July 10th.—Although already in such a weak state of bodily health, the mind and heart of Sir Moses were still animated by their old impulses, and he showed the deepest interest in whatever concerned his friends or the progress of humanity. He was delighted to hear that Lord Rothschild had taken his seat in the House of Lords. It will be readily understood that he insisted in having every word of the account of the proceedings read to him.
Sir Moses, with feelings of fervid loyalty to our Queen, and deep devotion to the members of the Royal House, highly appreciated the honour which Her Majesty had done to the Jewish community through Lord Rothschild.
July 17th.—-Sir Moses felt rather better; he was delighted to have another opportunity of evincing his loyalty at this time to Her Majesty, by sending a wedding present to the Princess Beatrice. It consisted of a massive silver tea and coffee service with tray, the monogram, "H.B.," being beautifully engraved on each article, and the tray having an inscription in Hebrew, of which the following is a translation:—
"'Many daughters have acted virtuously, but thou excellest them all.' May He who dwelleth on high cause His light radiantly to shine on thy head. May joy and gladness meet thee; the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. May there be peace within thy walls, and tranquillity within thy palace, for now and for evermore, is the fervent prayer of him who reverentially subscribes himself,
"Moses Montefiore, 5645 A.M."
The affixing of his name to the above inscription was one of his latest acts, and may be regarded as the closing deed of his active life.
Her Royal Highness acknowledges the receipt of the same in the following most gracious terms:—
"July 21st, 1885.
"Princess Beatrice has just received the magnificent present Sir Moses Montefiore has so kindly sent her, accompanied by his good wishes, and she is anxious to express at once her heartfelt thanks for the valuable pieces of plate she greatly admires. The Princess is much touched by his kind attention on the occasion of her marriage, and will ever remember it gratefully."
Sir Moses, on hearing the above lines read to him, felt greatly pleased.
Day after day, whenever I saw him he would say, "Have I anything more to do? if so, let me do it. If there is any cheque to be written for charitable purposes, tell me, and I will sign it the moment I am able." On being assured that I would not hesitate to remind him, but that up to the present he had discharged all his self-imposed obligations in connection with benevolent institutions, he would raise his hands, saying, "Thank God for having been enabled to do so."