bottom he fell into darkness. That much he knew. He had fallen into darkness. And at the instant he knew, he ceased to know." London's last known line in reality was written also: "I leave California Wednesday following. Daddy."

LONG, HUEY P. Senator 1893-1935 The political leader of Louisiana, shot down in the rotunda of the state capitol by Dr. Carl A. Weiss whose family was divided in their affection for the demagogue, gasped wonderingly: "l wonder why he shot me?"

LONGFELLOW, HENRY W. 1807-1882 The poet commented upon his sister's arrival from Portland. "Now I know that I must be very ill, since you have been sent for."

LOUIS THE DAUPHIN 1729-1765 The only son of Louis XV, he never became king himself, but fathered three sons who did. At his death he took the Bishop of Verdun by the hand, saying: "Lay it on my heart; you have never left it." When the doctor came to take his pulse, he said: "Ah! take the bishop's. What fortitude he has!" 138

LOUIS I 778-840 Known as "the Debonair," he had difficulties maintain-

ing his authority. The activities of his rebellious son prompted his last words. "I pardon him, but let him know that it is on his account that I am dying."

LOUIS I, DE BOURBON-CONDE 1530-1569 The French Huguenot leader, badly wounded and captured at the Battle of Jarnac, was assassinated almost immediately by a Swiss officer on the order of the Duke of Anjou. "Ah, D'Argence, D'Argence! you will not be able to save me."

LOUIS XIII, King of France 1601-1643 The French king called to his confessor: "Dinet! thoughts arise which trouble me!"

LOUIS XIV, Le Roi Soleil, King of France 1638-1715 The king of France whose reign was marked by a golden age of art and literature gathered at his famous palace at Versailles and by his absolute monarchy based on divine right was first praised for his centralization of military, economic, and judicial forces which brought prosperity to France, but was later hated for his tyranny and persecution of Protestant sects. On his deathbed he said to his servants: "Why weep you? Did you think I should live forever? I thought dying was harder."

(see Fadiman foreword) 139

LOUIS XVI, King of France 1754-1793 The French king was found guilty of treason by the republic and condemned to the guillotine. "People, I die innocent! Messieurs, I am innocent of all that I am accused of. I hope that my blood may cement the happiness of the French people."

LOUIS XVII 1785-1795 As a boy of eight, he became titular king of France upon the execution of his father, Louis XVI, in 1793. He died in prison two years later by poison. "I suffer much less. The music is so beautiful . . . Listen, listen, in the midst of all those voices I recognize my mother's!"

LOWELL, AMY 1874-1925 The American poetess died a few short months after the publication of her exhaustive biography of John Keats. "Pete, a stroke . . . Get Eastman!"

LOYOLA, SAINT IGNATIUS OF 1491-1556 The founder of the Jesuit order sent an emissary to the Pope with the instructions: "Tell him that my hour has come, and that I ask his benediction. Tell him that if I go to a place where my prayers are of any avail, as I trust, I shall not fail to pray for him, as I have indeed unfailingly, even when I had most occasion to pray for myself."

LUCAN 39-65 The poet was once the favorite of Nero, but he incurred the enmity of the emperor by beating him in a public 140

contest. The quarrel grew until Lucan's complicity in a plot against Nero was discovered, and the poet was ordered to die. He had his veins opened and bled to death in a bath, reciting from his epic Pharsalia. "He was torn asunder, and his blood gushed out, not trickling as from a wound, but raining on all sides from his severed arteries; and the free play of the life coursing through the different limbs was cut off by the water. No other victim's life escaped through so wide a channel."

LUNA, ALVARO DE 1388-1453 The Spanish statesman was told that his head was to be paraded on a pike after his execution. "It does not matter what they do with my body and head after my death."

MACPHERSON, JAMES ?-1700 The talented freebooter accompanied himself on the violin and sang this song of his own composition before he was hanged: "I've spent my time in rioting Debauched my health and strength I squandered fast as pillage came And fell to shame at length. But Damntingly and wantonly And rantingly I'll go I'll play the tune and dance it roun' Beneath the gallows tree."

MADISON, DOLLY 1768-1849 She was the wife of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. "My poor boy!" 141

MAETERLINCK, MAURICE 1862-1949 The Belgian poet and mystic looked at his wife, saying: "For me this is quite natural. It is for you that I am concerned." MAHLER, GUSTAV 1860-1911 The composer was in a coma when he suddenly smiled and started to conduct an invisible symphony orchestra with his fingers on the coverlet. "Mozart," he breathed, and died. MALHERBE, FRANQOIS DE c. 1558-1628 The French poet and critic stopped the priest's flowery description of heaven: "Hold your tongue! Your wretched style disgusts me!"

"MANOLETE," MANUEL LAUREANO RODRIGUEZ 1917-1947 Suffering from a fatal goring, the great matador suddenly sat up and said: "I can t feel anything in my right leg! I can't feel anything in my left leg! Doctor, are my eyes open? I can't see!" He fell back dead.

MANN, HORACE 1796-1859 Speaking to his wife, the educator said: "Sing to me if you have the heart."

MANSFIELD, KATHERINE 1888-1923 The British writer wrote in her journal: "Really, I have not felt so well in years. What had disturbed me lately was 142

that I felt as though it was all to be denied me-the very life, I mean, which I want to live." Later, when offered an umbrella, she replied: "Oh no! I love the rain. I want the feeling of it on my face." At the top of the steps to her room

she had a hemorrhage and died.

MARAT, JEAN PAUL 1743-1793 The "friend of the people," surprised in his bath by Charlotte Corday, said about collaborators: "I shall have them guillotined in Paris in a day or two!" Charlotte drew the knife and with one swift movement brought it down. Marat gave only a hoarse cry for his mistress before dying: "Help, my dear, help!"

MARGARET of Scotland 1424-1444 The poetess was married at twelve to the dauphin Louis (XI), who hated and neglected her. "Fie on the life of this world! Speak not to me of it any more."

MARGARET, Saint of Antioch 255-275 A Christian martyr, she was beheaded at Antioch. "Brother, draw thy sword now, and strike!"

MAR IA THERESA, Queen Consort of France 1638-1683 The first wife of Louis XIV, in reply to her son's comment on the rain, said: "Yes, it is indeed frightful weather for a journey as long as the one before me."

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MARIA THERESA OF AUSTRIA 1717-1780 Queen of Bohemia and mother to sixteen children, among whom were two emperors and Marie Antoinette, she was a devout Catholic. When asked: "Your Majesty rests comfortable?" she replied: "I am comfortable enough to die." "Will your Majesty sleep a little?" "No," she replied, "I could sleep, but must not give way to it. Death is so near, he must not be allowed to steal upon me unawares. For fifteen years I have been making ready for him, and must meet him awake." MARIE ANTOINETTE, Queen of France 1755-1793 On the platform to the guillotine she stepped on the executioner's foot by mistake. "Monsieur," she said, "I ask your pardon. I did not do it on purpose." MARTIN of Tours, SAINT 315-399 The patron saint of France had a vision in which he saw Satan before him. "Why standest thou here, horrible beast? Thou hast no share in me. Abraham's bosom is receiving me." MARVELL, Rev. ANDREW, SR. 1586-1641 The father of the poet, after he boarded a ferryboat, threw his cane upon the bank with the exclamation: "Ho for heaven!" He perished when the boat went down in midstream. MARY I, Queen of England 1516-1558 The English queen was greatly disappointed over the loss of Calais to the French. "When I am dead and opened you shall find Calais lying upon my heart." 144

M A R Y I I, Queen of England 1662-1694 With her untimely death, the Protestant control of England was weakened. "For Dr. Radclyffe has put a Popish Nurse upon me; and she is always listening to what is said about me; that woman is a great disturbance to me." MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (MARY STUART) 1542-1587 Melville, master of her household was instructed by Elizabeth's court to inform the royal prisoner her hour had come. Mary said: "Today, good Melville, thou seest the end of Mary Stuart's miseries, and that should rejoice thee. I pray thee carry a message from me that I die a true woman of my religion, like a true Queen of Scotland and France. But God forgive them that have long desired my end and thirsted for my blood, as the hart does for the waterbrooks. Commend me to my dearest and most sweet son [the future King James]. Tell him I have done nothing to prejudice him in his realm, nor to disparage his dignity." Then Bulle, the executioner, and his assistant kneeled before Mary to beg her forgiveness. She replied: "I forgive you with all my heart. For I hope this death shall give an end to my troubles." She was then disrobed by the ladies in waiting and dressed only in her crimson undergarments; she embraced the two weeping women and said: "Ne cryez vous, j'ai preye pour vous." Then, kneeling on the cushion, she intoned the psalm: "In te, domine, confido, me confundar in aeternum." Then Bulle raised the ax. MATA HARI (Gertrud Margarete Zelle) 1876-1917 The French dancer who took her name from the Malayan matahari, meaning "sun," was an espionage agent for the Germans in World War I. She was executed by a French 145

firing squad to whose officer she addressed her last remark: "Thank you, monsieur!"

MATHER, COTTON 1663-1728 Puritan clergyman and writer who, though he advanced education in New England, is, by his complicity in the Salem witch trials, treated unsympathetically today. "Is this dying? Is this all? Is this all that I feared when I prayed against a hard death? 0! 1 can bear this! I can bear it! I can bear it! I am going where all tears will be wiped from my eyes."

MAURY, MATTHEW FONTAINE 1806-1873 The American oceanographer was an officer in the Confederate Navy during the Civil War and died while a professor of physics at V.M.I. "Are my feet growing cold? Do I drag my anchors? . . . all's well."

MAXIMILIAN 1832-1867 The Emperor of Mexico was overthrown by Judrez when his French support was withdrawn at the insistence of the United States. He was captured, court-martialed, and shot. "I die in a just cause. I forgive all, and pray that all may forgive me. May my blood flow for the good of this land. Long live Mexico . . . ! Men!"

MAYAKOVSKY, VLADIMIR 1894-1930 The man whom Stalin called "the best and most talented poet of our soviet epoch" shot himself playing Russian roulette. Shortly before his death he had promised to: "raise/ above the heads of a gang of self-seeking/poets and rogues,/ all the hundred volumes of my Communist-committed :146

books." But the last poem he ever wrote ended: "Love's boat has smashed against the daily grind./Now you and I are quits."

McINTYRE, 0. 0. 1884-1938 The American journalist said to his wife: "Snooks, will you please turn this way? I like to look at your face."

McKINLEY, WILLIAM 1843-1901 The twenty-fifth President of the United States was shot by an anarchist in Buffalo, New York. "We are all going; we are all going; we are all going . . . Oh, dear."

MEADE, GEORGE GORDON, General 1815-1872 The Union general who defeated Lee at Gettysburg spoke words similar to those of Stonewall Jackson: "I am about crossing a beautiful wide river, and the opposite shore is coming nearer and nearer."

MEDICS, LORENZO DE' 1449-1492 The Florentine ruler was asked how he liked his food. "As a dying man always does."

MELVILLE, HERMAN 1819-1891 The aging novelist died in relative obscurity in New York, with the last words of his fictional character Billy Budd upon his lips. The hero of the work, which was finished only three months before Melville's death, says before hanging: "God bless Captain Vere!" Captain Vere was the man who 147

sentenced Billy to his death. Lewis Mumford has written that these last words symbolize Melville's own acceptance finally to what he himself called the "incongruous world." MENDELSSOHN, FELIX 1809-1847 The eminent composer was weakened by overwork so that successive illness drained his vitality. The news of his sister's death saddened him greatly, causing a depression that seemed to deprive him of the will to live. Asked how he felt, he replied: "Weary, very weary." MEREDITH, GEORGE 1828-1909 The British novelist referred to his physician: "I'm afraid Sir Thomas thinks very badly of my case." METCHNIKOFF, ELIE 1845-1916 Death did not halt the efforts of the Russian bacteriologist to further science. "You remember your promise? You will do my post mortem? And look at the intestines carefully, for I think there is something there now." MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI 1475-1564 "My soul I resign to God, my body to the earth, my worldly goods to my next of kin." MICHELET, JULES 1798-1874 The French historian, upon hearing his doctor order that his linen be changed, delivered a short dissertation on the subject: "Linen, doctor, you speak of linen. Do you know what linen is?-the linen of the peasant, of the worker Linen, a great thing . . . I want to make a book of it." 148

MIHAJLOVIC, DRAZA 1893?-1946 The Serbian guerrilla said before he faced his enemies' firing squad: "I found myself in a whirl of events and intrigues. I found Destiny was merciless towards me when it threw me into the most difficult whirlwinds. I wanted much, I began much, but the whirlwind, the world whirlwind, carried me and my work away." MILL, JOHN STUART 1806-1873 The great philosopher, upon being told that he would not recover, answered: "My work is done." MILLAY, EDNA ST. VINCENT 1892-1950 The poet's last letter was for the maid who found her curled up on the stairs. "Dear Lena: The iron is set too high. Don't put it on where it says 'Linen' or it will scorch the linen. Try it on 'Rayon' and then perhaps on 'Woolen.' And Lena, be careful not to burn your fingers when you shift it from one heat to another. It is five-thirty and I have been working all night. I am going to bed. Good morning." MILLER, JOAQUIN 1839-1913 A man in love with nature, he was the poet of the West. "Take me away; take me away!" MIRABEAU, HONORE GABRIEL RIQUETTI, Comte de 1749-1791 The "French Demosthenes" died of injuries sustained in an accident. His pain was great, but his physician refused the drugs he requested. "Are you not my doctor and my friend? Did you not promise to save me from the pain of 149

such a death? Do you wish me to carry away regret for having given you my confidence?" MITCHELL, MARIA 1818-1889 American astronomer whose studies of sunspots, nebulae, and satellites brought her the honors of receiving a Gold Medal from the King of Denmark, of being the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and later, of being elected to the Hall of Fame. (see Fadiman foreword) MITCHELL, SILAS WEIR 1829-1914 In his delirium he relived some of his experiences as a physician during the American Civil War. "That leg must come off-save the leg-lose the life!" MITFORD, MARY RUSSELL 1787-1855 The English poet and novelist wrote in a letter to a friend: "Today I am better, but if you wish for another cheerful evening with your old friend, there is no time to be lost." MIZNER, WILSON ?*-1933 A de luxe vagabond-writer, actor, gambler, prospector, art dealer, fight manager, etc., he took the doctor's hand and quipped: "Well, Doc, I guess this is the main event!" MOHAMMED 570-632 The prophet died in the arms of his best loved wife, Ayeshah, after a long illness. "Oh Allah, be it so." 150

MOLIERE, JEAN BAPTISTE POQUELIN 1622-1673 The French dramatist, actor, and master of comedy began spitting blood. His friend became alarmed, but he replied: "There's no need to be frightened. You've seen me spit more than that and to spare. Nevertheless go and ask my wife to come up to me." He was then choked by the blood

which continued to flow from his mouth.

MONMOUTH, JAMES, Duke of 1649-1685 Before being beheaded for plotting against the king. "Prithee, let me feel the axe . . . I fear it is not sharp enough."

MONTAGUE, LADY MARY WORTLEY 1689-1762 The English wit and letter writer died saying: "It has all been very interesting."

MONTCALM, LOUIS JOSEPH DE 1712-1759 A shot pierced the French general, blood poured, a woman shrieked: "0 mon Dieu! Mon Dieu Le Marquis est tue." To which he replied with his last breath: "It's nothing, it's nothing. Don't be troubled for me my good friends."

MONTEZ, LOLA 1818-1861 The British dancer and adventuress who during her life openly opposed the Jesuits died a penitent in New York. "I am very tired." 151

MONTEZUMA II 1480?-1520 The Aztec emperor, a captive and mortally wounded, requested that Cortes see that his children were not deprived of their inheritance. "Your lord will do this, if it were only for the friendly offices I have rendered the Spaniards, and for the love I have shown them-though it has brought me to this condition! But for this I bear them no ill will."

MONTMORENCY, Duc de 1493-1567 The French soldier was mortally wounded by the forces of Cond& in the battle of St. Denis. "Do you think a man who has known how to live honorably for eighty years does not know how to die for a quarter of an hour?"

MONTMORENCY, HENRI, Ducde 1595-1632 He was executed for revolting against Richelieu. "Give a good stroke. Sweet Savior, receive my soul." MOODY, DWIGHT LYMAN 1837-1899 The noted American evangelist cried out on his deathbed: "Earth recedes, heaven opens. I've been through the gates! Don't call me back . . if this is death, it's sweet. Dwight! Irene! [his dead grandchildren] I see the children's faces!"

MORE, SIR THOMAS 1478-1535 The English statesman and author was sent to the Tower by the King. As he ascended the scaffold he turned to the attendant, saying: "I pray you, Master Lieutenant, see me safe up, and for my coming down let me shift for myself."

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Then on the block he drew his beard aside and added: "This hath not offended the King." Other sources say that he said to the executioner: "Pluck up thy spirits, man, and be not afraid to do thine office. My neck is very short; take heed therefore thou strike not awry, for saving of thine honesty."

MORGAN, J. PIERPONT

1837-1913

The great financier said: "Don't baby me so!"

MORSE, SAMUEL F. B. 1791-1872 The doctor in making his examination explained: "This is the way we doctors telegraph." Morse acknowledged the

statement saying: "Very good." MOZART, WOLFGANG AMADEUS 1756-1791 "Did I not tell you that I was writing this for myself?"

he said of his Requiem. His last act was an attempt to vocally create the sounds of the drum part, which he was working on. MUNRO, HECTOR HUGH (SAKI) 1870-1916 The writer was killed in France during World War I after telling a trenchmate: "Put that bloody cigarette out!"

MURAT, JOACHIM 1767-1815 The king of Naples was shot by the firing squad of the Austrian Army. "Soldiers, do your duty. Aim for the heart; but spare the face."

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MURPHY, ARTHUR 1727-1805 The dramatist recited these verses by Alexander Pope: "Taught, half by reason, half by mere decay, To welcome death, and calmly pass away."

MUSSOLINI, BENITO 1883-1945 The dictator, assassinated by an Italian partisan, tried to talk him out of firing: "But . . . but . . . Mr. Colonel . .

MUSSORGSKY, MODEST PETROVICH 1835-1881 The Russian composer of the opera Boris Godunov lived in poverty and died a drug addict. "It's the end. Woe is me!"

NAPOLEON I 1769-1821 According to Emil Ludwig, he said: "France Armee. . . ! Thte d'armee . . . Josephine."

.

.

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NAPOLEON II 1811-1832 The youth died of tuberculosis. "Call my mother. Call my mother . . . Take the table away. I don't need anything any more . . . Poultices."

NAPOLEON III 1808--1873 The emperor was captured during the Franco-Prussian War at Sedan, where his forces suffered a crushing defeat. After the war he retired to Chislehurst, England, until his death. "Were you at Sedan?" 154

NARVAEZ, RAMON MARIA 1800-1868 The Spanish statesman and soldier, general to Queen Isabel, was asked by the priest as he lay dying: "Does your Excellency forgive all his enemies?" "I do not have to forgive my enemies," he replied in a determined voice. "I have had them all shot." NELSON, HORATIO, Viscount 1758-1805 Severely injured at Trafalgar, the naval hero said: "Kiss me, Hardy. Now I am satisfied. Thank God I have done my duty." Then, to his doctor: "l have not been a great sinner. Thank God I have done my duty." [Alternate version: "Kismet, Hardy."] NERO (NERO CLAUDIUS CAESAR) 37-68 Last Roman emperor of the Caesar family whose name became abhorred for his violence toward dissenters and for the persecution and massacre of Christians, among whom were St. Paul and St. Peter. An enthusiastic admirer of Greek culture, and with artistic and poetic ambitions, he died by his own hand, saying: "Qualis artifex pereo." (What an artist the world is losing in me.) NEWTON, SIR ISAAC 1642-1727 English physicist and philosopher whose contributions to mathematics and physics, notably, his formulation of the law of gravitation and the laws of motion greatly influenced eighteenth-century thought. His last words, according to Brewer were: "I don't know what I may seem to the world. But as to myself, I seem to have been only a boy playing in the 155

seashore and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or prettier shell than the ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."

NEY, MICHEL 1769-1815 The marshal, before the firing squad, refused the blindfold. "Don't you know, Sir, that a soldier does not fear death. . . . Frenchman, I protest against my condemnation. My honor . . ."

NICOLL, SIR WILLIAM ROBERTSON 1851-1923 The minister and man of letters wrote books on theology and literature. "I believe everything that I have written about immortality."

NIJINSKY, WASLAW 1890-1950 Toward the end of his life, the Russian dancer became insane. "Mamasha!" (Mother)

NOBLE, MARGARET E. (NIVEDITA) 1867-1911 Irish born, she became the "Joan of Arc" of India in its fight for independence and also adopted the Hindu religion. Seeing the vision of Shiva, the Preserver, she said: "The ship is sinking but I shall see the sun rise," and she died.

NOTHNAGEL, HERMANN 1841-1905 The German physiologist described his symptoms in the last report he wrote: "Paroxysms of angina pectoris, with extremely violent pains. Pulse and attacks completely different,

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sometimes slow, about 50-60, entirely regular, very intense, then again accelerated, 80-90, rather even and regular, finally completely arhythmic, entirely unequal, now palpitating, now slow, with differing intensity. The first sensations of these attacks date several-three or four-years back, in the beginning rather weak, becoming slowly more and more definite. Properly speaking, attacks with sharp pains have appeared only within the last five or six days. Written on July 6, 1905, late in the evening, after I had three or four violent attacks."

OATES, LAWRENCE E. G.

1880-1912

A member of the Scott expedition to the South Pole, Oates, considering himself a burden to his struggling companions, walked out of their tent in a blizzard, never to return. "I am just going outside and may be some time." O'CAROLAN, TORLOGH 1670-1838 The bard called for a cup of Irish whisky. "It would be hard if two such friends should part at least without kissing."

OLIPHANT, LAURENCE

1829-1888

The English war correspondent and traveler said, as did Goethe: "More light!" ORLEANS, LOUIS PHILIPPE JOSEPH, Duc d' 1747-1793 He joined the French revolutionists against Louis XVI, but the Tribunal condemned him anyway. To the executioner, who wanted to remove his boots, he said: "You can do that more easily to my dead body. Come-be quick!"

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OUGHTRED, WILLIAM 1575-1660 The English mathematician received the news of the restoration of Charles II, saying: "And are ye sure he is restored? Then give me a glass of sack to drink his Sacred Majesty's health." OWEN, WILFRED 1893-1918 The American poet spoke to his men just before he was killed in action in World War I. "Well done . . You are doing very well, my boy."

PAGE, THOMAS NELSON 1853-1922 After his death the following note was found in the back of the proof copy of the Southern writer's book Dante: "Amid the gorgeous coloring of the autumn foliage, he [referring to himself] rested as a tired child, and slept to awake in his Father's house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

PAINE, THOMAS 1737-1809 To his doctor, who had said: "Your belly diminishes," he replied, "And yours augments."

PALM, JOHANN PHILIPP 1766-1806 The German bookdealer wrote a letter to his wife before being shot by Napoleon's forces. "My Heart's Treasure and my Dearly Beloved Children! By man but not by God abandoned, the military court of this place has pronounced judgment against me after only two examinations. I was questioned as to whether I had circulated certain political writings. I replied, what I knew to be 158

true, that at most only in some incidental way by mail were these distributed-butwithout my will or knowledge. Whereupon I was condemned to death, without attorney for my defense. I asked for one, but none was forthcoming. However, there will be one for me before God. To you, dear wife, I say a thousand thanks for your love. Trust in God, and do not forget me. I have nothing in the world to say, but farewell, you and the children, God bless you and them. My regards to Mr. and Mrs. Schwagerin and all my friends, whom I thank for their goodness and love. Once more, farewell. Yonder we shall meet again. Your husband, and children's father, Johann Palm, Branau, in prison, August 26, 1806, a half hour before my death."

PALMER, WILLIAM 1824-1856 Hanged for poisoning a friend, he asked as he stepped on the gallows trap: "Are you sure it's safe?"

PALMERSTON, HENRY JOHN TEMPLE,

Viscount 1784-1865 Speaking to the doctor, the English statesman said: "Die, my dear doctor? That's the last thing I shall do." It is also said he mumbled: "That's Article ninety-eight; now go on to the next."

PANCRAS, SAINT 290-304 At fourteen he fell victim to Diocletian's persecution of the Christians, but he spoke his mind to the emperor before he was killed. "In body I am a child, but I bear a man's heart:and by the grace of my Master Jesus Christ, thy threats seem as vain to me as this idol which stands before me. And as for the gods whom you desirest me to adore, they are 159

naught but impostors, who sully the women of their own household, and spare not their own kin. If thine own slaves today behaved as these gods, thou wouldst be in haste to put them to death. And it wonders me much that thou dost not blush to adore such gods."

PANZRAM, CARL 1891-1930 Murderer of twenty-three people was executed in 1930. His last words: "I wish the whole human race had one neck and I had my hands around it." PARNELL, CHARLES STUART 1846-1891 The Irish nationalist leader died suddenly, five months after his marriage to Mrs. OShea. "Kiss me, sweet Wifie, and I will try to sleep a little." PARRY, SIR WILLIAM EDWARD 1790-1855 The English physician was noted for his Arctic explorations. "The chariots and horses!" PASTERNAK, BORIS 1890-1959 As the hollow needle was inserted in a vein of his wasted arm, Boris murmured to his wife: "Dosvidanya" (Goodbye) Moments later, blood gushed from his mouth. "Why am I hemorrhaging?"he asked. Trying to sound reassuring, Zinaida answered: "It is because you have pneumonia." The end came fast. With the last flickers of consciousness, Boris Pasternak managed to wave to Zinaida. She leaned over him, counted twenty-five gasping breaths, and then came the stillness of death. 160

PASTEUR, LOUIS 1822-1895 Refusing a glass of milk: "I cannot."

PAUL, SAINT ?-A.D. 67 The saint was martyred at Rome; the words are taken from the Second Epistle to Timothy. "Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."

PAVLOVA, ANNA 1885-1931 The prima ballerina, most famous for the dance from The Death of the Swan, saw her own dying in terms of the art to which she had dedicated her life. "Get my 'Swan' costume ready!"

PEABODY, ENDICOTT 1857-1944 The great educator and founder of Groton was driving to the train in Ayer, Massachusetts, and before dying suddenly, he remarked to his companion about a former pupil: "Franklin [Roosevelt] must have been a very religious man."

PEACE, CHARLES 1832-1879 An English criminal on the scaffold. "What is the scaffold? A short cut to Heaven!"

PEACOCK, THOMAS LOVE 1785-1866 The self-educated novelist refused to leave his books when a fire endangered his library. "By the immortal gods, I will not move!" 161

PEALE, CHARLES WILLSON 1741-1827 The distinguished painter of the American Revolution died (while courting what was to be his fourth wife) at 86, saying to one of his seventeen children: "Sybilla, feel my pulse." When she replied: "I can't feel any," he said with his usual objectivity: "I thought not." PEEL, SIR ROBERT 1788-1850 The English statesman said to Lady Peel before mounting his horse for a fatal ride:. "Julia, you are not going without wishing me 'goodbye,' or saying those sweet words, 'God bless you'?" PENROSE, BODIES 1860-1921 The Pennsylvania senator gave his valet some final instructions: "See here, William. See here. I don't want any of your damned lies. How do I look? Am I getting any better? The truth now . . . All right, William. When you go to church tomorrow-pray for me, too."

PERICLES

495 B.C.-429 B.C. The great Athenian statesman and orator who stimulated and advanced the arts in Athens and who encouraged the great patriotism of his citizens in their democratic form of government. "No Athenian, through my means, ever wore mourning." PERU GIN O (Pietro di Cristoforo Vannucci) 1445-1523? Umbraian painter and a teacher of Raphael, who was noted for his advances in the use of perspective. Many of his works were commissioned by the Church. When he died, dur162

ing the age of great explorations and scientific discoveries, he said, when urged to consult a priest: "No, I am curious to see what happens in the next world to one who dies unshriven."

PETAIN, HENRI, Marshal 1856-1951 The premier of Vichy France during World War II was condemned to death for treason, but his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment by De Gaulle. Speaking to his wife, he said: "Do not weep, do not grieve."

PETER III, Czar of Russia 1728-1762 His wife's henchmen strangled him after she was crowned Catherine II. "It was not enough then to prevent my reigning over Sweden, and to tear from my head the crown of Russia! They must have my life besides!"

PETERS, HUGH 1598-1660 The English clergyman was executed for complicity in the death of Charles I. Before his life was taken, he was made to witness the death of a fellow martyr who was drawn and quartered. "Sir, you have here slain one of the servants of God before mine eyes, and have made me behold it, on purpose to terrify and discourage me; but God hath made it an ordinance to me for my strengthening and encouragement."

PETER THE GREAT 1672-1725 The Russian czar was seized by a particularly virulent disease that left him incapacitated. His written instruction was unfinished: "Give back all to

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PHILLIPS, DAVID GRAHAM 1867-1911 The American novelist was shot down by a paranoiac. "I could have won against two bullets but not against six."

PHILOPOEMEN

253

B.C.-183 B.C.

The distinguished Greek general was captured at Messina and executed. The man who brought the hemlock told him of the escape of some of his comrades. "It is well that we have not been every way unfortunate."

PHOCION 402 B.C.-317 B.C. The Athenian general was regarded as a traitor for his antiwar policies and was condemned to drink hemlock. To the consolation of a friend he replied: "Yes, but not surprising-this is what usually happens in Athens to her great men."

PIRANDELLO, LUIGI 1867-1936 Italian dramatist. "The hearse, the horse, the driver, and enough!"

PITMAN, SIR ISAAC 1813-1897 English phonographer who set forth a system of shorthand based on phonetic principles. He said: "To those who ask how Isaac Pitman passed away, say 'Peacefully and with no more concern than in passing from one room into another to take up some further employment."'

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P I T T, "the Elder," W I L L I A M, Earl of Chatham 1708-1778 The statesman collapsed in the House of Lords protesting England's policy of appeasement in the colonies. The rugged old man's health then deteriorated rapidly. "Go, my son, go whither your country calls you: let her engross all your attentions; spare not a moment, which is due to her service, in weeping over an old man, who will soon be no more."

PITT, "the Younger," WILLIAM 1759-1806 "England's greatest prime minister" was greatly saddened by news of the defeat of Austria and Russia at Austerlitz. "My country! How I leave my country!" (In some versions it is "love" instead of "leave.") He also commented, it is said: "I could do with one of Bellamy's meat pies."

PLOTINUS 205-270 Roman philosopher. "I am making my last effort to return that which is divine in me to that which is divine in the universe." POE, EDGAR ALLEN 1809-1849 Found semiconscious outside of a tavern in Baltimore, Poe could only say: "Lord, help my poor soul." Over his original grave in the Westminster Presbyterian churchyard is a marker with a stone relief of a raven and the quotation "Quoth the Raven nevermore."

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POLK, JAMES KNOX 1795-1859 The eleventh President of the United States was thinking of his wife of twenty-five years. As she leaned over his bed, he said: "I love you Sarah-I-love-you." A smilF lighted his face and m a halting voice he told her what provisions he had made for her, Then he died.

POMPADOUR, Madame 1721-1764 As the priest rose to leave, the celebrated courtesan said: "One moment, Monsieur le Cure, and we will depart together."

POPE, ALEXANDER 1688-1744 The English poet said: "There is nothing meritorious but virtue and friendship, and indeed friendship itself is only part of virtue." Other sources say he remarked to his doctor: "I'm dying, sir, of a hundred good symptoms."

POPE PIUS X 1835-1914 When the ambassador of the Emperor Franz Joseph came to ask the Pope's blessing for the Austrian armies, the Holy Father shouted violently: "Get out of my sight! Get out of my sight! Away! Away! We grant blessing to no one who provokes the world to war." He was mortally struck and never arose from the blow.

PORTER, WILLIAM SIDNEY, "O. HENRY" 1862-1910 The writer, famous for the last lines of his stories, died in New York, saying: "Turn up the lights. I don't want to go home in the dark." 166

PROUST, MARCEL 1871-1922 His brother asked the novelist if he were hurting him. "Yes, Robert dear, you are." PUCCINI, GIACOMO 1858-1924 The Italian genius composed a number of extremely popular operas and was at work upon another, Turandot, when he died in New York. "My poor Elvira! My poor wife." PUSHKIN, ALEKSANDER SERGEEVICH 1799-1837 The Russian poet was mortally wounded in a duel. His wife asked him if there were any friends or relatives he wished to see. He raised his eyes to his bookshelf and said: "Farewell, my Friends!" QUEZON, MANUEL L. 1878-1944 Dying of pulmonary tuberculosis, the Philippine president was heartened to hear that MacArthur's forces had landed in Dutch New Guinea. "Just 600 miles!" QUIN, JAMES 1693-1766 The Irish actor, contemplating his last role, asked for the courage to: ". . be able to go through it with becoming dignity." RABELAIS, FRAN(;OIS 1490-1553 The French writer and physician, widely known for Gargantuaand later Pantagruel, said: "Draw the curtain: the farce is ended." Or, according to other sources: "I am going to seek the great perhaps." 167

RADCLIFFE, SIR JAMES, Earl of Derwentwater 1689-1716 A leader in the Jacobite Rebellion, he was captured at Preston and beheaded. "I am but a poor man; there's ten guineas for you; if I had more I would give it to you; I desire you to do your office so as to put me to the least misery you can."

RALEIGH, SIR WALTER 1552?-1618 The English courtier, navigator, historian, and poet said, as he was led to the block: "'Tis a sharp remedy [the axe] but a sure one for all ills." When asked how he wished to place his head on the block, he said: "So the heart be right, 'tis no matter which way the head lies. What dost thou fear? Strike man, strike!"

RAVEL, MAURICE 1875-1937 Regarding himself in a mirror and pointing to his bandaged head: "I look like a moor." It is said also that shortly before this he took the hand of his friend, Roland-Manuel, and said pathetically: "Tell me, not everything I wrote was bad."

RECAMIER, MADAME JEANNE 1777-1849 The French society beauty was a charming adjunct to the salons of the Napoleonic era. "We shall meet again!"

RED JACKET 1758-1830 The Seneca Indian orator said to his wife: "White men will come and ask you for my body. They will wish to bury 168

me. But do not let them take me. Bury me among my people I do not wish to rise among pale faces."

REED, WALTER, Major 1851-1902 The American army surgeon and bacteriologist greeted the news of his promotion to colonel. "I care nothing for that now."

REMINGTON, FREDERIC 1861-1909 The painter of the American West was told that he had to have an appendectomy. "Cut her loose, Doc!" RENAN, ERNEST 1823-1892 French religious philosopher. "Remove that sun from of the Acropolis!"

RENOIR, PIERRE 1841-1919 The aging French impressionist expressed a vain hope: "I am still progressing."

REYNOLDS, SIR JOSHUA 1723-1792 English portrait painter. "I know that all things on earth must have an end and I am come to mine."

RIBBENTROP, JOACHIM VON 1893-1946 The German diplomat was hanged as a war criminal. "God save Germany! My last wish is that Germany rediscover her unity and that an alliance be made between East and West and that peace reign on earth."

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RICHARD I (Richard the Lion-Hearted) 1157-1199 King of England (1189-1199) and symbol of chivalry and daring for his exploits. On his return from the Third Crusade he was captured and later released to Emperor Henry VI, who gave him freedom in return for a heavy ransom gathered by his subjects and for England. According to Brewer: To Bertrand de Gourdon, who shot him with an arrow in a small engagement, he said: "Youth, I forgive thee!" Then to his attendants: "Take off his chains, give him 100 shillings, and let him go." RICHARD III 1452-1485 Richard met Henry VII in the battle of Bosworth Fields and lost his kingdom and his life. "I will die King of England. I will not budge a foot . . . Treason! Treason!" He rushed on Henry Tudor and was cut down. RICHELIEU, Cardinal 1585-1642 The cardinal, upon being asked to forgive his enemies, replied: "I have had no enemies save those of the State."

RICHELIEU, LOUIS, Duc de 1696-1788 The French soldier and diplomat commented on the impending French Revolution. "What would Louis XIV have said!" RICKETTS, EDWARD ?-1948 According to John Steinbeck's account in the Sea of Cortez, the famed marine biologist and prototype of Steinbeck's Cannery Row hero said after having been struck by a train: "'How bad is it?' 'I don't know,' the doctor said. 'How do you feel?' 'I don't feel much of anything,' Ed said. Be170

cause the doctor knew him and knew what kind of a man he was he said, 'That's shock, of course.' 'Of course!' Ed said, and his eyes began to glaze."

RIDLEY, NICHOLAS 1500-1555 The bishop was burned at the stake with Latimer for supporting Lady Jane Grey's claim to the throne. "Let the fire come unto me, I cannot burn. Lord, have mercy upon me."

RILKE, RAINER MARIE

1875-1926

The German lyric poet died of blood poisoning from the prick of a rosebush thorn. He left this letter: "My dear, dear Supervielle, gravely ill, painfully, miserably, humbly ill, I find myself again a moment in the comforting knowledge that ever there, in that untenantable and inhuman plane, your message and all the influences it brings could reach me. I still think of the world-poor shard of a vessel that remembers being of the earth. (But how it abuses our senses and their 'dictionary', the pain that turns their pages!) R"

RIZAL, JOSE

1861-1896

The Filipino poet, patriot, and martyr had often said: "What is death to me? I have sown the seed; others are left to reap." As his back was turned to the firing squad, a

military doctor, aroused by his calm, ran out of the line of officers. "Colleague, may I feel your pulse?" he cried. Rizal said nothing, but thrust out his hand from the bounds that held it as far as he could. "You are well, colleague," said the doctor. Rizal made no comment but twisted his right hand to indicate the spot on his back where the soldiers should aim. 171

ROBESPIERRE, MAXIMILIEN DE 1758-1794 With the death of Robespierre by the guillotine, the Reign of Terror ended. While waiting for the execution, an attendant loosened a constrictive garter for him. "Thank you, sir."

ROBINSON, HENRY CRABB 1775-1867 The entry is taken from the journalist's voluminous diary; "He, [Matthew Arnold] thinks of Germany as he ought, and of Goethe with high admiration. On this point I can possibly give him assistance, which he will gladly- But I feel incapable to go on."

R 0 B R O Y (nickname of Robert MacGregor) 1671-1734 A leader of the clan during the Jacobite rebellion, his legend grew to enormous proportions. He died late in life in his own home. "Now all is over-let the piper play 'We Return No More."'

RODGERS, JAMES W. 1911-1960 A murderer, he was executed in Utah by a rifle squad. When asked if he had a last request, he smilingly said: "Why, yes-a bullet proof vest."

RODIN, AUGUSTE 1840-1917 The great sculptor: "And people say that Puvis de Chavannes is not a fine artist!" 172

ROLAND, MADAME 1754-1793 A Girondist, she failed to make good her escape from Paris and was guillotined by Robespierre's faction. "Oh Liberty! Liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name!"

ROLAND DE LA PLATIERE, JEAN MARIE 1734-1793 The husband of Madame Roland, he ran himself through with a sword upon hearing of his wife's execution and left a note of explanation. "Whoever thou art that findest me lying, respect my remains: they are those of a man who consecrated all his life to being useful; and who has died as he lived; virtuous and honest. Not fear, but indignation, made me quit my retreat, on learning that my wife had been murdered. I wish not to remain longer on an earth polluted with crimes."

ROMMEL, ERWIN 1891-1944 According to his son, Manfred, the German field marshal's last minutes were like this: "He was standing in the middle of the room, his face pale. 'Come outside with me,' he said in a tight voice. We went into my room. 'I have just had to tell your mother,' he began slowly, 'that I shall be dead in a quarter of an hour.' He was calm as he continued: 'To die by the hand of one's own people is hard. But the house is surrounded and Hitler is charging me with high treason. "In view of my services in Africa,"' he quoted sarcastically, 'I am to have the chance of dying by poison. The two generals brought it with them. It's fatal in three seconds. If I accept, none of the usual steps will be taken against my family, that is against you. They will also leave my staff alone."' 173

". . . later we received a call from the Reserve Hospital that my father had been brought in by the two generals, apparently having had a brain stroke."

ROOSEVELT, FRANKLIN DELANO 1882-1945 He was having his portrait painted when he suddenly said: "1 have a terrific headache!"

ROOSEVELT, THEODORE 1858-1919 The president told his servant: "Please put out the light."

ROSCOMMON, WENTWORTH DILLON, Earl of 1633-1685 The British poet quoted some of his own verse: "My God, my father, and my friend, Do not forsake me in my end."

ROSS, HAROLD 1892-1951 According to James Thurber, Ross telephoned his friend, Hawley Truax, from the hospital, stating: "I'm up here to end this thing, and it may end me too. But it's better than going on this way. God bless you. I'm half under the anesthetic now."

ROSSETTI, CHRISTINA 1830-1894 A deeply spiritual poetess of England, she was an invalid for ten years prior to her death, a victim of Granes' 174

disease. "I love everybody. If ever I had an enemy I should hope to meet and welcome that enemy in heaven."

ROSSETTI, DANTE GABRIEL 1828-1882 In delicate health the latter part of his life, the English painter and poet died at Birchington and is buried there. "Then you really think I'm dying. At last you think so; but I was right from the first."

ROTHSCHILD, MEYER AMSCHEL 1743-1812 He was the first important member of the international bankers. He called his five sons and enjoined them to be faithful to the law of Moses, to remain united to the end, and undertake nothing without consulting their mother. "Observe these three points, and you will soon be rich among the richest, and the world will belong to you."

ROTHSTEIN, ARNOLD The gambler was shot and when asked by the police to tell them who did it, he remained true to the law of the underworld: "Me mudder did it."

ROYER-COLLARD, PIERRE PAUL 1763-1845 The French politician and philosopher lived through an era of turbulent French politics and found evidence for his support of philosophy as the more stable discipline. "There is nothing substantial in the world but religious ideas. Never give them up, or if you do, come back to them." 175

RUBINSTEIN, NICHOLAS 1835-1881 The brother of Anton Rubinstein was also a celebrated pianist and founded the Moscow Conservatory in 1864. "Oysters! Nothing, Helen Andreyevna, will do me so much good as a dozen cold oysters. And an ice afterwards." RUDOLF OF HAPSBURG, Crown Prince of Austria 1858-1889 The prince and his lover, Marie Vetsera, were presumably the subject of a double suicide at Mayerling in January of 1889. The prince's letter is to his wife: "Dear Stephanie, You are freed henceforward from the torment of my presence. Be happy, in your own way Be good to the poor little girl who is the only thing I leave behind. Give my last greetings to all my acquaintances, especially to Bombelles, Spindler Latour, Nowo, Gisela, Leopold, etc., etc. I face death calmly; death alone can save my good name. With warmest love from Your aflectionate Rudolf." RUNYON, DAMON 1884-1946 American journalist, feature writer, and writer of short stories, died saying: "You can keep the things of bronze and stone and give me one man to remember me just once a year." According to his final request, his ashes were dispersed from an airplane by his friend Captain Eddie Rickenbacker over Manhattan: "the place that I truly loved and that was good to me." SACCO, NICOLA 1891-1927 With Bartolomeo Vanzetti, he was convicted of the murder of a shoe-factory paymaster and guard. It was the popular belief of many that they were really convicted only of being anarchists. They were both executed. "Vive 11 Anarch176

ismo . .. ! Farewell my wife and child and all my friends! Good-good-evening, gentlemen ... Addio, Mamma mia, addio, Mamma mia." SAINT AGATHA ?-251 When her breast was to be sliced off, she reproached the executioner: "Cruel tyrant, do you not blush to torture this part of my body, you that sucked the breasts of a woman yourself?" SAINT-GAUDENS, AUGUSTUS 1848-1907 As the sculptor lay dying, he looked at the sunset saying: "It's very beautiful, but I want to go farther away." SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS (see Fadiman foreword)

1542-1591

SAINT THERESA OF AVILA 1515-1582 "How I have longed for thee! Oh welcome hour-the end of exile." SALVINI, TOMMASO 1829-1915 Italian tragedian died rebelling against the theological implications of his time. He said: "I don't want to die absolutely." SAMSON The last of the twelve judges of the Bible, Samson destroyed his enemies but perished with them. "Let me die with the Philistines." 177

SAND, GEORGE (pseud. of AMANDINE AURORE LUCIE DUPIN, BARONNE DUDEVANT) 1804-1876 "Farewell, I am going to die"-then an unintelligible phrase ending with "laissez verdure" (leave grass), then"goodbye Lina, goodbye Maurice, goodbye Lolo, good SAN MARTIN, DON JOSE DE 1778-1850 The liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, sinking fast, whispered: ". i this is the exhaustion of death." Then turning to his son-in-law, he stammered: "Mariano-back to my room," and fell back dead. S A PP H O c. 600 B.C. The Greek lyric poetess commented upon the doleful atmosphere of her household. "For it is not right that in the house of song there be mourning. Such things befit us not." SARSFIELD, PATRICK, Earl of Lucan 16?-1693 The Irnsh soldier was mortally wounded while in the French service in the battle of Neerwinden. "Would to God this were shed for Ireland!" SAUCKEL, FRITZ 1894-1946 He was hanged at the end of World War II as a war criminal. "I pay my respect to American officers and American soldiers but not to American justice." SAUL The first king of the Israelites was slain by the Philistines on Mount Giloa. "Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and 178

slay me; for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me."

SAVAGE, RICHARD 1697-1743 The English poet was thrown into jail at Bristol for debt and died there. "l have something to say to you, sir . . . 'Tis gone!"

SAVONAROLA, GIROLAMO 1452-1498 The Dominican rebelled against the Pope's accusations of heresy and was captured with two others while attacking a convent. All three were hanged and burned. "The Lord hath suffered so much for me."

SAXE, MAURICE DE 1696-1750 The marshal of France, son of a king of Poland, and one-time lover of Adrienne Lecouvreur, roused himself from a coma saying: "Life is but a dream; mine has been beautiful but it has been brief." Then he lapsed back into un-

consciousness and died the next morning. SCARRON, PAUL 1610-1660 The French comic poet suffered for many years with a malady that finally claimed his life. "If I am restored, what a fine satire I will make of the death sob. By my word I would never have imagined that it was so easy to laugh at death."

SCHILLER, JOHANN CHRISTOPH FREDRICH VON 1759-1805 German dramatist, poet, historian, and philosopher whose works, as those of his close friend Goethe, laid the 179

foundations for modern German literature with themes of the idealistic man and with the hatred of tyranny. According to Brewer, he said before he died: "Many things are growing plain and clear to my understanding."

SCHUBERT, FRANZ 1797-1828 The composer died suddenly at the height of his genius. "Here, here is my end!"

SCHULTZ, "DUTCH" Dying from a gangland bullet, he raved: "French Canadianbean soup. I want to pay. Let them leave me alone."

SCOTT, EDWARD (Death Valley Scotty) 1873?-1954 This splendid and much publicized fraud's last words were supposedly about the plaque which is mounted to the right of his grave in Death Valley and contains his favorite motto: "I got four things to live by: Don't say nothin' that will hurt anybody. Don't give advice-nobody will take it anyway. Don't complain. Don't explain."

SCOTT, ROBERT FALCON 1868-1912 The antarctic explorer and his party perished in a blizzard while returning from the South Pole. His diary was found by a searching party: "We knew that poor Oates was walking to his death, but though we tried to dissuade him, we knew it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman. We all hope to meet the end with similar spirit, and assuredly the end is not far. 180

"We are showing that Englishmen can still die with a bold spirit, fighting it out to the end . . . Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale . . . It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more."

SCOTT, SIR WALTER 1771-1832 Speaking to his family, the novelist said: "God Bless you all, I feel myself again."

SCOTT, WINFIELD, General 1786-1866 The American general distinguished himself in the War of 1812 and the war with Mexico. A strict disciplinarian, he was known as "Old Fuss and Feathers" to his men, but he was not without compassion. "Peter, take good care of my horse."

SCRIPPS, E. W. 1854-1926 The American publisher helped to build the ScrippsHoward syndicate. "Too many cigars this evening, I guess." SENECA, LUCIUS ANNAEUS 4 B.C.-A.D. 65 The Roman philosopher was involved in a plot against Nero and was condemned. He was permitted to choose the mode of his death and selected that of opening his veins. Bleeding, he entered a pool and, sprinkling some of the water, he anointed a slave, saying as he did so: "I offer this liquid as a libation to Jupiter the Deliverer."

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SERRA, JUNIPERO 1713-1784 The Spanish missionary set up the chain of missions in California. "Now I shall rest." SERVERUS (LUCIUS SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS) 146-211 The African Roman emperor (193-211) who greatly extended Roman power with his victories in the East and in the West as far as Britain and Scotland. "I have been everything, and everything is nothing. A little urn will contain all that remains of one for whom the whole world was too little." SEVIGNE, FRANCOISE MARGUERITE DE 1626-1696 When reprimanded for her supposed vanity by Abbe Mouse, who said: "Remember, all your beauty will turn to dust and ashes," she replied, looking at him quizzically: "Yes, but I am not yet dust and ashes!" SEWARD, WILLIAM HENRY 1801-1872 Surrounded by his family in Auburn, New York, the statesman was asked if he had any words for them. "Nothing, only 'Love one another."' SHACKLETON, SIR ERNEST 1874-1922 The antarctic explorer, upon being told to take it easy, replied: "You are always wanting me to give up something. What do you want me to give up now?" SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM 1564-1616 The dramatist was on an outing with Ben Jonson and Michael Drayton when he drank too much sack, caught 182

fever, and died. Though nothing is known about his last hours, his will has provoked many speculations as to his character and relationships. To his wife, Anne, he bequeathed his "second best bed"; a silver bowl to his daughter Suzannah-"witty above her sex"; and, his sword to one Thomas Combe.

SHARP, WILLIAM 1855-1905 The Scottish man of letters was the author of a series of Celtic tales by "Fiona MacLeod," a nom de plume, he adamantly refused to acknowledge. "Oh, the beautiful 'Green Life' again! Ah, all is well."

SHAW, GEORGE BERNARD 1856-1950 Talking to his nurse, the Irish dramatist, critic, and novelist said: "Sister, you're trying to keep me alive as an old curiosity, but I'm done, I'm finished, I'm going to die." The last thing he wrote was: "The will to live is wholly unexplicable. Rationally I ought to blow my brains out but I don't and I won't. Haydon did himself in because his neuralgias were unbearable. These were cases of voluntary euthanasia, quite justifiable. But most people hold on to the last moment and die a 'natural death', as I mean to, though at 94 1 ought to clear out, my bolt being shot and overshot."

SHEPPARD, JACK 1702-1724 The young robber was hanged at Tyburn. "Of two virtues I have ever cherished an honest pride: never have I stooped to friendship with Jonathan Wild, or with any of his detestable thief-takers; and though an undutiful son, I never damned my mother's eyes." 183

SHERIDAN, RICHARD BRINSLEY 1751-1816 British dramatist and politician whose comic characters are considered classics and whose speeches in Parliament defended the French Revolution and helped impeach Warren Hastings. "I am absolutely undone."

SIDNEY, ALGERNON 1622-1683 The executioner tried to determine whether the republican martyr had finished making statements and if he had raised his head from the block for the last time. "Are you ready, sir? . . . Will you rise again?" The martyr answered: "Not till the general resurrection-strike on!"

SIDNEY, SIR PHILIP 1554-1586 The English poet, statesman, and soldier was mortally wounded under the walls of Zutphen. "I would not change my joy for the empire of the world."

SISERA The biblical Canaanite general was slain with a hammer and a nail by Joel, whom he had made his protector: "Stand in the door of the tent; audit shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, 'Is there any man here?' that thou shalt say, 'No!'"

SIWARD, Earl of Northumberland ?-1055 Called "The Strong," the Danish warrior echoed the words of the ancient Vespasian with his own additions: "Lift me up that I may die standing, not lying down like a cow. " 184

SMITH, ADAM 1723-1790 The English political economist was surrounded by many of his mourning friends and, feeling the approach of death, said: "I believe we must adjourn the meeting to some other place."

SMITH, ALFRED E. 1873-1944 The political leader told the priest to: "Start the Act of Contrition."

SMITH, JOSEPH 1805-1844 The Morman prophet jailed on charges of treason in Carthage, Illinois, was shot by a mob and cried out before dying: "Is there no help for the widow's son?"

SMITH, SYDNEY 1771-1845 The English wit was told that he had probably drunk some ink by mistake. "Then bring me all the blotting paper there is in the house."

SOCRATES 469 B.C.-399 B.C The Greek philosopher was convicted of corrupting the morals of the young and was condemned to die by drinking hemlock. "Crito, I owe a cock to Asclepius, will you remember to pay the debt?"

SOPHONISBA ?-204 B.C. The bride of the Numidian Prince Masinissa was sent poison by her husband so that she would not be taken alive by the Romans. "I accept the wedding gift, nor is it dis185

pleasing if my husband can give his wife nothing better. Say this, however, that it would have been a more honorable death if my wedding and my funeral had been further apart."

SOREL, AGNES 1422-1450 The favorite of Charles VII, near death after childbirth, said of life: "It is a little thing, and soiled and smelling of frailty." Then she added: "Fie de la vie!" and died.

SPENCER, HERBERT 1820-1903 The English philosopher was one of the few modem thinkers to attempt to account for all cosmic phenomena in a comprehensive system. "Now I take this step for the benefit of those who are to be my executors; my intention being that after death this my body shall be conveyed by sea to Portsmouth."

STANISLAS I, King of Poland 1677-1766 The former king died as a result of burns received when his bathrobe caught fire. "'You gave it to me to warm me, but it has kept me too hot."

STANISLAVSKY, KONSTANTIN 1863-1938 The director of the Moscow Art Theater was asked by his nurse if he wished to include a line to his sister in a letter being written. "I've lots to say to her, not just something. But not now. I'm sure to get it all mixed up."

186

STANLEY, SIR HENRY MORTON 1841-1904 As the African explorer died in London, he heard Big Ben strike four times. "Four o'clock? How strange! So that is Time! Strange! ... Enough."

STANTON, ELIZABETH CADY 1815-1902 The suffragette wrote in a letter to Theodore Roosevelt: "Abraham Lincoln immortalized himself by the emancipation of four million Southern slaves. Speaking for my suffrage coadjutors, we now desire that you, Mr. President, who are already celebrated for so many honorable deeds and worthy utterances, immortalize yourself by bringing about the complete emancipation of thirty-six million women."

STEIN, GERTRUDE 1874-1946 (see Fadiman foreword)

STEPHENS, ALEXANDER H. 1812-1883 The Georgian politician had once been elected to the Senate, but because of a controversy about reconstruction he was refused a seat. "But I carried it individually by six hundred majority."

STERNE, LAURENCE 1713-1768 The British novelist and author, after a long struggle with tuberculosis, put up his hand as if to ward off a blow, saying: "Now, it has come," and died.

187

STEVENSON, ROBERT LOUIS 1850-1894 The novelist whose health had long been broken died suddenly of apoplexy. He is 'buried in a mountain top behind his Samoan home of Vailima. "My head, my head!" STONE, LUCY 1818-1893 American suffragette. "Make the world better!"

STOWE, HARRIET BEECHER 1811-1896 The writer and ardent abolitionist told her Irish nurse: "I love you."

STRAFFORD, THOMAS WENTWORTH, Earl of 1593-1641 The condemned English statesman refused the blindfold before being beheaded. "I do as cheerfully put off my doublet at this time as ever I did when I went to bed. [refusing blindfold, jestingly] Nay, for I will see it done."

STRAUS, MRS. ISIDOR ?-1912 A passenger on the Titanic with her husband, she refused to enter a lifeboat. "We have been together for forty years and we will not separate now."

STRAUSS, JOHANN 1825-1899 Upon being advised to go to sleep, the "Waltz King" answered: "l will, whatever happens."

188

STRAW, JACK ?-1381 One of the leaders of the Wat Tyler rebellion; he confessed on the gallows: "Against the same day that Wat Tyler was killed, we purposed that evening (because that the poor people of London seemed to favor us) to set fire in four corners of the city and so to have burnt it, and to have divided the riches at our pleasures amongst us." STREICHER, JULIUS 1885-1946 The nazi journalist, before being hanged as a war criminal, exclaimed defiantly: "Heil Hitler!"

STRINDBERG, AUGUST 1849-1912 The Swedish playwright, pressing a Bible to his breast, said: "Everything is atoned for."

STROZZI, FILIPPO II 1488-1538 Captured and imprisoned by the Medicis, the Florentine noble committed suicide, leaving the note: "If I have not known how to live, I shall know how to die . . ." An inscription in the cell taken from Virgil read: "May some avenger rise from my bones!"

STUART, JAMES EWELL BROWN 1833-1864 The brilliant cavalry officer, "Jeb" Stuart, was mortally wounded fighting for the Confederacy. "I am resigned, if it be God's will."

189

SUAREZ, FRANCIS 1548-1617 The Spanish Catholic philosopher, semiconscious, was revived enough to whisper: "I thought it was the end." And a little later: "I would never have believed it is so sweet to die."

SULEIMAN I, The Magnificent 1494-1566 The great Turkish sultan of the Ottoman Empire was dying of apoplexy after a battle and moaned: "The drums of victory have not yet sounded."

SUMNER, CHARLES 1811-1874 The Massachusetts senator was an uncompromising foe of slavery. "My book, my unfinished book! . . . You must take care of the Civil Rights Bill,-my bill, the Civil Rights Bill,-don't let it fail! . . . Tell Emerson how much I love and revere him."

SUN YAT-SEN 1866-1925 China's "Father of the Revolution" died of cancer in Peking. His later years were embittered because of the internal dissension in China. "Peace . . . struggle . . . save China."

SURRATT, MARY EUJGENIA 1820-1865 Hanged as a conspirator in the Lincoln assassination, she asked the priest: "May I tell these people now that I am innocent?" "Yes," he answered. "Say what you wish but it can do no good now." She added, "Take care of Anna," and was led to the scaffold. There she said to the people: "Please don't let me fall." 190

SUTTER, JOHN AUGUSTUS 1803-1880 He was awaiting word from the House of Representatives on a decision about the claim for land that he had registered and had expected for fourteen years. When General William Tecumseh Sherman came to his hotel in Washington, Sutter said eagerly: "The claim?" "It's a damned shame, General," said Sherman. "They've adjourned and your claim didn't even go to a vote!" The old man sagged back with disappointment. "Next year . . . they will surely ... " He lapsed into a coma and died.

SWIFT, JONATHAN 1667-1745 Shortly before he died-he had been demented for about three years-his housekeeper took a knife out of his reach. He shrugged his shoulders, began rocking, and said: "I am what I am, I am what I am," and several minutes later repeated the phrase over again to himself. His epitaph, which he wrote in Latin, ends with the lines: "[He lies] where rage and resentment can no longer eat into the heart. Go passer-by, and do, if you can, as he did, a man's part in the defense of liberty."

SYNGE, JOHN MILLINGTON 1871-1909 Irish dramatist. "It is no use fighting death any longer."

TABOR, HORACE A. W. 1830-1899 The Colorado miner made millions in silver, but his fortunes dwindled away before he died. Referring to his mine in Leadville, he told his wife; "Hang on to the Matchless. It will make millions again." 191

TAFT, ROBERT A., Senator 1889-1953 The senator from Ohio greeted his wife cheerfully. "Well, Martha . . . I Glad to see you looking so well." TALLEYRAND, CHARLES MAURICE DE 1754-1838 Told that the Archbishop of Paris would gladly give his life for him, the French statesman answered: "He can find a much better use for it."

TAMBERLANE or TIMUR 1336-1405 The Mongol conqueror, noted for his cruelty, said: "Never yet has death been frightened away by screaming."

TAYLOR, BAYARI) 1825-1878 The American poet died the same year that he became ambassador at Berlin. "I want-I want, oh, you know what I mean, that stuff of life!"

TENNYSON, ALFRED LORD 1809-1892 The English poet never stopped working till his last day. He died during the night and was found with his finger pointing to a passage in Cymbeline. The Shakespearean play was put in his coffin and he was buried next to Browning in Westminster Abbey.

TETTEMER, JOHN 1876-1949 As Father Ildefonso, Tettemer was a Passionist monk for twenty-five years before he sought release from his vows 192

and subsequently married. On his deathbed he was asked if he wanted a priest and he replied: "Good heavens, no!" and died.

THACKERAY, WILLIAM MAKEPEACE 1811-1863 The author of Vanity Fair died from the recurrence of a fever contracted in Rome eight years prior to his death. "And my heart throbbed with an exquisite bliss." THAYER, WILLIAM SYDNEY 1864-1932 The American physician was noted for his research on the heart: "This is the end-and I am not sorry."

THEOPHRASTUS 372 B.C.-287 B.C. The philosopher wrote the epitaph for his gravestone: "Here lies buried Philip Theophrastus The world famous doctor of medicine Who cured wounds, leprosy, gout, dropsy And other incurable diseases of the body With wonderful knowledge And who gave his goods to be divided and Distributed Among the poor In the year 1541 on the 24th day of September He exchanged life for death To the living peace, to the entombed eternal rest." And his final words: ". . . as I can no longer discuss what we ought to do, do you go on with the inquiry into right conduct."

THERAMENES ?-404 B.C. The Athenian politician was accused of being a public enemy because of his opposition to the governments of the Thirty Tyrants under the leadership of Critias. Condemned 193

to drink the hemlock, he toasted the health of his accuser: "This to the health of the lovely Critias!"

THOMAS, DYLAN 1914-1953 According to John Malcolm Brinnin, the poet said: "I've had eighteen straight whiskies. I think that's the record . . ." Later, after his collapse, when he recounted

his nightmare D.T.'s, he was told: "You know Dylan, one thing about the horrors . . . just remember, they go away, they do go away." "Yes," Dylan replied, "I believe you."

He then went into a coma from which he did not emerge.

THOMAS, THEODORE 1835-1905 The conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra said quietly before he died; "I have had a beautiful vision-a beautiful vision."

THOMASON, THOMAS Nineteenth Century The father of the Anglo-Indian governor James Thomason died in Mauritius, saying about human life: "This is the dark valley, but there's light at the end."

THOREAU, HENRY DAVID 1817-1862 Asked whether he had made his peace with God, the famous essayist and author of Walden replied calmly that he was not aware that they had ever quarreled. When a remark was made about the fast-approaching hereafter, he remarked: "One world at a time." His last words have a

kind of lovely mysticism that only he knew the answer to: "Moose . . . Indian

. . ."

He is buried in Sleepy Hollow

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cemetery in Concord and his grave is marked, curiously, with only the one word: "Henry." THURLOW, EDWARD, Baron 1731-1806 The last recorded remark of the English judge, George III's lord chancellor, was: "I'll be shot if I don't believe I'm dying!"

TOJO, HIDEKI 1885-1948 The premier of Japan, hanged as a war criminal, wrote before his death: "Oh, look, see how the cherry blossoms fall mutely."

TOLSTOY, LEO 1828-1910 Dying at the age of eighty-two and barely able to speak, he first said to his daughter Alexandra: "Come closer-it is so simple . . . to seek, always to seek." Later to his son Sergei he said, as he sank: "To escape . . I must escape . . . ! Truth . . . I love much."

TOUSSAINT L'OVERTURE, PIERRE DOMINIQUE 1743-1803 Born a slave in Haiti, he led the rebellion that resulted in emancipation. When Napoleon re-established slavery, Toussaint was thrown into a French dungeon where he succumbed in ten months. "Nothing can compare with the humiliation to which you subjected me today. You have taken away my watch and the money I had in my pocket. I hereby serve notice on you that these objects are my personal property and that I will call you to account for them on the day I am executed, when I shall expect you to remit them to my wife and children."

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TRAUBEL, HORACE 1858-1919 Author and close friend of Walt Whitman, he died saying: "Look, Flora . .. just over the rocks there . . . quick!" His wife replied: "I don't see anyone." Traubel said: "It was Walt-his head and shoulders and hat in a gold glory. He beckoned and said something, but I couldn't understand what he said-only 'come on . . ."'

TREE, SIR HERBERT BEERBOHM 1853-1917 The English actor was speaking of a role in a play: "I shall not need to study the part at all; I know it already."

TROTSKY, LEON 1879-1940 According to Isaac Don Levine this is what happened after the assassin struck the revolutionist in Mexico City: "Hansen told the 'Old Man' that he had been hit by a pick and that the wound was superficial. "'No,' Trotsky said. He pointed to his heart. 'I feel here that this time they have succeeded.' He smiled faintly with his eyes. 'Take care of Natalia. She has been with me many, many years.' "Soon his reflexes began to fail on the left side. The ambulance came and took him to the Green Cross Emergency Hospital. Natalia and Hansen rode with the dying man to the hospital. "Pmlling Hansen's head toward his lips, Trotsky whispered with great effort: 'He was a political assassin. "Jacson" was a member of the GPU or a fascist. Most likely the GPU.' "About two and a half hours later, Stalin's revolutionary enemy lapsed into unconsciousness from which he would never emerge."

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TURENNE, HENRI DE LA TOUR D'AUVERGNE, Vicomte de 1611-1675 The Marshal of France was shot in the battle of Sasbach when he was slow to accept an invitation to take cover. "Then I will gladly come, for I particularly wish not to be killed just now." At which moment he was hit and killed.

TURGENEV, IVAN S. 1818-1883 The Russian novelist wrote in a letter to Tolstoy: ". I can neither walk, nor eat, nor sleep. It tires me even to mention all this. My friend, great writer of the Russian land, heed my request. Let me know whether you receive this sheet, and permit me once more closely, closely to embrace, your wife, and all yours. I can no more. I am tired."

TURNER, JOSEPH M. W. 1775-1851 The English landscape painter was completely dedicated to his work to the neglect of everything else. He exclaimed as he died: "The sun is God!"

TWAIN, MARK (SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS) 1835-1910 The humorist was born the day Haley's comet was viewed and he always claimed that he would die when next it appeared. He missed his prediction by only one day. "Good by," he said to his daughter Clara, and then: "if we meet . . ." 197

TWEED, WILLIAM MARCY 1823-1878 "Boss" Tweed was the head of a group of politicians, known as "the Tweed Ring," that swindled New York City of millions. Before he died in Ludlow Street Jail, he mentioned two of the men who helped to convict him: "Tilden and Fairchild-they will be satisfied now." TYLER, JOHN 1790-1862 The tenth President of the United States was aroused from sleep by the feeling that he was suffocating. He told the doctor: "I am going . . . perhapsit is for the best." TYNDALE, WILLIAM 1492-1536 The English translator of the Bible, before being strangled at the stake for heresy, said: "Lord! Open the king of England's eyes." TYNDALL, JOHN 1820-1893 The British physicist was accidentally given an overdose of choral by his wife. "Yes, my poor darling, you have killed your John! . . . Let us do all we can. Tickle my throat. Get a stomach pump . . . Yes, I know you are all trying to rouse me."

TZ'U HSI, EMPRESS 1835-1908 Starting as a concubine at seventeen, and six years later seizing control of the government which she held till her death, the empress was implored by her princes and officials: "Let Old Buddha please quiet herself and recover from her illness." She replied: "No, I have sinned enough. I will die." 198

Then pointing a finger at her niece she said to her four grand councilors: "I have nothing more to tell you, but remember this, my last words-never again make a woman regent and ruler of China. It is against the house-law of our dynasty and should be forbidden. Be careful not to allow eunuchs to meddle in government matters. The Ming dynasty was brought to ruin by eunuchs, and its fate should be a warning to my people." VALENTINO, RUDOLPH 1895-1926 "Don't pull down the blinds! I feel fine. I want the sunlight to greet me."

VANDERBILT, CORNELIUS 1843-1899 American financier. "I'll never give up trust in Jesus. How could I let that go?" VANDERBILT, WILLIAM HENRY 1821-1885 The son of Cornelius, his worth was estimated at about $200,000,000 when he died. According to Clifton Fadiman, his last message was: "l have had no real gratification or enjoyment of any sort more than my neighbor on the next block who is worth only half a million." VANINI, LUCILIO 1585-1619 An ordained priest, he was discovered preaching atheism, an offense for which his tongue was cut out; he was then strangled and burned. "There is neither God nor devil: for if there were a God, I would pray him to send a 199

thunderbolt on the Council, as all that is unjust and iniquitous; and if there were a devil, I would pray him to engulf it in the subterranean regions; but since there is neither one nor the other, there is nothing for me to do." VANZETTI, BARTOLOMEO 1888-1927 Executed for murder. "I want to thank you, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me, warden . . . I wish to tell you, all of you, that I am innocent. I have never done a crime. Maybe, oh yes, sometimes I have done some sin, but not a crime. I am innocent of all crime, not only of this, but of all, of all. I am an innocent man . . . I wish to forgive some people for what they are now doing to me."

VARGAS, GETULIO DORNELLES 1883-1954 The President of Brazil left a suicide note. "I fought against the looting of the people. I have fought barebreasted. The hatred, infamy and calumny did not beat down my spirit. I gave you my life. Now I offer my death. Nothing remains. Serenely I take the first step on the road to eternity and I leave life to enter history."

VEBLEN, THORSTEIN 1857-1929 The noted economist wrote: "It is also my wish, in case of death, to be cremated, if it can be conveniently done, as expeditiously and inexpensively as may be, without ritual or ceremony of any kind; that my ashes be thrown loose into the sea, or in some sizable stream running to the sea; that no tombstone, inscription, or monument of any name or nature, be set up 200

in my memory or name in any place or at any time; that no obituary, memorial, portrait, or biography of me, nor any letters written to or by me be printed or published, or in any way reproduced, copied or circulated."

VERLAINE, PAUL 1844-1896 A friend at the French poet's side whispered: "He's dying." The sick man opened his eyes and murmured with a smile: "Don't sole the dead man's shoes yet." That evening

he died muttering names of some associates. VERNE, JULES

1828-1905

Semiconscious, the author of Twenty Thousand Leagues

under the Sea and other "science fiction" murmured: "Honorine, Michel, Valentine, Suzanne. Are you here?" When

each had answered, there was silence and he was dead shortly after. VESPASIAN A.D. 9-A.D. 79 The aged Roman emperor struggled to get to his feet. "An Emperor ought to die standing. Ut puto, deus fio."

[I suppose I am now becoming a God], referring to the apotheosization of the Caesars after death. VETSERA, MARY 18?-1889 She committed suicide with her lover, Rudolph of Hapsburg, at Mayerling. She left a letter to Marie Larish. "Dear Marie, Forgive me all the trouble I have caused. I thank you so much for everything you have done for me. If life becomes hard for you, and I fear it will after what we have done, follow us. It is the best thing you can do. Your Mary."

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VICTOR EMMANUEL II, King of Italy 1820-1878 The king asked his doctor: "How much longer will it last? I had some important things to attend to." VICTORIA, Queen of England 1819-1901 The British monarch spoke affectionately the name of her son and successor, Albert Edward, King Edward VII. "Bertie!"

VILLARS, LOUIS HECTOR, Duc de 1653-1734 In the war with Italy, the Marshal of France showed that his spirit and military genius were untouched by his years. At Turin, told of the death of the Duke of Berwick, he replied: "I had always contended that that man was born luckier than l!" VILLIERS, GEORGE, Duke of Buckingham 1628-1687 The prodigal son of a prodigal father eventually reaped the rewards of both. "To what situation am I now reduced! Is this odious little hut a suitable lodging for a prince? Is this anxiety of mind becoming the character of a Christian? From my rank I might have expected affluence to wait upon my life; from religion and understanding peace to smile upon my end; instead of which, I am afflicted with poverty and haunted by remorse; despised by my country and I fear forsaken by my God. I am forsaken by all my acquaintances, neglected by the friends of my bosom and dependents on my bounty; but no matter! I am not fit to converse with the former and have no abilities to serve the 202

latter. Let me now however, be forsaken by the good. Favor me with a visit as soon as possible. I am of the opinion this is the last visit I shall ever solicit from you. "My distemper is powerful; come and pray for the departing spirit of the poor unhappy Buckingham."

VITELLIUS A.D. 15-A.D. 69 The short reign of the Roman emperor ended with his murder by henchmen of his rival, Vespasian. Replying to the insults of a tribune, he said: "Yet I was your Emperor!"

VOLTAIRE (assumed name of Francois Marie A'rouet) 1694-1778 The French writer, incoherent, had one last moment of lucidity. The cur6 of Saint Sulpice said to the dying man: "Monsieur Voltaire, you are at the end of your life. Do you recognize the divinity of Jesus Christ?" Voltaire lifted his

hand and thrust away the catechist crying: "In the name of God, let me die in peace!" In another version, he is supposed

to have said, when his bedside lamp flared up: "The flames already?"

WAGNER, RICHARD 1813-1883 According to the notation in the diary of his wife, Cosima, the German tone poet, composer, and writer on music went to the piano and played the scene from The Rhinegold, "Falsch und feig ist, was oben sich freut [False

and base are those who revel above]." Then he said: "To think that I knew it so clearly at that time." And as he lay in bed he said: "I am fond of them, of the inferior beings of the abyss, of those who are full of longing."

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WASHINGTON, BOOKER T. 1856-1915 The American Negro educator was born into slavery in Franklin County, Virginia. "Take me home. I was born in the South, I have lived and labored in the South, and I wish to die and be buried in the South."

WASHINGTON, GEORGE 1732-1799 According to Dr. Rudolph Marx, the first President of the United States said to his doctor, Dr. Craik: "Doctor, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go." When Dr. Brown came into the room: "I feel myself going, I thank you for your attention; but I pray you to take no more trouble for me. Let me go quietly-I cannot last long."

WEBSTER, DANIEL 1782-1852 "Wife, children, doctor, I trust on this occasion I have said nothing unworthy of Daniel Webster." Le Comte states he said: "I still live . . . poetry . . ." Brewer claims he

said: "Life-life! Death-death! How curious it is."

WERTENBAKER, CHARLES 1903-1955 In what must be the most complete and poignant telling of the end of a man, Lael Wertenbaker tells in her book The Death of a Man of how she helped her journalist husband kill himself after a long siege with cancer: "'I brought his rolls razor, freshly strapped . . . I couldn't watch when he cut . . . He was afraid of crying out and

waking the children and I begged him to pass out and promised him he would die whatever I had to do . . . I

said "I love you I love you please die," and he said that one first phrase, too, and went into the final struggle to die and did."' 204

WESTBROOK, HARRIET ?-1816? The daughter of a wine merchant, she eloped with Percy Bysshe Shelley at a very young age, but the writer soon became restless, and his affairs with other women, particularly Mary Godwin, led her to suicide. She left the following note: "My dear Bysshe, Let me conjure you by the remembrance of our days of happiness to grant my last wish. Do not take your innocent child from Eliza who has been more than I have, who has watched over her with such unceasing care. Do not refuse my last request. I never could refuse you, and if you had never left me, I might have lived; but as it is, I freely forgive you and may you enjoy that happiness which you have deprived me of. There is your beautiful boy. Oh, be careful of him, and his love may prove one day a rich reward. As you form his infant mind, so will you reap the fruits hereafter."

WHITE, WALTER 1893-1954 Negro leader and author of many books answered when his wife asked how he liked her daughter's new mode of dress: "I plead the Fifth Amendment," and then died. WHITTIER, JOHN GREENLEAF 1807-1892 The poet suffered an apoplectic stroke. When the nurse came to pull down the shades in his room, he exclaimed: "No! No!" wanting light to the last. He died soon after. WILDE, OSCAR FINGAL O'FLAHERTIE WILLS 1856-1900 According to Clifton Fadiman, the Irish poet, wit, and dramatist called for champagne, saying: "I am dying, as I have lived, beyond my means." 205

WILLIAM THE SILENT or WILLIAM I OF ORANGE 1533-1584 The founder of the Dutch Republic was assassinated at Delft preserving his legendary taciturnity to the end. When asked: "Do you trust your soul to Jesus Christ?" he replied succinctly: "Yes." WOLFE, JAMES 1727-1759 In the battle for Quebec, Wolfe and his men scaled the Heights of Abraham and engaged the French on the plains. Wounded three times and carried to the rear, he heard his troops give the cry: "They run, see how they run!" "Who run? . . . Go one of you, my lads, with all speed to Colonel Burton, and tell him to march Webb's regiment down to the St. Charles River, and cut off the retreat of the fugitives to the bridge. Now God be praised, I die happy." WOLFE, THOMAS 1900-1938 Shortly before his death, while in a semicoma after a brain operation, his sister, Mabel Wolfe Wheaton, called to him: "Tom! Can you hear me? Answer me! Tom! Tom!" She says that when he finally spoke it was as from a different world, with infinite patience and weariness. "All right Mabel, I'm coming . . ." Then he lapsed into unconsciousness again. He is buried in Ashville, North Carolina, and his epitaph reads: "The last voyage, the longest, the best. Look homeward, Angel. Death bent to touch his chosen son with mercy, love, and pity, and put the seal of honor on him when he died. The Web and the Rock." WOLLSTONECRAFT, MARY 1759-1797 The mother of Mary Shelley died as a result of the difficult birth of her celebrated daughter. "I know what you 206

are thinking of but I have nothing to communicate on the subject of religion." WOOLF, VIRGINIA 1882-1941 The author left a suicide note to her husband. "l have a feeling I shall go mad. I cannot go on any longer in these terrible times. I hear voices and cannot concentrate on my work. I have fought against it but cannot fight any longer. I owe all my happiness to you but cannot go on and spoil your life." WOOLLCOTT, ALEXANDER 1877-1943 The writer was stricken at a radio broadcast and spoke sharply to another member of the cast who came to his aid. "Go back in there. Never mind me. Go back in there!" WYCHERLY, WILLIAM 1640-1716 The dramatist made a final request of his young wife. "My dear, it is only this, that you will never marry an old man again." ZISKA, JOHN 1360-1424 The Czech rebel and military genius said before dying: "Make my skin into drum-heads for the Bohemian cause." ZWEIG, STEFAN 1881-1942 The Austrian novelist left a note. ". . . After I saw the country of my own language fall, and my spiritual land -Europe-destroying itself, and as I reach the age of sixty, it would require immense strength to reconstruct my life, and my energy is exhausted by long years of peregrinationas 207

one without a country. Therefore, I believe it is time to end a life which was dedicated only to spiritual work, considering human liberty and my own as the greatest wealth in the world. I leave an affectionate good-bye to all my friends." ZWINGLI, HULDREICH or ULRICH 1484-1531 Swiss Protestant reformer whose thoughts and ideas of reform and separation from the Catholic Church had great influence politically in his time, and later for Luther. He was killed while acting as a chaplain at the battle of Cappel, a battle caused in part by opposition to the political practices he influenced. "What does it matter!" he said. "They may kill the body but they cannot kill the soul." His body was mutilated as that of a traitor by his enemies.

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