Part 6 (1/2)

And there are other instances of sagacious preparation for a felicitous closing remark. For instance:

Joan of Arc said, ”Tramp, tramp, tramp the boys are marching.”

Alexander the Great said, ”Another of those Santa Cruz punches, if you please.”

The Empress Josephine said, ”Not for Jo-” and could get no further.

Cleopatra said, ”The Old Guard dies, but never surrenders.”

Sir Walter Raleigh said, ”Executioner, can I take your whetstone a moment, please?” though what for is not clear.

John Smith said, ”Alas, I am the last of my race.”

Queen Elizabeth said, ”Oh, I would give my kingdom for one moment more--I have forgotten my last words.”

And Red Jacket, the n.o.blest Indian brave that ever wielded a tomahawk in defence of a friendless and persecuted race, expired with these touching words upon his lips,

”Wawkawampanoosucwinnebayowallazvsagamoresa-skatchewan.”

There was not a dry eye in the wigwam.