Last Words Of A Dying Man - An Epitaph To Romance

Sun Herald

Sunday January 21, 2007

Rosemarie Milsom

TO be seen as a romantic is rather lame, I know, but it's hard not to be moved by the letters of Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his wife Kathleen, which were recently made public for the first time.

The letters span the last two years of Scott's life and will be on display at Cambridge University's Scott Polar Institute for the next three months.

While there are more significant events taking priority in our lives - another interest rate rise, preparing the kids for a new school year - it's heartening to read of the strong bond shared by the couple.

It is Scott's final letter, as he battled his way back from the South Pole in 1912, and that of Kathleen to Scott - she was unaware of his death - that are the most poignant.

"Dearest Darling," writes Captain Scott, "we are in a very tight corner and I have doubts of pulling through . . . if anything happens to me I shall like you to know how much you have meant to me and that pleasant recollections are with me as I depart . . . "

And from Kathleen: "About now you must be turning around. Oh dear, if I could only know how you have fared . . . I love you and long to talk with you and know you are content."

The letters are a sweet reminder of life before glib text messages and emails.

© 2007 Sun Herald

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