The Words of a Dead Man

Taken from the final chapter of "The Mayor of Casterbridge" by Thomas Hardy. After a life of mistakes, penance, and more mistakes, Michael Henchard, the tragic protagonist, faces his advent.

"Michael Henchard's Will
That Elizabeth-Jane Farfrae be not told of my death
or made to grieve on account of me.
& that I be not bury'd in consecrated ground.
& that no sexton be asked to toll the bell.
& that nobody is wished to see my dead body.
& that no murners walk behind me at my funeral.
& that no flours be planted on my grave.
& that no man remember me.
To this I put my name.
MICHAEL HENCHARD"