I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country

His body was left hanging for days, as a gruesome reminder to those who dared defy the crown, but his possibly apocryphal final words — “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country” — lived on.

According to British Army Capt. John Montresor, among the Revolutionary War spy and early patriot Nathan Hale's final words before his hanging were: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

The 21-year-old spy and soldier was hanged by the British in 1776, having uttered the immortal last words: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

According to tradition they were: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country!