l mind still glows with pure affection;
And all his thoughts are loyalty and you.

_Qu. Eliz._ I grant you, Rutland, all you say; and think
The earl possess'd of many splendid virtues.
What pity 'tis, he should afford his foes
Such frequent, sad occasions to undo him!

_Rut._ What human heart can, unafflicted, bear
Such manly merit in distress, beset
By cruel foes, and faction's savage cry?
My good, my gracious mistress, stretch, betimes,
Your saving arm, and snatch him from destruction,
From deadly malice, treachery, and Cecil.
Oh, let him live, to clear his conduct up!
My gracious queen, he'll nobly earn your bounty,
And with his dearest blood deserve your mercy.

_Qu. Eliz._ Her words betray a warm, unusual, fervour;
Mere friendship never could inspire this transport. [_Aside._
I never doubted but the earl was brave;
His life and valiant actions all declare it:
I think him honest too, but rash and headstrong.
I gladly would preserve him from his foes,
And therefore am resolved once more to see him.

_Rut._ Oh, 'tis a godlike thought, and Heav'n itself
Inspires it. Sure some angel moves your heart,
Your royal heart, to pity and forgiveness.
This gracious deed shall shine in future story,
And deck your annals with the brightest virtue;
Posterity shall praise the princely act,
And ages yet to come record your goodness.

_Qu. Eliz._ I'll hear no more--Must I then learn from you
To know my province, and be taught to move,
As each designing mind directs?--Leave me.

_Rut._ Her frowns are dreadful, and her eye looks terror.
I tremble for my Essex. Save him, Heav'n! [_Exit._

_Qu. Eliz._ Her warmth has touch'd me home. My jealous heart,
My fearful and suspicious soul's alarm'd.

_Enter BURLEIGH, RALEIGH, and GENTLEMEN._

_Bur._ The Earl of Essex waits your royal will.

_Qu. Eliz._ Let him approach--And now once more support
Thy dignity, my soul; nor yield thy greatness
To strong usurping passion--But he comes.

_Enter ESSEX and SOUTHAMPTON._

_Essex._ Permitted thus to bend, with prostrate heart, [_Kneels._
Before your sacred majesty; I come,
With every grateful sense of royal favour
Deeply engraved within my conscious soul.

_Qu. Eliz._ I sent my orders for your staff of office.

_Essex._ Madam, my envy'd dignities and honours,
I first from your own royal hand received,
And therefore justly held it far beneath me
To yield my trophies, and exalted pow