Robert Falcon Scott

The dog is almost human in its demand for living interest, yet fatally less than human in its inability to foresee.

We are very near the end, but have not and will not lose our good cheer.

I can imagine few things more trying to the patience than the long wasted days of waiting.

Slowly but surely the sea is freezing over.

We are showing that Englishmen can still die with a bold spirit, fighting it out to the end.

I fear we have shot our bolt - but we have been to Pole and done the longest journey on record.

As one looks across the barren stretches of the pack, it is sometimes difficult to realise what teeming life exists immediately beneath its surface.

Hunger and fear are the only realities in dog life: an empty stomach makes a fierce dog.

Had we lived I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale.

But if we have been willing to give our lives to this enterprise, which is for the honour of our country, I appeal to our countrymen to see that those who depend on us are properly cared for.

Every day some new fact comes to light - some new obstacle which threatens the gravest obstruction. I suppose this is the reason which makes the game so well worth playing.

But take comfort in that I die at peace with the world and myself - not afraid.