diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31397-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 226081 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31397-h/31397-h.htm | 2671 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31397-h/images/essex.jpg | bin | 0 -> 182389 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31397.txt | 2428 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31397.zip | bin | 0 -> 37328 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
8 files changed, 5115 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/31397-h.zip b/31397-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..83370db --- /dev/null +++ b/31397-h.zip diff --git a/31397-h/31397-h.htm b/31397-h/31397-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b2384b0 --- /dev/null +++ b/31397-h/31397-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2671 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Earl of Essex, by Henry Jones. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .subhead {font-size: 80%;} + .subhead2 {font-size: 50%;} + .bigtext {font-size: 125%;} + .bigcenter {font-size: 125%; text-align: center;} + td.character {text-align: left; padding-right: 4em; font-variant: small-caps;} + td.actor {text-align: left; font-style: italic;} + td.dpscene {text-align: center; font-style: italic; padding-top: 0.75em;} + + .center {text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps; font-style: normal;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + .theend {margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em; + text-align: center; font-weight: bold;} + .newact {margin-top: 3em;} + .stagedir {text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; + margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; font-style: italic;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .speech {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .speech span.dialogue {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .speech span.dialogue2 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .speech span.stagedir2 {display: block; margin-left: 50%; text-align: right;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +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: ISO-8859-1 + +*** 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 + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 534px;"> +<img src="images/essex.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="frontispiece" title="EARL OF ESSEX QUEEN TWIXT YOU AND ME THIS RING SHALL BE A PRIVATE MARK OF FAITH ACT IV. SCENE I PAINTED BY HOWARD." /> +</div> + +<h1><span class="subhead2">THE</span><br /> +EARL OF ESSEX;</h1> + +<p class="center">A TRAGEDY,<br /> +IN FIVE ACTS;</p> + +<p class="bigcenter">BY HENRY JONES.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="subhead2">AS PERFORMED AT THE</span><br /> +THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN.</p> + +<p class="center">PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGERS<br /> +FROM THE PROMPT BOOK.</p> + +<p class="center">WITH REMARKS<br /> +<span class="bigtext">BY MRS INCHBALD.</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="bigtext">LONDON:</span><br /> +PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND +BROWN, PATERNOSTER ROW.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>:<br /> +Printed by James Ballantyne and Co.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> + +<h2>REMARKS.</h2> + + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> +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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2><a name="DRAMATIS_PERSONAE" id="DRAMATIS_PERSONAE"></a>DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.</h2> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Dramatis Personae"> +<tr> +<td class="character">Earl of Essex</td> +<td class="actor">Mr Holman</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="character">Southampton</td> +<td class="actor">Mr Betterton.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="character">Burleigh</td> +<td class="actor">Mr Murray.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="character">Raleigh</td> +<td class="actor">Mr Claremont.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="character">Lieutenant</td> +<td class="actor">Mr Thompson.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="character" style="padding-top: 0.75em;">Queen Elizabeth</td> +<td class="actor" style="padding-top: 0.75em;">Mrs Pope.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="character">Lady Rutland</td> +<td class="actor">Mrs Esten.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="character">Lady Nottingham</td> +<td class="actor">Mrs Litchfield.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="dpscene">SCENE,—London.</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<h1><span class="subhead2">THE</span><br /> +EARL OF ESSEX.</h1> + + +<h2>ACT THE FIRST.</h2> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE I.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">An Antichamber in the Palace.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span> and <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> The bill, at length, has pass'd opposing numbers,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whilst crowds, seditious, clamour'd round the senate,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And headlong faction urged its force within.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> It has, my lord!—The wish'd-for day is come,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">When this proud idol of the people's hearts<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall now no more be worshipp'd.—Essex falls.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My lord, the minute's near, that shall unravel<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The mystic schemes of this aspiring man.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Now fortune, with officious hand, invites us<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To her, and opens wide the gates of greatness,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The way to power. My heart exults; I see,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I see, my lord, our utmost wish accomplish'd!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I see great Cecil shine without a rival,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">And England bless him, as her guardian saint.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Such potent instruments I have prepared,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As shall, with speed, o'erturn this hated man,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And dash him down, by proof invincible.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> His day of glory now is set in night;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And all my anxious hopes, at last, are crown'd.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Those proofs against him, Raleigh—<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> All arrived.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Arrived! how? when?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> This very hour, my lord:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nay more, a person comes, of high distinction,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To prove some secret treaties made by Essex,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With Scotland's monarch, and the proud Tyrone.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> How say'st? to prove them?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> Ay, my lord, and back'd<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With circumstances of a stronger nature.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It now appears, his secretary, Cuff,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With Blunt and Lee, were deep concern'd in this<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Destructive scheme contrived to raise this lord,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And ruin Cecil. Oh, it is a subtile,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A deep-laid mischief, by the earl contrived<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In hour malignant, to o'erturn the state,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, horror to conceive! dethrone the queen!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> These gladsome tidings fly beyond my hopes!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The queen will listen now, will now believe,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And trust the counsel of her faithful Burleigh.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Dispose them well, till kind occasion calls<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Their office forth; lest prying craft meanwhile<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May tamper with their thoughts and change their minds:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let them, like batteries conceal'd, appear<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">At once, both to surprise and to destroy.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> His headstrong friend, the bold Southampton, too,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Now finds his rash endeavours all defeated,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And storms at thee, and the impeaching commons.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Let him rave on, and rage. The lion, in<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">The toils entangled, wastes his strength, and roars<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In vain; his efforts but amuse me now.—<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Gentleman</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Gent.</i> My lord, the Lady Nottingham desires,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With much impatience, to attend your lordship.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> What may the purport of her business be?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Her tender wishes are to Essex tied<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In love's soft fetters, and endearing bands.—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Conduct her in.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit <span class="smcap">Gentleman</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And you, my Raleigh, watch Southampton's steps;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With care observe each movement of his friends;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That no advantage on that side be lost.—<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Southampton's Essex' second self;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His daring heart, and bold, ungovern'd tongue,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Are both enlisted in the rash designs<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of this proud lord, nor knows a will but his:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A limb so fix'd, must with the body fall.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Lady Nottingham</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Thrice hail to rescued England's guiding genius!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His country's guardian, and his queen's defence!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Great Burleigh, thou whose patriot bosom beats<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With Albion's glory, and Eliza's fame;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Who shield'st her person, and support'st her throne;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For thee, what fervent thanks, what offer'd vows,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Do prostrate millions pay!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Bright excellence,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This fair applause too highly over-rates,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Too much extols, the low deserts of Cecil.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> What praises are too high for patriot worth;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or what applause exceeds the price of virtue?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My lord, conviction has at last subdued me,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And I am honour's proselyte:—Too long<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My erring heart pursued the ways of faction;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I own myself t' have been your bitt'rest foe,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">And join'd with Essex in each foul attempt<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To blast your honour and traduce your fame.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Though ne'er my wishing heart could call you friend,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Yet honour and esteem I always bore you;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And never meant, but with respect to serve you.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> It is enough, my lord, I know it well,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And feel rekindling virtue warm my breast;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Honour and gratitude their force resume<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Within my heart, and every wish is yours.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">O Cecil, Cecil, what a foe hast thou!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A deadly foe, whilst hated Essex lives!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> I know it well—but can assign no cause.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Ambition's restless hand has wound his thoughts<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Too high for England's welfare; nay, the queen<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Scarce sits in safety on her throne, while he,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Th' audacious Essex, freely treads at large,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And breathes the common air. Ambition is<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The only god he serves; to whom he'd sacrifice<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His honour, country, friends, and every tie<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of truth and bond of nature; nay, his love.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> The man, that in his public duty fails,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">On private virtue will disdainful tread;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And mighty love, who rules all nature else,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Must follow here in proud ambition's train.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Pronounce it not! my soul abhors the sound<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Like death——O, Cecil, will you kindly lend<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Some pity to a wretch like me?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Command,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Madam; my power and will are yours.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Will Cecil's friendly ear vouchsafe to bend<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Its great attention to a woman's wrongs;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whose pride and shame, resentment and despair,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Rise up in raging anarchy at once,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To tear, with ceaseless pangs, my tortured soul?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Words are unequal to the woes I feel;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And language lessens what my heart endures.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Madam, your wrongs, I must confess, are great;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Yet still, I fear, you know not half his falsehood.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Who, that had eyes to look on beauty;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Who, but the false, perfidious Essex, could<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Prefer to Nottingham a Rutland's charms?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Start not!—By Heaven, I tell you naught but truth,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What I can prove, past doubt; that he received<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The lady Rutland's hand, in sacred wedlock,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The very night before his setting out<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For Ireland.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Oh! may quick destruction seize them!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May furies blast, and hell destroy their peace!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May all their nights——<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> I pray, have patience, madam!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Restrain a while your rage; curses are vain.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But there's a surer method to destroy him;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, if you'll join with me, 'tis done—he falls.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Ha! say'st thou, Burleigh! Speak, my genius, speak!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Be quick as vengeance' self to tell me how!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> You must have heard, the commons have impeached him,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And we have proofs sufficient for his ruin.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But then the queen—you know how fair he stands<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In her esteem; and Rutland, too, his wife,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Hath full possession of the royal ear.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Here then, my Nottingham, begins thy task:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Try every art t' incense the queen against him,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then step between her and the Lady Rutland:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Observe Southampton, too, with jealous eye;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Prevent, as much as possible, his suit:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For, well I know, he will not fail to try<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His eloquence on the behalf of Essex.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> It shall be done; his doom is fix'd: he dies.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh 'twas a precious thought! I never knew<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Such heartfelt satisfaction.—Essex dies!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And Rutland, in her turn, shall learn to weep.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">The time is precious; I'll about it straight.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Come, vengeance, come! assist me now to breathe<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy venom'd spirit in the royal ear!<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> There spoke the very genius of the sex!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A disappointed woman sets no bounds<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To her revenge.—Her temper's form'd to serve me.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> The Lord Southampton, with ungovern'd rage,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Resents aloud his disappointed measures.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I met him in the outward court; he seeks,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In haste, your lordship; and, forgetting forms,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Pursues me hither, and demands to see you.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Raleigh, 'tis well! Withdraw—attend the queen—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Leave me to deal with this o'erbearing man.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>.</i><br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Where is the man, whom virtue calls her friend?—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I give you joy, my lord!—Your quenchless fury<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">At length prevails,—and now your malice triumphs.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You've hunted honour to the toil of faction,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And view his struggles with malicious joy.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> What means my lord?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> O fraud! shall valiant Essex<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Be made a sacrifice to your ambition?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, it smells foul, indeed, of rankest malice,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And the vile statesman's craft. You dare not, sure,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thus bid defiance to each show of worth,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Each claim of honour: dare not injure thus<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your suffering country, in her bravest son!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> But why should stern reproach her angry brow<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let fall on me? Am I alone the cause<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That gives this working humour strength? Do I<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Instruct the public voice to warp his actions?<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Justice, untaught, shall poise the impartial scales,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And every curious eye may mark the beam.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> The specious shield, which private malice bears,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Is ever blazon'd with some public good;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Behind that artful fence, skulk low, conceal'd,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The bloody purpose, and the poison'd shaft;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ambition there, and envy, nestle close;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From whence they take their fatal aim unseen;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And honest merit is their destined mark.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> My country's welfare, and my queen's command,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Have ever been my guiding stars through life,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My sure direction still.—To these I now<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Appeal;—from these, no doubt, this lord's misconduct<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Hath widely stray'd; and reason, not reviling,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Must now befriend his cause.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> How ill had Providence<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Disposed the suffering world's oppressed affairs,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Had sacred right's eternal rule been left<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To crafty politicians' partial sway!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then power and pride would stretch the enormous grasp,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And call their arbitrary portion, justice:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ambition's arm, by avarice urged, would pluck<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The core of honesty from virtue's heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And plant deceit and rancour in its stead:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Falsehood would trample then on truth and honour,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And envy poison sweet benevolence.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, 'tis a goodly group of attributes,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And well befits some statesman's righteous rule!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Out, out upon such bloody doings!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The term of being is not worth the sin;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No human bosom can endure its dart.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then put this cruel purpose from thee far,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor let the blood of Essex whelm thy soul.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> 'Tis well, my lord! your words no comment need;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No doubt, they've well explained your honest meaning;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">'Tis clear and full. To parts, like yours, discretion<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Would be a clog, and caution but incumbrance.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Yet mark me well, my lord; the clinging ivy<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With the oak may rise, but with it too must fall.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Thy empty threats, ambitious man, hurt not<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The breast of truth. Fair innocence, and faith,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Those strangers to thy practised heart, shall shield<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My honour, and preserve my friend. In vain,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy malice, with unequal arm, shall strive<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To tear the applauded wreath from Essex' brow;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His honest laurel, held aloft by fame,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Above thy blasting reach, shall safely flourish,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And bloom immortal to the latest times;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whilst thou, amidst thy tangling snares involved,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shalt sink confounded, and unpitied fall.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Rail on, proud lord, and give thy choler vent:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It wastes itself in vain; the queen shall judge<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Between us in this warm debate. To her<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I now repair: and, in her royal presence,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You may approve your innocence and faith.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Perhaps you'll meet me there. Till then, farewell.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Confusion wait thy steps, thou cruel monster!—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My noble and illustrious friend betray'd<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">By crafty faction, and tyrannic power!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His sinking trophies, and his falling fame,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oppress my very soul. I'll to the queen,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Lay all their envy open to her view,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Confront their malice, and preserve my friend.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></div> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE II.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">Presence Chamber.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">The <span class="smcap">Queen</span> discovered, sitting on her Throne. <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>, +<span class="smcap">Lords</span>, and <span class="smcap">Attendants</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Without consulting me! presumptuous man!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Who governs here?—What! am not I your queen?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You dared not, were he present, take this step.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> Dread sovereign, your ever faithful commons<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Have, in their gratitude and love for you,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Preferred this salutary bill against him.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> You, my Lord Burleigh, must have known of this.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The commons here impeach the Earl of Essex<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of practising against the state and me.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Methinks I might be trusted with the secret.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Speak, for I know it well, 'twas thy contrivance.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ha! was it not? You dare not say it was not.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> I own my judgment did concur with theirs.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His crimes, I fear, will justify the charge,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And vindicate their loyalty and mine.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Ha! tell not me your smooth deceitful story!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I know your projects, and your close cabals,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You'd turn my favour into party feuds,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And use my sceptre as the rod of faction:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But Henry's daughter claims a nobler soul.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I'll nurse no party, but will reign o'er all,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">And my sole rule shall be to bless my people:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Who serves them best, has still my highest favour:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This Essex ever did.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue2">Behold, Southampton,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What a base portrait's here! The faithful Essex<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Here drawn at large, associating with rebels,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To spoil his country, and dethrone his queen!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> It is not like.—By Heaven, the hand of envy<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Drew these false lines, distorted far from truth<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And honour, and unlike my noble friend<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As light to shade, or hell to highest heaven.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then suffer not, thou best of queens, this lord,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This valiant lord, to fall a sacrifice<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To treachery and base designs; who now<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Engages death in all his horrid shapes,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Amidst a hardy race, inured to danger;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But let him, face to face, this charge encounter,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And every falsehood, like his foes, shall fly.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> To me you seem to recommend strict justice,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In all her pomp of power. But are you sure<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No subtle vice conceal'd assumes her garb!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Take heed, that malice does not wear the mask,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor envy deck her in the borrow'd guise.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Rancour has often darken'd reason's eye,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And judgment winks, when passion holds the scale.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Impeach the very man to whom I owe<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My brightest rays of glory! Look to it, lords;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Take care, be cautious on what ground you tread;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let honest means alone secure your footing.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Raleigh and you withdraw, and wait our leisure.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span> and <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Lord Burleigh, stay; we must with you have farther<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Conference.—I see this base contrivance plain.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your jealousy and pride, your envy of<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His shining merit, brought this bill to light.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">But mark me, as you prize our high regard<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And favour, I command you to suppress it:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let not our name and power be embarrass'd<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In your perplexing schemes. 'Twas you began,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And therefore you must end it.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> I obey.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Yet humbly would entreat you to consider<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How new, unpopular, this step must be,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To stand between your parliament's enquiry<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And this offending lord.—We have such proofs—<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Reserve your proofs to a more proper season,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And let them then appear. But once again<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">We charge you, on your duty and allegiance,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To stop this vile proceeding; and to wait<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Till Essex can defend himself in person.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">If then your accusations are of force,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The laws, and my consent, no doubt, are open.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He has my strict command, with menace mix'd,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To end effectually this hated war,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ere he presume to quit the Irish coast.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Madam, my duty now compels me to—<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> No more! see that my orders be obey'd.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Essex a traitor!—it can never be—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His grateful and his honest soul disdains it.—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Can he prove false? so high advanced, so honour'd,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">So near my favour—and—I fear, so near<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My heart!—Impossible.—This Burleigh hates him,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, as his rival, therefore would destroy him;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But he shall find his narrow schemes defeated.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In vain their fraudful efforts shall combine<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To shake my settled soul, my firm design;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Resolved to lift bright virtue's palm on high,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Support her grandeur, and her foes defy.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></div> + + + +<h2 class="newact"><a name="ACT_THE_SECOND" id="ACT_THE_SECOND"></a>ACT THE SECOND.</h2> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE I.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">An Antichamber in the Palace.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Essex arrived! Confusion to my hopes!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His presence will destroy me with the queen.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I much suspect he had some private notice,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Perhaps, a punctual order, to return.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He lurks too near her heart.—What's to be done?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Now is the important crisis—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Keep up thy usual strength, my better genius!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Direct my steps to crush my mortal foe.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth</span> and <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> It cannot be! Return'd without my leave!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Against my strict command!—Impossible!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> Madam, the earl is now at court, and begs<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">An audience of your majesty.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Amazing!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What! break his trust! desert his high command,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Forsake his post, and disobey his queen!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">'Tis false—invented all.—You wish it so.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Madam, I wish some other rumours false;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Reports, I fear, of great concern to you.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> What rumours? what reports? your frown would much<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Denote: your preface seems important.—Speak.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Some new commotions are of late sprung up<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In Ireland, where the west is all in arms,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And moves with hasty march to join Tyrone,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And all his northern clans. A dreadful power!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nay, more; we have advices from the borders,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of sudden risings, near the banks of Tweed;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">'Tis thought to favour an attempt from Scotland.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Meanwhile, Tyrone embarks six thousand men<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To land at Milford, and to march where Essex<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall join them with his friends.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> (<i>Apart.</i>) In league with James!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And plotting with Tyrone! It cannot be.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His very pride disdains such perfidy.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But is not Essex here without my leave!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Against my strict command! that, that's rebellion.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The rest, if true, or false, it matters not.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What's to be done?—admit him to my presence?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No, no—my dignity, my pride forbid it.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ungrateful man, approach me not; rise, rise,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Resentment, and support my soul! Disdain,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Do thou assist me—Yes, it shall be so.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> I see she muses deep;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Tyrone's invasion wakes her fear and anger,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And all her soul is one continued storm.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> For once my pride shall stoop; and I will see<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This rash, audacious, this once favour'd man;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But treat him as his daring crimes deserve.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> [<i>Kneeling.</i>] Permit me, madam, to approach you thus;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thus lowly to present the humble suit<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of the much-injured, faithful Earl of Essex,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Who dares not, unpermitted, meet your presence.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He begs, most gracious queen, to fall before<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your royal feet, to clear him to his sovereign,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whom, next to heaven, he wishes most to please.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Let faction load him with her labouring hand,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His innocence shall rise against the weight,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">If but his gracious mistress deign to smile.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Let him appear.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Now to thy trying task,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My soul! Put forth, exert thy utmost strength,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor let an injured queen be tame.—Lie still,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My heart, I cannot listen to thee now.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Essex</span> and <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Forgive, thou injured majesty, thou best<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of Queens, this seeming disobedience. See,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I bend submissive in your royal presence,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With soul as penitent, as if before<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The all-searching eye of Heaven. But, oh, that frown!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My queen's resentment wounds my inmost spirit,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Strikes me like death, and pierces through my heart.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> You have obey'd, my lord! you've served me well!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My deadly foes are quell'd! and you come home<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A conqueror! Your country bids you welcome!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And I, your queen, applaud!—Triumphant man!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What! is it thus that Essex gains his laurels?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What! is it thus you've borne my high commission?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How durst you disregard your trusted duty,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Desert your province, and betray your queen?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> I came to clear my injured name from guilt,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Imputed guilt, and slanderous accusations.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My shame was wafted in each passing gale,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Each swelling tide came loaded with my wrongs;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And echo sounded forth, from faction's voice,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The traitor Essex.—Was't not hard, my queen,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That, while I stood in danger's dreadful front,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Encountering death in every shape of terror,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And bleeding for my country—Was't not hard,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My mortal enemies at home, like cowards,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Should in my absence basely blast my fame?<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> It is the godlike attribute of kings,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To raise the virtuous, and protect the brave.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I was the guardian of your reputation;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What malice, or what faction, then, could reach you?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My honour was exposed, engaged for yours:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But you found reason to dislike my care,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And to yourself assumed the wrested office.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> If aught disloyal in this bosom dwells,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">If aught of treason lodges in this heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May I to guilt and lasting shame be wedded,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The sport of faction, and the mark of scorn,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The world's derision, and my queen's abhorrence.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Stand forth the villain, whose envenom'd tongue<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Would taint my honour, and traduce my name,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or stamp my conduct with a rebel's brand!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Lives there a monster in the haunts of men,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Dares tear my trophies from their pillar'd base,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Eclipse my glory, and disgrace my deeds?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> This ardent language, and this glow of soul,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Were nobly graceful in a better cause;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where virtue warrants, and where truth inspires:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But injured truth, with brow invincible,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Frowns stern reproof upon the false assertion,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And contradicts it with the force of facts.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From me you have appeal'd, ungrateful man!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The laws, not I, must listen to your plea.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Go, stand the test severe, abide the trial,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And mourn, too late, the bounty you abused.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt <span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth, Southampton</span>, &c.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Is this the just requital, then, of all<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My patriot toils, and oft-encounter'd perils,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Amidst the inclemencies of camps and climes?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then be it so.——Unmoved and dauntless, let me<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This shock of adverse fortune firmly stand.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Alas, my lord! the queen's displeasure kindles<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With warmth increasing; whilst Lord Burleigh labours<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">T'inflame her wrath, and make it still burn fiercer.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> I scorn the blaze of courts, the pomp of kings;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I give them to the winds, and lighter vanity;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Too long they've robb'd me of substantial bliss,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of solid happiness, and true enjoyments.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But lead me to my mourning love; alas!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">She sinks beneath oppressing ills; she fades,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">She dies for my afflicting pangs, and seeks<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Me, sorrowing, in the walks of woe.—Distraction!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, lead me to her, to my soul's desire.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Let caution guide you in this dangerous step.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Consider well, my lord, the consequence—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For should the queen (forbid it, Heaven!) discover<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your private loves, your plighted hands, no power<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">On earth could step between you and destruction.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> My lord of Essex, 'tis the queen's command,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That you forthwith resign your staff of office;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And further, she confines you to your palace.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Welcome, my fate! Let fortune do her utmost;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I know the worst, and will confront her malice,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And bravely bear the unexpected blow.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> The queen, my lord, demands your quick compliance.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Go, then, thou gladsome messenger of ill,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, joyful, feast thy fierce rapacious soul<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With Essex' sudden and accomplish'd fall.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The trampled corse of all his envy'd greatness,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Lies prostrate now beneath thy savage feet;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But still th' exalted spirit moves above thee.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Go, tell the queen thy own detested story:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Full in her sight disclose the snaky labyrinths,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And lurking snares, you plant in virtue's path,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To catch integrity's unguarded step.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Your country has impeach'd, your queen accused you;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To these address your best defence, and clear<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your question'd conduct from disloyal guilt.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What answer to the queen shall I return?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> My staff of office I from her received,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And will to her, and her alone, resign it.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> This bold refusal will incense the queen,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This arrogance will make your guilt the stronger.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Sustain, my noble friend, thy wonted greatness;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Collect thy fortitude, and summon all<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy soul, to bear with strength this crushing weight,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which falls severe upon thee; whilst my friendship<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall lend a helping hand, and share the burden.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I'll hence with speed, and to the queen repair,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And all the power of warmest words employ,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To gain you yet one audience more, and bring<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Her majesty to milder thoughts. Farewell.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> As newly waked from all my dreams of glory,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Those gilded visions of deceitful joys,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I stand confounded at the unlook'd-for change,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And scarcely feel this thunderbolt of fate.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The painted clouds, which bore my hopes aloft,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Alas, are now vanish'd to yielding air,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And I am fall'n indeed!—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How weak is reason, when affection pleads!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How hard to turn the fond, deluded heart<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From flatt'ring toys, which sooth'd its vanity!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The laurell'd trophy, and the loud applause,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The victor's triumph, and the people's gaze;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">The high-hung banner, and recording gold,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Subdue me still, still cling around my heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And pull my reason down.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Lady Rutland</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Oh, let me fly,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To clasp, embrace, the lord of my desires,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My soul's delight, my utmost joy, my husband!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Once more I hold him in my eager arms,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Behold his face, and lose my soul in rapture!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Transporting bliss! my richest, dearest treasure!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My mourning turtle, my long-absent peace,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, come yet nearer, nearer to my heart!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My raptured soul springs forward, to receive thee:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thou heaven on earth, thou balm of all my woe!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Oh, shall I credit, then, each ravish'd sense?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Has pitying Heaven consented to my prayer?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It has, it has; my Essex is return'd!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But language poorly speaks the joys I feel;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let passion paint, and looks express my soul.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> With thee, my sweetest comfort, I'll retire<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From splendid palaces, and glitt'ring throngs,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To live embosom'd in the shades of joy,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where sweet content extends her friendly arms,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And gives increasing love a lasting welcome.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With thee, I'll timely fly from proud oppression.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Forget our sorrows, and be bless'd for ever.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Oh! let us hence, beyond the reach of power,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where fortune's hand shall never part us more!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In this calm state of innocence and joy,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I'll press thee to my throbbing bosom close.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ambition's voice shall call in vain; the world,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The thankless world, shall never claim thee more,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And all thy business shall be love and me.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> The queen, incensed at my return, abandons me<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To Cecil's malice, and the rage of faction.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">I'm now no more the fav'rite child of fortune:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My enemies have caught me in the toil,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And life has nothing worth my wish but thee.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Delusive dream of fancied happiness!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And has my fatal fondness then destroy'd thee?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, have I lured thee to the deadly snare<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy cruel foes have laid?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I dreaded Cecil's malice, and my heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Longing to see thee, with impatience listen'd<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To its own alarms; and prudence sunk beneath<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The force of love.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Forbear, my only comfort;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, tell me not of danger, death, and Burleigh;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let every star shed down its mortal bane<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">On my unshelter'd head: whilst thus I fold<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thee in my raptured arms, I'll brave them all,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Defy my fate, and meet its utmost rigour.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Alas, my lord! consider where we are.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, 'tis the queen's apartment;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Each precious moment is by fate beset,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And time stands trembling whilst we thus confer.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Then, let us hence from this detested place;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My rescued soul disdains the house of greatness,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where humble honesty can find no shelter.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From hence we'll fly, where love and greatness call;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where happiness invites—that wish of all:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With sweet content enjoy each blissful hour,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Beyond the smiles of fraud, or frowns of power.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt.</i><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></div> + + + +<h2 class="newact"><a name="ACT_THE_THIRD" id="ACT_THE_THIRD"></a>ACT THE THIRD.</h2> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE I.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">An Apartment in the Palace.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span> and <span class="smcap">Lady Nottingham</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> My lord, I've sought you out with much impatience.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You've had an audience of the queen: what follow'd?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Soon as I told her, Essex had refused<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To yield his dignities, and staff of office,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Against her high command, pronounced by me,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">She seem'd deprived of reason for a moment;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Her working mind betray'd contending passions;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">She paused, like thunder in some kindling cloud,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then instant burst with dreadful fury forth:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">"And has th' ungrateful wretch defy'd my mandate?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The proud, audacious traitor, scorn'd my power?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He dares not, sure?—He dies—the villain dies!"<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I instantly withdrew,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But soon was countermanded, and desired<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To bring the Earl of Essex to her presence.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I like it not; and much I fear she'll stand<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Between this high offender and the laws.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Is Essex then secured?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Madam, he is;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And now comes guarded to the court.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Gentleman</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Gent.</i> Madam, the queen<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Is in her closet, and desires to see you.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span><span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> I attend her.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> She wants, no doubt, to be advised by you.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Improve this fair occasion, urge it home.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> I know her foible. Essex long has had<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">An interest in her heart, which nothing can<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">O'erturn, except his own ungovern'd spirit:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It is, indeed, the instrument by which<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">We work, and cannot fail, if rightly used.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Madam, the queen expects you instantly.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I must withdraw, and wait the earl's arrival.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt severally.</i><br /></span> +</div> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE II</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">The Queen's Closet.</p> + +<p class="stagedir"><span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth</span> discovered.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Ill-fated, wretched man! perverse and obstinate!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He counterworks my grace, and courts destruction.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He gives his deadly foes the dagger to<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Destroy him, and defeats my friendly purpose,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which would, by seeming to abandon, save him.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor will he keep the mask of prudence on<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A moment's space.—What! must I bear this scorn!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No: let me all the monarch re-assume;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Exert my power, and be myself again.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, ill-performing, disobedient, heart!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Why shrink'st thou, fearful, from thy own resolve?<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Lady Nottingham</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue2">Thou comest in time; I'm much disturb'd, abused,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My Nottingham, and would complain to thee<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Of insolence, neglect, and high contempt.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Essex presumed to dictate laws within<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My palace gates. How say'st thou, Nottingham?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Surely, my gracious queen, it cannot be!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His heat and passion never could impel him<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To take so bold a step, to such rash guilt:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Methinks his very honour should prevent it.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> This haughty man has wanton'd with my grace,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Abused my bounty, and despised my favours.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> His conduct has, I fear, been too unguarded:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His hasty temper knows not where to stop.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ambition is the spur of all his actions,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which often drives him o'er his duty's limits;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">(At least his enemies would have it so.)<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But malice, madam, seldom judges right.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Oh, Nottingham! his pride is past enduring;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This insolent, audacious man, forgets<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His honour and allegiance;—and refused<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To render up his staff of office, here,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Beneath my very eye.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Presumptuous man!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your faithful subjects will resent this pride,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This insolence, this treason to their queen;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">They must, my gracious sovereign. 'Tis not safe<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To shield him longer from their just resentment.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then give him up to justice and the laws.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> You seem well pleased to urge severity.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Offended majesty but seldom wants<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Such sharp advisers—Yet no attribute<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">So well befits the exalted seat supreme,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And power's disposing hand, as clemency.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Each crime must from its quality be judged;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And pity there should interpose, where malice<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Is not the aggressor.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Madam, my sentiments were well intended;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Justice, not malice, moved my honest zeal.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">My words were echoes of the public voice,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which daily rises, with repeated cries<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of high complaint against this haughty lord.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I pity, from my heart, his rash attempts,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And much esteem the man.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Go, Nottingham,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My mind's disturbed, and send me Rutland hither.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit <span class="smcap">Lady Nottingham</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">O vain distinction of exalted state!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No rank ascends above the reach of care,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor dignity can shield a queen from woe.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Despotic nature's stronger sceptre rules,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And pain and passion in her right prevails.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, the unpity'd lot, severe condition,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of solitary, sad, dejected grandeur!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Alone condemn'd to bear th' unsocial throb<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of heartfelt anguish, and corroding grief;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Deprived of what, within his homely shed,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The poorest peasant in affliction finds,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The kind, condoling, comfort of a dear<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Partaking friend.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Lady Rutland</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue2">Rutland, I want thy timely<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Counsel. I'm importuned, and urged to punish—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But justice, sometimes, has a cruel sound.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Essex has,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No doubt, provoked my anger, and the laws;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His haughty conduct calls for sharp reproof,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And just correction. Yet I think him guiltless<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of studied treasons, or design'd rebellion.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then, tell me, Rutland, what the world reports,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What censure says of his unruly deeds.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> The world, with envy's eye, beholds his merit;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Madam, 'tis malice all, and false report.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I know his noble heart, 'tis fill'd with honour;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No trait'rous taint has touch'd his generous soul;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">His grateful mind still glows with pure affection;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And all his thoughts are loyalty and you.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> I grant you, Rutland, all you say; and think<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The earl possess'd of many splendid virtues.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What pity 'tis, he should afford his foes<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Such frequent, sad occasions to undo him!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> What human heart can, unafflicted, bear<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Such manly merit in distress, beset<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">By cruel foes, and faction's savage cry?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My good, my gracious mistress, stretch, betimes,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your saving arm, and snatch him from destruction,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From deadly malice, treachery, and Cecil.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, let him live, to clear his conduct up!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My gracious queen, he'll nobly earn your bounty,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And with his dearest blood deserve your mercy.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Her words betray a warm, unusual, fervour;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Mere friendship never could inspire this transport.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Aside.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I never doubted but the earl was brave;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His life and valiant actions all declare it:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I think him honest too, but rash and headstrong.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I gladly would preserve him from his foes,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And therefore am resolved once more to see him.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Oh, 'tis a godlike thought, and Heav'n itself<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Inspires it. Sure some angel moves your heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your royal heart, to pity and forgiveness.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This gracious deed shall shine in future story,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And deck your annals with the brightest virtue;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Posterity shall praise the princely act,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And ages yet to come record your goodness.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> I'll hear no more—Must I then learn from you<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To know my province, and be taught to move,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As each designing mind directs?—Leave me.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Her frowns are dreadful, and her eye looks terror.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">I tremble for my Essex. Save him, Heav'n!<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Her warmth has touch'd me home. My jealous heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My fearful and suspicious soul's alarm'd.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>, <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>, and <span class="smcap">Gentlemen</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> The Earl of Essex waits your royal will.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Let him approach—And now once more support<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy dignity, my soul; nor yield thy greatness<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To strong usurping passion—But he comes.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Essex</span> and <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Permitted thus to bend, with prostrate heart,<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Kneels.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Before your sacred majesty; I come,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With every grateful sense of royal favour<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Deeply engraved within my conscious soul.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> I sent my orders for your staff of office.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Madam, my envy'd dignities and honours,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I first from your own royal hand received,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And therefore justly held it far beneath me<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To yield my trophies, and exalted power,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">So dearly purchased in the field of glory,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To hands unworthy. No, my gracious queen,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I meant to lay them at your royal feet;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where life itself a willing victim falls,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">If you command.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> High swelling words, my lord, but ill supply<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The place of deeds, and duty's just demand.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In danger's onset, and the day of trial,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Conviction still on acting worth attends;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whilst mere professions are by doubts encumber'd.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> My deeds have oft declared in danger's front<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How far my duty and my valour lead me.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Allegiance still my thirst of glory fired,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And all my bravely gather'd, envy'd laurels<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Were purchased only to adorn my queen:<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Your guilty scorn of my entrusted power,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">When with my mortal foes you tamely dally'd,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">By hardy rebels braved, you poorly sought<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A servile pause, and begg'd a shameful truce.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Should Essex thus, so meanly compromise,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And lose the harvest of a plenteous glory,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In idle treaties, and suspicious parley?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> O, deadly stroke! My life's the destined mark.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The poison'd shaft has drank my spirits deep.—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Is't come to this? Conspire with rebels! Ha!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I've served you, madam, with the utmost peril,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And ever gloried in th' illustrious danger,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where famine faced me with her meagre mien,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And pestilence and death brought up her train.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I've fought your battles, in despite of nature,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where seasons sicken'd, and the clime was fate.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My power to parley, or to fight, I had<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From you; the time and circumstance did call<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Aloud for mutual treaty and condition;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For that I stand a guarded felon here; a traitor,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Hemm'd in by villains, and by slaves surrounded.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Shall added insolence, with crest audacious,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Her front uplift against the face of power?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Think not that injured majesty will bear<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Such arrogance uncheck'd, or unchastised.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No public trust becomes the man, who treads,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With scornful steps, in honour's sacred path,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And stands at bold defiance with his duty.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Away with dignities and hated trust,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With flattering honours, and deceitful power!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Invert th' eternal rules of right and justice;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let villains thrive, and outcast virtue perish;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let slaves be raised, and cowards have command.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Take, take your gaudy trifles back, those baits<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of vice, and virtue's bane. 'Tis clear, my queen,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">My royal mistress, casts me off; nay, joins<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With Cecil to destroy my life and fame.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Presuming wretch! Audacious traitor!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Traitor!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Hence from my sight, ungrateful slave, and learn<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">At distance to revere your queen!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Yes; let<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Me fly beyond the limits of the world,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And nature's verge, from proud oppression far,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From malice, tyranny, from courts, from you.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Traitor! villain!<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Strikes him.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Confusion! what, a blow!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Restrain, good Heaven! down, down, thou rebel passion,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, judgment, take the reins. Madam, 'tis well—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your soldier falls degraded;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His glory's tarnish'd, and his fame undone.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">O, bounteous recompence from royal hands!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But you, ye implements, beware, beware,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What honour wrong'd, and honest wrath can act.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> What would th' imperious traitor do?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My life<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Beyond thy wretched purpose stands secure.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Go, learn at leisure what your deeds deserve,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And tremble at the vengeance you provoke.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt all but <span class="smcap">Essex</span> and <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Disgraced and struck! Damnation! Death were glorious!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Revenge! revenge!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Alas, my friend! what would<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy rage attempt? Consider well the great<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Advantage now your rash, ungovern'd temper<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Affords your foes. The queen, incensed, will let<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Their fury loose.—I dread the dire event!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Has honest pride no just resentment left?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor injured honour, feeling?—Not revenge!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">High Heaven shall hear, and earth regret, my wrongs.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Hot indignation burns within my soul.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I'll do some dreadful thing!—I know not what;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Some deeds, as horrid as the shame I feel,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall startle nature, and alarm the world.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then hence, like lightning, let me furious fly,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To hurl destruction at my foes on high;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Pull down oppression from its tyrant seat,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Redeem my glory, or embrace my fate.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt.</i><br /></span> +</div> + + + +<h2 class="newact">ACT THE FOURTH.</h2> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE I.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">The Palace.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth</span> and <span class="smcap">Nottingham</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Not taken yet?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> No, madam: for the Earl<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of Essex, leagued with desperate friends, made strong<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And obstinate resistance; till, at length,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">O'erpower'd by numbers, and increasing force,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He fled for shelter to a small retreat,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A summer-house, upon the Thames; resolved<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To perish, rather than submit to power.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Oh, where shall majesty bestow its favours,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Since Essex has a traitor proved to me,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whose arm hath raised him up to power and greatness;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whose heart has shared in all his splendid triumphs,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">And feels, ev'n now, his trait'rous deeds with pity?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But hence with pity, and the woman's pangs:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Resentment governs, and the queen shall punish.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Illustrious queen! the traitors all are seized.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Their black debates<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Were held at Drury House. The dire result<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Was this: that Essex should alarm the citizens<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To open mutiny, and bold rebellion.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Their purpose was to seize your royal palace,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And sacred person; but your faithful people,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As by one mind inform'd, one zeal inspired,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Rose up at once, and with their virtue quell'd them.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Thanks to their honest, to their loyal hearts!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But say, were any persons else concern'd,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of high distinction, or of noted rank?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Yes, madam, many more;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">'Mong whom the bold Southampton foremost stands.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">They're now our prisoners, and are safe secured;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But Essex, with Southampton, and the rest<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of greater note, I would not dare dispose of<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Without your royal mandate; and they now<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Attend without, to know your final pleasure.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Is this the just return of all my care?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My anxious toilsome days, and watchful nights?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Have I sent forth a wish, that went not freighted<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With all my people's good? Or have I life,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or length of days desired, but for their sake?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The public good is all my private care!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then could I think this grateful isle<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Contain'd one traitor's heart? But, least of all,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That Essex' breast should lodge it? Call the monster,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And let me meet this rebel face to face!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Do you withdraw, and wait within our call.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span> and <span class="smcap">Nottingham</span>.</i><br /></span> +</div> +<p class="stagedir"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>Enter <span class="smcap">Essex</span>.</p> +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue2">You see, we dare abide your dangerous presence,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Though treason sits within your heart enthroned,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And on that brow rebellion lours, where once<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Such boasted loyalty was said to flourish.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How low the traitor can degrade the soldier!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Guilt glares in conscious dye upon thy cheek,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And inward horror trembles in thine eye.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How mean is fraud! How base ingratitude!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Forbear reproach, thou injured majesty,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor wound with piercing looks, a heart already<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With anguish torn, and bleeding with remorse.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your awful looks, alone, are arm'd with death,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And justice gives them terror.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Hapless man!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What cause could prompt, what fiend could urge thee on<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To this detested deed? Could I from thee<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Expect to meet this base return? from thee,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To whom I ought to fly with all the confidence<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That giving bounty ever could inspire,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or seeming gratitude and worth could promise?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Alas! I own my crimes, and feel my treasons;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">They press me down beneath the reach of pity.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Despair alone can shield me from myself.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> My pride forbids me to reproach thee more;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My pity, rather, would relieve thy sorrow.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The people's clamours, and my special safety,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Call loud for justice, and demand your life.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But if forgiveness from an injured queen<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Can make the few short hours you live more easy,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I give it freely, from my pitying heart;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And wish my willing power could grant thee more.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Oh, let me prostrate thus before you fall,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My better angel, and my guardian genius!<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Permit me, royal mistress, to announce<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My faithful sentiments, my soul's true dictates;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Vouchsafe your Essex but this one request,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This only boon—he'll thank you with his last,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His dying breath, and bless you in his passage.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Rise, my lord!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">If aught you have to offer can allay<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your woes, and reconcile you to your fate,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Proceed;—and I with patient ear will listen.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> My real errors, and my seeming crimes,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Would weary mercy, and make goodness poor;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And yet the source of all my greatest faults<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Was loyalty misled, and duty in extreme.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">So jealous was my sanguine heart, so warm<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Affection's zeal, I could not bear the least<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Suspicion of my duty to my queen.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This drove me from my high command in Ireland;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This, too, impell'd me to that rude behaviour,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which justly urged the shameful blow I felt;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And this, O fatal rashness! made me think<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My queen had given her Essex up, a victim<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To statesmen's schemes, and wicked policy.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Stung by that piercing thought, my madness flew<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Beyond all bounds, and now, alas! has brought me<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To this most shameful fall; and, what's still worse,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My own reproaches, and my queen's displeasure.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Unhappy man! My yielding soul is touch'd,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And pity pleads thy cause within my breast.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Say, but, my gracious sovereign, ere I go<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For ever from your presence, that you think me<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Guiltless of all attempts against your throne,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And sacred life. Your faithful Essex ne'er<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Could harbour in his breast so foul a thought.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Believe it not, my queen. By heaven, I swear,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">When in my highest pitch of glory raised,—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The splendid noon of Fortune's brightest sunshine,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Not ages of renown,—could yield me half<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The joy, nor make my life so greatly blest,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As saving yours, though for a single hour.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> My lord, I would convince you, that I still<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Regard your life, and labour to preserve it;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But cannot screen you from a public trial.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With prudence make your best defence; but should<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Severity her iron jurisdiction<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Extend too far, and give thee up condemn'd<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To angry laws, thy queen will not forget thee.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Yet, lest you then should want a faithful friend<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">(For friends will fly you in the time of need)<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Here, from my finger, take this ring, a pledge<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of mercy; having this, you ne'er shall need<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">An advocate with me, for whensoe'er<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You give, or send it back, by heaven, I swear,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As I do hope for mercy on my soul,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That I will grant whatever boon you ask.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Oh, grace surprising! most amazing goodness!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Words cannot paint, the transports of my soul!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let me receive it on my grateful knees,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">At once to thank, and bless the hand that gives it.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Depend, my lord, on this—'twixt you and me,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This ring shall be a private mark of faith<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Gives the ring.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Inviolate. Be confident; cheer up;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Dispel each melancholy fear, and trust<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your sovereign's promise—she will ne'er forsake you.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Let Providence dispose my lot as 'twill,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May watchful angels ever guard my queen;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May healing wisdom in her councils reign,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And firm fidelity surround her throne;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May victory her dreaded banners bear,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And joyful conquests crown her soldiers' brow;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Let every bliss be mingled in her cup,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And Heaven, at last, become her great reward.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> 'Tis done;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And yet foreboding tremors shake my heart.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Something sits heavy here, and presses down<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My spirits with its weight. What can it mean?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Suppose he is condemn'd! my royal word<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Is plighted for his life; his enemies,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No doubt, will censure much.—No matter; let them;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I know him honest, and despise their malice.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Countess</span> of <span class="smcap">Rutland</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Where is the queen? I'll fall before her feet<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Prostrate; implore, besiege her royal heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And force her to forgive.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> What means this phrensy?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Oh, gracious queen! if ever pity touch'd<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your generous breast, let not the cruel axe<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Destroy his precious life; preserve my Essex,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My life, my hope, my joy, my all, my husband!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Husband!—What sudden, deadly blow is this!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Hold up, my soul, nor sink beneath this wound.——<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You beg a traitor's life!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Oh, gracious queen!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He ever loved—was ever faithful—brave!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">If nature dwells about your heart, oh, spurn<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Me not!—My lord! my love! my husband bleeds!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Take her away.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> I cannot let you go.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Hold off your hands!—Here on this spot I'll fix—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Here lose all sense. Still let me stretch these arms,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Inexorable queen!—He yet may live.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, give him to my poor, afflicted heart!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">One pitying look, to save me from distraction.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span><span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> I'll hear no more. I'm tortured—take her hence.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Nay, force me not away.—Inhuman wretches!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, mercy, mercy!—Then to thee, good Heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">(My queen, my cruel queen, denies to hear me!)<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To thee, for mercy bend.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Melt down her bosom's frozen sense, to feel<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Some portion of my deadly grief, my fell<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Distraction.—Turn, oh, turn, and see a wife,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A tortured wife——<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Why am I not obey'd?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Nay, do not thus<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Abandon me to fell despair. Just Heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That sees my sorrows, will avenge the wrong,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This cruel wrong—this barbarous tyranny.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Forced off.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Wedded to Rutland! Most unhappy pair!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, oh, ill-fated queen! Never till now<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Did sorrow settle in my heart its throne.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Recall my pledge of safety from his hands,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And give him up to death!—But life or death<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To me is equal now.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Unhappy state, where peace shall never come!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">One fatal moment has confirm'd my doom—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Turn'd all my comfort to intestine strife,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And fill'd with mortal pangs my future life!<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></div> + + + +<h2 class="newact"><a name="ACT_THE_FIFTH" id="ACT_THE_FIFTH"></a>ACT THE FIFTH.</h2> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE I.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">A Room in the Tower.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span> and <span class="smcap">Lieutenant</span> of the <span class="smcap">Tower</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> Their peers, with much indulgence, heard their plea,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And gave them ample scope for their defence;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But naught avail'd—their crimes were too notorious.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">They bore their sentence with becoming spirit;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And here's the royal mandate for their deaths.—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The Lady Nottingham! What brings her hither?<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Lady Nottingham</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Lieutenant, lead me to the Earl of Essex,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I bring a message to him from the queen.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Lieut.</i> He's with his friend, the brave Southampton, madam,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Preparing now for his expected fate.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But I'll acquaint his lordship with your pleasure.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> What means this message? Does the queen relent?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> I fear she does;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Go you to court, for Cecil there expects you.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I've promised to acquaint him with what passes<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">'Twixt me and Essex, ere I see the queen.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> Madam, I go.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Now, vengeance, steel my heart!<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Offended woman, whilst her pride remains,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To malice only, and revenge, will bow;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And every virtue at that altar sacrifice.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But see, he comes, with manly sorrow clad.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">There was a time, that presence could subdue<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My pride, and melt my heart to gentle pity.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I then could find no joy but in his smiles,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And thought him lovely as the summer's bloom;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But all his beauties are now hateful grown.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Essex</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Whether you bring me death, or life, I know not.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But, if strict friendship, and remembrance past,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May aught presage to my afflicted heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Sure mercy only from those lips should flow,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And grace be utter'd from that friendly tongue.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> My lord, I'm glad you think me still your friend.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I come not to upbraid, but serve you now;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And pleased I am to be the messenger<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of such glad tidings, in the day of trouble,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As I now bring you. When the queen had heard,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That by the lords you were condemn'd to die,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">She sent me, in her mercy, here to know<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">If you had aught to offer, that might move<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Her royal clemency to spare your life.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Could any circumstance new lustre add<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To my dread sovereign's goodness, 'tis the making<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The kind, the generous Nottingham its messenger.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> 'Tis well, my lord; but there's no time to spare—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The queen impatient waits for my return.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> My heart was wishing for some faithful friend,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And bounteous Heaven hath sent thee to my hopes.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Know then, kind Nottingham, for now I'll trust<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thee with the dearest secret of my life,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">'Tis not long since, the queen (who well foresaw<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To what the malice of my foes would drive me)<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Gave me this ring, this sacred pledge of mercy;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And with it made a solemn vow to Heaven,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That, whensoever I should give, or send<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It back again, she'd freely grant whate'er<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Request I then should make.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Give, give it me,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My lord! and let me fly, on friendship's wings,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To bear it to the queen, and to it add<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My prayers and influence to preserve thy life.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Oh! take it then—it is the pledge of life!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh! it is my dear Southampton's<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Last, last remaining stay! his thread of being,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which more than worlds I prize!—Oh, take it, then;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Take it, thou guardian angel of my life,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And offer up the incense of my prayer!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, beg, entreat, implore her majesty,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From public shame, and ignominious death,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And from the obdurate axe, to save my friend.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> My lord, with all the powers that nature gave<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And friendship can inspire, I'll urge the queen<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To grant you your request.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Kind Nottingham!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your pious offices shall ever be<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My fervent theme; and if my doubtful span<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Relenting Heaven should stretch to years remote,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Each passing hour shall still remind my thoughts,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And tell me, that I owe my all to thee:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My friend shall thank you too for lengthen'd life.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And now I fly with comfort to his arms,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To let him know the mercy that you bring.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt.</i><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></div> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE II.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">The Court.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth</span> and <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Ha! is not Nottingham return'd?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> No, madam.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Dispatch a speedy messenger to haste her.—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My agitated heart can find no rest.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">So near the brink of fate—-unhappy man!<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Lady Nottingham</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue2">How now, my Nottingham—what news from Essex?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What says the earl?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> I wish, with all my soul,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The ungrateful task had been another's lot.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I dread to tell it—lost, ill-fated man!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> What means this mystery, this strange behaviour?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Pronounce—declare at once; what said the earl?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Alas, my queen! I fear to say; his mind<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Is in the strangest mood that ever pride<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">On blackest thoughts begot.——He scarce would speak;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And when he did, it was with sullenness,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With hasty tone, and downcast look.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Amazing!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Not feel the terrors of approaching death!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor yet the joyful dawn of promised life!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> He rather seem'd insensible to both,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And with a cold indifference heard your offer;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Till warming up, by slow degrees, resentment<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Began to swell his restless haughty mind;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And proud disdain provoked him to exclaim<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Aloud, against the partial power of fortune,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And faction's rage. I begg'd him to consider<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His sad condition; nor repulse, with scorn,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The only hand that could preserve him.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Ha!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What!—Said he nothing of a private import?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No circumstance—no pledge—no ring?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> None, madam!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But, with contemptuous front, disclaim'd at once<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Your proffer'd grace; and scorn'd, he said, a life<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Upon such terms bestow'd.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Impossible!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Could Essex treat me thus?—You basely wrong him,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And wrest his meaning from the purposed point.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Recall betimes the horrid words you've utter'd:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Confess, and own the whole you've said was false.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Not.</i> Madam, by truth, and duty, both compell'd,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Against the pleadings of my pitying soul,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I must declare (Heaven knows with what reluctance),<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That never pride insulted mercy more.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">He ran o'er all the dangers he had past;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His mighty deeds; his service to the state;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Accused your majesty of partial leaning<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To favourite lords, to whom he falls a sacrifice;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Appeals to justice, and to future times,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How much he feels from proud oppression's arm:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nay, something too he darkly hinted at,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of jealous disappointment, and revenge.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Eternal silence seal thy venom'd lips<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What hast thou utter'd, wretch, to rouse at once<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A whirlwind in my soul, which roots up pity,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And destroys my peace!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let him this instant to the block be led.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit <span class="smcap">Nottingham</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Upbraid me with my fatal fondness for him!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ungrateful, barbarous ruffian! O, Elizabeth!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Remember now thy long-establish'd fame,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy envy'd glory, and thy father's spirit.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Accuse me of injustice too, and cruelty!—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Yes, I'll this instant to the Tower, forget<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My regal state, and to his face confront him:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Confound the audacious villain with my presence,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And add new terrors to the uplifted axe.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div> + + +<h3 class="scene">SCENE III.</h3> + + +<p class="stagedir">The Tower.</p> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Essex</span> and <span class="smcap">Southampton</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Oh, name it not! my friend shall live—he shall!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I know her royal mercy, and her goodness,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Will give you back to life, to length of days,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And me to honour, loyalty, and truth.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Death is still distant far.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> In life's first spring,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Our green affections grew apace and prosper'd;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The genial summer swell'd our joyful hearts,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To meet and mix each growing fruitful wish.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">We're now embark'd upon that stormy flood,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where all the wise and brave are gone before us,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">E'er since the birth of time, to meet eternity.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And what is death, did we consider right?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall we, who sought him in the paths of terror,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And faced him in the dreadful walks of war,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall we astonish'd shrink, like frighted infants,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And start at scaffolds, and their gloomy trappings?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span><span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Yet, still I trust long years remain of friendship.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let smiling hope drive doubt and fear away,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And death be banish'd far; where creeping age,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Disease, and care, invite him to their dwelling.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I feel assurance rise within my breast,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That all will yet be well.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Count not on hope—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">We never can take leave, my friend, of life,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">On nobler terms. Life! what is life? A shadow!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Its date is but the immediate breath we draw;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor have we surety for a second gale;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ten thousand accidents in ambush lie<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For the embody'd dream.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A frail and fickle tenement it is,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which, like the brittle glass that measures time,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Is often broke, ere half its sands are run.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Such cold philosophy the heart disdains,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And friendship shudders at the moral tale.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My friend, the fearful precipice is past,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And danger dare not meet us more. Fly swift,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ye better angels, waft the welcome tidings<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of pardon to my friend—of life and joy!<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Lieutenant</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Lieut.</i> I grieve to be the messenger of woe,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But must, my lords, entreat you to prepare<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For instant death. Here is the royal mandate,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That orders your immediate execution.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Immediate execution! what, so sudden?—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">No message from the queen, or Nottingham!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Lieut.</i> None, sir.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Deluded hopes! Oh, worse than death!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Perfidious queen! to make a mock of life!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My friend—my friend destroy'd! Why could not mine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My life atone for both—my blood appease?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Can you, my friend, forgive me?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Yes, oh yes,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My bosom's better half, I can.—With thee,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I'll gladly seek the coast unknown, and leave<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The lessening mark of irksome life behind.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With thee, my friend, 'tis joy to die!—'tis glory!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For who would wait the tardy stroke of time?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or cling like reptiles to the verge of being,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">When we can bravely leap from life at once,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And spring, triumphant, in a friend's embrace?<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Ral.</i> To you, my Lord Southampton, from the queen,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A pardon comes; your life her mercy spares.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> For ever blest be that indulgent power<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which saves my friend! This weight ta'en off, my soul<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall upward spring, and mingle with the bless'd.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> All-ruling Heavens! can this—can this be just?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Support me! hold, ye straining heart-strings, hold,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And keep my sinking frame from dissolution!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, 'tis too much for mortal strength to bear,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or thought to suffer!—No, I'll die with thee!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">They shall not part us, Essex!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Live, oh, live!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thou noblest, bravest, best of men and friends!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whilst life is worth thy wish—till time and thou<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Agree to part, and nature send thee to me!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thou generous soul, farewell!——Live, and be happy!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, oh! may life make largely up to thee<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whatever blessing fate has thus cut off,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From thy departing friend!<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Lieut.</i> My lord, my warrant<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Strictly forbids to grant a moment's time.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> Oh, must we part for ever? Cruel fortune!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Wilt thou then tear him hence?—Severe divorce!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let me cling round thy sacred person still,—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Still clasp thee to my bosom close, and keep<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Stern Fate at distance.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Oh, my friend! we'll meet<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Again, where virtue finds a just reward!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where factious malice never more can reach us!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I need not bid thee guard my fame from wrongs:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, oh! a dearer treasure to thy care<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I trust, than either life or fame—my wife!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, she will want a friend!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then take her to thy care—do thou pour balm<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">On her deep-wounded spirit, and let her find<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My tender helps in thee!—I must be gone,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My ever faithful, and my gallant friend!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I pr'ythee, leave this woman's work.—Farewell!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Take this last, dear embrace—Farewell for ever!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>South.</i> My bursting breast! I fain would speak, but words<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Are poor—Farewell!—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But we shall meet again—embrace in one<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Eternal band, which never shall be loosed.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> To death's concluding stroke, lead on, Lieutenant.—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My wife!—Now reason, fortitude, support me!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For now, indeed, comes on my sorest trial.<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Countess</span> of <span class="smcap">Rutland</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, thou last, dear reserve of fortune's malice!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For fate can add no more,—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, com'st thou now to arrest my parting soul,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And force it back to life?<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span><span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Thou sole delight—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thou only joy which life could ever give,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or death deprive me of—my wedded lord!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I come, with thee, determined to endure<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The utmost rigour of our angry stars!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To join thee, fearless, in the grasp of death,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And seek some dwelling in a world beyond it!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Too much, thou partner of this dismal hour,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Thy gen'rous soul would prompt thee to endure!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor can thy tender, trembling, heart sustain it.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Long years of bliss remain in store for thee;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And smiling time his treasures shall unfold<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To bribe thy stay!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Thou cruel comforter!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Alas! what's life—what's hated life to me?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Alas, this universe, this goodly frame,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall all as one continued curse appear,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And every object blast, when thou art gone.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Oh, strain not thus the little strength I've left,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The weak support that holds up life! to bear<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">A few short moments more, its weight of woe,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Its loss of thee! Oh, turn away those eyes!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor with that look melt down my fix'd resolve!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And yet a little longer let me gaze<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">On that loved form! Alas! I feel my sight<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Grows dim, and reason from her throne retires:<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">For pity's sake, let go my breaking heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And leave me to my fate!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Why wilt thou still<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of parting talk?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, that the friendly hand of Heaven would snatch<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Us both at once, above the distant stars,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Where fortune's venom'd shafts can never pierce,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nor cruel queens destroy!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> The awful Searcher, whose impartial eye<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">Explores the secrets of each human heart,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And every thought surveys, can witness for me,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">How close thy image clings around my soul!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Retards each rising wish, and draws me back<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To life, entangled by that loved idea!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Lieut.</i> My lord,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It now grows late.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Lead on.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Stay, stay, my love! my dearest, dying lord!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ah! whither wouldst thou go? Ah, do not leave me!<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Faints.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> Thou sinking excellence! thou matchless woman!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Shall fortune rob me of thy dear embrace,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Or earth's whole power, or death divide us now?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Stay, stay, thou spotless, injured saint!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Lieut.</i> My lord, already you have been indulged<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Beyond what I can warrant by my orders.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> One moment more<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Afford me to my sorrows—Oh, look there!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Could bitter anguish pierce your heart, like mine,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">You'd pity now the mortal pangs I feel,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The throbs that tear my vital strings away,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And rend my agonizing soul.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Lieut.</i> My lord——<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Essex.</i> But one short moment, and I will attend.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ye sacred ministers, that virtue guard,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And shield the righteous in the paths of peril,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Restore her back to life, and lengthen'd years<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Of joy! dry up her bleeding sorrows all!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, cancel from her thoughts this dismal hour,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And blot my image from her sad remembrance!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">'Tis done.—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And now, ye trembling cords of life, give way!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Nature and time, let go your hold!—Eternity<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Demands me.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt <span class="smcap">Essex</span> and <span class="smcap">Lieutenant</span>.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Where has my lost, benighted soul been wand'ring?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What means this mist, that hangs about my mind,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Through which reflection's painful eye discerns<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Imperfect forms and horrid shapes of woe?—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The cloud dispels, the shades withdraw, and all<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My dreadful fate appears.—Oh! where's my lord?—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My life! my Essex! Oh! whither have they ta'en him?<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth</span> and <span class="smcap">Attendants</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> To execution!—Fly with lightning's wing,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And save him!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Be calm, he shall not die! Rise up—I came<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To save his life.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> 'Tis mercy's voice that speaks!—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My Essex shall again be mine! My queen,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My bounteous, gracious queen, has said the word!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">May troops of angels guard thy sacred life!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, in thy latest moments, waft thy soul,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To meet that mercy in the realms of joy,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Which, now, thy royal goodness grants to me!<br /></span> +</div> + +<p class="stagedir">Enter <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</p> + +<div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> Madam, your orders came, alas! too late.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ere they arrived, the axe had fallen on Essex.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Ha! dead! What hell is this, that opens round me?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What fiend art thou, that draws the horrid scene?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Ah! Burleigh! bloody murd'rer! where's my husband?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh! where's my lord, my Essex?<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Destruction seize, and madness rend my brain!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">See,—see they bend him to the fatal block!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Now—now the horrid axe is lifted high—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It falls—it falls!—he bleeds—he bleeds! he dies!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span><span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Alas! her sorrows pierce my suffering heart!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Rut.</i> Eternal discord tear the social world,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And nature's laws dissolve! expunge—erase<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The hated marks of Time's engraving hand,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And every trace destroy! Arise, Despair!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Assert thy rightful claim—possess me all!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Bear, bear me to my murder'd lord—to clasp<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">His bleeding body in my dying arms!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And, in the tomb, embrace his dear remains,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And mingle with his dust—for ever!<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exit.</i><br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Hapless woman!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">She shall henceforth be partner of my sorrows,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And we'll contend who most shall weep for Essex.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Oh, quick to kill, and ready to destroy!<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>To <span class="smcap">Burleigh</span>.</i><br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Could no pretext be found—no cause appear,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To lengthen mercy out a moment more,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">And stretch the span of grace?—Oh, cruel Burleigh!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">This, this was thy dark work, unpitying man!<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Bur.</i> My gracious mistress, blame not thus my duty,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">My firm obedience to your high command.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The laws condemn'd him first to die; nor think<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">I stood between your mercy and his life.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It was the Lady Nottingham, not I.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Herself confess'd it all, in wild despair,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">That, from your majesty to Essex sent<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With terms of proffer'd grace, she then received,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From his own hand, a fatal ring, a pledge,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">It seems, of much importance, which the earl,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">With earnest suit, and warm entreaty, begg'd her,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">As she would prize his life, to give your majesty;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">In this she fail'd—In this she murder'd Essex.<br /></span> +</div><div class="speech"> +<span class="dialogue"><i>Qu. Eliz.</i> Oh, barbarous woman!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Surrounded still by treachery and fraud!<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">What bloody deed is this!—Thou injured Essex!<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span><span class="dialogue2">My fame is soil'd to all succeeding times;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">But Heaven alone can view my breaking heart—<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Then let its will be done.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">From hence, let proud, resisting mortals know<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">The arm parental, and the indulgent blow.<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">To Heaven's corrective rod submissive bend;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Adore its wisdom, on its power depend;<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Whilst ruling justice guides eternal sway,<br /></span> +<span class="dialogue2">Let nature tremble, and let man obey.<br /></span> +<span class="stagedir2">[<i>Exeunt.</i><br /></span> +</div> + + +<p class="theend">THE END.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>Transcriber's Note: The following typographical errors present in the +original edition have been corrected.</p> + +<p>In Act II, Scene I, missing periods were added after "Her majesty to +milder thoughts" and "The force of love".</p> + +<p>In Act III, Scene II, "pure affectio ;" was changed to "pure +affection;", and "' Tis clear" was changed to "'Tis clear".</p> + +<p>In Act IV, Scene I, "Vouchfafe your Essex" was changed to "Vouchsafe +your Essex", and a missing comma was added after "avenge the wrong".</p> + +<p>In Act V, Scene I, "Each pasing hour" was changed to "Each passing +hour".</p> + +<p>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".</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +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-h.htm or 31397-h.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. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/31397-h/images/essex.jpg b/31397-h/images/essex.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3774ee3 --- /dev/null +++ b/31397-h/images/essex.jpg 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. diff --git a/31397.zip b/31397.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7c48651 --- /dev/null +++ b/31397.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d5259e5 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #31397 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31397) |
