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| Bailly,
Jean Sylvain (1736-1793) |
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"Only from the cold, my friend." |
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Jean Bailly, a member of the French
Academy of Sciences, became the
first revolutionary mayor of Paris in 1789. Eventually, however,
the reign of terror ensnared him and he was sentenced to death.
On
the scaffold, awaiting the guillotine, he was heckled by a spectator
who
noticed that he was trembling. |
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For more information:
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| Bankhead,
Tallulah (1902-1968) |
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"codeine . . . bourbon" |
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Tallulah Bankhead was one of this
century's first show business personalities.
Her most famous movie role was in Alfred Hitchcock's film, Lifeboat.
Notorious for her outrageous behavior and habitual abuse of alcohol,
opiates,
marijuana, and tobacco, Bankhead died in 1968 when a bout of Asian flu
was more than her emphysema could tolerate. Before slipping into
a coma after being hooked to a ventilator in a New York City hospital,
her only discernible words were barely audible requests for codeine and
bourbon. |
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For
more
information:
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| Barnum,
Phineas Taylor (1810-1891) |
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"How were the circus receipts in
Madison Square Gardens?" |
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P.T. Barnum was the most famous
American
showman of all time. He began
his career in 1835 when he purchased a very old hymn-singing
slave
named Joice Heth and exhibited her as the 161 year old nurse of George
Washington. As an additional attraction, he added the preserved
body
of a FeeJee Mermaid--in reality the top half of a monkey sewn to the
tail
of a fish. By 1841, Barnum had earned enough to open the American
Museum in New York City where his attractions included General Tom
Thumb
and--for a short time--Jenny Lind in addition to a host of animals and
sideshow attractions. In 1871, he took his "circus" on the road
and,
ten years later, merged his operation with James A. Bailey's.
After
taking his "Barnum and Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth" on a triumphant
tour of London during the winter of 1889-1890, Barnum returned to New
York
City.
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For
more
information:
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| Barrymore
(Blyth), Ethel (1879-1959) |
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"Are you happy? I'm
happy." |
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Ethel Barrymore, the famous American
actress, had been bedridden from
rheumatism and a severe heart condition for some time when, on the
night
of 17 June 1959, she finished listening to a Dodgers-Braves
doubleheader
on the radio. She felt ill and asked for her doctor. After
he left, she talked with her maid, Anna Albert, until she fell asleep.
Barrymore awoke briefly at 03:00 the next morning and took Anna's hands
in hers. "Are you happy?" she asked, "I'm happy." She fell
back asleep and died several hours later without regaining
consciousness. |
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Ethel Barrymore's last words have
also
been recorded as "Is everybody
happy? I want everybody to be happy. I know I'm happy."
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| Barrymore
(Blyth), John "Jack or Jake" (1882-1942) |
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"You heard me, Mike " |
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John Barrymore was the most famous
of his
theatrical family.
He was an accomplished classical actor and one of Hollywood's first
movie
stars. Although considered difficult to work with by many,
Barrymore
could demonstrate considerable charm as well. Aware that he was
dying
in the hospital, Barrymore requested to speak with a priest who was
escorted
to his bedside by an elderly and rather homely nurse. The priest
asked Barrymore if he had anything to confess. "Yes, Father," he
replied. "I confess to having carnal thoughts." "About
whom?"
asked the priest. "About her," answered Barrymore, pointing to
the
nurse.
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Barrymore
lapsed into a semi-conscious delirium shortly after the priest
left and only briefly regained lucidity before his death.
Awakening,
he found a long-time friend, Gene Fowler, at his bedside. "Lean
over
me. I want to ask you something," Barrymore whispered.
"Tell
me, is it true that you are the illegitimate son of Buffalo
Bill?"
"Yes," Fowler replied solemnly, "I am told that Colonel Cody was my
natural
father, but we mustn't let anyone know about it." "I have always
thought so," Barrymore smiled. He then lapsed into
unconsciousness.
Later just before his death, Barrymore woke and murmured something that
his brother, Lionel, could not understand. "What did you say,
Jake?"
Lionel asked. "You heard me, Mike," was Barrymore's final
response.
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"Die? I
should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such
a conventional thing to happen to him" are frequently (and incorrectly)
cited as John Barrymore's last words. |
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For
more
information:
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| Becket,
Thomas (1118?-1170) |
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"For the name of Jesus and the
protection of the church I am ready
to embrace death." |
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Thomas Becket was appointed as
chancellor
of England by Henry II in
1154. He was a skillful, loyal, and ambitious administrator who
became
a favorite of the king. When the archbishop of Canterbury died in
1161, King Henry arranged for Becket to assume the position in order to
bring the Church under royal control. Becket, however, took his
appointment
seriously, became an energetic religious leader, and frequently opposed
the king. In 1164, after an especially ugly dispute, Becket fled
to exile in France and lived there for next six years.
Henry
eventually was forced to reconcile with Becket, and the archbishop
returned
to England. Becket continued to clash with the king, and one day
Henry was overheard to say that he wished he were rid of the
troublesome
priest. Four of his knights took him literally, rode to
Canterbury,
and hacked Becket to death in the cathedral. As the knights
confronted Becket, he is alledged to have said, "If all the swords in
England were pointed against my head, your threats would not move
me." The atrocity shocked
all of Europe, and the Church quickly declared Becket a martyr.
Threatened
with excommunication, Henry was forced to do public penance to keep his
throne. |
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Becket's
last
words have also been recorded as "I commend myself to
God, the Blessed Mary, St. Denis, and the patron saints of this
Church,"
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit," and, in Richard Burton's
portrayal, "Paratus sum pro Domino mori pacem et lubertatem per
sanguinem
meaim goudeal Ecclesia." (I am ready to die for my Lord. May the
Lord's church obtain peace and liberty through my blood.)
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For
more
information:
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| Beecher,
Henry Ward (1813-1887) |
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"Now comes the mystery." |
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Henry Ward Beecher, brother of
Harriet
Beecher Stowe, was a fervent
abolitionist and one of the most influential American clergymen of the
1800's. His down-to-earth sermons and outspoken moral earnestness
helped make him "the most famous man in America." His popularity
lasted throughout his
life, surviving a sensational adultery trial in 1875 that ended in a
hung
jury, an acceptance of Darwinism, and even his eventual rejection of
the
divinity of Jesus. |
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For
more
information:
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| Beethoven,
Ludwig van (1770-1827) |
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"Pity, pity . . . too late!" |
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Ludwig van Beethoven, a German
composer,
was one of the world's greatest
musical geniuses. In 1792, Beethoven moved from the provincial
court
city of Bonn to Vienna, where he studied with Haydn. His hearing
had begun to fail by 1798, but he continued to produce a massive volume
of music including numerous masterpieces. Unfortunately, the last
thirty years of his life were filled with a series of personal
tragedies.
In addition to his deafness, he became depressed after ending a
relationship
with an unnamed--and probably married--lady; he struggled through a
series
of legal battles to gain custody of his nephew following the death of
his
brother; he was plagued by financial problems and huge debts, and his
health
began to rapidly fail after his nephew attempted suicide in 1826.
Beethoven spoke his last words from his deathbed when told of recent
gift of twelve bottles of wine.
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His
last word have also been listed as "I shall hear in heaven," but this
is certainly untrue. It is also unlikely, though not impossible
that his last words may have been , "Plaudite, amici, comedia finita
est (Applaud, my friends, the comedy is over)," the traditional
conclusion of performances of Italian Commedia dell'Arte. |
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For
more
information:
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| Behan,
Brendan (1923-1964) |
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"Bless you, Sister. May all
your
sons be bishops." |
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Brendan Behan was an Irish
playwright and
member of the Irish Republican
Army. Known for his especially sardonic humor, he based many of
his
works on his experience in the IRA and the years he spent in spent
reform
school and prison. He uttered his last words to a nursing nun who
was taking his pulse.
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For more information:
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| Bell,
Alexander Graham (1847-1922) |
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"No." |
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Alexander Graham Bell was a Scottish
inventor who worked in the United
States for most of his life. While he is most famous for creating
the telephone, Bell also held an appointment as a professor of vocal
physiology
at Boston University. There, he fell in love with and married one
of his deaf students, Mabel Hubbard. After forty-five years of
marriage,
Bell was stricken with a fatal illness. As he lay dying, Mabel
whispered
to him, "Don't leave me." In response, Bell signed the word, "No." |
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For
more
information:
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| Bernstein,
Leonard (1918-1990) |
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"What's this?" |
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Leonard Bernstein was the preeminent
American composer, pianist, and
conductor of the 20th century. he became the Musical Director of
the New york Philharmonic in 1958 and later created a series of
legendary
televised educational concerts for children. In addition to three
symphonies, Bernstein's compositions include West Side Story, Candide,
and Wonderful Town.
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For
more
information:
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| Billy
the Kid (alias - William Bonney; real name - Henry McCarty) (1859-1881) |
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"Quein es?" or "Who is it?"
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Billy
the Kid
was a gunman who killed several men during the infamous
Lincoln County War in New Mexico. Wanted for murder, he was
tracked
and cornered by Sheriff Pat Garrett. Garrett killed Billy with a
single shot to the heart in a dark room of a house at Fort Sumner when
he recognized Billy's voice. |
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For
more
information:
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von Blucher,
Gebhardt Leberecht (1742-1819) |
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"Nostiitz,
you have learned many a thing form me. Now you are to learn how
peacefully a
man can die."
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Blucher
was Field Marshal who renewed Prussia's military in the early
1800s. He detested Napoleon and hated the French. Although
he was often defeated in battle by Napoleon, Blucher was instrumental
in Bonaparte's final defeat at Waterloo, when following the Prussian
defeat at Ligny in which he was trampled during a cavalry charge, he
led the his army onto the field of battle just in time to deal the
French a crushing blow that sealed the Duke of Wellington's
victory. Never a master of strategy or tactics, Blucher was
reknowned for his personal bravery and well-loved by his soldiers, in
part for his consumption of incredible quantities of gin.
Although it may well have been due to an alcohol-clouded mind or,
perhaps others' lack of appreciation for his unusual sense of humor,
Blucher's sanity was often questioned by allies and enemies alike,
especially after he made what appeared to be sincere claims that he was
pregnant with an elephant sired by a French grenadier. Blucher
died at his Silesian residence in Krieblowitz on 12 September 1819 with
his devoted aide-de-camp, Count Nostitz, by his side.
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For
more
information:
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| Boleyn,
Anne (1507?-1536) |
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"Oh
God, have pity on my soul. Oh God, have pity on my soul." |
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Anne
Boleyn was Henry VIII's second queen and the mother of Elizabeth
I. She was executed after she fell into Henry's disfavor.
From
the scaffold, she addressed the spectators who came to see her
beheaded,
"Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the
law,
and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing
against
it. I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of
that,
whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king
and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful
prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and
sovereign
lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them
to
judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world and of you
all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have
mercy
on me, to God I commend my soul." Following her speech, she was
blindfolded
and led to the block where she repeatedly prayed, "To Jesus Christ I
commend
my soul. Lord Jesu receive my soul." As she placed her head
on the stone, she began to cry and spoke her last words.
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Anne
Boleyn did say "The executioner is, I believe, very expert, and
my neck is very slender," but these were not her last words. She
said this to Mr. Kingston, the Constable of the Tower, while being
consoled
by him on the day before her execution. |
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For
more
information:
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| Booth,
John Wilkes (1839-1865) |
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"Tell mother, tell mother, I died
for my country. .
. . useless
. . . useless . . ." |
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After John Wilkes Booth fired a
fatal shot into the
back of President
Lincoln's head, he jumped from the box to the stage of Ford's
Theater
in Washington shouting "Sic Semper Tyrannis," the motto of the
Commonwealth
of Virginia. As he leapt, his boot caught in some bunting causing
him to break his left leg upon landing. He fled the city with a
co-conspirator,
David Herold, and eventually ended up trapped by soldiers while hiding
in a barn at Richard Garnet's farm in Virginia. Herold gave
himself
up when called upon to surrender, but Booth yelled back, "Captain, this
is a hard case, I swear. Give a lame man a chance. Draw up
your men twenty yards from the door, and I will fight your whole
command."
When his offer was refused, he shouted, "Well, my brave boys, you can
prepare
a stretcher for me." The soldiers then set fire to the barn in an
attempt to drive Booth from it as their orders were to capture him
alive.
Booth began to shout, "Kill me! Kill me!" In the
confusion,
at least one soldier shot into the barn. Booth collapsed, struck
in the neck by a round. He was dragged from the flames and onto
the
porch of Garnet's house where he died mumbling. |
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For more information:
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| Bouhours,
Dominique (1628-1702) |
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"Je vais ou je vas mourir, l'un
et l'autre se dit ou se disent." ("I am
about to--or I am going
to--die; either
expression is correct.") |
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Dominique Bouhours was a preeminent
French Jesuit
grammarian who worked
endlessly to promote a high standard of correctness and purity in the
French
language.
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| Brahms, Johannes (1833-1897) |
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"Ah, that tastes nice. I
thank you." |
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While he was a relatively young man,
Brahms musical talent attracted the attention of Robert Shumann.
His brilliant blend of romanticism and classicism made Brahms the
champion of those who opposed the musical innovations of Liszt and
Wagner. Perhaps, Brahms' most enduring composition was
Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, Gute Nacht, Op. 48, No. 4, which we English
speakers know better as Brahms' Lullaby. Following
Schumann's death, he maintained an exceptionally close, long-term
friendship with Schumann's widow, Clara, to whom he was entirely
devoted. While at Clara's funeral, Brahms became severely
chilled, which in turn aggravated a long-time liver ailment that would
kill him a year later. Bedridden, Brahms asked his nurse for a
small glass of wine. |
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For
more information:
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| Bronte,
Emily (1818-1848) |
|
"I lingered around them, under
that benign sky;
watched the moths
fluttering among the heath and harebells; listened to the soft wind
breathing
through the grass; and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet
slumbers
for the sleepers in that quiet earth." |
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Emily Bronte, the English author of Wuthering
Heights, was one
of the three Bronte sisters who channeled their oppressive and secluded
childhood experiences into a series of novels that influenced the
direction
of modern English literature. Bronte published Wuthering
Heights
in 1847, but her happiness and success were short-lived. She soon
became ill and died the following year. |
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For more information:
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| Brown,
John (1800-1859) |
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"I, John Brown, am now quite
certain that the crimes
of this guilty
land will never be purged away but with blood!" |
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John Brown, a shiftless American
drifter, became
actively involved--on
the anti-slavery side--in the guerilla warfare that wracked the Kansas
Territory during the 1850's . In 1856, Brown and six
followers--four
of whom were his sons--snuck into Pottawatomie River country by night
and
hacked five helpless settlers to death. Bragging about the raid,
Brown promised that, if he had the resources, he would lead a massive
slave
revolt throughout the South. Despite professing outward revulsion
for Brown, a group of prominent Northern abolitionists agreed to fund
this
campaign. Brown decided first to attack the Army arsenal at
Harper's
Ferry and steal weapons to be used in his revolt. He seized the
town
and the armory with a gang of 21 men on October 16, 1859, but was soon
overcome by local militia and regular troops led by Robert E.
Lee.
Brown was arrested and convicted of treason, but his powerful arguments
against slavery during the trail were widely publicized and did much to
galvanize anti-slavery commitment throughout the North.
Brown
was hung on December 2, 1859, and the Civil War began a short two years
later. The abolitionist conspirators who funded Brown's treason
were
never brought to justice. |
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For more information:
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| Bruce,
Lenny (Leonard Schneider) (1925-1966) |
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"Do you know where I can get any
shit?" |
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Lenny Bruce was the original obscene
comedian.
Darling of the
pseudo-intelligencia and enemy of the establishment, Bruce's shows were
repeatedly closed by local authorities. Some critics attribute
all
that is good (or bad, depending upon your perspective) with American
stand-up
comedy today to Bruce. A heavy drug user, Lenny Bruce was found
naked
and dead of an overdose on his bathroom floor with a hypodermic needle
stuck in his right arm. The man who found Bruce, John Judvich,
claimed
to have turned down his friend's request for a fix several hours before. |
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For more information:
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| Bruce,
Robert, King of Scotland (1274-1329) |
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"Now, God be with you, my dear
children. I
have breakfasted
with you and shall sup with my Lord Jesus Christ." |
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The grandfather of Robert Bruce lost
his claim to be
King of Scotland
in 1292 in a succession suit decided by King Edward I of England.
During the following decade, Bruce repeatedly switched his loyalty
between
the Scottish independence and the king. Following the execution
of
the Scottish national hero, William Wallace, in 1305, Bruce committed
himself
to the Scottish cause and murdered his old enemy, John Comyn, King
Edward's
choice to assume the Scottish throne. The next Spring, Bruce was
crowned at Scone and began an eight year military campaign to win back
independence that culminated with the historic English defeat at
Bannockburn
in 1314. He spent most of his remaining life fighting the English
in Ireland and along the Scottish border until England formally
recognized
an independent Scotland in 1328. Upon his death, he was succeeded
by his son, David II. |
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For more information:
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| Buchanan,
James (1791-1868) |
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"Whatever the result may be, I
shall carry to my
grave the consciousness
that at least I meant well for my country." |
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James Buchanan was sworn in as the
fifteenth President
of the United
States in 1857. After Republicans won a plurality in the House of
Representatives in 1858, every important bill they raised--anti-slavery
or or otherwise--was either vetoed by Buchanan or failed to make it
through
the Senate which was controlled by southern Democrats. The
federal
government ground to a halt. North-South tension reached such a
level
that the Democrats split into northern and southern wings. When
the
Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln for President, there was little
doubt
that he would be elected despite the fact that he would not receive a
single
vote in the South. Southern radicals began to advocate secession
rather than accept a Republican President. Hoping to achieve a
compromise,
Buchanan challenged the southern states' legal right to secede, but
also
maintained that the federal government had no legal right to prevent
them
from doing so. When it became clear that the secessionist leaders
had no intention of discussing a compromise, Buchanan accepted the
resignations
of his southern secretaries and sent the Star of the West to
transport
reinforcements to Fort Sumter off the coast of Charleston, South
Carolina.
On January 9, 1861, South Carolina batteries fired upon the ship and
drove
it from the harbor. Buchanan took no subsequent action and
retired
to Pennsylvania after Abraham Lincoln took office in March. |
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For more information:
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| Burbank,
Luther
(1849-1926) |
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"I don't feel good." |
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Luther Burbank was an American
horticulturist who
developed hundreds
of new fruit, vegetable, and flower varieties. Influenced heavily
by Darwin's book, The Variation of Animals and Plants Under
Domestication,
he taught himself plant hybridization and developed a local reputation
in Lancaster, Massachusetts, for growing exceptional garden
vegetables.
He moved to California in 1875 and started a small nursery. There
he began systematically to develop plants of special size, color,
flavor,
and smell. Never trained in the scientific method, he relied on
intuition
and kept few records of his experiments. |
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For more information:
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Real Last Words
Index To
Real Last Words - "C"
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