_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._