Wotton (Sir Henry, English diplomatist, author of some very beautiful short poems and of a number of books, chief among which are "The State of Christendom," and "The Characters of Some of the English Kings"), 1568-1639. "I now draw near to the harbor of death—that harbor that will rescue me from all the future storms and waves of this restless world. I praise God, I am willing to leave it, and expect a better—that world wherein dwelleth righteousness, and I long for it."
Wyatt (Sir Thomas, the younger), 1520-1554. On the scaffold he said to the people: "Whereas it is said abroad that I should accuse my Lady Elizabeth's grace and my Lord Courtenay; it is not so, good people, for I assure you that neither they nor any other now yonder in bold endurance was privy of my rising a commotion before I began." Weston, his confessor, shouted, "Believe him not, good people! he confessed otherwise before the council." Wyatt answered: "That which I said then I said, but that which I say now is true." These were Wyatt's last words.
Wycherley (William, author of "The Plain-dealer," "The Country Wife," and several other comedies), 1640-1715. "Promise me you will never again marry an old man," said to his wife.
When he was over seventy years old he married a young woman, but he survived his marriage only eleven days.
Ximenes de Cisneros (Francisco, Spanish cardinal), 1719-1774. "This is death."
Yancey (William Lowndes, American politician, secessionist and commissioner to Europe to secure recognition of the Southern Confederacy. He was called "The Fire-Eater"), 1815-1863. "Sarah," his wife's name.
Yvart (J. A. Victor, called "The Arthur Young of France"), 1764-1831. "Nature, how lovely thou art!"
Zane (Giacomo, a Venetian poet), 1529-1560. "I should like to live." There is dispute about these words; some writers say his last words were: "I should not like to live."
Zeisberger (David, German missionary among the American Indians, author of a number of books in the language of the Delaware Indians), 1721-1808. "I am going, my people, to rest from all my labors and to be at home with the Lord. He has never forsaken me in distress, and will not forsake me now. I have reviewed my whole life, and found that there is much to be forgiven."
Zeno, or Zenon (Greek philosopher and founder of the school of the Stoics), about b. c. 355—about b. c. 257. "Earth, dost thou demand me? I am ready." Last recorded words.