After this and more vituperation follows an analysis of Dr. Hyde's letter, and an elaborate defense of Father Damien. Men will differ in their opinions of the leper-priest, and, no doubt, much may be said on both sides of the case; but to the compiler of this work, who, in his own home, heard the story in all its details from the lips of Dr. Hyde, the beatification of Damien is, to say the least, a grotesque absurdity. VICTORIA (Alexandrina Victoria, Queen of England and Ireland and Empress of India), 1819-1901. It is said, though upon what authority the compiler is unable to discover, that the last words of Queen Victoria were, "_Oh, that peace may come._" It is understood that the Queen was opposed to the war in South Africa, and her last words would seem to indicate that her thoughts, even in the hour of death, were busy with the unhappy conflict. VIDOCQ (Eugene Francois, famous French detective), 1775-1857. "_How great is the forgiveness for such a life!_" He was successively a thief, soldier, deserter, and gambler before he entered the public service, and was often imprisoned for his offences. About 1810 he enlisted in the police at Paris. His success as a detective has scarcely been paralleled in history. _Lippincott: "Biographical History."_ He retired to Paris and there lived quietly in lodgings until 1857, when, at the great age of eighty-two, he was struck down with paralysis. On finding his end near, he sent for a confessor, and--so whimsical a thing is human nature--he greatly edified the holy man by dying like a saint. One trifling peccadillo he perhaps forgot to mention. The breath had scarcely left his body, when ten lovely damsels, each provided with a copy of his will, which left her all his property arrived. Alas for all the ten! Vidocq had always loved the smiles of beauty, and had obtained them by a gift which cost him nothing. He had left his whole possessions to his landlady. _Smith: "Romance of History."_ VILLARS DE (Claude Louis Hector, famous French general), 1653-1734. "_I always deemed him more fortunate than myself._" Said to his confessor, who told him that the Duke of Berwick had perished by a cannon ball. VILLIERS (George, First Duke of Buckingham. He was assassinated by John Felton in 1628), 1592-1628. "_God's wounds! the villain hath killed me._" John Felton, gentleman, having watched his opportunity, thrust a long knife, with a white heft, he had secretly about him, with great strength and violence, into his breast, under his left pap, cutting the diaphragma and lungs, and piercing the very heart itself. The Duke having received the stroke, and instantly clapping his right hand on his sword-hilt, cried out, "God's wounds! the villain hath killed me."--_Book of Death._ VIRGIL (Publius Virgilius Maro, most illustrious of Latin poets), B. C. 70-19.