“It is not my design to drink or sleep. My design is to make what haste I can to be gone.”
Politician, statesman and soldier, this was his response when offered a drink by a servant. He died at the palace of Whitehall, the cause of death most likely being sepsis following a urinary infection.
“France, the army, the head of the army, Josephine.”
The final words of the military genius Napoleon Bonaparte, he died on the island of Saint Helena, the cause of death is uncertain.
“Tomorrow, at sunrise, I shall no longer be here.”
Astrologer, physician and reputed seer, speaking to his secretary the day before he died, Nostradamus died at his home from edema, aged 62.
“The taste of death is upon my lips.. I feel something that is not of this earth.”
Genius composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died at his home after becoming bedridden, the exact cause of his death is unknown.
“I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”
Artistic genius of the High Renaissance, speaking his regrets to a close friend, the cause of death possibly being a stroke.
“Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.”
Economist and philosopher dying from bronchitis and pleurisy, this was his response when asked by a housekeeper what his last words were.
“Hold the cross high so I may see it through the flames.”
Military leader and mystic spoken while she was facing her greatest fear – being burned alive at the stake. Joan of Arc was about 19 years old at the time of her death.
“Here you are, then.”
Queen of Ancient Egypt, these were her last words before letting a poisonous snake bite her. She was 39 years of age.
“Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.”
Famous explorer quoting the words of Jesus.
“I am not the least afraid of death—Remember what a good wife you have been to me—Tell all my children to remember how good they have been to me.”
Naturalist known for his theory of evolution by natural selection, his final words were to his wife Emma as he died at home from heart disease, aged 73.
