_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.