Part 8 (1/2)

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 friends.h.i.+p can inspire, I'll urge the queen To grant you your request.

_Ess.e.x._ Kind Nottingham!

Your pious offices shall ever be My fervent theme; and if my doubtful span Relenting Heaven should stretch to years remote, Each pa.s.sing 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 Ess.e.x?

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?

p.r.o.nounce--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 circ.u.mstance--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 Ess.e.x 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.