_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.