Famous last words

David Tang has this anecdote in today's FT: “Talking of death, I have always admired the optimism of Spain’s General Franco who regarded himself as almost immortal.  Once, it is said, he was lying, extremely weakly, in bed and everyone around him thought he was going to die.  Hearing a great deal of commotion and noise, the dictator asked, with a weakening hand, “What’s all that noise?”  His aide replied: “General, that's the crowd outside.  Your people.  There are thousands of them chanting your name.  They have come to say farewell.”  The General looked faintly puzzled and asked: “Where are they going?”