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
Mr. Edward W. Emerson, son of Ralph Waldo, arrived home this
afternoon, and the investigation of the desecration of his father's
grave was immediately entered upon by him with the town authorities.
Mr. Emerson has been out of town for two weeks or more, and the
first information he had of the affair was that given him upon his
arrival this noon. The earth has been replaced, and a watch placed
over the grave.
_N. Y. Times, Oct. 15, 1889._
EMMET (Robert, an eloquent Irish enthusiast and sincere patriot, and one
of the chiefs of the "United Irishmen"), 1780-1803. "_Not--_"
He said on the scaffold, at the close of a brief address: "My friends, I
die in peace, and with sentiments of universal love and kindness towards
all men." He then shook hands with some persons on the platform,
presented his watch to the executioner, and removed his stock. The
immediate preparations for execution then were carried into effect, he
assisted in adjusting the rope round his neck, and was then placed on
the plank underneath the beam, and the cap was drawn over his face; but
he contrived to raise his hand, partly removed it, and spoke a few words
in a low tone to the executioner. The cap was replaced, and he stood
with a handkerchief in his hand, the fall of which was to be the signal
for the last act of the "finisher of the law." After standing on the
plank for a few seconds the executioner said: "Are you ready, sir?" and
Emmet said, "Not yet." There was another momentary pause; no signal was
given; again the executioner repeated the question. "Are you ready,
sir?" And again Emmet said, "Not yet." The question was put a third
time, and Emmet pronounced the word "Not;" but before he had time to
utter another word the executioner tilted one end of the plank off the
ledge.
_Madden's Life of Emmet._
Let no man write my epitaph; for as no man who knows my motives dare now
vindicate them, let not prejudice or ignorance asperse them. Let them
and me repose in obscurity and peace, and my tomb remain uninscribed
until other times and other men can do justice to my character. When my
country takes her place among the nations of the earth--then, and not
till then--let my epitaph be written I have done.--_From Emmet's Last
Speech._
See Moore's beautiful poem on Emmet's fate and on his attachment to Miss
Curran in two of the Irish Melodies.
EMMONS (Rev. Dr. Nathaniel, distinguished New England theologian and
divine), 1745-1840. "_I am ready._"
ENGHIEN D' (Louis Antoine Henri de Bourbon, Duc. French prince who was
arrested on neutral territory on suspicion of conspiracy, and, after a
military trial which was little better than a farce, shot), 1772-1804.
To the soldiers who had pointed their guns he said: "_Grenadiers! lower
your arms, otherwise you will miss me or only wound me._" Some say his
last words were: "Is there no priest at the chateau?--is there no
priest?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account