William III. (of England), 1650-1702. "Can this last long?" to his physician.
Wilmot (John, Earl of Rochester, witty and profligate courtier and author, and a great favorite with Charles II. Notwithstanding his evil life, he was a brave soldier and had many attractive qualities), 1647-1680. "The only objection against the Bible is a bad life."
Wilson (Alexander, distinguished ornithologist), 1766-1813. His last words are not recorded, but just before his death he asked to be buried where the birds might sing over his grave.[53]
Winkelried (Arnold von, Swiss patriot who broke the Austrian phalanx at the battle of Sempach in 1385, by rushing against the points of their spears, and gathering within his arms as many as he could. He fell pierced with many wounds, but the Swiss were victorious). "Friends, I am going to lay down my life to procure you victory. All I request is that you provide for my family. Follow me and imitate my example."
A column surmounted by a lion, erected on the five hundredth anniversary of the victory marks the spot where Arnold von Winkelried fell.
Wishart (George), 1502-1546. "For the sake of the true gospel, given one by the grace of God, I suffer this day with a glad heart. Behold and consider my visage. Ye shall not see me change color. I fear not this fire." He was burned at the stake for preaching the doctrines of the Reformation.
A few moments before he uttered his last words the executioner said to him, "Sir, I pray you to forgive me, for I am not guilty of your death," to which the martyr, having replied, "Come hither to me," and then kissed him on the cheek, said: "Lo, here is a token that I forgive thee."
Witt (Cornelius de). "This man, who had bravely served his country in war, and who had been invested with the highest dignities, was delivered into the hands of the executioner, and torn in pieces by the most inhuman torments. Amidst the severe agonies which he endured he frequently repeated an ode of Horace,[54] which contained sentiments suited to his deplorable condition."—Hume.
Wolcott, or Wolcot (John, "Peter Pindar," witty and scurrilous satiric poet. "The most unsparing calumniator of his age."—Sir Walter Scott), 1738-1819. "Give me back my youth," to Taylor who had asked him "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Wolcott is well described by Gifford in these lines: