Here then, my Nottingham, begins thy task:

Try every art t' incense the queen against him,

Then step between her and the Lady Rutland:

Observe Southampton, too, with jealous eye;

Prevent, as much as possible, his suit:

For, well I know, he will not fail to try

His eloquence on the behalf of Essex.

Not. It shall be done; his doom is fix'd: he dies.

Oh 'twas a precious thought! I never knew

Such heartfelt satisfaction.—Essex dies!

And Rutland, in her turn, shall learn to weep.

[Pg 14]

The time is precious; I'll about it straight.

Come, vengeance, come! assist me now to breathe

Thy venom'd spirit in the royal ear!

[Exit.

Bur. There spoke the very genius of the sex!

A disappointed woman sets no bounds

To her revenge.—Her temper's form'd to serve me.

Enter Raleigh.

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