A person's last words, their final articulated words stated prior to death or as death approaches, are often recorded because of the decedent's fame, but sometimes because of interest in the statement itself. (People dying of illness are frequently inarticulate at the end, and in such cases their actual last utterances may not be recorded or considered very important.) Last words may be recorded accurately, or, for a variety of reasons, may not. Reasons can include simple error or deliberate intent. Even if reported wrongly, putative last words can constitute an important part of the perceived historical records or demonstration of cultural attitudes toward death at the time. Charles Darwin, for example, was reported to have disavowed his theory of evolution in favor of traditional religious faith at his death. This widely disseminated report served the interests of those who opposed Darwin's theory on religious grounds. However, the putative witness had not been at Darwin's deathbed or seen him at any time near the end of his life. Both Eastern and Western cultural traditions ascribe special significance to words uttered at or near death, but the form and content of reported last words may depend on cultural context. There is a tradition in

Hindu Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism.Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...

and Buddhist cultures of an expectation of a meaningful farewell statement; Zen monks by long custom are expected to compose a poem on the spot and recite it with their last breath. In Western culture particular attention has been paid to last words which demonstrate deathbed salvation – the repentance of sins and affirmation of faith.

Chronological list of last words

In rising chronological order, with death date specified. If relevant, also the context of the words or the circumstances of death are specified. If there is controversy or uncertainty concerning a person's last words, this is described in footnotes. For additional suicide notes, see Suicide note.

Pre-5th century

;"Wash me well, hold me to your breast, protect me from the earth (lying against) your breast." :— Ḫattušili I, Hittite king (17th century BCE), probably addressing his wife or favorite concubine and expressing his fear of death while being gravely ill. ;"Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him." :() :— Abimelech, king of Shechem (12th century BCE). Mortally wounded in battle by a stone thrown by a woman, he asked his armor-bearer to kill him. SamsonDestroyTemple

;"Let me die with the Philistines." :() :— Samson,

judge A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as a part of a panel of judges. A judge hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the barristers or solicitors of the case, assesses the credibility an ...

of the Israelites ( 1078 BCE), prior to bringing down pillars of the Philistine temple and killing 3000 people along with himself ;"Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me." :() :— Saul, king of Israel ( 1012 BCE), to his servant during the Battle of Mount Gilboa ;"My reputation carried me safe through Greece, but the envy it excited at home has been my ruin." :— Anacharsis, Scythian philosopher (6th century BCE), mortally wounded with an arrow by his brother, King Caduidas ;"You know that during the long time I have been in the world, I have said and done many things; upon mature reflection, I find nothing of which I have cause to repent, excepting a case which I will now submit to your decision, that I may know whether I have acted properly or not. ;"On a certain occasion, I chanced to be one of three who sat in judgment on one of my own good friends, who, according to the laws, should have been punished with death. I was greatly embarrassed. One of two things was inevitable—either to violate the law or condemn my friend. After careful consideration, I devised this expedient. I delivered with such address all the most plausible arguments in behalf of the accused, that my two colleagues found no difficulty in acquitting him, and yet I, myself, condemned him to death without assigning any reason for my conduct. Thus I discharged two duties, those of friend and judge; yet I feel in my conscience something which makes me doubt whether my conduct was not criminal." :— Chilon of Sparta, philosopher (6th century BCE), speaking to his friends before his death ;"It is better to perish here than to kill all these poor beans." :— Pythagoras,

Ionian Ionic or Ionian may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Ionic meter, a poetic metre in ancient Greek and Latin poetry * Ionian mode, a musical mode or a diatonic scale Places and peoples * Ionian, of or from Ionia, an ancient region in western ...

Greek philosopher and founder of Pythagoreanism (495 BCE), refusing to escape with his students from the Crotonians through a fava bean field Paranirvana

;"All compounded things are subject to vanish. Strive with earnestness." :() :— Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha, Indian sage who founded Buddhism ( 483 BCE) ;"Heaven has turned against me. No wise ruler arises, and no one in the Empire wishes to make me his teacher. The hour of my death has come." :— Confucius, Chinese philosopher who founded Confucianism (479 BCE) ;"Can you turn rainy weather into dry?" :— Heraclitus, Greek philosopher ( 475 BCE), asking his physicians for relief from dropsy ;"For, no Athenian, through my means, ever wore mourning." :— Pericles, Greek statesman (429 BCE), discussing with his friends what his greatest accomplishment had been ;"Give the boys a holiday.", cited in :—

Anaxagoras Anaxagoras (; grc-gre, Ἀναξαγόρας, ''Anaxagóras'', "lord of the assembly"; 500 – 428 BC) was a Pre-Socratic Greek philosopher. Born in Clazomenae at a time when Asia Minor was under the control of the Persian Empire, ...

, Greek philosopher ( 428 BCE), in response to citizens of Lampsacus asking how they could honor his memory ;"This to the fair Critias." :— Theramenes, Athenian statesman (404 BCE), after swallowing poison hemlock which he had been condemned to drink by Critias David - The Death of Socrates

;" Crito, we owe a

cock Cock or cocks most commonly refers to: * Cock (bird) or rooster, a male of any bird species * Cock (slang), a slang term for the penis Cock or cocks may also refer to: Names * Cock (surname) * Cocks (surname) Places * Cocks Glacier, Ross Dep ...

to Asclepius. Please, don't forget to pay the debt." :() :— Socrates, Greek philosopher (399 BCE), just before his death by ingestion of poison hemlock which he was forced to drink as a death sentence ;"Men, it is good for me to die on this spot, where honor bids me; but for you, yonder your path lies. Hurry and save yourselves before the enemy can close with us." :—

Anaxibius Anaxibius ( grc, Ἀναξίβιος), was the Spartan admiral stationed at Byzantium in 400 BC, to whom the Greek troops of Cyrus the Younger, on their arrival at Trapezus on the Euxine, sent their general, Cheirisophus, to obtain a sufficient nu ...

, Spartan admiral (388 BCE), before being killed in Athenian ambush Bartolomeo Pinelli - La Morte di Epaminonda 1812

;"Then I die happy." :— Epaminondas, Greek general and statesman of Thebes (362 BCE). He pulled out the weapon with which he had been impaled in battle once he heard the enemy was fleeing. ;"But Alexander, whose kindness to my mother, my wife, and my children I hope the gods will recompense, will doubtless thank you for your humanity to me. Tell him, therefore, in token of my acknowledgement, I give him this right hand." :—

Darius III Darius III ( peo, 𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 ; grc-gre, Δαρεῖος ; c. 380 – 330 BC) was the last Achaemenid King of Kings of Persia, reigning from 336 BC to his death in 330 BC. Contrary to his predecessor Artaxerxes IV Arses, Dar ...

, Achaemenid

King of Kings King of Kings; grc-gre, Βασιλεὺς Βασιλέων, Basileùs Basiléōn; hy, արքայից արքա, ark'ayits ark'a; sa, महाराजाधिराज, Mahārājadhirāja; ka, მეფეთ მეფე, ''Mepet mepe'' ...

of Persia (330 BCE), to a man who gave him water as he was dying ;"How can the teeth of wild beasts hurt me, without consciousness?" :() :— Diogenes, Greek Cynic philosopher (323 BCE), asking for his body to be thrown outside the city wall for animals to eat ;"To the strongest." :() :— Alexander the Great, conqueror and king of

Macedonia Macedonia most commonly refers to: * North Macedonia, a country in southeastern Europe, known until 2019 as the Republic of Macedonia * Macedonia (ancient kingdom), a kingdom in Greek antiquity * Macedonia (Greece), a traditional geographic reg ...

( 11 June 323 BCE), when asked to whom his vast empire should belong after his death ;"Now, as soon as you please you may commence the part of Creon in the tragedy, and cast out this body of mine unburied. But, O gracious

Neptune Neptune is the eighth planet from the Sun and the farthest known planet in the Solar System. It is the fourth-largest planet in the Solar System by diameter, the third-most-massive planet, and the densest giant planet. It is 17 times ...

, I, for my part, while I am yet alive, arise up and depart out of this sacred place; though

Antipater Antipater (; grc, , translit=Antipatros, lit=like the father; c. 400 BC319 BC) was a Macedonian general and statesman under the subsequent kingships of Philip II of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great. In the wake of the collaps ...

and the Macedonians have not left so much as thy temple unpolluted." :— Demosthenes, Greek statesman and orator (12 October 322 BCE), to Archias of Thurii; Demosthenes had taken poison to avoid arrest by Archias ;"Ah! poor hump-back! thy many long years are at last conveying thee to the tomb; thou shalt soon see the palace of Pluto." :— Crates of Thebes, Cynic philosopher ( 285 BCE), surveying himself when about to die ;"Now, farewell, and remember all my words!" :—

Epicurus Epicurus (; grc-gre, Ἐπίκουρος ; 341–270 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher and sage who founded Epicureanism, a highly influential school of philosophy. He was born on the Greek island of Samos to Athenian parents. Influenced ...

, Greek philosopher (270 BCE); the majority of his writings are now lost ;"I come, I come, why dost thou call for me?" :— Zeno of Citium, Greek philosopher and founder of

Stoicism Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century Common Era, BCE. It is a philosophy of personal virtue ethics informed by its system of logic and its views on the natural world, asser ...

( 262 BCE), quoting Aeschylus' play '' Niobe'' and striking the ground with his hand after sustaining a minor injury, which he considered a sign that he was about to die. He then killed himself. ;"Weep not, friend, for me, who dies innocent, by the lawless act of wicked men. My condition is much better than theirs." :—

Agis IV Agis IV ( grc-gre, Ἄγις; c. 265 BC – 241 BC), the elder son of Eudamidas II, was the 25th king of the Eurypontid dynasty of Sparta. Posterity has reckoned him an idealistic but impractical monarch. Family background and accession Agi ...

, king of Sparta (241 BCE), prior to execution by strangulation ;"O children, whither are you going?" :— Cratesiclea, queen of Sparta (219 BCE), after seeing the children of her family executed and prior to her own execution ;"These, O Cephalon, are the wages of a king's love." :— Aratus of Sicyon,

Hellenistic In Classical antiquity, the Hellenistic period covers the time in Mediterranean history after Classical Greece, between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the emergence of the Roman Empire, as signified by the Battle of Actium in ...

Greek politician and military commander (213 BCE), after expectorating blood while allegedly being slowly poisoned on the orders of Philip V of Macedon, his former friend Death of Archimedes (1815) by Thomas Degeorge

Death of Archimedes (1815) by Thomas Degeorge

;" Do not disturb my circles!" :() :—

Archimedes Archimedes of Syracuse (;; ) was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer, and inventor from the ancient city of Syracuse in Sicily. Although few details of his life are known, he is regarded as one of the leading scientists ...

, Greek mathematician ( 212 BCE), to a Roman soldier who interrupted his geometric experiments during the capture of Syracuse, whereupon the soldier killed him ;"Go and give the ass a drink of wine to wash down the figs." :—

Chrysippus Chrysippus of Soli (; grc-gre, Χρύσιππος ὁ Σολεύς, ; ) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was a native of Soli, Cilicia, but moved to Athens as a young man, where he became a pupil of the Stoic philosopher Cleanthes. When Clean ...

, Greek philosopher ( 206 BCE), before dying of laughter ;"It is well that we have not been every way unfortunate." :— Philopoemen, Greek general and statesman (183 BCE), sent a cup of poison to kill himself after being captured in battle. He asked the messenger with the poison about his cavalry and was told that most of them had escaped. ;"Let us ease the Roman people of their continual care, who think it long to await the death of an old man." :() :—

Hannibal Hannibal (; xpu, 𐤇𐤍𐤁𐤏𐤋, ''Ḥannibaʿl''; 247 – between 183 and 181 BC) was a Carthaginian general and statesman who commanded the forces of Carthage in their battle against the Roman Republic during the Second Puni ...

, Carthaginian general ( 182 BCE) ;"Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men." :— Ennius, writer and poet of the Roman Republic ( 169 BCE); lines dictated to be engraved on his memorial. Only fragments of his works now survive. ;"It is a cold bath you give me." :— Jugurtha, king of

Numidia Numidia ( Berber: ''Inumiden''; 202–40 BC) was the ancient kingdom of the Numidians located in northwest Africa, initially comprising the territory that now makes up modern-day Algeria, but later expanding across what is today known as Tunis ...

(104 BCE), being lowered by the Romans into a damp dungeon to starve to death ;"When will the republic find a citizen like me?" :— Marcus Livius Drusus, Roman politician and reformer (91 BCE), after being stabbed by unknown assassin ;"Fear not true

Pharisees The Pharisees (; he, פְּרוּשִׁים, Pərūšīm) were a Jewish social movement and a school of thought in the Levant during the time of Second Temple Judaism. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Pharisaic beliefs bec ...

, but greatly fear painted Pharisees." :— Alexander Jannaeus, king of Judea ( 76 BCE), to his wife ;"O wretched head-band!—not able to help me even in this small thing!" :—

Monime Monime, sometimes known as Monima ( el, Μονίμη; died 72/71 BC), was a Macedonian Greek noblewoman from Anatolia and one of the wives of King Mithridates VI of Pontus. According to the ancient sources she was a citizen of either Miletus or ...

, wife of Mithridates VI (72/71 BCE), after failing to hang herself by her crown's strings in fulfillment of her death sentence Caesar-07

;"I am not mistaken, surely, in believing you to have been formerly my fellow-soldier." :— Pompey, Roman general and statesman (28 September 48 BCE), to Lucius Septimius, one of his assassins ;" You too, my child?"

Suetonius Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (), commonly referred to as Suetonius ( ; c. AD 69 – after AD 122), was a Roman historian who wrote during the early Imperial era of the Roman Empire. His most important surviving work is a set of biographies ...

, ''Julius'
82.2
/ref> :() :—

Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, and ...

, Roman dictator (15 March 44 BCE), discovering that his stepson Brutus was among his murderers ;"O wretched virtue! thou art a bare name! I mistook thee for a substance; but thou thyself art the slave of fortune." :— Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, Roman general and politician, conspirator in Julius Caesar's assassination (September 43 BCE), quoting from Euripides prior to execution ;"I go no further: approach, veteran soldier, and, if you can at least do so much properly, sever this neck. ..What would you have done had you come to me as your first victim?" :() :— Cicero, Roman statesman (7 December 43 BCE), facing an assassin sent by an enemy ;"Through too much fondness of life, I have lived to endure the sight of my friend taken by the enemy before my face." :— Gaius Cassius Longinus, Roman senator and general, one of Julius Caesar's assassins (3 October 42 BCE), erroneously believing his comrade Titinius had been captured by Mark Antony's forces at the Battle of Philippi. Cassius then killed himself. ;"Yes, indeed, we must fly; but not with our feet, but with our hands." :—

Marcus Junius Brutus Marcus Junius Brutus (; ; 85 BC – 23 October 42 BC), often referred to simply as Brutus, was a Roman politician, orator, and the most famous of the assassins of Julius Caesar. After being adopted by a relative, he used the name Quintus Serv ...

, Roman senator and assassin of Julius Caesar (23 October 42 BCE), after defeat at the Battle of Philippi. He then bade his friends farewell before killing himself. ;"You must not pity me in this last turn of fate. You should rather be happy in the remembrance of our love, and in the recollection that of all men I was once the most famous and the most powerful, and now, at the end, have fallen not dishonorably, a Roman by a Roman vanquished." :— Mark Antony, Roman politician and general (1 August 30 BCE); to

Cleopatra Cleopatra VII Philopator ( grc-gre, Κλεοπάτρα Φιλοπάτωρ}, "Cleopatra the father-beloved"; 69 BC10 August 30 BC) was Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, and its last active ruler.She was also a ...

before his suicide Death of Cleopatra by Rixens

;"Here thou art, then!" :() :—

, pharaoh of Egypt (12 August 30 BCE), right before she reportedly committed suicide by letting an

asp Asp may refer to: Places * Asp, part of Densbüren, Aargau, Switzerland * Aspe (''Asp'' in Valencian), Alicante, Spain * Asp Lake, a lake in Minnesota Animals * Asp (fish) * Asp (snake), in antiquity, one of several venomous snakes ** ''Cera ...

bite her ;"Extremely well, and as became the descendant of so many kings." :— Charmion, servant to Cleopatra (12 August 30 BCE), when one of Emperor Augustus' men asked her, "Was this well done of your lady, Charmion?" She then fell dead. ;"Death twitches my ear. 'Live,' he says. 'I am coming.'" :— Virgil, Roman poet (21 September 19 BCE) ;"Have I played the part well? Then applaud, as I exit." :() :— Augustus, First Roman Emperor (19 August 14 CE) ;" It is finished." :() :— Jesus, founder of Christianity ( 30 CE), right before his death by crucifixion ;"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.Bible, Acts 7:59–60, English translation by King James Version
/ref> Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." :— Saint Stephen, early Christian deacon and protomartyr ( 34 CE), while being stoned to death ;"I am still alive!" :—

Caligula Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (31 August 12 – 24 January 41), better known by his nickname Caligula (), was the third Roman emperor, ruling from 37 until his assassination in 41. He was the son of the popular Roman general Germanicu ...

, Roman emperor (24 January 41 CE), after being fatally stabbed ;"It is not painful, Pætus." :() :— Arria, Roman woman (42 CE), to her husband, Aulus Caecina Paetus. He had been condemned to death but given permission to kill himself; when he hesitated to do so, his wife stabbed herself first and handed the dagger to him. ;"Strike here! Level your rage against the womb which gave birth to such a monster." :—

Agrippina the Younger Julia Agrippina (6 November AD 15 – 23 March AD 59), also referred to as Agrippina the Younger, was Roman empress from 49 to 54 AD, the fourth wife and niece of Emperor Claudius. Agrippina was one of the most prominent women in the Julio-Claud ...

, mother of Nero (23 March 59 CE), to her murderer ;"Asunder flies the man— / No single wound the gaping rupture seems, / Where trickling crimson flows the tender streams; / But from an opening horrible and wide / A thousand vessels pour the bursting tide: / At once the winding channel's course was broke, / Where wandering life her mazy journey took." :—

Lucan Marcus Annaeus Lucanus (3 November 39 AD – 30 April 65 AD), better known in English as Lucan (), was a Roman poet, born in Corduba (modern-day Córdoba), in Hispania Baetica. He is regarded as one of the outstanding figures of the Imperial ...

, Roman poet (30 April 65 CE), forced to commit suicide after joining in a conspiracy against Nero. He died quoting lines from his own epic poem '' Pharsalia''. Vasiliy smirnov 001

;"Too late; is this your fidelity?" :() :— Nero, Roman emperor (9 June 68 CE), to a soldier trying to save him after his suicide ;"Strike, if it be for the Romans' good." :() :—

Galba Galba (; born Servius Sulpicius Galba; 24 December 3 BC – 15 January AD 69) was the sixth Roman emperor, ruling from AD 68 to 69. After his adoption by his stepmother, and before becoming emperor, he was known as Livius Ocella Sulpicius Ga ...

, Roman emperor (15 January 69 CE), prior to beheading by supporters of Otho ;"Go and show yourself to the soldiers, lest they cut you to pieces for being accessory to my death." :— Otho, Roman emperor (16 April 69 CE), to a freedman, prior to committing suicide ;"Yet I was once your Emperor." :— Vitellius, Roman emperor (22 December 69 CE), prior to his killing on the Gemonian stairs ;"Woe, I think I'm turning into a god... An emperor should die on his feet." :() :— Vespasian, Roman emperor (24 June 79 CE), ironically alluding to the Roman practice of posthumously deifying former emperors, before he collapsed and died when attempting to stand up ;"My life is taken from me, though I have done nothing to deserve it; for there is no action of mine of which I should repent, but one." :— Titus, Roman emperor (13 September 81 CE) ;"One!" :() :— Rabbi Akiva, Jewish scholar and sage (28 September 135 CE), concluding his recitation of the Shema Yisrael while being executed by the Romans ;"O my poor soul, whither art thou going?" :—

Hadrian Hadrian (; la, Caesar Trâiānus Hadriānus ; 24 January 76 – 10 July 138) was Roman emperor from 117 to 138. He was born in Italica (close to modern Santiponce in Spain), a Roman ''municipium'' founded by Italic settlers in Hispania B ...

, Roman emperor (10 July 138 CE) ;"O Lord God Almighty, Father of Thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ, by whom we have received knowledge of Thee; God of angels, powers, and every creature that lives before Thee; I thank Thee that Thou hast graciously thought me worthy of this day and hour, that I may receive a portion in the number of Thy martyrs, and drink of Christ's cup, for the resurrection of both soul and body unto life eternal, in the incorruptibleness of the Holy Spirit. Among them may I be admitted this day, as an acceptable sacrifice, as Thou, O true and faithful God, hast prepared, foreshown, and accomplished. Wherefore, I praise Thee for all Thy mercies. I bless Thee. I glorify Thee, with Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, the Eternal, to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be glory now and forever." :— Polycarp, Christian bishop of Smyrna (155 CE), prior to martyrdom by burning and spearing ;"Equanimity." :() :— Antoninus Pius, Roman emperor (7 March 161 CE), giving the password for the night-watch ;"You may go home, the show is over." :— Demonax, Greek Cynic philosopher (c. 170 CE) Delacroix-Marc Aurèle-MBA-Lyon

;"Go to the rising sun, for I am setting. Think more of death than of me." :— Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and philosopher (17 March 180 CE) ;"Hurry, if anything remains for me to do." :() :— Septimius Severus, Roman emperor (4 February 211 CE) San lorenzo's grill

;"I am roasted,—now turn me, and eat me." :() :—

Saint Lawrence Saint Lawrence or Laurence ( la, Laurentius, lit. "Laurel wreath, laurelled"; 31 December AD 225 – 10 August 258) was one of the seven deacons of the city of Rome under Pope Sixtus II who were martyred in the Persecution of Christians, perse ...

, Christian deacon (10 August 258 CE), while being burned alive on a gridiron ;"God be thanked." :— Cyprian, Christian bishop of Carthage and martyr (14 September 258 CE), sentenced to death by beheading ;"I am making my last effort to return that which is divine in me to that which is divine in the Universe." :— Plotinus, Hellenistic philosopher (270 CE) ;"And let my word be kept secret by you, so that no one knows the place but you alone. For in the resurrection of the dead I shall receive my body incorruptible once again from the Savior. Distribute my clothing. To Bishop Athanasius give the one sheepskin and the cloak on which I lie, which he gave to me new, but I have by now worn out. And to Bishop Serapion give the other sheepskin, and you keep the hair garment. And now God preserve you, children, for Antony is leaving and is with you no longer." :— Anthony the Great, Christian monk from Egypt (17 January 356 CE) ;"How am I advanced, despising you that are upon the earth!" :— Marcus of Arethusa, Christian bishop and martyr (362 CE), hung up in a honey-smeared basket for bees to sting him to death ;"And yet Thou hast conquered, O Galilean!" :() :—

Julian Julian may refer to: People * Julian (emperor) (331–363), Roman emperor from 361 to 363 * Julian (Rome), referring to the Roman gens Julia, with imperial dynasty offshoots * Saint Julian (disambiguation), several Christian saints * Julian (give ...

, Roman emperor (26 June 363 CE), mortally wounded in battle. He had rejected Christianity in favor of paganism; according to some accounts, he was assassinated by a Christian. ;"In peace I will sleep with Him and take my rest." :— Saint Monica, mother of

Augustine of Hippo Augustine of Hippo ( , ; la, Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis; 13 November 354 – 28 August 430), also known as Saint Augustine, was a theologian and philosopher of Berber origin and the bishop of Hippo Regius in Numidia, Roman North Af ...

(387 CE) ;"My dear one, with whom I lived in love so long, make room for me, for this is my grave, and in death we shall not be divided." :— Severus of Ravenna,

Bishop of Ravenna This page is a list of Roman Catholic bishops and archbishops of Ravenna and, from 1985, of the Archdiocese of Ravenna-Cervia. ;"Old though he be, he is the best of all." :—

Ambrose Ambrose of Milan ( la, Aurelius Ambrosius; ), venerated as Saint Ambrose, ; lmo, Sant Ambroeus . was a theologian and statesman who served as Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397. He expressed himself prominently as a public figure, fiercely promo ...

Bishop of Milan The Archdiocese of Milan ( it, Arcidiocesi di Milano; la, Archidioecesis Mediolanensis) is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory or archdiocese of the Catholic Church in Italy which covers the areas of Milan, Monza, Lecco and Varese. It has lon ...

(4 April 397 CE), when Simplician was mentioned as his possible successor ;"What dost thou here, thou cruel beast?" :—

Martin of Tours Martin of Tours ( la, Sanctus Martinus Turonensis; 316/336 – 8 November 397), also known as Martin the Merciful, was the third bishop of Tours. He has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints in France, heralded as the ...

, third bishop of Tours (8 November 397 CE), to the Devil

5th to 14th centuries

;"Glory to God for all things! Amen." :() :— John Chrysostom,

Early Church Father The Church Fathers, Early Church Fathers, Christian Fathers, or Fathers of the Church were ancient and influential Christian theologians and writers who established the intellectual and doctrinal foundations of Christianity. The historical pe ...

and Archbishop of Constantinople (14 September 407), while traveling deeper into exile ;"And me as I am going towards the God of mine, and I thank His name, as the Lord gave me everything bless His name. And I am telling you, to stand firm on your faith and to search for death for Christ for His name and you will find the permanent glory. I for my life glorified you and all of our race. And do not insult our home and do not abandon the love of the Greeks." :("მე ესე რა წარვალ წინაშე ღმრთისა ჩემისა, და ვმადლობ სახელსა მისსა, რამეთუ არა დამაკლო გამორჩეულთა წმიდათა მისთა. აწ გამცნებ თქუენ, რათა მტკიცედ სარწმუნოებასა ზედა სდგეთ და ეძიებდეთ ქრისტესთჳს სიკუდილსა სახელსა მისსა ზედა, რათა წარუვალი დიდება მოიგოთ. მე ჴორციელებრითა დიდებითა გადიდენ თქუენ ნათესავთა ჩემთა. და სახლსა ჩუენსა ნუ შეურაცხჰყოფთ, და სიყუარულსა ბერძენთასა ნუ დაუტეობთ".) :—

Vakhtang I Vakhtang I Gorgasali ( ka, ვახტანგ I გორგასალი, tr; or 443 – 502 or 522), of the Chosroid dynasty, was a king of Kingdom of Iberia (antiquity), Iberia, natively known as Kartli (eastern Georgia (country), Georgia) ...

, Georgian monarch (502/22), to his son Dachi. ;"Here must I stop. What follows, let Baithen write." :—

Columba Columba or Colmcille; gd, Calum Cille; gv, Colum Keeilley; non, Kolban or at least partly reinterpreted as (7 December 521 – 9 June 597 AD) was an Irish abbot and missionary evangelist credited with spreading Christianity in what is toda ...

, Irish abbot and missionary evangelist (8 June 597), ceasing to transcribe a Psalter ;"Oh God, the Friend Most High!" or "The prayer, the prayer! And fear Allah with regard to those whom your right hands possess" :() or :() :— Muhammad, Prophet of God in

Islam Islam (; ar, ۘالِإسلَام, , ) is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic Monotheism#Islam, monotheistic religion centred primarily around the Quran, a religious text considered by Muslims to be the direct word of God in Islam, God (or ...

(8 June 632) ;"My children, these fearful forests and these barren rocks shall be adorned with cities and temples, where the name of Jesus shall be openly adored. Ye shall abandon your precarious and hard chase, and assemble together under temples lofty as those pines, and graceful as the crown of the palm. ;"Here shall my Saviour be known in all the simplicity of his doctrines. Ah! would that I might witness it; but I have seen those things in a vision. But I faint! I am weary! My earthly journey is finished! Receive my blessing. Go! and be kind one to another." :— Goar of Aquitaine, priest and hermit (6 July 649), dying in

Oberwesel Oberwesel () is a town on the Middle Rhine in the Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis ( district) in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It belongs to the ''Verbandsgemeinde'' Hunsrück-Mittelrhein, whose seat is in Emmelshausen. Geography Location Oberwesel ...

Austrasia Austrasia was a territory which formed the north-eastern section of the Merovingian Kingdom of the Franks during the 6th to 8th centuries. It was centred on the Meuse, Middle Rhine and the Moselle rivers, and was the original territory of the F ...

;"I desire that whatever merits I may have gained by good works may fall upon other people. May I be born again with them in the heaven of the blessed, be admitted to the family of Mi-le, and serve the Buddha of the future, who is full of kindness and affection. When I descend again upon earth, to pass through other forms of existence, I desire at every new birth to fulfill my duties toward Buddha, and arrive at the end to the highest perfect intelligence." :— Xuanzang, Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler and translator (5 February 664) The last chapter by J

;"You speak truth, all is finished now. Glory to God." :—

Bede Bede ( ; ang, Bǣda , ; 672/326 May 735), also known as Saint Bede, The Venerable Bede, and Bede the Venerable ( la, Beda Venerabilis), was an English monk at the monastery of St Peter and its companion monastery of St Paul in the Kingdom o ...

, English Benedictine monk (26 May 735); to a scribe to whom he was dictating a translation of the Gospel of John ;"Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." :— Charlemagne, European monarch (28 January 814), quoting Jesus ;"Out! out!" :() :— Louis the Pious,

King of the Franks The Franks, Germanic-speaking peoples that invaded the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, were first led by individuals called dukes and reguli. The earliest group of Franks that rose to prominence was the Salian Merovingians, who con ...

(20 June 840), after turning his face to the wall before dying ;"Thou my dear son, set thee now beside me, and I will deliver thee true instructions. My son, I feel that my hour is coming. My countenance is wan. My days are almost done. We must now part. I shall to another world, and thou shalt be left alone in all my wealth. I pray thee (for thou art my dear child) strive to be a father, and a lord to thy people. Be thou the children's father, and the widow's friend. Comfort thou the poor, and shelter the weak; and, with all thy might, right that which is wrong. And, son, govern thyself, by law; then shall the Lord love thee, and God above all things shall be thy reward. Call thou upon him to advise thee in all thy need, and so shall he help thee, the better to compass that which thou wouldest." :—

Alfred the Great Alfred the Great (alt. Ælfred 848/849 – 26 October 899) was King of the West Saxons from 871 to 886, and King of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 until his death in 899. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf and his first wife Osburh, who bot ...

, king of the Anglo-Saxons (26 October 899), to his son, Edward the Elder ;"I have now reigned above fifty years in victory or peace; beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot: they amount to Fourteen:—O man! place not thy confidence in this present world!" :— Abd al-Rahman III, first Caliph of Córdoba (15 October 961) ;"You urge me in vain. I am not the man to provide Christian flesh for pagan teeth to devour, and it would be so acting if I delivered unto you that which the poor have laid by for their subsistence." :() :— Ælfheah of Canterbury,

Archbishop of Canterbury The archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and a principal leader of the Church of England, the ceremonial head of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. The current archbishop is Justi ...

(19 April 1012), refusing to pay ransom before being killed by his Danish captors Death of Earl Siward (Smetham)

;"How shameful it is that I, who could not die in so many battles, should have been saved for the ignominious death of a cow! At least clothe me in my impenetrable breastplate, gird me with my sword, place my helmet on my head, my shield in my left hand, my gilded battle-axe in my right, that I, the bravest of soldiers, may die like a soldier." :— Siward, Earl of Northumbria (1055), dying of dysentery ;"I have loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore I die in exile." :() :—

Pope Gregory VII Pope Gregory VII ( la, Gregorius VII; 1015 – 25 May 1085), born Hildebrand of Sovana ( it, Ildebrando di Soana), was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 22 April 1073 to his death in 1085. He is venerated as a saint ...

(25 May 1085), in exile in

Salerno Salerno (, , ; nap, label= Salernitano, Saliernë, ) is an ancient city and ''comune'' in Campania (southwestern Italy) and is the capital of the namesake province, being the second largest city in the region by number of inhabitants, after ...

due to his conflicts with Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor ;"Then to our blessed Lady Mary, the mother of God, I commend myself. May she, by her holy intercessions, reconcile me to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God be merciful to—" :— William the Conqueror, King of England (9 September 1087), after hearing bell ringing Prime ;"I shall not long hesitate between conscience and the Pope, for I shall soon appear in the presence of God, to be acquitted, I hope; to be condemned, I fear." :— Berengar of Tours, French Christian theologian (6 January 1088), dying in ascetic solitude on the island of Saint-Cosme near Tours ;"Shoot, Walter, in the devil's name!" :— William II of England (2 August 1100), to Walter Tirel, who allegedly shot the king in a hunting accident ;"Yes, if it be His will, I shall obey it willingly. But were He to let me stay with you a little longer till I have resolved a problem about the origin of the soul, I would gladly accept the boon; for I do not know whether anyone will work it out when I am gone. If I could but eat, I think I should pick up a little strength. I feel no pain in any part of my body; only I cannot retain nourishment, and that exhausts me." :—

Anselm of Canterbury Anselm of Canterbury, OSB (; 1033/4–1109), also called ( it, Anselmo d'Aosta, link=no) after his birthplace and (french: Anselme du Bec, link=no) after his monastery, was an Italian Benedictine monk, abbot, philosopher and theologian of th ...

(21 April 1109) ;"I wished to do more harm than I could." :() :— Ranulf Flambard, Norman Bishop of Durham and government minister (5 September 1128) ;"I don't know." :() :—

Peter Abelard Peter Abelard (; french: link=no, Pierre Abélard; la, Petrus Abaelardus or ''Abailardus''; 21 April 1142) was a medieval French scholastic philosopher, leading logician, theologian, poet, composer and musician. This source has a detailed desc ...

, French philosopher and theologian (21 April 1142) ;"May God's will be done." :— Bernard of Clairvaux, Burgundian abbot (20 August 1153), on being told he was dying ;"In death at last let me rest with Abelard." :— Héloïse, French nun, philosopher, writer, scholar and abbess (16 May 1163–64?) Pictures of English History Plate XX - Murder of Thomas A Becket

Pictures of English History Plate XX - Murder of Thomas A Becket

;"For the name of Jesus and the protection of the church I am ready to embrace death." :— Thomas Becket,

(29 December 1170), to his murderers ;"Lord, have mercy upon me. Wilt thou break a bruised reed?" :— Andronikos I Komnenos, Byzantine Emperor (12 September 1185), lynched by his former subjects ;"Now let the world go as it will; I care for nothing more." :— Henry II of England (6 July 1189), on being told his son John was one of those conspiring against him ;"When I am buried, carry my winding-sheet on the point of a spear, and say these words: Behold the spoils which Saladin carries with him! Of all his victories, realms, and riches, nothing remains to him but this." :— Saladin, first sultan of Egypt and Syria (4 March 1193) ;"Youth, I forgive thee! Take off his chains, give him 100 shillings, and let him go." :— Richard I of England (6 April 1199), with reference to the young man who had mortally wounded him with a crossbow ;"Under the feet of my friars." :—

Saint Dominic Saint Dominic ( es, Santo Domingo; 8 August 1170 – 6 August 1221), also known as Dominic de Guzmán (), was a Castilian Catholic priest, mystic, the founder of the Dominican Order and is the patron saint of astronomers and natural scientis ...

, Castilian Catholic priest, founder of the Dominican Order, when asked where he wanted to be buried (6 August 1221) ;"I have sinned against my brother, the ass." :—

Francis of Assisi Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, better known as Saint Francis of Assisi ( it, Francesco d'Assisi; – 3 October 1226), was a mystic Italian Catholic friar, founder of the Franciscans, and one of the most venerated figures in Christianit ...

, Italian Catholic friar (3 October 1226) ;"Let not my end disarm you, and on no account weep or keen for me, lest the enemy be warned of my death." :() :—

Genghis Khan ''Chinggis Khaan'' ͡ʃʰiŋɡɪs xaːŋbr />Mongol script: ''Chinggis Qa(gh)an/ Chinggis Khagan'' , birth_name = Temüjin , successor = Tolui (as regent)Ögedei Khan , spouse = , issue = , house = Borjigin , ...

, warlord and

khan Khan may refer to: *Khan (inn), from Persian, a caravanserai or resting-place for a travelling caravan *Khan (surname), including a list of people with the name *Khan (title), a royal title for a ruler in Mongol and Turkic languages and used by ...

of Mongolia (18 August 1227) ;"I see my God. He calls me to Him." :—

Anthony of Padua Anthony of Padua ( it, Antonio di Padova) or Anthony of Lisbon ( pt, António/Antônio de Lisboa; born Fernando Martins de Bulhões; 15 August 1195 – 13 June 1231) was a Portuguese people, Portuguese Catholic Church, Catholic priesthood (Cath ...

, Portuguese Catholic priest and Franciscan friar (13 June 1231) ;"Don't cut my face." :() :— Skule Bårdsson, Norwegian nobleman (24 May 1240), before being killed by supporters of King

Haakon IV of Norway Haakon IV Haakonsson ( – 16 December 1263; Old Norse: ''Hákon Hákonarson'' ; Norwegian: ''Håkon Håkonsson''), sometimes called Haakon the Old in contrast to his namesake son, was King of Norway from 1217 to 1263. His reign lasted for 46 y ...

A Chronicle of England - Page 251 - Death of de Montfort

;"By the arm of St. James, it is time to die." :— Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester (4 August 1265), before dying at the

Battle of Evesham The Battle of Evesham (4 August 1265) was one of the two main battles of 13th century England's Second Barons' War. It marked the defeat of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and the rebellious barons by the future King Edward I, who led the ...

;"O my mother! how deep will be thy sorrow at the news of this day!" :— Conradin, last direct heir of the House of Hohenstaufen (29 October 1268), prior to execution by beheading at the age of 16 ;"I will enter thy house. I will worship in Thy sanctuary." :—

Louis IX of France Louis IX (25 April 1214 – 25 August 1270), commonly known as Saint Louis or Louis the Saint, was King of France from 1226 to 1270, and the most illustrious of the Direct Capetians. He was crowned in Reims at the age of 12, following the ...

(25 August 1270) ;"I am on the way to Spires to visit the kings, my predecessors." :— Rudolf I of Germany (15 July 1291); he was buried at Speyer Cathedral ;"Carry my bones before you on your march, for the rebels will not be able to endure the sight of me, alive or dead." :— Edward I of England (7 July 1307), to his son, Edward II of England, while dying during a war with Scotland ;"

Pope Clement There have been fourteen popes named Clement. *Pope Clement I saint, (88–98) * Pope Clement II (1046–1047) * Pope Clement III (1187–1191) *Pope Clement IV (1265–1268) * Pope Clement V (1305–1314) * Pope Clement VI (1342–1352) *Pope Clem ...

, Chevalier Guillaume de Nogaret, King Philip! I summon you to the Tribunal of Heaven before the year is out!" :— Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Knights Templar (11 or 18 March 1314), before being burned at the stake ;"King of heaven, do thou have mercy on me, for the king of earth hath forsaken me." :— Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster (22 March 1322), before beheading for treason against his cousin, Edward II of England ;"I have not told half of what I saw." :() :—

Marco Polo Marco Polo (, , ; 8 January 1324) was a Venetian merchant, explorer and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in ''The Travels of Marco Polo'' (also known as ''Book of the Marv ...

Venetian Venetian often means from or related to: * Venice, a city in Italy * Veneto, a region of Italy * Republic of Venice (697–1797), a historical nation in that area Venetian and the like may also refer to: * Venetian language, a Romance language s ...

traveller in Asia ( January 9, 1324), responding to skepticism about the content of his memoir, '' The Travels of Marco Polo'' ;"I give thee thanks, O God, for all thy benefits, and with all the pains of my soul I humbly beseech thy mercy to give me remission of those sins I have wickedly committed against thee; and of all mortal men whom willingly or ignorantly I have offended, with all my heart I desire forgiveness." :— Edward the Black Prince, heir to the English throne (8 June 1376) ;"Jesus." :— Edward III of England (21 June 1377), kissing a crucifix ;"Ah, Jesus!" :— Charles V of France (16 September 1380) ;"Because they are all under my command, they are sworn to do what I bid them." :— Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt (15 June 1381), prior to being killed by officers loyal to

Richard II of England Richard II (6 January 1367 – ), also known as Richard of Bordeaux, was King of England from 1377 until he was deposed in 1399. He was the son of Edward the Black Prince, Prince of Wales, and Joan, Countess of Kent. Richard's father die ...

;"I am a dead man! Lord, have mercy upon me!" :— Gaston III, Count of Foix (1391)

15th century

;"Never yet has death been frightened away by screaming." :— Timur, Turco-Mongol conqueror, founder of the Timurid Empire (17–19 February 1405) ;"O, holy simplicity!" :() :— Jan Hus, Czech theologian and church reformer (6 July 1415). While being burned at the stake for heresy, he saw an old woman throw a small amount of brushwood onto the fire. ;"O Lord God, Father Almighty, have mercy upon me, and be merciful unto mine offences, for thou knowest how sincerely I have loved Thy truth." :— Jerome of Prague, Czech scholastic philosopher and theologian (30 May 1416), burned for heresy ;"Make my skin into drumheads for the Bohemian cause." :— Jan Žižka, Czech general (11 October 1424) ;"I die content, after living the prescribed time, and leaving you, my sons, in affluence and health, placed in such a situation as, if you follow my example, will enable you to live honored and respected. I recall nothing in my life with so much pleasure as having given offence to no one, and having tried to serve all men as far as possible. I advise you to act thus, if you would live securely, accepting only those honors as the laws and favor of the state confer upon you; for it is the exercise of power that has been violently—not voluntarily—obtained, that occasions hatred and strife." :—

Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici (c. 1360 – February 1429) was an Italian banker and founder of the Medici Bank. While other members of the Medici family, such as Chiarissimo di Giambuono de' Medici, who served in the Signoria of Florence in ...

, Italian banker (February 1429) ;"Hold the cross high so I may see it through the flames!" :— Joan of Arc, French military leader and mystic (30 May 1431), while she was burning at the stake ;"Fie on life! Speak no more of it to me." :() :— Margaret Stewart, Dauphine of France (16 August 1445) ;"O Gabriel, Gabriel, better would it have been for you to have been neither pope, nor cardinal, nor bishop, but to have finished your days as you commenced them, following peaceably in the monastery the exercises of your order." :— Pope Eugene IV (born Gabriele Condulmer) (23 February 1447) ;"Will not all my riches save me? What, is there no bribing death?" :— Henry Beaufort (11 April 1447), Cardinal,

Bishop of Winchester The Bishop of Winchester is the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Winchester in the Church of England. The bishop's seat (''cathedra'') is at Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire. The Bishop of Winchester has always held ''ex officio'' (except dur ...

;"Were I born the son of a farmer, and became a friar of the Abrojo, and not the king of Castile." :"" :— John II of Castile (22 July 1454), King of Castile ;"I was born as a lily in the garden, and like the lily I grew, as my age advanced / I became old and had to die, and so I withered and died." :—

Pachacuti Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui ( qu, Pachakutiq Inka Yupanki) was the ninth Sapa Inca (1418–1471/1472) of the Kingdom of Cusco which he transformed into the Inca Empire ( qu, Tawantinsuyu). Most archaeologists now believe that the famous Inca si ...

( 1471/1472),

Sapa Inca The Sapa Inca (from Quechua ''Sapa Inka'' "the only Inca") was the monarch of the Inca Empire (''Tawantinsuyu''), as well as ruler of the earlier Kingdom of Cusco and the later Neo-Inca State. While the origins of the position are mythical and o ...

and founder of the Inca Empire, poem composed on his deathbed ;"Our Lady of Embrun, my good mistress, help me." :() :— Louis XI, King of France (30 August 1483) ;"Treason! treason!" :—

Richard III of England Richard III (2 October 145222 August 1485) was King of England and Lord of Ireland from 26 June 1483 until his death in 1485. He was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. His defeat and death at the Battl ...

(22 August 1485), when deserted by his best troops at the

Battle of Bosworth Field The Battle of Bosworth or Bosworth Field was the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses, the civil war between the houses of Lancaster and York that extended across England in the latter half of the 15th century. Fought on 22 Augu ...

;"I know only Jesus the crucified." :— Wessel Gansfort, Dutch theologian and humanist (4 October 1489) ;"I hope never again to commit a mortal sin, nor even a venial one, if I can help it." :—

Charles VIII of France Charles VIII, called the Affable (french: l'Affable; 30 June 1470 – 7 April 1498), was King of France from 1483 to his death in 1498. He succeeded his father Louis XI at the age of 13.Paul Murray Kendall, ''Louis XI: The Universal Spider'' (Ne ...

(7 April 1498) ;"My Lord died innocent of all crimes, for my sins; and shall not I willingly give my soul for the love of Him." :— Girolamo Savonarola, Italian Dominican friar (23 May 1498), when asked before his execution if he was resigned to death

16th century

;"I come. I come. It is right. Wait a moment." :() :—

Pope Alexander VI Pope Alexander VI ( it, Alessandro VI, va, Alexandre VI, es, Alejandro VI; born Rodrigo de Borja; ca-valencia, Roderic Llançol i de Borja ; es, Rodrigo Lanzol y de Borja, lang ; 1431 – 18 August 1503) was head of the Catholic Churc ...

(18 August 1503) ;"Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." :() :— Christopher Columbus, Italian explorer (20 May 1506), quoting Jesus ;"I have taken care of everything in life, only not for death—and now I have to die completely unprepared." :—

Cesare Borgia Cesare Borgia (; ca-valencia, Cèsar Borja ; es, link=no, César Borja ; 13 September 1475 – 12 March 1507) was an Italian ex- cardinal and '' condottiero'' (mercenary leader) of Aragonese (Spanish) origin, whose fight for power was a major ...

, Italian politician and ''

condottiero ''Condottieri'' (; singular ''condottiero'' or ''condottiere'') were Italian captains in command of mercenary companies during the Middle Ages and of multinational armies during the early modern period. They notably served popes and other Europe ...

'' (12 March 1507) ;"We heartily desire our executors to consider how behoofful it is to be prayed for." :— Henry VII of England (21 April 1509) ;"I believe." :— Georges d'Amboise, French Roman Catholic cardinal and minister of state (25 May 1510) ;"That is false. I always have served my king loyally and sought to add to his domains." :— Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Spanish explorer, governor and

conquistador Conquistadors (, ) or conquistadores (, ; meaning 'conquerors') were the explorer-soldiers of the Spanish and Portuguese Empires of the 15th and 16th centuries. During the Age of Discovery, conquistadors sailed beyond Europe to the Americas, O ...

(January 1519), on hearing a herald call him a "usurper of the rights of the Crown" while on the way to his execution by decapitation Francois Ier Leonard de Vinci-Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Francois Ier Leonard de Vinci-Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

;"I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have." :() :— Leonardo da Vinci, Italian artist and scientist (2 May 1519), to King Francis I of France ;"Happy." :— Raphael, Italian artist (6 April 1520) ;"I confide to your care my beloved children, the most precious jewels I can leave you. The great monarch beyond the ocean will interest himself to see that they come into their inheritance, if you present before him their just claims. I know your master will do this, if for no other reason, then for the kindness I have shown the Spaniards, though it has occasioned my ruin. For all my misfortunes, Malinche, I bear you no ill will." :—

Moctezuma II Moctezuma Xocoyotzin ( – 29 June 1520; oteːkˈsoːmaḁ ʃoːkoˈjoːt͡sĩn̥), nci-IPA, Motēuczōmah Xōcoyōtzin, moteːkʷˈsoːma ʃoːkoˈjoːtsin variant spellings include Motewksomah, Motecuhzomatzin, Montezuma, Moteuczoma, Motecu ...

, ''

Huey Tlatoani ''Tlatoani'' ( , "one who speaks, ruler"; plural ' or tlatoque) is the Classical Nahuatl term for the ruler of an , a pre-Hispanic state. It is the noun form of the verb "tlahtoa" meaning "speak, command, rule". As a result, it has been variousl ...

'' or Emperor of the

Aztec Empire The Aztec Empire or the Triple Alliance ( nci, Ēxcān Tlahtōlōyān, Help:IPA/Nahuatl, �jéːʃkaːn̥ t͡ɬaʔtoːˈlóːjaːn̥ was an alliance of three Nahua peoples, Nahua altepetl, city-states: , , and . These three city-states ruled ...

(29 June 1520), to

Hernán Cortés Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, 1st Marquess of the Valley of Oaxaca (; ; 1485 – December 2, 1547) was a Spanish ''conquistador'' who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of w ...

(calling him by the name of his interpreter, La Malinche) ;"I have been murdered; no remedy can prevent my speedy death." :— Pope Leo X (1 December 1521), rumored to have died by poison ;"I am curious to see what happens in the next world to one who dies unshriven." :— Pietro Perugino, Italian artist (1523), declining the last rites ;"I have already confessed my sins to God." :—

Franz von Sickingen Franz von Sickingen (2 March 14817 May 1523) was an Imperial Knight who, with Ulrich von Hutten, led the so-called "Knights' Revolt," and was one of the most notable figures of the early period of the Protestant Reformation. Sickingen was nickn ...

, German knight and Protestant leader (7 May 1523), when his chaplain asked if he wanted to confess prior to his death defending his castle ;"At least I may die facing the enemy." :— Pierre Terrail, seigneur de Bayard, French knight (30 April 1524), mortally wounded at the Battle of the Sesia (1524) ;"I desire to go to hell, and not to heaven. In the former place I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings, and princes, while in the latter are only beggars, monks, hermits, and apostles." :— Niccolò Machiavelli (21 June 1527), Italian Renaissance diplomat, philosopher and writer ;"How long, Lord, shall darkness cover this land? How long wilt thou suffer this tyranny of men? Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." :— Patrick Hamilton, Scottish churchman (29 February 1528), while being burned at the stake ;"Master Kyngston, I pray you have me commended to

his Grace His Grace or Her Grace is an English Style (manner of address), style used for various high-ranking personages. It was the style used to address English monarchs until Henry VIII and the Scottish monarchs up to the Act of Union (1707), Act of Unio ...

, and beseech him, in my behalf, to call to mind all things that have passed between us, especially concerning good Queen Katharine and himself, and then shall his Grace's conscience know whether I have offended him or not. He is a prince of most royal courage, and rather than miss any part of his will, he will endanger one-half of his kingdom; and, I do assure you, I have often knelt before him, sometimes for three hours together, to persuade him from his appetite, and could not prevail. ;"And, Master Kyngston, had I but served God as diligently as I have served the king, he would not have given me over in my gray hairs. But this is my just reward for my pains and study, not regarding my service to God, but only my duty to my Prince." :— Thomas Wolsey, English archbishop, statesman and cardinal (29 November 1530); to the Lieutenant of the Tower of London, after falling ill on the way to London under arrest for treason ;"I give your brothers to your keeping. Be faithful to them and all the people." :—

Babur Babur ( fa, , lit= tiger, translit= Bābur; ; 14 February 148326 December 1530), born Mīrzā Zahīr ud-Dīn Muhammad, was the founder of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent. He was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan through his ...

, founder of the Mughal Empire and first Emperor of the Mughal dynasty (26 December 1530) ;"I pray you, good people, be not the worse to these men on my account, as though they were the authors of my death." :— Thomas Bilney, English Christian martyr (19 August 1531). While he awaited burning for heresy, the friars and people present argued over who was responsible for Bilney's death; the friars threatened to withhold alms from the people if they were blamed Ermordung Zwingli Jauslin

;"Can this be considered a calamity? Well! they can, indeed, kill the body, but they are not able to kill the soul." :— Huldrych Zwingli, priest and leader of the Reformation in Switzerland (11 October 1531), mortally wounded at the Battle of Kappel ;"O ye papists: behold, ye look for miracles, and here now ye may see a miracle, for in this fire I feel no more pain than if I were in a bed of down, but it is to me as sweet as a bed of roses." :— James Bainham, English lawyer and Protestant reformer (30 April 1532), while burning at the stake for heresy ;"That is enough to last till I get to Heaven." :— William Warham,

(22 August 1532), when a servant told him he had thirty pounds left ;"Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." :—

Ludovica Albertoni Ludovica Albertoni (1473 - 31 January 1533) was an Italian people, Italian Roman Catholic Church, Roman Catholic noblewoman from the Renaissance period and a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. The death of her husband prompted ...

, Italian noblewoman, professed member of the Third Order of Saint Francis (31 January 1533), quoting Jesus ;"This is not my home." :—

Ludovico Ariosto Ludovico Ariosto (; 8 September 1474 – 6 July 1533) was an Italian poet. He is best known as the author of the romance epic ''Orlando Furioso'' (1516). The poem, a continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo's ''Orlando Innamorato'', describes the ...

, Italian poet (6 July 1533) The execution of Inca

;"What have I done, or my children, that I should meet such a fate? And from your hands, too, you who have met with friendship and kindness from my people who have received nothing but benefits from my hands." :—

Atahualpa Atahualpa (), also Atawallpa (Quechua), Atabalica, Atahuallpa, Atabalipa (c. 1502 – 26-29 July 1533) was the last Inca Emperor. After defeating his brother, Atahualpa became very briefly the last Sapa Inca (sovereign emperor) of the Inca Empir ...

, last

of the Inca Empire (26 July 1533), prior to execution by strangling ;"Begone thou wretched beast, which hast utterly undone me." :() :— Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, German polymath and occultist (18 February 1535), to his black dog (allegedly his familiar) ;"I die

the King In the British English-speaking world, The King refers to: * Charles III (born 1948), King of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms since 2022 As a nickname * Michael Jackson (1958–2009), American singer and pop icon, nicknamed "T ...

's good servant, and God's first." :— Thomas More, Lord High Chancellor of Britain (6 July 1535), prior to beheading for treason ;"Mine eyes desire thee only. Farewell." :() :—

Catherine of Aragon Catherine of Aragon (also spelt as Katherine, ; 16 December 1485 – 7 January 1536) was Queen of England as the first wife of King Henry VIII from their marriage on 11 June 1509 until their annulment on 23 May 1533. She was previously ...

, Queen of England (7 January 1536), closing her last letter to her former husband, Henry VIII of England ;"Masters, I pray you pray for me, for I have deserved this death." :— Mark Smeaton, musician in the household of Queen Anne Boleyn (17 May 1536), prior to beheading for alleged treason and adultery Anne-boleyn-execution

;"Oh God, have pity on my soul. Oh God, have pity on my soul." :— Anne Boleyn, Queen of England (19 May 1536), prior to her execution by beheading ;"Lord! Lord! make an end! make an end!" :() :— Erasmus, Dutch Catholic priest and humanist scholar (12 July 1536) ;"Lord, open the King of England's eyes." :— William Tyndale, English scholar and Bible translator ( 6 October 1536), before being strangled and burned at the stake for heresy ;"None but Christ! None but Christ!" :— John Lambert, English Protestant martyr (22 November 1538), while being burned at the stake ;"May an avenger arise from my bones." :() :— Filippo Strozzi the Younger, Florentine banker (18 December 1538). He carved this line from Virgil's '' Aeneid'' on a mantelpiece with his sword as his suicide note. ;"Death cannot destroy us, for it is destroyed already by Him for Whose sake we suffer." :— Jerome Russell, Franciscan friar (1539), burned for heresy in Scotland ;"God be merciful to me, a sinner; Lord Jesus receive my spirit! Miserere mei Deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam." :— Thomas Forret, vicar of Dollar, Clackmannanshire, burned for heresy (28 February/1 March 1539), quoting Psalm 51 ;"Did you envy my happiness?" :— Francisco de San Roman, Spanish merchant and Protestant martyr (1540). While burning at the stake, he moved his head in a way which caused the friars to believe he had recanted. Upon his removal from the flames, he asked them this question and was then returned to the fire. ;"I die in the traditional faith." :— Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex (28 July 1540), prior to beheading for treason and heresy ;"I trust in no good works that ever I did, but only in the death of Christ. I do not doubt but through Him to inherit the kingdom of Heaven. But imagine not that I speak against good works, for they are to be done, and verily they that do them not shall never enter into the kingdom of God." :— Robert Barnes, English reformer and Protestant martyr (30 July 1540), while being burned at the stake for heresy ;"Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake." :— Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury (27 May 1541), quoting Matthew 5:10 while an incompetent executioner attempted to behead her La muerte de Francisco Pizarro (Museo del Prado)

La muerte de Francisco Pizarro (Museo del Prado)

;"Jesu!" :— Francisco Pizarro, Spanish conquistador (26 June 1541), after being stabbed by assassins ;" Luis de Moscoso." :—

Hernando de Soto Hernando de Soto (; ; 1500 – 21 May, 1542) was a Spanish explorer and '' conquistador'' who was involved in expeditions in Nicaragua and the Yucatan Peninsula. He played an important role in Francisco Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire ...

, Spanish explorer and conquistador (21 May 1542), naming his successor ;"It he Crown of Scotland">Crown_of_Scotland.html" ;"title="he Crown of Scotland">he Crown of Scotlandcame with a lass, and it will go with a lass." :() :— James V of Scotland (15 December 1542), on being informed of the birth of his daughter and successor, Mary, Queen of Scots ;"Now, O Lord, set thy servant free." :— Nicolaus Copernicus, mathematician and astronomer (24 May 1543), paraphrasing ;"We are beggars, this is true." :( ) :— Martin Luther, German theologian who started the Protestant Reformation (18 February 1546) ;"Lo! here is a token that I forgive thee; my heart, do thine office." :— George Wishart, Scottish Protestant reformer and martyr (1 March 1546), kissing one of his executioners on the cheek after the man asked for his forgiveness ;"I am a priest; I am a priest! Fie! Fie! All is gone." :— David Beaton, Archbishop of St Andrews, final Scottish Cardinal prior to the Scottish Reformation (29 May 1546), during his assassination ;"I came not hither to deny my Lord and Master." :— Anne Askew, English writer and poet (16 July 1546), when offered letter of pardon before being burned at the stake for heresy ;"All is lost! Monks, monks, monks!" :—

Henry VIII Henry VIII (28 June 149128 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry is best known for his six marriages, and for his efforts to have his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled. His disa ...

, King of England (28 January 1547) ;"Farewell, and remember me." :— Margaret of Valois-Angoulême, Queen of

Navarre Navarre (; es, Navarra ; eu, Nafarroa ), officially the Chartered Community of Navarre ( es, Comunidad Foral de Navarra, links=no ; eu, Nafarroako Foru Komunitatea, links=no ), is a foral autonomous community and province in northern Spain, ...

(21 December 1549) Assassination of George Martinuzzi 1551 dec 17 in Alvincz Castle

;"Jesu, Maria!" :— George Martinuzzi,

Archbishop of Esztergom In Christian denominations, an archbishop is a bishop of higher rank or office. In most cases, such as the Catholic Church, there are many archbishops who either have jurisdiction over an ecclesiastical province in addition to their own archdioc ...

(16 December 1551), while being assassinated ;"Bring down the curtain, the farce is played out." :—

François Rabelais François Rabelais ( , , ; born between 1483 and 1494; died 1553) was a French Renaissance writer, physician, Renaissance humanist, monk and Greek scholar. He is primarily known as a writer of satire, of the grotesque, and of bawdy jokes and ...

, French writer and physician (1553) ;"Lord take my spirit." :— Edward VI of England (6 July 1553) ;"Jesus, Son of the eternal God, have mercy on me!" :— Michael Servetus, Spanish theologian, physician and humanist (27 October 1553), while being burned at the stake for heresy on a pyre of his own books ;"Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." :—

Lady Jane Grey Lady Jane Grey ( 1537 – 12 February 1554), later known as Lady Jane Dudley (after her marriage) and as the "Nine Days' Queen", was an English noblewoman who claimed the throne of England and Ireland from 10 July until 19 July 1553. Jane was ...

, ''de facto'' Queen of England and Ireland (12 February 1554), quoting Jesus prior to her beheading ;"What I then said I unsay now; and what I now say is the truth." :— Thomas Wyatt the Younger, English politician and leader of Wyatt's rebellion (11 April 1554), exculpating Princess Elizabeth and Edward Courtenay, 1st Earl of Devon, prior to execution by beheading for treason ;"Lord, receive my spirit." :— John Rogers, English clergyman, Bible translator and commentator (4 February 1555), prior to burning at the stake for heresy ;"Welcome the cross of Christ! welcome everlasting life!" :— Laurence Saunders, English Protestant martyr (8 February 1555), kissing the stake at which he was to be burned ;"If you love my soul, away with it!" :— John Hooper, Anglican Bishop of Gloucester and Worcester, Protestant martyr (9 February 1555), refusing a pardon prior to burning at the stake for heresy ;"Merciful Father of heaven, for Jesus Christ my Savior's sake, receive my soul into Thy hand." :— Rowland Taylor, English Protestant martyr (9 February 1555), while being burned at the stake for heresy ;"I am not afraid. Lord, Lord, Lord, receive my spirit!" :— William Hunter, English silk-weaver and Protestant martyr (27 March 1555), while being burned at the stake for heresy ;"Be of good comfort, brother, for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night: if there be any way to heaven on horseback or in fiery chariots, this is it." :— John Bradford, English

Reformer A reformer is someone who works for reform. Reformer may also refer to: *Catalytic reformer, in an oil refinery *Methane reformer, producing hydrogen * Steam reformer *Hydrogen reformer, extracting hydrogen *Methanol reformer, producing hydrogen ...

and Protestant martyr (1 July 1555), to John Leaf, a fellow martyr, prior to being burned at the stake ;"Let the flames come near me. I cannot burn! I cannot burn!" :— Nicholas Ridley, (16 October 1555). While burning at the stake for heresy, only his lower limbs burned away. ;"Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle by God's grace in England as (I trust) shall never be put out." :— Hugh Latimer, former

Bishop of Worcester A bishop is an ordained clergy member who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution. In Christianity, bishops are normally responsible for the governance of dioceses. The role or office of bishop is ca ...

(16 October 1555); to Nicholas Ridley while they were burning at the stake for heresy ;"Like Peter, I have erred, unlike Peter, I have not wept." :() :— Stephen Gardiner, English bishop and politician (12 November 1555) ;"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit... I see the heavens open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." :— Thomas Cranmer,

(21 March 1556), alluding to prior to execution by burning ;"Now I'm oiled. Keep me from the rats." :— Pietro Aretino, Italian writer and blackmailer (21 October 1556), after receiving the last rites ;"Lord Jesu!" :— Albert Alcibiades, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach (8 January 1557) ;"Lord, have mercy upon me! Pray, people, while there is time." :— Walter Milne, last Protestant martyr burned in Scotland before the Scottish Reformation (28 April 1558) ;"Now, Lord, I go! Ay, Jesus!" :—

Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, french: Charles Quint, it, Carlo V, nl, Karel V, ca, Carles V, la, Carolus V (24 February 1500 – 21 September 1558) was Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria from 1519 to 1556, King of Spain (Crown of Castile, Castil ...

(21 September 1558), looking at a crucifix ;"After I am dead, you will find

Calais Calais ( , , traditionally , ) is a port city in the Pas-de-Calais department, of which it is a subprefecture. Although Calais is by far the largest city in Pas-de-Calais, the department's prefecture is its third-largest city of Arras. Th ...

written upon my heart." :—

Mary I of England Mary I (18 February 1516 – 17 November 1558), also known as Mary Tudor, and as "Bloody Mary" by her Protestant opponents, was Queen of England and Ireland from July 1553 and Queen of Spain from January 1556 until her death in 1558. Sh ...

(17 November 1558). French forces had captured Calais from England earlier that year. ;"Nothing else but heaven." :—

Philip Melanchthon Philip Melanchthon. (born Philipp Schwartzerdt; 16 February 1497 – 19 April 1560) was a German Lutheran reformer, collaborator with Martin Luther, the first systematic theologian of the Protestant Reformation, intellectual leader of the Lu ...

, German Lutheran reformer (19 April 1560), when asked if he wanted anything ;"Farewell, thou who art so beautiful and so cruel; who killest me and whom I cannot cease to love." :() :—

Pierre de Bocosel de Chastelard Pierre de Bocosel de Chastelard (1540–1563), French poet, was born in Dauphiné; a scion of the house of Bayard, grandson of Chevalier de Bayard. His name is inseparably connected with Mary, Queen of Scots, for whom he conceived an insane passion ...

, French poet (22 February 1563), addressing the window of

Holyrood Palace The Palace of Holyroodhouse ( or ), commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinbu ...

before being hanged for hiding under the bed of Mary, Queen of Scots ;"I'm still learning." :() :—

Michelangelo Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (; 6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564), known as Michelangelo (), was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance. Born in the Republic of Florence, his work was insp ...

, Italian artist and poet (18 February 1564) ;"Thou, Lord, bruisest me; but I am abundantly satisfied, since it is from thy hand." :—

John Calvin John Calvin (; frm, Jehan Cauvin; french: link=no, Jean Calvin ; 10 July 150927 May 1564) was a French theologian, pastor and reformer in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure in the development of the system ...

, French theologian and Protestant reformer, principal developer of Calvinism (27 May 1564) ;"Tomorrow, at sunrise, I shall no longer be here." :() :— Nostradamus, French seer (2 July 1566), correctly predicting his death ;"I desire to die and be with Christ." :— Roger Ascham, English scholar and

didactic Didacticism is a philosophy that emphasizes instructional and informative qualities in literature, art, and design. In art, design, architecture, and landscape, didacticism is an emerging conceptual approach that is driven by the urgent need to ...

writer (30 December 1568) ;"Victory! Victory!" :() :— Bartolomeo Bartocci, Italian trader (25 May 1569), while burning at the stake for heresy ;"I am he; respect my gray hairs, young man!" :— Gaspard II de Coligny, Admiral of France (24 August 1572), in response to one of his assassins asking, "Art thou Coligny?" ;"Now it is come." :—

John Knox John Knox ( gd, Iain Cnocc) (born – 24 November 1572) was a Scottish minister, Reformed theologian, and writer who was a leader of the country's Reformation. He was the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Born in Giffordgat ...

, founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland (24 November 1572) ;"Nurse, nurse, what murder! what blood! Oh! I have done wrong. God pardon me!" :— Charles IX of France (30 May 1574) ;"Royal freedom will only be lost with life" :() :— Sebastian of Portugal (4 August 1578), when being advised to surrender, and to hand over his sword to the victors of the Battle of Alcácer Quibir ;"It matters little to me; for if I am but once dead they may bury me or not bury me as they please. They may leave my corpse to rot where I die if they wish." :— George Buchanan, Scottish historian and humanist scholar (28 September 1582), when his servant asked who would pay for his burial after Buchanan told him to distribute his property among the poor ;"Over my spirit flash and float in divine radiancy the bright and glorious visions of the world to which I go." :— Teresa of Ávila, Spanish

Carmelite nun The Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel ( la, Ordo Fratrum Beatissimæ Virginis Mariæ de Monte Carmelo; abbreviated OCarm), known as the Carmelites or sometimes by synecdoche known simply as Carmel, is a Roman Catho ...

, mystic and author (4 or 15 October 1582); last words uncertain ;"Too late." :— Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba (11 December 1582), on learning that

was to visit him ;"We are as neare to Heaven by sea as by land." :— Humphrey Gilbert, English adventurer and explorer (9 September 1583), prior to sinking of HMS ''Squirrel'' with all hands ;"God have mercy upon me, and upon this poor nation." :() :— William the Silent, Prince of Orange (10 July 1584), assassinated by Balthasar Gérard ;"Jesus! I pardon you." :— Vittoria Accoramboni, Italian noblewoman (22 December 1585), kneeling before a crucifix ;"The murder of the Queen had been represented to me as a deed lawful and meritorious. I die a firm Catholic." :—

Anthony Babington Anthony Babington (24 October 156120 September 1586) was an English gentleman convicted of plotting the assassination of Elizabeth I of England and conspiring with the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots, for which he was hanged, drawn and quartered ...

, English gentleman, conspirator in the Babington Plot (20 September 1586), prior to being

hanged, drawn and quartered To be hanged, drawn and quartered became a statutory penalty for men convicted of high treason in the Kingdom of England from 1352 under Edward III of England, King Edward III (1327–1377), although similar rituals are recorded during the rei ...

for high treason ;"Take it; thy need is greater than mine." :— Philip Sidney, English poet and soldier (17 October 1586), mortally wounded at the Battle of Zutphen, passing a cup of water to another wounded soldier ;"O Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." :() :— Mary, Queen of Scots (8 February 1587), quoting Jesus prior to execution by beheading ;"Let the pulse beat as it may, we know the mercy of God will never fail." :—

Frederick II of Denmark Frederick II (1 July 1534 – 4 April 1588) was King of Denmark and Norway and Duke of Schleswig and Holstein from 1559 until his death. A member of the House of Oldenburg, Frederick began his personal rule of Denmark-Norway at the age of ...

(4 April 1588) ;" ar from me to glory except in the cross of Jesus Christ Good people, I beseech God to send all felicity." :—

George Beesley George Beesley (or Bisley) (born c. 1562 at The Hill in Goosnargh parish, Lancashire, England, of a Catholic family; died 2 July 1591) was an English Roman Catholic priest. He is a Catholic martyr, beatified in 1987. Life Blessed George Beesle ...

, English Roman Catholic priest and martyr (2 July 1591), prior to execution ;"It is time for Matins." :— John of the Cross, Spanish Catholic priest and mystic (14 December 1591), dying at the stroke of midnight ;"A bishop ought to die on his legs." :— John Woolton,

Bishop of Exeter The Bishop of Exeter is the ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Exeter in the Province of Canterbury. Since 30 April 2014 the ordinary has been Robert Atwell.

(13 March 1594) ;"Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." :— Torquato Tasso, Italian poet (25 April 1595), quoting Jesus ;"Life or death is welcome to me; and I desire not to live, but so far as I may be serviceable to God and His church." :— William Whitaker, Calvinistic Anglican churchman, academic and theologian (4 December 1595) ;"Do not announce my death." :() :— Yi Sun-sin, Korean naval commander (16 December 1598), telling his nephew to hide his death by gunshot from his soldiers to avoid demoralizing them during the

Battle of Noryang The Battle of Noryang, the last major battle of the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), was fought between the Japanese navy and the combined fleets of the Joseon Kingdom and the Ming dynasty. It took place in the early morning of 16 ...

;"I die a martyr and willingly — my soul shall mount up to heaven in this chariot of smoke." :—

Giordano Bruno Giordano Bruno (; ; la, Iordanus Brunus Nolanus; born Filippo Bruno, January or February 1548 – 17 February 1600) was an Italian philosopher, mathematician, poet, cosmological theorist, and Hermetic occultist. He is known for his cosmologic ...

, Italian Dominican friar (17 February 1600), prior to burning at the stake for heresy ;"Good Doctor, God hath heard my daily petitions, for I am at peace with all men, and He is at peace with me; and from that blessed assurance I feel that inward joy which this world can neither give nor take from me: my conscience beareth me this witness, and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful. I could wish to live to do the Church more service, but cannot hope it, for my days are passed as a shadow that returns not." :— Richard Hooker, English priest and theologian (3 November 1600)

17th century

;"May I not seem to have lived in vain." :() :— Tycho Brahe, Danish astronomer (24 October 1601), to his assistant

Johannes Kepler Johannes Kepler (; ; 27 December 1571 – 15 November 1630) was a German astronomer, mathematician, astrologer, natural philosopher and writer on music. He is a key figure in the 17th-century Scientific Revolution, best known for his laws ...

;"All my possessions for a moment of time." :— Elizabeth I, queen regnant of England (24 March 1603) ;"I cannot bear that any misunderstanding should subsist between you and those who have for so many years shared in my toils and been the companions of my glory." :—

Akbar Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar (25 October 1542 – 27 October 1605), popularly known as Akbar the Great ( fa, ), and also as Akbar I (), was the third Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1556 to 1605. Akbar succeeded his father, Hum ...

, third Mughal emperor (27 October 1605), to his nobles and his son,

Jahangir Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim (30 August 1569 – 28 October 1627), known by his imperial name Jahangir (; ), was the fourth Mughal Emperor, who ruled from 1605 until he died in 1627. He was named after the Indian Sufi saint, Salim Chishti. Ear ...

; he then asked their forgiveness if he had ever wronged them Catesby and percy slain

;"Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together." :— Robert Catesby, leader of the Gunpowder Plot (8 November 1605). Catesby and Thomas Percy were shot by armed men led by Sir Richard Walsh. ;"Now I am going." :— Paolo Farinati, Italian Mannerist painter (1606), on his deathbed. His wife replied, "I will bear you company, my dear husband," and also died. ;"I begin to perceive and feel the joys of eternal life. I shall soon behold Him, who was sacrificed for men; I long for the blessed sight. All else is to me as dross: there is nothing that could make me wish to live one hour longer." :— Joseph Justus Scaliger, French Calvinist religious leader and scholar (21 January 1609) ;"I am wounded." :— Henry IV of France (14 May 1610), while being assassinated by stabbing ;"I receive absolution upon this condition." :— François Ravaillac, French Catholic zealot, assassin of Henry IV of France (27 May 1610), receiving conditional absolution prior to his execution due to his insistence that he had no accomplices ;"Ease and pleasure quake to hear of death; but my life, full of cares and miseries, desireth to be dissolved." :—

Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, (1 June 156324 May 1612), was an English statesman noted for his direction of the government during the Union of the Crowns, as Tudor England gave way to Stuart period, Stuart rule (1603). Lord Salisbury s ...

, English statesman (24 May 1612) ;"I would say 'somewhat,' but I cannot utter it." :—

Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (19 February 1594 – 6 November 1612), was the eldest son and heir apparent of James VI and I, King of England and Scotland; and his wife Anne of Denmark. His name derives from his grandfathers: Henry Stuar ...

(6 November 1612), when asked if he was in pain ;"If there be here any hidden Catholics, let them pray for me, but the prayers of heretics I will not have." :— John Ogilvie (10 March 1615),

at Glasgow Cross because of having preached the Catholic religion, then illegal in Scotland, and for refusing to pledge allegiance to King James VI of Scotland. ;"I am Sanada Nobushige, no doubt an adversary quite worthy of you, but I am exhausted and can fight no longer. Go on, take my head as your trophy." :— Sanada Yukimura, Japanese samurai warrior (3 June 1615), to his foes prior to his death at the

Battle of Tennōji The was fought on 3 June, 1615 between the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyori. Tokugawa was besieging Osaka, and Hideyori had planned a counterattack. Both sides were plagued by mistakes until Hideyori's side finally fell. He pre ...

;"Already my foot is in the stirrup." :— Miguel de Cervantes, Spanish novelist (22 April 1616) ;"Come Lord Jesu, come quickly, finish in me the work that Thou has begun; into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit, for Thou has redeemed me. O God of truth, save me Thy servant, who hopes and confides in Thee alone; let Thy mercy, O Lord, be shewn unto me; in Thee have I trusted, O Lord, let me not be confounded for ever." :— Robert Abbot, Anglican clergyman and academic (2 March 1617) ;"What dost thou fear? Strike, man, strike!" :— Walter Raleigh, English poet, soldier and courtier (29 October 1618), as he lay ready to be beheaded in the Old Palace Yard at the

Palace of Westminster The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for both the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Informally known as the Houses of Parli ...

;"They sweat in extremes, for fear of the unwarlike; I am dying undisturbed" :() :— Lucilio Vanini, Italian philosopher, physician and freethinker (9 February 1619), prior to execution by strangling and burning for atheism and blasphemy ;"Make it short. Make it short." :() :— Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, Dutch statesman (13 May 1619), to his executioner ;"Oh, would to God I had never reigned! Oh, that those years I have spent in my kingdom I had lived a solitary life in the wilderness! Oh, that I had lived alone with God! How much more secure should I now have died! With how much more confidence should I have gone to the throne of God! What doth all my glory profit, but that I have so much the more torment in my death?" :— Philip III of Spain (31 March 1621) ;"Now I have overcome." :— Johann Arndt, German Lutheran theologian (11 May 1621), to his wife ;"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." :— Robert Bellarmine, Italian Jesuit and Roman Catholic cardinal (17 September 1621) ;"All my life I have carried myself gracefully." :— Rodrigo Calderón, Count of Oliva (21 October 1621), when his confessor chastised him for his attention to his appearance prior to his execution by beheading ;"Be thou everlasting." :—

Paolo Sarpi Paolo Sarpi (14 August 1552 – 15 January 1623) was a Venetian historian, prelate, scientist, canon lawyer, and statesman active on behalf of the Venetian Republic during the period of its successful defiance of the papal interdict (1605–16 ...

, Venetian historian, prelate, scientist, canon lawyer and statesman (15 January 1623), referring to Venice ;"Thy creatures, O Lord, have been my books, but Thy Holy Scriptures much more. I have sought Thee in the fields and gardens, but I have found Thee, O God, in Thy Sanctuary—Thy Temple." :— Francis Bacon, English philosopher and statesman (9 April 1626) ;"Blessed be God, though I change my place, I shall not change my company; for I have walked with God while living, and now I go to rest with God." :—

John Preston John Preston may refer to: Politicians * John Preston (died 1434), Member of Parliament (MP) for Sussex * John Preston (c. 1578 – c. 1642), MP for Lancaster * John Preston (alderman) (1611–1686), mayor of Dublin in 1654 * John Preston (died ...

, Anglican minister, master of

Emmanuel College, Cambridge Emmanuel College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. The college was founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer to Elizabeth I. The site on which the college sits was once a priory for Dominican mon ...

(20 July 1628) ;"Villaine!" :—

George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, 28 August 1592 – 23 August 1628), was an English courtier, statesman, and patron of the arts. He was a favourite and possibly also a lover of King James I of England. Buckingham remained at the ...

(23 August 1628); to his assassin, John Felton, after being stabbed by him ;"Hold your tongue; your wretched style only makes me out of conceit with them." :— François de Malherbe, French poet, critic and translator (16 October 1628), listening on his deathbed to his confessor describing the glories of heaven ;"I am the man." :— John Felton, assassin of

(29 November 1628), referring to the killing of Buckingham ;"I do bless.—May Jesus and Mary bless, rule and govern." :—

Pierre de Bérulle Pierre de Bérulle (4 February 1575 – 2 October 1629) was a French Catholic priest, cardinal and statesman, one of the most important mystics of the 17th century in France. He was the founder of the French school of spirituality, who could coun ...

, French Roman Catholic cardinal and statesman (2 October 1629), blessing his congregation while celebrating Mass ;"It comes at last, the happy day: Let thanks be given to God in heaven, while we learn pleasure in His way." :— Agrippa d'Aubigné, French poet, soldier, propagandist and chronicler (29 April 1630) ;"I were miserable, if I might not die." :—

John Donne John Donne ( ; 22 January 1572 – 31 March 1631) was an English poet, scholar, soldier and secretary born into a recusant family, who later became a clergy, cleric in the Church of England. Under royal patronage, he was made Dean of St Paul's ...

, English poet, scholar and soldier, Dean of St Paul's (31 March 1631) ;"Now, God be with you, my dear children; I have breakfasted with you, and shall sup with my Lord Jesus Christ this night." :— Robert Bruce of Kinnaird,

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the ministers and elders of the Church of Scotland, minister or elder chosen to moderate (chair) the annual General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which is held for a week i ...

(27 July 1631) ;"I have enough, brother; try to save your own life." :—

Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden Gustavus Adolphus (9 December Old_Style_and_New_Style_dates">N.S_19_December.html" ;"title="Old_Style_and_New_Style_dates.html" ;"title="/nowiki>Old Style and New Style dates">N.S 19 December">Old_Style_and_New_Style_dates.html" ;"title="/now ...

(16 November 1632), mortally wounded at the

Battle of Lützen (1632) The Battle of Lützen, fought on 16 November 1632, is considered one of the most important battles of the Thirty Years War. A combined Swedish Empire, Swedish-German army led by Gustavus Adolphus narrowly defeated an Habsburg monarchy, Imperial ...

;"I am now ready to die. Lord, forsake me not, now my strength faileth me; but grant me mercy for the merits of my Jesus. And now Lord—Lord, now receive my soul." :— George Herbert, Welsh-born poet, orator, and priest of the Church of England (1 March 1633) ;"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done." :—

Edward Coke Edward is an English given name. It is derived from the Anglo-Saxon name ''Ēadweard'', composed of the elements '' ēad'' "wealth, fortune; prosperous" and '' weard'' "guardian, protector”. History The name Edward was very popular in Anglo-Sa ...

, English barrister, judge and politician (3 September 1634) ;"All right then, I'll say it. Dante makes me sick." :—

Lope de Vega Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio ( , ; 25 November 156227 August 1635) was a Spanish playwright, poet, and novelist. He was one of the key figures in the Spanish Golden Age of Baroque literature. His reputation in the world of Spanish literature ...

, Spanish playwright (27 August 1635) ;"I have kept the faith once given to the saints; for the which cause I have also suffered these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day." :— William Bedell, Anglican Lord Bishop of Kilmore (7 February 1642), dying from exposure after being imprisoned and tortured by rebels ;"Absolutely, and I pray God to condemn me, if I have had any other aim than the welfare of God and the state." :—

Cardinal Richelieu Armand Jean du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu (; 9 September 1585 – 4 December 1642), known as Cardinal Richelieu, was a French clergyman and statesman. He was also known as ''l'Éminence rouge'', or "the Red Eminence", a term derived from the ...

, French clergyman and statesman (4 December 1642), when asked whether he pardoned his enemies ;"O Lord, save my country! O Lord, be merciful to—" :— John Hampden, English landowner and politician (24 June 1643), mortally wounded at the

Battle of Chalgrove Field The Battle of Chalgrove Field took place on 18 June 1643, during the First English Civil War, near Chalgrove, Oxfordshire. It is now best remembered for the death of John Hampden, who was wounded in the shoulder during the battle and died six d ...

six days before his death ;"I, feeble and of small virtue, have offended against Heaven; the rebels have seized my capital because my ministers deceived me. Ashamed to face my ancestors, I die. Removing my imperial cap and with my hair disheveled about my face, I leave to the rebels the dismemberment of my body. Let them not harm my people!" :() :— Chongzhen Emperor, the last emperor of Ming Dynasty (24 April 1644) ;"Lord, receive my soul." :— William Laud,

(10 January 1645), spoken as the signal to the executioner at his beheading for treason ;"Be serious." :—

Hugo Grotius Hugo Grotius (; 10 April 1583 – 28 August 1645), also known as Huig de Groot () and Hugo de Groot (), was a Dutch humanist, diplomat, lawyer, theologian, jurist, poet and playwright. A teenage intellectual prodigy, he was born in Delft ...

, Dutch humanist, diplomat, lawyer, theologian and writer (28 August 1645) ;"Ungrateful traitors!" :—

Masaniello Masaniello (, ; an abbreviation of Tommaso Aniello; 29 June 1620 – 16 July 1647) was an Italian fisherman who became leader of the 1647 revolt against the rule of Habsburg Spain in the Kingdom of Naples. Name and place of birth Until recent ...

, Italian fisherman and revolutionary leader (16 July 1647), to his assassins ;"Ay! but I have been nearer to you, my friends, many a time, and you have missed me." :— George Lisle, Royalist leader in the English Civil War (28 August 1648), when the officer in charge of his firing squad said they would hit him The execution of King Charles I from NPG

The execution of King Charles I from NPG

;"Stay for the sign." :— Charles I of England (30 January 1649), asking for his executioner to await his signal before beheading him ;"The covenant which I took, I own it and adhere to it. Bishops, I do not care for them. I never intended to advance their interests." :—

James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose (1612 – 21 May 1650) was a Scottish nobleman, poet and soldier, Lord Lieutenant, lord lieutenant and later viceroy and captain general of Scotland. Montrose initially joined the Covenanters in the Wa ...

(21 May 1650), prior to execution by hanging, beheading and quartering ;"Lord Jesus, receive me!" :— Eusebius Andrews, English royalist (22 August 1650), prior to execution by beheading for treason ;"How sweet it is to rest!" :—

John Taylor John Taylor, Johnny Taylor or similar may refer to: Academics *John Taylor (Oxford), Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, 1486–1487 *John Taylor (classical scholar) (1704–1766), English classical scholar *John Taylor (English publisher) (178 ...

, English poet (December 1653) ;"You see what is man's life." :— Pierre Gassendi, French philosopher, Catholic priest, astronomer and mathematician (24 October 1655) ;"O Lord, forgive me specially my sins of omission." :— James Ussher, Church of Ireland

Archbishop of Armagh In Christian denominations, an archbishop is a bishop of higher rank or office. In most cases, such as the Catholic Church, there are many archbishops who either have jurisdiction over an ecclesiastical province in addition to their own archdio ...

and Primate of All Ireland (21 March 1656) ;"It is not my design to drink or to sleep, but my design is to make what haste I can to be gone." :— Oliver Cromwell, English general and statesman,

Lord Protector Lord Protector (plural: ''Lords Protector'') was a title that has been used in British constitutional law for the head of state. It was also a particular title for the British heads of state in respect to the established church. It was sometimes ...

(3 September 1658) ;"Ah! mes enfans, you cannot cry as much for me as I have made you laugh in my time! I never thought that it was so easy a matter to laugh at the approach of death." :— Paul Scarron, French poet, dramatist and novelist (6 October 1660) ;"O, my poor soul, what is to become of thee? Whither wilt thou go?" :— Cardinal Mazarin, Italian cardinal, diplomat and politician (9 March 1661) ;"I bless the Lord that he gave me counsel." :—

Samuel Rutherford Samuel Rutherford (also Rutherfurd or Rutherfoord; – 29 March 1661) was a Scottish Presbyterian pastor and theologian who wrote widely read letters, sermons, devotional and scholastic works. As a political theorist, he is known for "L ...

, Scottish pastor (29 March 1661) ;"I die not only a Protestant, but with a heart-hatred of popery, prelacy, and all superstition. Lord Jesus, receive me into Thy glory." :—

Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll Archibald Campbell, Marquess of Argyll, 8th Earl of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell (March 160727 May 1661) was a Scottish nobleman, politician, and peer. The ''de facto'' head of Scotland's government during most of the conflict of the 1640s and ...

, Scottish nobleman (27 May 1661), before execution by beheading ;"I take God to record upon my soul that I would not exchange this scaffold with the palace or mitre of the greatest prelate in Britain. The covenants, the covenants shall yet be Scotland's reviving." :— James Guthrie, Scottish Presbyterian minister (1 June 1661), prior to execution by hanging for high treason ;"Jesus, oh Jesus, you are my God, my justice, my strength, my all." :— Marie Angélique Arnauld, Abbess of the Abbey of Port-Royal (6 August 1661) ;"It is a bad cause which cannot bear the words of a dying man." :— Henry Vane the Younger, English politician, statesman and colonial governor (14 June 1662), prior to execution by beheading for treason ;"My God, forsake me not." :—

Blaise Pascal Blaise Pascal ( , , ; ; 19 June 1623 – 19 August 1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and Catholic Church, Catholic writer. He was a child prodigy who was educated by his father, a tax collector in Rouen. Pa ...

, French mathematician, physicist and theologian (19 August 1662) ;"My heart is fixed, O God! my heart is fixed where true joy is to be found." :— Robert Sanderson, English theologian and casuist (29 January 1663) ;" Abba, Father, accept this, Thy poor sinful servant, coming unto Thee through the merits of Jesus Christ. O pray, pray! praise, praise!" :— Archibald Johnston, Scottish judge and statesman (22 July 1663), before execution by hanging ;"Monsieur de Montaigu, consider what I owe to God, the favor He has shown me, and the great indulgence for which I am beholden to Him. Observe how they are swelled; time to depart." :— Anne of Austria, former Queen of France (20 January 1666), looking at her formerly beautiful hands ;"And now I begin my intercourse with God, which shall never be broken off. Farewell, father and mother, friends and relations; farewell, the world and all delights; farewell, sun, moon and stars! Welcome, God and Father; welcome, sweet Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant; welcome, blessed Spirit of grace, the God of all consolation; welcome, glory; welcome, eternal life; and welcome, death." :—

Hugh Mackail Hugh Mackail (various spellings) (c. 1640–1666), Scottish martyr, was born about 1640 at Liberton, near Edinburgh. His father was Matthew Mackail who was minister at Bothwell before being deprived of his ministry by the government in 1662. At ...

, Scottish martyr (22 December 1666), prior to execution by hanging ;"My trust is in God." :— Jeremy Taylor, Anglican divine (13 August 1667) ;"Vex me not with this thing, but give me a simple cross, that I may adore it, both as it is in itself and as I can figure it in my mind." :— Alonso Cano, Spanish painter, architect and sculptor (3 September 1667), asking a priest to take away a badly carved crucifix ;"I shall have to ask leave to desist, when I am interrupted by so great an experiment as dying." :— William Davenant, English poet and playwright (7 April 1668), setting aside the manuscript of a new poem ;"Far from well, yet far better than mine iniquities deserve." :— Richard Mather, Puritan minister (22 April 1669), when asked about his health ;"Lord!" :— John Cosin, English churchman (15 January 1672), raising his hand ;"Well, my friend, what news from the Great Mogul?" :—

François de La Mothe Le Vayer François de La Mothe Le Vayer (, August 15889 May 1672), was a French writer who was known to use the pseudonym Orosius Tubero. He was admitted to the Académie française in 1639, and was the tutor of Louis XIV. Early years Le Vayer was born a ...

, French writer (9 May 1672), to physician and traveler François Bernier, who had come to say goodbye to him ;"Bad, bad! To judge by what I now endure, the hand of death grasps me sharply." :—

Salvator Rosa Salvator Rosa (1615 –1673) is best known today as an Italian Baroque painter, whose romanticized landscapes and history paintings, often set in dark and untamed nature, exerted considerable influence from the 17th century into the early 19th ...

, Italian artist and poet (15 March 1673), when asked how he was ;"Death is the great key that opens the palace of Eternity." :—

John Milton John Milton (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) was an English poet and intellectual. His 1667 epic poem '' Paradise Lost'', written in blank verse and including over ten chapters, was written in a time of immense religious flux and political ...

, English poet and intellectual (8 November 1674) Rhein-Strom 0121 Saßbach

;"I did not mean to be killed today." :() :— Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne, Viscount of Turenne (27 July 1675), struck by a cannonball at the Battle of Salzbach ;"I would never have married had I known that my time would be so brief. If I had known that, I would not have taken upon myself double tears." :— Alexis of Russia,

Russian Tsar Tsar ( or ), also spelled ''czar'', ''tzar'', or ''csar'', is a title used by East and South Slavic monarchs. The term is derived from the Latin word ''caesar'', which was intended to mean "emperor" in the European medieval sense of the ter ...

() ;"I have seen the glories of the world." :—

Isaac Barrow Isaac Barrow (October 1630 – 4 May 1677) was an English Christian theologian and mathematician who is generally given credit for his early role in the development of infinitesimal calculus; in particular, for proof of the fundamental theorem ...

, English Christian theologian and mathematician (4 May 1677) ;"Well, ladies, if I were one hour in heaven, I would not be again with you, as much as I love you." :— Mary Rich, Countess of Warwick (12 April 1678) ;"How beautiful!" :—

Giovan Battista Nani Giovan Battista Nani (30 August 1616, Venice – 5 November 1678, Venice), in French ''Jean Baptiste Felix Gaspard Nani'', was a Venetian ambassador, librarian, archivist, amateur botanist and historian, born into a patrician family. For 25 years ...

ambassador, librarian and historian (5 November 1678) ;"I shall be happy." :— James Sharp, Archbishop of St Andrews (3 May 1679) ;"Now I am about to take my last voyage, a great leap in the dark." :— Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher (4 December 1679) ;"The only objection against the Bible is a bad life." :— John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, English poet and courtier (26 July 1680) ;"I do not fear death." :— Thomas Blood, Anglo-Irish officer and desperado (24 August 1680) ;"I do forgive you." :— William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford (29 December 1680), to his executioner prior to beheading for alleged treason ;"Now the bitterness of death is past." :— William Russell, Lord Russell (21 July 1683), after bidding farewell to his wife prior to execution by beheading for treason ;"Stop. Change that to say, 'I am yet in the land of the dying, but I hope soon to be in the land of the living.'" :—

, English Nonconformist church leader and theologian (24 August 1683), when his secretary had written "I am still in the land of the living" in a letter in his name ;"I know that my Redeemer liveth. I die for the good old cause."

Chronological list of last words

Pre-5th century

5th to 14th centuries

15th century

16th century

17th century

18th century

19th century

20th century

21st century

Ironic last words

Independently notable last words

See also

Notes

References

Further reading

External links