initial commit of ebook 31397HEADmain

1 files changed, 2428 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/31397.txt b/31397.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62414f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/31397.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2428 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Earl of Essex, by Henry Jones
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Earl of Essex
+
+Author: Henry Jones
+
+Commentator: Elizabeth Inchbald
+
+Release Date: February 25, 2010 [EBook #31397]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EARL OF ESSEX ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: EARL OF ESSEX
+
+QUEEN                TWIXT YOU AND ME
+THIS RING SHALL BE A PRIVATE MARK OF FAITH
+
+ACT IV. SCENE I
+
+PAINTED BY HOWARD.]
+
+
+
+
+THE EARL OF ESSEX;
+
+A TRAGEDY,
+IN FIVE ACTS;
+BY HENRY JONES.
+
+AS PERFORMED AT THE
+THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN.
+
+PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGERS
+FROM THE PROMPT BOOK.
+
+WITH REMARKS
+BY MRS INCHBALD.
+
+LONDON:
+PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND
+BROWN, PATERNOSTER ROW.
+
+EDINBURGH:
+Printed by James Ballantyne and Co.
+
+
+
+
+REMARKS.
+
+
+This tragedy was dedicated to the Earl of Chesterfield, who was the
+author's patron, and who, it is supposed, assisted him in the
+composition of the work.
+
+There are two tragedies under the title of "The Earl of Essex;" but the
+following, by Henry Jones, brought upon the stage in 1753, was most
+favourably received, and became very attractive.
+
+The dramatist, who founds his plot and incidents on history, generally
+adds, from his invention, those scenes, which best describe the power of
+love. Here it has been otherwise, at least in the character of the
+queen; whom every distinguished historian has portrayed as more
+enamoured of her favourite Essex, than even this play will exhibit.
+
+The character of Essex is sustained with greater accuracy:--the fiery
+quality of his temper; his alternate pride and humility, daring and
+servility, in presence of his royal mistress; with all his boisterous
+vows of loyalty to her; and tender oaths of love to another.
+
+The few characters which compose this drama, all claim an interest with
+the reader, were it but from their mere names. The great Sir Walter
+Raleigh is of the least importance among the dramatic group; and yet
+his appearance causes an association of ideas, that makes every line he
+utters valuable, for the sake of his reputation, and his impending
+misfortunes.
+
+The admirers of Shakspeare will likewise feel a double concern in the
+fate of the Lord Southampton, whilst they recollect, that this zealous
+friend of Essex was the noble protector and benefactor of England's most
+illustrious bard.
+
+The name of Burleigh sounds high as that of Elizabeth, for their glory
+was equal--but the name alone attaches to the present character; for the
+great Cecil, by the wisdom of whose measures England was, at the period
+of this play, in its highest prosperity, died about two years previous
+to the death of Essex; and this, his son, became the unhappy earl's
+bitterest foe.
+
+Not even a female character is here introduced from fiction.--Rutland
+and Nottingham are both well known in history; and though the cruel
+incident of the ring is not attested by any historian, it is minutely
+related by them all.
+
+But whether her majesty gave the unfortunate hero of this tragedy a ring
+or not, it is most certain that she gave him a blow; and of all the
+proofs of love which she bestowed upon him, this surely cannot be
+numbered amongst the least.
+
+It is extraordinary, that the present play, having introduced this
+singular occurrence, should omit the particular sentence which Essex
+uttered on the memorable occasion.--History says, that he laid his hand
+on his sword, and told Elizabeth, "he would not have taken such
+treatment from her father, Henry the Eighth."--But, as a man of true
+gallantry, the Earl should not have felt himself offended at a woman's
+anger; which experience must have told him, was the certain mark of
+concealed tenderness. His reply had been most excellent had it been
+delivered with smiles instead of frowns; but to have recourse to his
+sword, was acting like a novice in the art of love; and resenting an
+affront, when he should have acknowledged a favour.
+
+As that love which is expressed by indirect means, has often the
+greatest hold upon the attention and sympathy of the spectator; so, many
+an auditor and reader will feel more interest in the restrained
+affection of Elizabeth for her paramour, than in the unbridled fondness
+of Rutland for her husband.--The scene, where the queen bestows the
+ring, as a pledge of her kindest regard for his safety, is peculiarly
+affecting, because the strength of her passion is there discoverable,
+under a demeanour properly dignified; and all violent propensity, either
+to esteem or resentment, is strictly governed by the consideration of
+her own exalted rank.
+
+In depicting the affliction, which the queen endured upon the execution
+of Essex, and more especially at the news that he had implored her mercy
+in vain, the dramatist has fallen infinitely below the historian. Hume
+relates, that when Nottingham, having in her last illness requested to
+see the queen, revealed her fatal secret, and entreated her majesty's
+forgiveness, the queen shook the dying countess in her bed, and
+exclaimed--"God may forgive you, but I never will." The most dismal
+melancholy, as it is alleged, succeeded this rage.--But, from whatever
+cause, it is certain that an almost unheard-of despondency concluded the
+reign of this great princess, whose mind was masculine; and who,
+throughout her long career of government, never evinced one feminine
+weakness, which was not the effect of love, or of that vanity, which
+hoped to inspire the passion.
+
+At this era, in the short space of two years, the hand of death snatched
+from the court of Great Britain, all these its most remarkable
+personages--Essex, Nottingham, and the queen. It is probable, that the
+decease of the first, hastened that of the second, as well as of the
+last, character; for the countess's remorse for political stratagem is
+reported to have been dreadfully severe.
+
+The earl died in his thirty-fourth, and the queen in her seventieth
+year.--In a subject, her majesty's unseasonable love might have formed a
+comic, instead of a tragic, drama.
+
+
+
+
+DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
+
+EARL OF ESSEX   _Mr Holman._
+SOUTHAMPTON     _Mr Betterton._
+BURLEIGH        _Mr Murray._
+RALEIGH         _Mr Claremont._
+LIEUTENANT      _Mr Thompson._
+
+QUEEN ELIZABETH _Mrs Pope._
+LADY RUTLAND    _Mrs Esten._
+LADY NOTTINGHAM _Mrs Litchfield._
+
+_SCENE,--London._
+
+
+
+THE EARL OF ESSEX.
+
+
+ACT THE FIRST.
+
+
+SCENE I.
+
+
+    _An Antichamber in the Palace._
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH and RALEIGH._
+
+_Bur._ The bill, at length, has pass'd opposing numbers,
+Whilst crowds, seditious, clamour'd round the senate,
+And headlong faction urged its force within.
+
+_Ral._ It has, my lord!--The wish'd-for day is come,
+When this proud idol of the people's hearts
+Shall now no more be worshipp'd.--Essex falls.
+My lord, the minute's near, that shall unravel
+The mystic schemes of this aspiring man.
+Now fortune, with officious hand, invites us
+To her, and opens wide the gates of greatness,
+The way to power. My heart exults; I see,
+I see, my lord, our utmost wish accomplish'd!
+I see great Cecil shine without a rival,
+And England bless him, as her guardian saint.
+Such potent instruments I have prepared,
+As shall, with speed, o'erturn this hated man,
+And dash him down, by proof invincible.
+
+_Bur._ His day of glory now is set in night;
+And all my anxious hopes, at last, are crown'd.
+Those proofs against him, Raleigh--
+
+_Ral._ All arrived.
+
+_Bur._ Arrived! how? when?
+
+_Ral._ This very hour, my lord:
+Nay more, a person comes, of high distinction,
+To prove some secret treaties made by Essex,
+With Scotland's monarch, and the proud Tyrone.
+
+_Bur._ How say'st? to prove them?
+
+_Ral._ Ay, my lord, and back'd
+With circumstances of a stronger nature.
+It now appears, his secretary, Cuff,
+With Blunt and Lee, were deep concern'd in this
+Destructive scheme contrived to raise this lord,
+And ruin Cecil. Oh, it is a subtile,
+A deep-laid mischief, by the earl contrived
+In hour malignant, to o'erturn the state,
+And, horror to conceive! dethrone the queen!
+
+_Bur._ These gladsome tidings fly beyond my hopes!
+The queen will listen now, will now believe,
+And trust the counsel of her faithful Burleigh.
+Dispose them well, till kind occasion calls
+Their office forth; lest prying craft meanwhile
+May tamper with their thoughts and change their minds:
+Let them, like batteries conceal'd, appear
+At once, both to surprise and to destroy.
+
+_Ral._ His headstrong friend, the bold Southampton, too,
+Now finds his rash endeavours all defeated,
+And storms at thee, and the impeaching commons.
+
+_Bur._ Let him rave on, and rage. The lion, in
+The toils entangled, wastes his strength, and roars
+In vain; his efforts but amuse me now.--
+
+    _Enter GENTLEMAN._
+
+_Gent._ My lord, the Lady Nottingham desires,
+With much impatience, to attend your lordship.
+
+_Bur._ What may the purport of her business be?
+Her tender wishes are to Essex tied
+In love's soft fetters, and endearing bands.--
+Conduct her in.                                       [_Exit GENTLEMAN._
+And you, my Raleigh, watch Southampton's steps;
+With care observe each movement of his friends;
+That no advantage on that side be lost.--               [_Exit RALEIGH._
+Southampton's Essex' second self;
+His daring heart, and bold, ungovern'd tongue,
+Are both enlisted in the rash designs
+Of this proud lord, nor knows a will but his:
+A limb so fix'd, must with the body fall.
+
+    _Enter LADY NOTTINGHAM._
+
+_Not._ Thrice hail to rescued England's guiding genius!
+His country's guardian, and his queen's defence!
+Great Burleigh, thou whose patriot bosom beats
+With Albion's glory, and Eliza's fame;
+Who shield'st her person, and support'st her throne;
+For thee, what fervent thanks, what offer'd vows,
+Do prostrate millions pay!
+
+_Bur._ Bright excellence,
+This fair applause too highly over-rates,
+Too much extols, the low deserts of Cecil.
+
+_Not._ What praises are too high for patriot worth;
+Or what applause exceeds the price of virtue?
+My lord, conviction has at last subdued me,
+And I am honour's proselyte:--Too long
+My erring heart pursued the ways of faction;
+I own myself t' have been your bitt'rest foe,
+And join'd with Essex in each foul attempt
+To blast your honour and traduce your fame.
+
+_Bur._ Though ne'er my wishing heart could call you friend,
+Yet honour and esteem I always bore you;
+And never meant, but with respect to serve you.
+
+_Not._ It is enough, my lord, I know it well,
+And feel rekindling virtue warm my breast;
+Honour and gratitude their force resume
+Within my heart, and every wish is yours.
+O Cecil, Cecil, what a foe hast thou!
+A deadly foe, whilst hated Essex lives!
+
+_Bur._ I know it well--but can assign no cause.
+
+_Not._ Ambition's restless hand has wound his thoughts
+Too high for England's welfare; nay, the queen
+Scarce sits in safety on her throne, while he,
+Th' audacious Essex, freely treads at large,
+And breathes the common air. Ambition is
+The only god he serves; to whom he'd sacrifice
+His honour, country, friends, and every tie
+Of truth and bond of nature; nay, his love.
+
+_Bur._ The man, that in his public duty fails,
+On private virtue will disdainful tread;
+And mighty love, who rules all nature else,
+Must follow here in proud ambition's train.
+
+_Not._ Pronounce it not! my soul abhors the sound
+Like death----O, Cecil, will you kindly lend
+Some pity to a wretch like me?
+
+_Bur._ Command,
+Madam; my power and will are yours.
+
+_Not._ Will Cecil's friendly ear vouchsafe to bend
+Its great attention to a woman's wrongs;
+Whose pride and shame, resentment and despair,
+Rise up in raging anarchy at once,
+To tear, with ceaseless pangs, my tortured soul?
+Words are unequal to the woes I feel;
+And language lessens what my heart endures.
+
+_Bur._ Madam, your wrongs, I must confess, are great;
+Yet still, I fear, you know not half his falsehood.
+Who, that had eyes to look on beauty;
+Who, but the false, perfidious Essex, could
+Prefer to Nottingham a Rutland's charms?
+Start not!--By Heaven, I tell you naught but truth,
+What I can prove, past doubt; that he received
+The lady Rutland's hand, in sacred wedlock,
+The very night before his setting out
+For Ireland.
+
+_Not._ Oh! may quick destruction seize them!
+May furies blast, and hell destroy their peace!
+May all their nights----
+
+_Bur._ I pray, have patience, madam!
+Restrain a while your rage; curses are vain.
+But there's a surer method to destroy him;
+And, if you'll join with me, 'tis done--he falls.
+
+_Not._ Ha! say'st thou, Burleigh! Speak, my genius, speak!
+Be quick as vengeance' self to tell me how!
+
+_Bur._ You must have heard, the commons have impeached him,
+And we have proofs sufficient for his ruin.
+But then the queen--you know how fair he stands
+In her esteem; and Rutland, too, his wife,
+Hath full possession of the royal ear.
+Here then, my Nottingham, begins thy task:
+Try every art t' incense the queen against him,
+Then step between her and the Lady Rutland:
+Observe Southampton, too, with jealous eye;
+Prevent, as much as possible, his suit:
+For, well I know, he will not fail to try
+His eloquence on the behalf of Essex.
+
+_Not._ It shall be done; his doom is fix'd: he dies.
+Oh 'twas a precious thought! I never knew
+Such heartfelt satisfaction.--Essex dies!
+And Rutland, in her turn, shall learn to weep.
+The time is precious; I'll about it straight.
+Come, vengeance, come! assist me now to breathe
+Thy venom'd spirit in the royal ear!                            [_Exit._
+
+_Bur._ There spoke the very genius of the sex!
+A disappointed woman sets no bounds
+To her revenge.--Her temper's form'd to serve me.
+
+    _Enter RALEIGH._
+
+_Ral._ The Lord Southampton, with ungovern'd rage,
+Resents aloud his disappointed measures.
+I met him in the outward court; he seeks,
+In haste, your lordship; and, forgetting forms,
+Pursues me hither, and demands to see you.
+
+_Bur._ Raleigh, 'tis well! Withdraw--attend the queen--
+Leave me to deal with this o'erbearing man.             [_Exit RALEIGH._
+
+    _Enter SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+_South._ Where is the man, whom virtue calls her friend?--
+I give you joy, my lord!--Your quenchless fury
+At length prevails,--and now your malice triumphs.
+You've hunted honour to the toil of faction,
+And view his struggles with malicious joy.
+
+_Bur._ What means my lord?
+
+_South._ O fraud! shall valiant Essex
+Be made a sacrifice to your ambition?
+Oh, it smells foul, indeed, of rankest malice,
+And the vile statesman's craft. You dare not, sure,
+Thus bid defiance to each show of worth,
+Each claim of honour: dare not injure thus
+Your suffering country, in her bravest son!
+
+_Bur._ But why should stern reproach her angry brow
+Let fall on me? Am I alone the cause
+That gives this working humour strength? Do I
+Instruct the public voice to warp his actions?
+Justice, untaught, shall poise the impartial scales,
+And every curious eye may mark the beam.
+
+_South._ The specious shield, which private malice bears,
+Is ever blazon'd with some public good;
+Behind that artful fence, skulk low, conceal'd,
+The bloody purpose, and the poison'd shaft;
+Ambition there, and envy, nestle close;
+From whence they take their fatal aim unseen;
+And honest merit is their destined mark.
+
+_Bur._ My country's welfare, and my queen's command,
+Have ever been my guiding stars through life,
+My sure direction still.--To these I now
+Appeal;--from these, no doubt, this lord's misconduct
+Hath widely stray'd; and reason, not reviling,
+Must now befriend his cause.
+
+_South._ How ill had Providence
+Disposed the suffering world's oppressed affairs,
+Had sacred right's eternal rule been left
+To crafty politicians' partial sway!
+Then power and pride would stretch the enormous grasp,
+And call their arbitrary portion, justice:
+Ambition's arm, by avarice urged, would pluck
+The core of honesty from virtue's heart,
+And plant deceit and rancour in its stead:
+Falsehood would trample then on truth and honour,
+And envy poison sweet benevolence.
+Oh, 'tis a goodly group of attributes,
+And well befits some statesman's righteous rule!
+Out, out upon such bloody doings!
+The term of being is not worth the sin;
+No human bosom can endure its dart.
+Then put this cruel purpose from thee far,
+Nor let the blood of Essex whelm thy soul.
+
+_Bur._ 'Tis well, my lord! your words no comment need;
+No doubt, they've well explained your honest meaning;
+'Tis clear and full. To parts, like yours, discretion
+Would be a clog, and caution but incumbrance.
+Yet mark me well, my lord; the clinging ivy
+With the oak may rise, but with it too must fall.
+
+_South._ Thy empty threats, ambitious man, hurt not
+The breast of truth. Fair innocence, and faith,
+Those strangers to thy practised heart, shall shield
+My honour, and preserve my friend. In vain,
+Thy malice, with unequal arm, shall strive
+To tear the applauded wreath from Essex' brow;
+His honest laurel, held aloft by fame,
+Above thy blasting reach, shall safely flourish,
+And bloom immortal to the latest times;
+Whilst thou, amidst thy tangling snares involved,
+Shalt sink confounded, and unpitied fall.
+
+_Bur._ Rail on, proud lord, and give thy choler vent:
+It wastes itself in vain; the queen shall judge
+Between us in this warm debate. To her
+I now repair: and, in her royal presence,
+You may approve your innocence and faith.
+Perhaps you'll meet me there. Till then, farewell.              [_Exit._
+
+_South._ Confusion wait thy steps, thou cruel monster!--
+My noble and illustrious friend betray'd
+By crafty faction, and tyrannic power!
+His sinking trophies, and his falling fame,
+Oppress my very soul. I'll to the queen,
+Lay all their envy open to her view,
+Confront their malice, and preserve my friend.                  [_Exit._
+
+
+SCENE II.
+
+
+    _Presence Chamber._
+
+    _The QUEEN discovered, sitting on her Throne. RALEIGH,
+    LORDS, and ATTENDANTS._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Without consulting me! presumptuous man!
+Who governs here?--What! am not I your queen?
+You dared not, were he present, take this step.
+
+_Ral._ Dread sovereign, your ever faithful commons
+Have, in their gratitude and love for you,
+Preferred this salutary bill against him.
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ You, my Lord Burleigh, must have known of this.
+The commons here impeach the Earl of Essex
+Of practising against the state and me.
+Methinks I might be trusted with the secret.
+Speak, for I know it well, 'twas thy contrivance.
+Ha! was it not? You dare not say it was not.
+
+_Bur._ I own my judgment did concur with theirs.
+His crimes, I fear, will justify the charge,
+And vindicate their loyalty and mine.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Ha! tell not me your smooth deceitful story!
+I know your projects, and your close cabals,
+You'd turn my favour into party feuds,
+And use my sceptre as the rod of faction:
+But Henry's daughter claims a nobler soul.
+I'll nurse no party, but will reign o'er all,
+And my sole rule shall be to bless my people:
+Who serves them best, has still my highest favour:
+This Essex ever did.
+
+    _Enter SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+Behold, Southampton,
+What a base portrait's here! The faithful Essex
+Here drawn at large, associating with rebels,
+To spoil his country, and dethrone his queen!
+
+_South._ It is not like.--By Heaven, the hand of envy
+Drew these false lines, distorted far from truth
+And honour, and unlike my noble friend
+As light to shade, or hell to highest heaven.
+Then suffer not, thou best of queens, this lord,
+This valiant lord, to fall a sacrifice
+To treachery and base designs; who now
+Engages death in all his horrid shapes,
+Amidst a hardy race, inured to danger;
+But let him, face to face, this charge encounter,
+And every falsehood, like his foes, shall fly.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ To me you seem to recommend strict justice,
+In all her pomp of power. But are you sure
+No subtle vice conceal'd assumes her garb!
+Take heed, that malice does not wear the mask,
+Nor envy deck her in the borrow'd guise.
+Rancour has often darken'd reason's eye,
+And judgment winks, when passion holds the scale.
+Impeach the very man to whom I owe
+My brightest rays of glory! Look to it, lords;
+Take care, be cautious on what ground you tread;
+Let honest means alone secure your footing.
+Raleigh and you withdraw, and wait our leisure.
+                                      [_Exeunt RALEIGH and SOUTHAMPTON._
+Lord Burleigh, stay; we must with you have farther
+Conference.--I see this base contrivance plain.
+Your jealousy and pride, your envy of
+His shining merit, brought this bill to light.
+But mark me, as you prize our high regard
+And favour, I command you to suppress it:
+Let not our name and power be embarrass'd
+In your perplexing schemes. 'Twas you began,
+And therefore you must end it.
+
+_Bur._ I obey.
+Yet humbly would entreat you to consider
+How new, unpopular, this step must be,
+To stand between your parliament's enquiry
+And this offending lord.--We have such proofs--
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Reserve your proofs to a more proper season,
+And let them then appear. But once again
+We charge you, on your duty and allegiance,
+To stop this vile proceeding; and to wait
+Till Essex can defend himself in person.
+If then your accusations are of force,
+The laws, and my consent, no doubt, are open.
+He has my strict command, with menace mix'd,
+To end effectually this hated war,
+Ere he presume to quit the Irish coast.
+
+_Bur._ Madam, my duty now compels me to--
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ No more! see that my orders be obey'd.     [_Exit BURLEIGH._
+Essex a traitor!--it can never be--
+His grateful and his honest soul disdains it.--
+Can he prove false? so high advanced, so honour'd,
+So near my favour--and--I fear, so near
+My heart!--Impossible.--This Burleigh hates him,
+And, as his rival, therefore would destroy him;
+But he shall find his narrow schemes defeated.
+In vain their fraudful efforts shall combine
+To shake my settled soul, my firm design;
+Resolved to lift bright virtue's palm on high,
+Support her grandeur, and her foes defy.                        [_Exit._
+
+
+
+
+ACT THE SECOND.
+
+
+SCENE I.
+
+
+    _An Antichamber in the Palace._
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH._
+
+_Bur._ Essex arrived! Confusion to my hopes!
+His presence will destroy me with the queen.
+I much suspect he had some private notice,
+Perhaps, a punctual order, to return.
+He lurks too near her heart.--What's to be done?
+Now is the important crisis--
+Keep up thy usual strength, my better genius!
+Direct my steps to crush my mortal foe.
+
+    _Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and RALEIGH._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ It cannot be! Return'd without my leave!
+Against my strict command!--Impossible!
+
+_Ral._ Madam, the earl is now at court, and begs
+An audience of your majesty.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Amazing!
+What! break his trust! desert his high command,
+Forsake his post, and disobey his queen!
+'Tis false--invented all.--You wish it so.
+
+_Bur._ Madam, I wish some other rumours false;
+Reports, I fear, of great concern to you.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ What rumours? what reports? your frown would much
+Denote: your preface seems important.--Speak.
+
+_Bur._ Some new commotions are of late sprung up
+In Ireland, where the west is all in arms,
+And moves with hasty march to join Tyrone,
+And all his northern clans. A dreadful power!
+Nay, more; we have advices from the borders,
+Of sudden risings, near the banks of Tweed;
+'Tis thought to favour an attempt from Scotland.
+Meanwhile, Tyrone embarks six thousand men
+To land at Milford, and to march where Essex
+Shall join them with his friends.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ (_Apart._) In league with James!
+And plotting with Tyrone! It cannot be.
+His very pride disdains such perfidy.
+But is not Essex here without my leave!
+Against my strict command! that, that's rebellion.
+The rest, if true, or false, it matters not.
+What's to be done?--admit him to my presence?
+No, no--my dignity, my pride forbid it.
+Ungrateful man, approach me not; rise, rise,
+Resentment, and support my soul! Disdain,
+Do thou assist me--Yes, it shall be so.
+
+_Bur._ I see she muses deep;
+Tyrone's invasion wakes her fear and anger,
+And all her soul is one continued storm.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ For once my pride shall stoop; and I will see
+This rash, audacious, this once favour'd man;
+But treat him as his daring crimes deserve.
+
+    _Enter SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+_South._ [_Kneeling._] Permit me, madam, to approach you thus;
+Thus lowly to present the humble suit
+Of the much-injured, faithful Earl of Essex,
+Who dares not, unpermitted, meet your presence.
+He begs, most gracious queen, to fall before
+Your royal feet, to clear him to his sovereign,
+Whom, next to heaven, he wishes most to please.
+Let faction load him with her labouring hand,
+His innocence shall rise against the weight,
+If but his gracious mistress deign to smile.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Let him appear.                         [_Exit SOUTHAMPTON._
+Now to thy trying task,
+My soul! Put forth, exert thy utmost strength,
+Nor let an injured queen be tame.--Lie still,
+My heart, I cannot listen to thee now.
+
+    _Enter ESSEX and SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+_Essex._ Forgive, thou injured majesty, thou best
+Of Queens, this seeming disobedience. See,
+I bend submissive in your royal presence,
+With soul as penitent, as if before
+The all-searching eye of Heaven. But, oh, that frown!
+My queen's resentment wounds my inmost spirit,
+Strikes me like death, and pierces through my heart.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ You have obey'd, my lord! you've served me well!
+My deadly foes are quell'd! and you come home
+A conqueror! Your country bids you welcome!
+And I, your queen, applaud!--Triumphant man!
+What! is it thus that Essex gains his laurels?
+What! is it thus you've borne my high commission?
+How durst you disregard your trusted duty,
+Desert your province, and betray your queen?
+
+_Essex._ I came to clear my injured name from guilt,
+Imputed guilt, and slanderous accusations.
+My shame was wafted in each passing gale,
+Each swelling tide came loaded with my wrongs;
+And echo sounded forth, from faction's voice,
+The traitor Essex.--Was't not hard, my queen,
+That, while I stood in danger's dreadful front,
+Encountering death in every shape of terror,
+And bleeding for my country--Was't not hard,
+My mortal enemies at home, like cowards,
+Should in my absence basely blast my fame?
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ It is the godlike attribute of kings,
+To raise the virtuous, and protect the brave.
+I was the guardian of your reputation;
+What malice, or what faction, then, could reach you?
+My honour was exposed, engaged for yours:
+But you found reason to dislike my care,
+And to yourself assumed the wrested office.
+
+_Essex._ If aught disloyal in this bosom dwells,
+If aught of treason lodges in this heart,
+May I to guilt and lasting shame be wedded,
+The sport of faction, and the mark of scorn,
+The world's derision, and my queen's abhorrence.
+Stand forth the villain, whose envenom'd tongue
+Would taint my honour, and traduce my name,
+Or stamp my conduct with a rebel's brand!
+Lives there a monster in the haunts of men,
+Dares tear my trophies from their pillar'd base,
+Eclipse my glory, and disgrace my deeds?
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ This ardent language, and this glow of soul,
+Were nobly graceful in a better cause;
+Where virtue warrants, and where truth inspires:
+But injured truth, with brow invincible,
+Frowns stern reproof upon the false assertion,
+And contradicts it with the force of facts.
+From me you have appeal'd, ungrateful man!
+The laws, not I, must listen to your plea.
+Go, stand the test severe, abide the trial,
+And mourn, too late, the bounty you abused.
+                             [_Exeunt QUEEN ELIZABETH, SOUTHAMPTON, &c._
+
+_Essex._ Is this the just requital, then, of all
+My patriot toils, and oft-encounter'd perils,
+Amidst the inclemencies of camps and climes?
+Then be it so.----Unmoved and dauntless, let me
+This shock of adverse fortune firmly stand.
+
+    _Enter SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+_South._ Alas, my lord! the queen's displeasure kindles
+With warmth increasing; whilst Lord Burleigh labours
+T'inflame her wrath, and make it still burn fiercer.
+
+_Essex._ I scorn the blaze of courts, the pomp of kings;
+I give them to the winds, and lighter vanity;
+Too long they've robb'd me of substantial bliss,
+Of solid happiness, and true enjoyments.
+But lead me to my mourning love; alas!
+She sinks beneath oppressing ills; she fades,
+She dies for my afflicting pangs, and seeks
+Me, sorrowing, in the walks of woe.--Distraction!
+Oh, lead me to her, to my soul's desire.
+
+_South._ Let caution guide you in this dangerous step.
+Consider well, my lord, the consequence--
+For should the queen (forbid it, Heaven!) discover
+Your private loves, your plighted hands, no power
+On earth could step between you and destruction.
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH._
+
+_Bur._ My lord of Essex, 'tis the queen's command,
+That you forthwith resign your staff of office;
+And further, she confines you to your palace.
+
+_Essex._ Welcome, my fate! Let fortune do her utmost;
+I know the worst, and will confront her malice,
+And bravely bear the unexpected blow.
+
+_Bur._ The queen, my lord, demands your quick compliance.
+
+_Essex._ Go, then, thou gladsome messenger of ill,
+And, joyful, feast thy fierce rapacious soul
+With Essex' sudden and accomplish'd fall.
+The trampled corse of all his envy'd greatness,
+Lies prostrate now beneath thy savage feet;
+But still th' exalted spirit moves above thee.
+Go, tell the queen thy own detested story:
+Full in her sight disclose the snaky labyrinths,
+And lurking snares, you plant in virtue's path,
+To catch integrity's unguarded step.
+
+_Bur._ Your country has impeach'd, your queen accused you;
+To these address your best defence, and clear
+Your question'd conduct from disloyal guilt.
+What answer to the queen shall I return?
+
+_Essex._ My staff of office I from her received,
+And will to her, and her alone, resign it.
+
+_Bur._ This bold refusal will incense the queen,
+This arrogance will make your guilt the stronger.               [_Exit._
+
+_South._ Sustain, my noble friend, thy wonted greatness;
+Collect thy fortitude, and summon all
+Thy soul, to bear with strength this crushing weight,
+Which falls severe upon thee; whilst my friendship
+Shall lend a helping hand, and share the burden.
+I'll hence with speed, and to the queen repair,
+And all the power of warmest words employ,
+To gain you yet one audience more, and bring
+Her majesty to milder thoughts. Farewell.                       [_Exit._
+
+_Essex._ As newly waked from all my dreams of glory,
+Those gilded visions of deceitful joys,
+I stand confounded at the unlook'd-for change,
+And scarcely feel this thunderbolt of fate.
+The painted clouds, which bore my hopes aloft,
+Alas, are now vanish'd to yielding air,
+And I am fall'n indeed!--
+How weak is reason, when affection pleads!
+How hard to turn the fond, deluded heart
+From flatt'ring toys, which sooth'd its vanity!
+The laurell'd trophy, and the loud applause,
+The victor's triumph, and the people's gaze;
+The high-hung banner, and recording gold,
+Subdue me still, still cling around my heart,
+And pull my reason down.
+
+    _Enter LADY RUTLAND._
+
+_Rut._ Oh, let me fly,
+To clasp, embrace, the lord of my desires,
+My soul's delight, my utmost joy, my husband!
+Once more I hold him in my eager arms,
+Behold his face, and lose my soul in rapture!
+
+_Essex._ Transporting bliss! my richest, dearest treasure!
+My mourning turtle, my long-absent peace,
+Oh, come yet nearer, nearer to my heart!
+My raptured soul springs forward, to receive thee:
+Thou heaven on earth, thou balm of all my woe!
+
+_Rut._ Oh, shall I credit, then, each ravish'd sense?
+Has pitying Heaven consented to my prayer?
+It has, it has; my Essex is return'd!
+But language poorly speaks the joys I feel;
+Let passion paint, and looks express my soul.
+
+_Essex._ With thee, my sweetest comfort, I'll retire
+From splendid palaces, and glitt'ring throngs,
+To live embosom'd in the shades of joy,
+Where sweet content extends her friendly arms,
+And gives increasing love a lasting welcome.
+With thee, I'll timely fly from proud oppression.
+Forget our sorrows, and be bless'd for ever.
+
+_Rut._ Oh! let us hence, beyond the reach of power,
+Where fortune's hand shall never part us more!
+In this calm state of innocence and joy,
+I'll press thee to my throbbing bosom close.
+Ambition's voice shall call in vain; the world,
+The thankless world, shall never claim thee more,
+And all thy business shall be love and me.
+
+_Essex._ The queen, incensed at my return, abandons me
+To Cecil's malice, and the rage of faction.
+I'm now no more the fav'rite child of fortune:
+My enemies have caught me in the toil,
+And life has nothing worth my wish but thee.
+
+_Rut._ Delusive dream of fancied happiness!
+And has my fatal fondness then destroy'd thee?
+Oh, have I lured thee to the deadly snare
+Thy cruel foes have laid?
+I dreaded Cecil's malice, and my heart,
+Longing to see thee, with impatience listen'd
+To its own alarms; and prudence sunk beneath
+The force of love.
+
+_Essex._ Forbear, my only comfort;
+Oh, tell me not of danger, death, and Burleigh;
+Let every star shed down its mortal bane
+On my unshelter'd head: whilst thus I fold
+Thee in my raptured arms, I'll brave them all,
+Defy my fate, and meet its utmost rigour.
+
+_Rut._ Alas, my lord! consider where we are.
+Oh, 'tis the queen's apartment;
+Each precious moment is by fate beset,
+And time stands trembling whilst we thus confer.
+
+_Essex._ Then, let us hence from this detested place;
+My rescued soul disdains the house of greatness,
+Where humble honesty can find no shelter.
+From hence we'll fly, where love and greatness call;
+Where happiness invites--that wish of all:
+With sweet content enjoy each blissful hour,
+Beyond the smiles of fraud, or frowns of power.               [_Exeunt._
+
+
+
+
+ACT THE THIRD.
+
+
+SCENE I.
+
+
+    _An Apartment in the Palace._
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH and LADY NOTTINGHAM._
+
+_Not._ My lord, I've sought you out with much impatience.
+You've had an audience of the queen: what follow'd?
+
+_Bur._ Soon as I told her, Essex had refused
+To yield his dignities, and staff of office,
+Against her high command, pronounced by me,
+She seem'd deprived of reason for a moment;
+Her working mind betray'd contending passions;
+She paused, like thunder in some kindling cloud,
+Then instant burst with dreadful fury forth:
+"And has th' ungrateful wretch defy'd my mandate?
+The proud, audacious traitor, scorn'd my power?
+He dares not, sure?--He dies--the villain dies!"
+I instantly withdrew,
+But soon was countermanded, and desired
+To bring the Earl of Essex to her presence.
+I like it not; and much I fear she'll stand
+Between this high offender and the laws.
+
+_Not._ Is Essex then secured?
+
+_Bur._ Madam, he is;
+And now comes guarded to the court.
+
+    _Enter GENTLEMAN._
+
+_Gent._ Madam, the queen
+Is in her closet, and desires to see you.                       [_Exit._
+
+_Not._ I attend her.
+
+_Bur._ She wants, no doubt, to be advised by you.
+Improve this fair occasion, urge it home.
+
+_Not._ I know her foible. Essex long has had
+An interest in her heart, which nothing can
+O'erturn, except his own ungovern'd spirit:
+It is, indeed, the instrument by which
+We work, and cannot fail, if rightly used.
+
+_Bur._ Madam, the queen expects you instantly.
+I must withdraw, and wait the earl's arrival.       [_Exeunt severally._
+
+
+SCENE II
+
+
+    _The Queen's Closet._
+
+    _QUEEN ELIZABETH discovered._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Ill-fated, wretched man! perverse and obstinate!
+He counterworks my grace, and courts destruction.
+He gives his deadly foes the dagger to
+Destroy him, and defeats my friendly purpose,
+Which would, by seeming to abandon, save him.
+Nor will he keep the mask of prudence on
+A moment's space.--What! must I bear this scorn!
+No: let me all the monarch re-assume;
+Exert my power, and be myself again.
+Oh, ill-performing, disobedient, heart!
+Why shrink'st thou, fearful, from thy own resolve?
+
+    _Enter LADY NOTTINGHAM._
+
+Thou comest in time; I'm much disturb'd, abused,
+My Nottingham, and would complain to thee
+Of insolence, neglect, and high contempt.
+Essex presumed to dictate laws within
+My palace gates. How say'st thou, Nottingham?
+
+_Not._ Surely, my gracious queen, it cannot be!
+His heat and passion never could impel him
+To take so bold a step, to such rash guilt:
+Methinks his very honour should prevent it.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ This haughty man has wanton'd with my grace,
+Abused my bounty, and despised my favours.
+
+_Not._ His conduct has, I fear, been too unguarded:
+His hasty temper knows not where to stop.
+Ambition is the spur of all his actions,
+Which often drives him o'er his duty's limits;
+(At least his enemies would have it so.)
+But malice, madam, seldom judges right.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Oh, Nottingham! his pride is past enduring;
+This insolent, audacious man, forgets
+His honour and allegiance;--and refused
+To render up his staff of office, here,
+Beneath my very eye.
+
+_Not._ Presumptuous man!
+Your faithful subjects will resent this pride,
+This insolence, this treason to their queen;
+They must, my gracious sovereign. 'Tis not safe
+To shield him longer from their just resentment.
+Then give him up to justice and the laws.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ You seem well pleased to urge severity.
+Offended majesty but seldom wants
+Such sharp advisers--Yet no attribute
+So well befits the exalted seat supreme,
+And power's disposing hand, as clemency.
+Each crime must from its quality be judged;
+And pity there should interpose, where malice
+Is not the aggressor.
+
+_Not._ Madam, my sentiments were well intended;
+Justice, not malice, moved my honest zeal.
+My words were echoes of the public voice,
+Which daily rises, with repeated cries
+Of high complaint against this haughty lord.
+I pity, from my heart, his rash attempts,
+And much esteem the man.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Go, Nottingham,
+My mind's disturbed, and send me Rutland hither.
+                                                [_Exit LADY NOTTINGHAM._
+O vain distinction of exalted state!
+No rank ascends above the reach of care,
+Nor dignity can shield a queen from woe.
+Despotic nature's stronger sceptre rules,
+And pain and passion in her right prevails.
+Oh, the unpity'd lot, severe condition,
+Of solitary, sad, dejected grandeur!
+Alone condemn'd to bear th' unsocial throb
+Of heartfelt anguish, and corroding grief;
+Deprived of what, within his homely shed,
+The poorest peasant in affliction finds,
+The kind, condoling, comfort of a dear
+Partaking friend.
+
+    _Enter LADY RUTLAND._
+
+Rutland, I want thy timely
+Counsel. I'm importuned, and urged to punish--
+But justice, sometimes, has a cruel sound.
+Essex has,
+No doubt, provoked my anger, and the laws;
+His haughty conduct calls for sharp reproof,
+And just correction. Yet I think him guiltless
+Of studied treasons, or design'd rebellion.
+Then, tell me, Rutland, what the world reports,
+What censure says of his unruly deeds.
+
+_Rut._ The world, with envy's eye, beholds his merit;
+Madam, 'tis malice all, and false report.
+I know his noble heart, 'tis fill'd with honour;
+No trait'rous taint has touch'd his generous soul;
+His grateful mind still glows with pure affection;
+And all his thoughts are loyalty and you.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ I grant you, Rutland, all you say; and think
+The earl possess'd of many splendid virtues.
+What pity 'tis, he should afford his foes
+Such frequent, sad occasions to undo him!
+
+_Rut._ What human heart can, unafflicted, bear
+Such manly merit in distress, beset
+By cruel foes, and faction's savage cry?
+My good, my gracious mistress, stretch, betimes,
+Your saving arm, and snatch him from destruction,
+From deadly malice, treachery, and Cecil.
+Oh, let him live, to clear his conduct up!
+My gracious queen, he'll nobly earn your bounty,
+And with his dearest blood deserve your mercy.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Her words betray a warm, unusual, fervour;
+Mere friendship never could inspire this transport.            [_Aside._
+I never doubted but the earl was brave;
+His life and valiant actions all declare it:
+I think him honest too, but rash and headstrong.
+I gladly would preserve him from his foes,
+And therefore am resolved once more to see him.
+
+_Rut._ Oh, 'tis a godlike thought, and Heav'n itself
+Inspires it. Sure some angel moves your heart,
+Your royal heart, to pity and forgiveness.
+This gracious deed shall shine in future story,
+And deck your annals with the brightest virtue;
+Posterity shall praise the princely act,
+And ages yet to come record your goodness.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ I'll hear no more--Must I then learn from you
+To know my province, and be taught to move,
+As each designing mind directs?--Leave me.
+
+_Rut._ Her frowns are dreadful, and her eye looks terror.
+I tremble for my Essex. Save him, Heav'n!                       [_Exit._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Her warmth has touch'd me home. My jealous heart,
+My fearful and suspicious soul's alarm'd.
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH, RALEIGH, and GENTLEMEN._
+
+_Bur._ The Earl of Essex waits your royal will.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Let him approach--And now once more support
+Thy dignity, my soul; nor yield thy greatness
+To strong usurping passion--But he comes.
+
+    _Enter ESSEX and SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+_Essex._ Permitted thus to bend, with prostrate heart,        [_Kneels._
+Before your sacred majesty; I come,
+With every grateful sense of royal favour
+Deeply engraved within my conscious soul.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ I sent my orders for your staff of office.
+
+_Essex._ Madam, my envy'd dignities and honours,
+I first from your own royal hand received,
+And therefore justly held it far beneath me
+To yield my trophies, and exalted power,
+So dearly purchased in the field of glory,
+To hands unworthy. No, my gracious queen,
+I meant to lay them at your royal feet;
+Where life itself a willing victim falls,
+If you command.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ High swelling words, my lord, but ill supply
+The place of deeds, and duty's just demand.
+In danger's onset, and the day of trial,
+Conviction still on acting worth attends;
+Whilst mere professions are by doubts encumber'd.
+
+_Essex._ My deeds have oft declared in danger's front
+How far my duty and my valour lead me.
+Allegiance still my thirst of glory fired,
+And all my bravely gather'd, envy'd laurels
+Were purchased only to adorn my queen:
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Your guilty scorn of my entrusted power,
+When with my mortal foes you tamely dally'd,
+By hardy rebels braved, you poorly sought
+A servile pause, and begg'd a shameful truce.
+Should Essex thus, so meanly compromise,
+And lose the harvest of a plenteous glory,
+In idle treaties, and suspicious parley?
+
+_Essex._ O, deadly stroke! My life's the destined mark.
+The poison'd shaft has drank my spirits deep.--
+Is't come to this? Conspire with rebels! Ha!
+I've served you, madam, with the utmost peril,
+And ever gloried in th' illustrious danger,
+Where famine faced me with her meagre mien,
+And pestilence and death brought up her train.
+I've fought your battles, in despite of nature,
+Where seasons sicken'd, and the clime was fate.
+My power to parley, or to fight, I had
+From you; the time and circumstance did call
+Aloud for mutual treaty and condition;
+For that I stand a guarded felon here; a traitor,
+Hemm'd in by villains, and by slaves surrounded.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Shall added insolence, with crest audacious,
+Her front uplift against the face of power?
+Think not that injured majesty will bear
+Such arrogance uncheck'd, or unchastised.
+No public trust becomes the man, who treads,
+With scornful steps, in honour's sacred path,
+And stands at bold defiance with his duty.
+
+_Essex._ Away with dignities and hated trust,
+With flattering honours, and deceitful power!
+Invert th' eternal rules of right and justice;
+Let villains thrive, and outcast virtue perish;
+Let slaves be raised, and cowards have command.
+Take, take your gaudy trifles back, those baits
+Of vice, and virtue's bane. 'Tis clear, my queen,
+My royal mistress, casts me off; nay, joins
+With Cecil to destroy my life and fame.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Presuming wretch! Audacious traitor!
+
+_Essex._ Traitor!
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Hence from my sight, ungrateful slave, and learn
+At distance to revere your queen!
+
+_Essex._ Yes; let
+Me fly beyond the limits of the world,
+And nature's verge, from proud oppression far,
+From malice, tyranny, from courts, from you.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Traitor! villain!                            [_Strikes him._
+
+_Essex._ Confusion! what, a blow!
+Restrain, good Heaven! down, down, thou rebel passion,
+And, judgment, take the reins. Madam, 'tis well--
+Your soldier falls degraded;
+His glory's tarnish'd, and his fame undone.
+O, bounteous recompence from royal hands!
+But you, ye implements, beware, beware,
+What honour wrong'd, and honest wrath can act.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ What would th' imperious traitor do?
+My life
+Beyond thy wretched purpose stands secure.
+Go, learn at leisure what your deeds deserve,
+And tremble at the vengeance you provoke.
+                                [_Exeunt all but ESSEX and SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+_Essex._ Disgraced and struck! Damnation! Death were glorious!
+Revenge! revenge!
+
+_South._ Alas, my friend! what would
+Thy rage attempt? Consider well the great
+Advantage now your rash, ungovern'd temper
+Affords your foes. The queen, incensed, will let
+Their fury loose.--I dread the dire event!
+
+_Essex._ Has honest pride no just resentment left?
+Nor injured honour, feeling?--Not revenge!
+High Heaven shall hear, and earth regret, my wrongs.
+Hot indignation burns within my soul.
+I'll do some dreadful thing!--I know not what;
+Some deeds, as horrid as the shame I feel,
+Shall startle nature, and alarm the world.
+Then hence, like lightning, let me furious fly,
+To hurl destruction at my foes on high;
+Pull down oppression from its tyrant seat,
+Redeem my glory, or embrace my fate.                          [_Exeunt._
+
+
+
+ACT THE FOURTH.
+
+
+SCENE I.
+
+
+    _The Palace._
+
+    _Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and NOTTINGHAM._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Not taken yet?
+
+_Not._ No, madam: for the Earl
+Of Essex, leagued with desperate friends, made strong
+And obstinate resistance; till, at length,
+O'erpower'd by numbers, and increasing force,
+He fled for shelter to a small retreat,
+A summer-house, upon the Thames; resolved
+To perish, rather than submit to power.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Oh, where shall majesty bestow its favours,
+Since Essex has a traitor proved to me,
+Whose arm hath raised him up to power and greatness;
+Whose heart has shared in all his splendid triumphs,
+And feels, ev'n now, his trait'rous deeds with pity?
+But hence with pity, and the woman's pangs:
+Resentment governs, and the queen shall punish.
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH._
+
+_Bur._ Illustrious queen! the traitors all are seized.
+Their black debates
+Were held at Drury House. The dire result
+Was this: that Essex should alarm the citizens
+To open mutiny, and bold rebellion.
+Their purpose was to seize your royal palace,
+And sacred person; but your faithful people,
+As by one mind inform'd, one zeal inspired,
+Rose up at once, and with their virtue quell'd them.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Thanks to their honest, to their loyal hearts!
+But say, were any persons else concern'd,
+Of high distinction, or of noted rank?
+
+_Bur._ Yes, madam, many more;
+'Mong whom the bold Southampton foremost stands.
+They're now our prisoners, and are safe secured;
+But Essex, with Southampton, and the rest
+Of greater note, I would not dare dispose of
+Without your royal mandate; and they now
+Attend without, to know your final pleasure.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Is this the just return of all my care?
+My anxious toilsome days, and watchful nights?
+Have I sent forth a wish, that went not freighted
+With all my people's good? Or have I life,
+Or length of days desired, but for their sake?
+The public good is all my private care!
+Then could I think this grateful isle
+Contain'd one traitor's heart? But, least of all,
+That Essex' breast should lodge it? Call the monster,
+And let me meet this rebel face to face!
+Do you withdraw, and wait within our call.
+                                      [_Exeunt BURLEIGH and NOTTINGHAM._
+
+    _Enter ESSEX._
+
+You see, we dare abide your dangerous presence,
+Though treason sits within your heart enthroned,
+And on that brow rebellion lours, where once
+Such boasted loyalty was said to flourish.
+How low the traitor can degrade the soldier!
+Guilt glares in conscious dye upon thy cheek,
+And inward horror trembles in thine eye.
+How mean is fraud! How base ingratitude!
+
+_Essex._ Forbear reproach, thou injured majesty,
+Nor wound with piercing looks, a heart already
+With anguish torn, and bleeding with remorse.
+Your awful looks, alone, are arm'd with death,
+And justice gives them terror.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Hapless man!
+What cause could prompt, what fiend could urge thee on
+To this detested deed? Could I from thee
+Expect to meet this base return? from thee,
+To whom I ought to fly with all the confidence
+That giving bounty ever could inspire,
+Or seeming gratitude and worth could promise?
+
+_Essex._ Alas! I own my crimes, and feel my treasons;
+They press me down beneath the reach of pity.
+Despair alone can shield me from myself.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ My pride forbids me to reproach thee more;
+My pity, rather, would relieve thy sorrow.
+The people's clamours, and my special safety,
+Call loud for justice, and demand your life.
+But if forgiveness from an injured queen
+Can make the few short hours you live more easy,
+I give it freely, from my pitying heart;
+And wish my willing power could grant thee more.
+
+_Essex._ Oh, let me prostrate thus before you fall,
+My better angel, and my guardian genius!
+Permit me, royal mistress, to announce
+My faithful sentiments, my soul's true dictates;
+Vouchsafe your Essex but this one request,
+This only boon--he'll thank you with his last,
+His dying breath, and bless you in his passage.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Rise, my lord!
+If aught you have to offer can allay
+Your woes, and reconcile you to your fate,
+Proceed;--and I with patient ear will listen.
+
+_Essex._ My real errors, and my seeming crimes,
+Would weary mercy, and make goodness poor;
+And yet the source of all my greatest faults
+Was loyalty misled, and duty in extreme.
+So jealous was my sanguine heart, so warm
+Affection's zeal, I could not bear the least
+Suspicion of my duty to my queen.
+This drove me from my high command in Ireland;
+This, too, impell'd me to that rude behaviour,
+Which justly urged the shameful blow I felt;
+And this, O fatal rashness! made me think
+My queen had given her Essex up, a victim
+To statesmen's schemes, and wicked policy.
+Stung by that piercing thought, my madness flew
+Beyond all bounds, and now, alas! has brought me
+To this most shameful fall; and, what's still worse,
+My own reproaches, and my queen's displeasure.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Unhappy man! My yielding soul is touch'd,
+And pity pleads thy cause within my breast.
+
+_Essex._ Say, but, my gracious sovereign, ere I go
+For ever from your presence, that you think me
+Guiltless of all attempts against your throne,
+And sacred life. Your faithful Essex ne'er
+Could harbour in his breast so foul a thought.
+Believe it not, my queen. By heaven, I swear,
+When in my highest pitch of glory raised,--
+The splendid noon of Fortune's brightest sunshine,--
+Not ages of renown,--could yield me half
+The joy, nor make my life so greatly blest,
+As saving yours, though for a single hour.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ My lord, I would convince you, that I still
+Regard your life, and labour to preserve it;
+But cannot screen you from a public trial.
+With prudence make your best defence; but should
+Severity her iron jurisdiction
+Extend too far, and give thee up condemn'd
+To angry laws, thy queen will not forget thee.
+Yet, lest you then should want a faithful friend
+(For friends will fly you in the time of need)
+Here, from my finger, take this ring, a pledge
+Of mercy; having this, you ne'er shall need
+An advocate with me, for whensoe'er
+You give, or send it back, by heaven, I swear,
+As I do hope for mercy on my soul,
+That I will grant whatever boon you ask.
+
+_Essex._ Oh, grace surprising! most amazing goodness!
+Words cannot paint, the transports of my soul!
+Let me receive it on my grateful knees,
+At once to thank, and bless the hand that gives it.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Depend, my lord, on this--'twixt you and me,
+This ring shall be a private mark of faith            [_Gives the ring._
+Inviolate. Be confident; cheer up;
+Dispel each melancholy fear, and trust
+Your sovereign's promise--she will ne'er forsake you.
+
+_Essex._ Let Providence dispose my lot as 'twill,
+May watchful angels ever guard my queen;
+May healing wisdom in her councils reign,
+And firm fidelity surround her throne;
+May victory her dreaded banners bear,
+And joyful conquests crown her soldiers' brow;
+Let every bliss be mingled in her cup,
+And Heaven, at last, become her great reward.                   [_Exit._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ 'Tis done;
+And yet foreboding tremors shake my heart.
+Something sits heavy here, and presses down
+My spirits with its weight. What can it mean?
+Suppose he is condemn'd! my royal word
+Is plighted for his life; his enemies,
+No doubt, will censure much.--No matter; let them;
+I know him honest, and despise their malice.
+
+    _Enter COUNTESS of RUTLAND._
+
+_Rut._ Where is the queen? I'll fall before her feet
+Prostrate; implore, besiege her royal heart,
+And force her to forgive.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ What means this phrensy?
+
+_Rut._ Oh, gracious queen! if ever pity touch'd
+Your generous breast, let not the cruel axe
+Destroy his precious life; preserve my Essex,
+My life, my hope, my joy, my all, my husband!
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Husband!--What sudden, deadly blow is this!
+Hold up, my soul, nor sink beneath this wound.----
+You beg a traitor's life!
+
+_Rut._ Oh, gracious queen!
+He ever loved--was ever faithful--brave!
+If nature dwells about your heart, oh, spurn
+Me not!--My lord! my love! my husband bleeds!
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Take her away.
+
+_Rut._ I cannot let you go.
+Hold off your hands!--Here on this spot I'll fix--
+Here lose all sense. Still let me stretch these arms,
+Inexorable queen!--He yet may live.
+Oh, give him to my poor, afflicted heart!
+One pitying look, to save me from distraction.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ I'll hear no more. I'm tortured--take her hence.
+
+_Rut._ Nay, force me not away.--Inhuman wretches!
+Oh, mercy, mercy!--Then to thee, good Heaven,
+(My queen, my cruel queen, denies to hear me!)
+To thee, for mercy bend.
+Melt down her bosom's frozen sense, to feel
+Some portion of my deadly grief, my fell
+Distraction.--Turn, oh, turn, and see a wife,
+A tortured wife----
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Why am I not obey'd?
+
+_Rut._ Nay, do not thus
+Abandon me to fell despair. Just Heaven,
+That sees my sorrows, will avenge the wrong,
+This cruel wrong--this barbarous tyranny.                 [_Forced off._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Wedded to Rutland! Most unhappy pair!
+And, oh, ill-fated queen! Never till now
+Did sorrow settle in my heart its throne.
+Recall my pledge of safety from his hands,
+And give him up to death!--But life or death
+To me is equal now.
+Unhappy state, where peace shall never come!
+One fatal moment has confirm'd my doom--
+Turn'd all my comfort to intestine strife,
+And fill'd with mortal pangs my future life!                    [_Exit._
+
+
+
+
+ACT THE FIFTH.
+
+
+SCENE I.
+
+
+    _A Room in the Tower._
+
+    _Enter RALEIGH and LIEUTENANT of the TOWER._
+
+_Ral._ Their peers, with much indulgence, heard their plea,
+And gave them ample scope for their defence;
+But naught avail'd--their crimes were too notorious.
+They bore their sentence with becoming spirit;
+And here's the royal mandate for their deaths.--
+The Lady Nottingham! What brings her hither?
+
+    _Enter LADY NOTTINGHAM._
+
+_Not._ Lieutenant, lead me to the Earl of Essex,
+I bring a message to him from the queen.
+
+_Lieut._ He's with his friend, the brave Southampton, madam,
+Preparing now for his expected fate.
+But I'll acquaint his lordship with your pleasure.              [_Exit._
+
+_Ral._ What means this message? Does the queen relent?
+
+_Not._ I fear she does;
+Go you to court, for Cecil there expects you.
+I've promised to acquaint him with what passes
+'Twixt me and Essex, ere I see the queen.
+
+_Ral._ Madam, I go.                                             [_Exit._
+
+_Not._ Now, vengeance, steel my heart!
+Offended woman, whilst her pride remains,
+To malice only, and revenge, will bow;
+And every virtue at that altar sacrifice.
+But see, he comes, with manly sorrow clad.
+There was a time, that presence could subdue
+My pride, and melt my heart to gentle pity.
+I then could find no joy but in his smiles,
+And thought him lovely as the summer's bloom;
+But all his beauties are now hateful grown.
+
+    _Enter ESSEX._
+
+_Essex._ Whether you bring me death, or life, I know not.
+But, if strict friendship, and remembrance past,
+May aught presage to my afflicted heart,
+Sure mercy only from those lips should flow,
+And grace be utter'd from that friendly tongue.
+
+_Not._ My lord, I'm glad you think me still your friend.
+I come not to upbraid, but serve you now;
+And pleased I am to be the messenger
+Of such glad tidings, in the day of trouble,
+As I now bring you. When the queen had heard,
+That by the lords you were condemn'd to die,
+She sent me, in her mercy, here to know
+If you had aught to offer, that might move
+Her royal clemency to spare your life.
+
+_Essex._ Could any circumstance new lustre add
+To my dread sovereign's goodness, 'tis the making
+The kind, the generous Nottingham its messenger.
+
+_Not._ 'Tis well, my lord; but there's no time to spare--
+The queen impatient waits for my return.
+
+_Essex._ My heart was wishing for some faithful friend,
+And bounteous Heaven hath sent thee to my hopes.
+Know then, kind Nottingham, for now I'll trust
+Thee with the dearest secret of my life,
+'Tis not long since, the queen (who well foresaw
+To what the malice of my foes would drive me)
+Gave me this ring, this sacred pledge of mercy;
+And with it made a solemn vow to Heaven,
+That, whensoever I should give, or send
+It back again, she'd freely grant whate'er
+Request I then should make.
+
+_Not._ Give, give it me,
+My lord! and let me fly, on friendship's wings,
+To bear it to the queen, and to it add
+My prayers and influence to preserve thy life.
+
+_Essex._ Oh! take it then--it is the pledge of life!
+Oh! it is my dear Southampton's
+Last, last remaining stay! his thread of being,
+Which more than worlds I prize!--Oh, take it, then;
+Take it, thou guardian angel of my life,
+And offer up the incense of my prayer!
+Oh, beg, entreat, implore her majesty,
+From public shame, and ignominious death,
+And from the obdurate axe, to save my friend.
+
+_Not._ My lord, with all the powers that nature gave
+And friendship can inspire, I'll urge the queen
+To grant you your request.
+
+_Essex._ Kind Nottingham!
+Your pious offices shall ever be
+My fervent theme; and if my doubtful span
+Relenting Heaven should stretch to years remote,
+Each passing hour shall still remind my thoughts,
+And tell me, that I owe my all to thee:
+My friend shall thank you too for lengthen'd life.
+And now I fly with comfort to his arms,
+To let him know the mercy that you bring.                     [_Exeunt._
+
+
+SCENE II.
+
+
+    _The Court._
+
+    _Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and BURLEIGH._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Ha! is not Nottingham return'd?
+
+_Bur._ No, madam.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Dispatch a speedy messenger to haste her.--
+My agitated heart can find no rest.
+So near the brink of fate---unhappy man!
+
+    _Enter LADY NOTTINGHAM._
+
+How now, my Nottingham--what news from Essex?
+What says the earl?
+
+_Not._ I wish, with all my soul,
+The ungrateful task had been another's lot.
+I dread to tell it--lost, ill-fated man!
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ What means this mystery, this strange behaviour?
+Pronounce--declare at once; what said the earl?
+
+_Not._ Alas, my queen! I fear to say; his mind
+Is in the strangest mood that ever pride
+On blackest thoughts begot.----He scarce would speak;
+And when he did, it was with sullenness,
+With hasty tone, and downcast look.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Amazing!
+Not feel the terrors of approaching death!
+Nor yet the joyful dawn of promised life!
+
+_Not._ He rather seem'd insensible to both,
+And with a cold indifference heard your offer;
+Till warming up, by slow degrees, resentment
+Began to swell his restless haughty mind;
+And proud disdain provoked him to exclaim
+Aloud, against the partial power of fortune,
+And faction's rage. I begg'd him to consider
+His sad condition; nor repulse, with scorn,
+The only hand that could preserve him.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Ha!
+What!--Said he nothing of a private import?
+No circumstance--no pledge--no ring?
+
+_Not._ None, madam!
+But, with contemptuous front, disclaim'd at once
+Your proffer'd grace; and scorn'd, he said, a life
+Upon such terms bestow'd.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Impossible!
+Could Essex treat me thus?--You basely wrong him,
+And wrest his meaning from the purposed point.
+Recall betimes the horrid words you've utter'd:
+Confess, and own the whole you've said was false.
+
+_Not._ Madam, by truth, and duty, both compell'd,
+Against the pleadings of my pitying soul,
+I must declare (Heaven knows with what reluctance),
+That never pride insulted mercy more.
+He ran o'er all the dangers he had past;
+His mighty deeds; his service to the state;
+Accused your majesty of partial leaning
+To favourite lords, to whom he falls a sacrifice;
+Appeals to justice, and to future times,
+How much he feels from proud oppression's arm:
+Nay, something too he darkly hinted at,
+Of jealous disappointment, and revenge.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Eternal silence seal thy venom'd lips
+What hast thou utter'd, wretch, to rouse at once
+A whirlwind in my soul, which roots up pity,
+And destroys my peace!
+Let him this instant to the block be led.            [_Exit NOTTINGHAM._
+Upbraid me with my fatal fondness for him!
+Ungrateful, barbarous ruffian! O, Elizabeth!
+Remember now thy long-establish'd fame,
+Thy envy'd glory, and thy father's spirit.
+Accuse me of injustice too, and cruelty!--
+Yes, I'll this instant to the Tower, forget
+My regal state, and to his face confront him:
+Confound the audacious villain with my presence,
+And add new terrors to the uplifted axe.                        [_Exit._
+
+
+SCENE III.
+
+
+    _The Tower._
+
+    _Enter ESSEX and SOUTHAMPTON._
+
+_Essex._ Oh, name it not! my friend shall live--he shall!
+I know her royal mercy, and her goodness,
+Will give you back to life, to length of days,
+And me to honour, loyalty, and truth.
+Death is still distant far.
+
+_South._ In life's first spring,
+Our green affections grew apace and prosper'd;
+The genial summer swell'd our joyful hearts,
+To meet and mix each growing fruitful wish.
+We're now embark'd upon that stormy flood,
+Where all the wise and brave are gone before us,
+E'er since the birth of time, to meet eternity.
+And what is death, did we consider right?
+Shall we, who sought him in the paths of terror,
+And faced him in the dreadful walks of war,
+Shall we astonish'd shrink, like frighted infants,
+And start at scaffolds, and their gloomy trappings?
+
+_Essex._ Yet, still I trust long years remain of friendship.
+Let smiling hope drive doubt and fear away,
+And death be banish'd far; where creeping age,
+Disease, and care, invite him to their dwelling.
+I feel assurance rise within my breast,
+That all will yet be well.
+
+_South._ Count not on hope--
+We never can take leave, my friend, of life,
+On nobler terms. Life! what is life? A shadow!
+Its date is but the immediate breath we draw;
+Nor have we surety for a second gale;
+Ten thousand accidents in ambush lie
+For the embody'd dream.
+A frail and fickle tenement it is,
+Which, like the brittle glass that measures time,
+Is often broke, ere half its sands are run.
+
+_Essex._ Such cold philosophy the heart disdains,
+And friendship shudders at the moral tale.
+My friend, the fearful precipice is past,
+And danger dare not meet us more. Fly swift,
+Ye better angels, waft the welcome tidings
+Of pardon to my friend--of life and joy!
+
+    _Enter LIEUTENANT._
+
+_Lieut._ I grieve to be the messenger of woe,
+But must, my lords, entreat you to prepare
+For instant death. Here is the royal mandate,
+That orders your immediate execution.
+
+_Essex._ Immediate execution! what, so sudden?--
+No message from the queen, or Nottingham!
+
+_Lieut._ None, sir.
+
+_Essex._ Deluded hopes! Oh, worse than death!
+Perfidious queen! to make a mock of life!
+My friend--my friend destroy'd! Why could not mine--
+My life atone for both--my blood appease?
+Can you, my friend, forgive me?
+
+_South._ Yes, oh yes,
+My bosom's better half, I can.--With thee,
+I'll gladly seek the coast unknown, and leave
+The lessening mark of irksome life behind.
+With thee, my friend, 'tis joy to die!--'tis glory!
+For who would wait the tardy stroke of time?
+Or cling like reptiles to the verge of being,
+When we can bravely leap from life at once,
+And spring, triumphant, in a friend's embrace?
+
+    _Enter RALEIGH._
+
+_Ral._ To you, my Lord Southampton, from the queen,
+A pardon comes; your life her mercy spares.
+
+_Essex._ For ever blest be that indulgent power
+Which saves my friend! This weight ta'en off, my soul
+Shall upward spring, and mingle with the bless'd.
+
+_South._ All-ruling Heavens! can this--can this be just?
+Support me! hold, ye straining heart-strings, hold,
+And keep my sinking frame from dissolution!
+Oh, 'tis too much for mortal strength to bear,
+Or thought to suffer!--No, I'll die with thee!
+They shall not part us, Essex!
+
+_Essex._ Live, oh, live!
+Thou noblest, bravest, best of men and friends!
+Whilst life is worth thy wish--till time and thou
+Agree to part, and nature send thee to me!
+Thou generous soul, farewell!----Live, and be happy!
+And, oh! may life make largely up to thee
+Whatever blessing fate has thus cut off,
+From thy departing friend!
+
+_Lieut._ My lord, my warrant
+Strictly forbids to grant a moment's time.
+
+_South._ Oh, must we part for ever? Cruel fortune!
+Wilt thou then tear him hence?--Severe divorce!
+Let me cling round thy sacred person still,--
+Still clasp thee to my bosom close, and keep
+Stern Fate at distance.
+
+_Essex._ Oh, my friend! we'll meet
+Again, where virtue finds a just reward!
+Where factious malice never more can reach us!
+I need not bid thee guard my fame from wrongs:
+And, oh! a dearer treasure to thy care
+I trust, than either life or fame--my wife!
+Oh, she will want a friend!
+Then take her to thy care--do thou pour balm
+On her deep-wounded spirit, and let her find
+My tender helps in thee!--I must be gone,
+My ever faithful, and my gallant friend!
+I pr'ythee, leave this woman's work.--Farewell!
+Take this last, dear embrace--Farewell for ever!
+
+_South._ My bursting breast! I fain would speak, but words
+Are poor--Farewell!--
+But we shall meet again--embrace in one
+Eternal band, which never shall be loosed.                      [_Exit._
+
+_Essex._ To death's concluding stroke, lead on, Lieutenant.--
+My wife!--Now reason, fortitude, support me!
+For now, indeed, comes on my sorest trial.
+
+    _Enter COUNTESS of RUTLAND._
+
+Oh, thou last, dear reserve of fortune's malice!
+For fate can add no more,--
+Oh, com'st thou now to arrest my parting soul,
+And force it back to life?
+
+_Rut._ Thou sole delight--
+Thou only joy which life could ever give,
+Or death deprive me of--my wedded lord!
+I come, with thee, determined to endure
+The utmost rigour of our angry stars!
+To join thee, fearless, in the grasp of death,
+And seek some dwelling in a world beyond it!
+
+_Essex._ Too much, thou partner of this dismal hour,
+Thy gen'rous soul would prompt thee to endure!
+Nor can thy tender, trembling, heart sustain it.
+Long years of bliss remain in store for thee;
+And smiling time his treasures shall unfold
+To bribe thy stay!
+
+_Rut._ Thou cruel comforter!
+Alas! what's life--what's hated life to me?
+Alas, this universe, this goodly frame,
+Shall all as one continued curse appear,
+And every object blast, when thou art gone.
+
+_Essex._ Oh, strain not thus the little strength I've left,
+The weak support that holds up life! to bear
+A few short moments more, its weight of woe,
+Its loss of thee! Oh, turn away those eyes!
+Nor with that look melt down my fix'd resolve!
+And yet a little longer let me gaze
+On that loved form! Alas! I feel my sight
+Grows dim, and reason from her throne retires:
+For pity's sake, let go my breaking heart,
+And leave me to my fate!
+
+_Rut._ Why wilt thou still
+Of parting talk?
+Oh, that the friendly hand of Heaven would snatch
+Us both at once, above the distant stars,
+Where fortune's venom'd shafts can never pierce,
+Nor cruel queens destroy!
+
+_Essex._ The awful Searcher, whose impartial eye
+Explores the secrets of each human heart,
+And every thought surveys, can witness for me,
+How close thy image clings around my soul!
+Retards each rising wish, and draws me back
+To life, entangled by that loved idea!
+
+_Lieut._ My lord,
+It now grows late.
+
+_Essex._ Lead on.
+
+_Rut._ Stay, stay, my love! my dearest, dying lord!
+Ah! whither wouldst thou go? Ah, do not leave me!             [_Faints._
+
+_Essex._ Thou sinking excellence! thou matchless woman!
+Shall fortune rob me of thy dear embrace,
+Or earth's whole power, or death divide us now?
+Stay, stay, thou spotless, injured saint!
+
+_Lieut._ My lord, already you have been indulged
+Beyond what I can warrant by my orders.
+
+_Essex._ One moment more
+Afford me to my sorrows--Oh, look there!
+Could bitter anguish pierce your heart, like mine,
+You'd pity now the mortal pangs I feel,
+The throbs that tear my vital strings away,
+And rend my agonizing soul.
+
+_Lieut._ My lord----
+
+_Essex._ But one short moment, and I will attend.
+Ye sacred ministers, that virtue guard,
+And shield the righteous in the paths of peril,
+Restore her back to life, and lengthen'd years
+Of joy! dry up her bleeding sorrows all!
+Oh, cancel from her thoughts this dismal hour,
+And blot my image from her sad remembrance!
+'Tis done.--
+And now, ye trembling cords of life, give way!
+Nature and time, let go your hold!--Eternity
+Demands me.                              [_Exeunt ESSEX and LIEUTENANT._
+
+_Rut._ Where has my lost, benighted soul been wand'ring?--
+What means this mist, that hangs about my mind,
+Through which reflection's painful eye discerns
+Imperfect forms and horrid shapes of woe?--
+The cloud dispels, the shades withdraw, and all
+My dreadful fate appears.--Oh! where's my lord?--
+My life! my Essex! Oh! whither have they ta'en him?
+
+    _Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and ATTENDANTS._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ To execution!--Fly with lightning's wing,
+And save him!
+Be calm, he shall not die! Rise up--I came
+To save his life.
+
+_Rut._ 'Tis mercy's voice that speaks!--
+My Essex shall again be mine! My queen,
+My bounteous, gracious queen, has said the word!
+May troops of angels guard thy sacred life!
+And, in thy latest moments, waft thy soul,
+To meet that mercy in the realms of joy,
+Which, now, thy royal goodness grants to me!
+
+    _Enter BURLEIGH._
+
+_Bur._ Madam, your orders came, alas! too late.
+Ere they arrived, the axe had fallen on Essex.
+
+_Rut._ Ha! dead! What hell is this, that opens round me?
+What fiend art thou, that draws the horrid scene?
+Ah! Burleigh! bloody murd'rer! where's my husband?
+Oh! where's my lord, my Essex?
+Destruction seize, and madness rend my brain!
+See,--see they bend him to the fatal block!
+Now--now the horrid axe is lifted high--
+It falls--it falls!--he bleeds--he bleeds! he dies!
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Alas! her sorrows pierce my suffering heart!
+
+_Rut._ Eternal discord tear the social world,
+And nature's laws dissolve! expunge--erase
+The hated marks of Time's engraving hand,
+And every trace destroy! Arise, Despair!
+Assert thy rightful claim--possess me all!
+Bear, bear me to my murder'd lord--to clasp
+His bleeding body in my dying arms!
+And, in the tomb, embrace his dear remains,
+And mingle with his dust--for ever!                             [_Exit._
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Hapless woman!
+She shall henceforth be partner of my sorrows,
+And we'll contend who most shall weep for Essex.
+Oh, quick to kill, and ready to destroy!                 [_To BURLEIGH._
+Could no pretext be found--no cause appear,
+To lengthen mercy out a moment more,
+And stretch the span of grace?--Oh, cruel Burleigh!
+This, this was thy dark work, unpitying man!
+
+_Bur._ My gracious mistress, blame not thus my duty,
+My firm obedience to your high command.
+The laws condemn'd him first to die; nor think
+I stood between your mercy and his life.
+It was the Lady Nottingham, not I.
+Herself confess'd it all, in wild despair,
+That, from your majesty to Essex sent
+With terms of proffer'd grace, she then received,
+From his own hand, a fatal ring, a pledge,
+It seems, of much importance, which the earl,
+With earnest suit, and warm entreaty, begg'd her,
+As she would prize his life, to give your majesty;
+In this she fail'd--In this she murder'd Essex.
+
+_Qu. Eliz._ Oh, barbarous woman!
+Surrounded still by treachery and fraud!
+What bloody deed is this!--Thou injured Essex!
+My fame is soil'd to all succeeding times;
+But Heaven alone can view my breaking heart--
+Then let its will be done.
+From hence, let proud, resisting mortals know
+The arm parental, and the indulgent blow.
+To Heaven's corrective rod submissive bend;
+Adore its wisdom, on its power depend;
+Whilst ruling justice guides eternal sway,
+Let nature tremble, and let man obey.                         [_Exeunt._
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: The following typographical errors present in the
+original edition have been corrected.
+
+In Act II, Scene I, missing periods were added after "Her majesty to
+milder thoughts" and "The force of love".
+
+In Act III, Scene II, "pure affectio ;" was changed to "pure
+affection;", and "' Tis clear" was changed to "'Tis clear".
+
+In Act IV, Scene I, "Vouchfafe your Essex" was changed to "Vouchsafe
+your Essex", and a missing comma was added after "avenge the wrong".
+
+In Act V, Scene I, "Each pasing hour" was changed to "Each passing
+hour".
+
+In Act V, Scene III, the dialogue tag "Qd. Eliz." was changed to "Qu.
+Eliz." in the line beginning "To execution!--Fly with lightning's wing",
+and "'Tis mercys voice" was changed to "'Tis mercy's voice".
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Earl of Essex, by Henry Jones
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EARL OF ESSEX ***
+
+***** This file should be named 31397.txt or 31397.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/3/9/31397/
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.