A Noble Woman: The Life-Story of Edith Cavell — John Shaqi
A Noble Woman: The Life-Story of Edith CavellProtheroe, Ernest
History
A Noble Woman: The Life-Story of Edith Cavell
Protheroe, Ernest
Cavell, Edith, 1865-1915
It is almost impossible to express how deeply the heart of the nation
was stirred by the crowning deed of infamy signalized in the tyrannous
execution of Edith Cavell; and all classes, from the highest to the
lowest, were desirous of testifying their admiration of one whose
devotion to duty and consecrated death will ever be an inspiration to
our race.
The following message was dispatched from the King and Queen to Mrs.
Cavell, the stricken mother of the dead heroine:
'BUCKINGHAM PALACE,
'_October 23, 1915_.
'Dear Madam,--By command of the King and Queen I write to assure
you that the hearts of their Majesties go out to you in your
bitter sorrow, and to express their horror at the appalling deed
which has robbed you of your child. Men and women throughout the
civilized world, while sympathizing with you, are moved with
admiration and awe at her faith and courage in death.
'Believe me, dear Madam, yours very truly,
'STAMFORDHAM.'
Queen Alexandra's letter, through the medium of the Rector of
Sandringham, ran as follows:
'I am commanded by Her Majesty Queen Alexandra to write and say how
deeply Her Majesty feels for you in the sad and tragic death of
your daughter. Her Majesty views the unheard-of act with the utmost
abhorrence; no words of mine are in any way adequate to express the
deep feelings of Her Majesty as she spoke to me of Miss Cavell's
death. Her Majesty's first thought was of you, and I was to tell
you how deeply, very deeply, Her Majesty sympathizes with you.
"Her poor, poor mother. I go on thinking of her," were Her
Majesty's words. The women of England are bearing the greatest
burden of this terrible War, but by all the name of Miss Cavell
will be held in the highest honour and respect. We shall always
remember that she never once failed England in her hour of need.
"May God bless and comfort you!" is the prayer of Her Majesty.'
Naturally the tragic death of their heroic sister went like a
trumpet-blast through the ranks of the nursing profession, and the
following letter of sympathy addressed to Mrs. Cavell from the President
and Council of the Royal British Nurses' Association was signed by
Princess Christian herself:
'We, the President and Council of the Royal British Nurses'
Association, desire to express the warm and heartfelt sympathy of
the whole Association with you in the bereavement which has fallen
on you in such tragic circumstances. Your daughter's heroic death
is one which will always remain a lasting memorial to devotion,
courage, and self-sacrifice, and her name will ever be remembered
among those heroes who have laid down their lives for their
country.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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