_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.