SCENE I.
Reading edition
An Apartment in the Palace.
Enter Burleigh and Lady Nottingham.
Not. My lord, I've sought you out with much impatience. You've had an audience of the queen: what follow'd?
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.