The Last Words (Real and Traditional) of Distinguished Men and Women — John Shaqi
The Last Words (Real and Traditional) of Distinguished Men and WomenMarvin, Frederic Rowland
History
The Last Words (Real and Traditional) of Distinguished Men and Women
Marvin, Frederic Rowland
Last words
The whole family were assembled at the bedside at the time of his death,
and Dr. Schweninger, Dr. Chrysander and Baron and Baroness Merck were
also present. As no breathing, movement or pulse was perceptible for
three minutes, Dr. Schweninger declared quietly and simply that the
Prince was dead.
Dr. Schweninger telegraphed the news to Emperor William, in Norway.
The Prince lies as he used to sleep, with his head slightly inclined to
the left. The expression on his face is mild and peaceful. It is
remarked that his head remained warm for an unusually long time.
In accordance with Prince Bismarck's wish, he will be buried upon the
hill opposite the castle in the vicinity of Hirschgruppe.
_Nachrichten, July 31st, 1898._
BLAKE (William, English artist and poet), 1757-1828. Blake died singing.
"On the day of his death," writes Smith, who had his account from the
widow, "he composed and uttered songs to his Maker, so sweetly to the
ear of his Catherine, that when she stood to hear him, he, looking upon
her most affectionately, said, 'My beloved! they are _not mine_. _No!_
they are _not_ mine!' He told her they would not be parted; he should
always be about her to take care of her. A little before his death, Mrs.
Blake asked where he would be buried, and whether a dissenting minister
or a clergyman of the Church of England should read the service. To
which he answered, that as far as his own feelings were concerned, she
might bury him where she pleased. But that as father, mother, aunt and
brother were buried in Bunhill Row, perhaps it would be better to lie
_there_. As for service, he should wish for that of the Church of
England.
"In that plain, back room, so dear to the memory of his friends, and to
them beautiful from association with _him_--with his serene cheerful
converse, his high personal influence, so spiritual and rare--he lay
chanting Songs to Melodies, both the inspiration of the moment, but no
longer as of old to be noted down. To the pious songs followed, about
six in the summer evening, a calm and painless withdrawal of breath; the
exact moment almost unperceived by his wife, who sat by his side. A
humble female neighbor, her only other companion, said afterwards: 'I
have been at the death, not of a man, but of a blessed angel.'"
_Gilchrist's Life of William Blake._
"He said he was going to that country, he had all his life wished to
see, and expressed himself happy, hoping for salvation through Jesus
Christ. Just before he died his countenance became fair, his eyes
brightened, and he burst out into singing of the things he saw in
heaven. In truth he died like a saint, as a person who was standing by
him observed."[5]
_From a letter written at the time of Blake's death._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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