LAST WORDS OF FAMOUS MEN.
When a man is in the full flower of health and intellectual activity, his utterances, either guarded or careless, usually are more or less tinctured by his social environments—environments that are rather more artificial than natural. But when the shadow of death falls upon him, and earthly vanities crowd out of the chamber that is marked as the vestibule of his tomb, the language he speaks is that of the man himself—one who realizes that he is nearer eternal truth than human pretense. For this reason the last words he speaks on earth are more significant of his true character than any he has spoken before. No better proof of this fact may be adduced than is to be found in the following collection of sentences uttered by dying men:
Adams, John (1735-1826), American statesman: "Jefferson survives."
Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848), American statesman: "This is the last of earth! I am content!"
Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770-1827), German composer: "I shall hear now!" (He was deaf.)
Bozzaris, Markos (1790-1823), Greek patriot: "To die for liberty is a pleasure and not a pain."
Brooks, Phillips (1835-1893), American clergyman: "I am going home."
Byron, Lord (1788-1824), English poet: "I must sleep now."
Charles I of England (1600-1649): "Remember."
Charles II of England (1630-1685): "Don't let poor Nelly (Nell Gwynne) starve."