20
Some writers have asserted, that of all the queen’s paramours, Essex was her greatest favourite; that on a certain occasion she presented him with a diamond ring, as a token of her love and esteem, and told him, that if at any time he should be placed in difficult circumstances, on sending her this ring, she would do her utmost to relieve him. But unfortunately for him, in the time of his greatest need, he possessed not this token of her affection—a beautiful lady of quality, whom he loved more than the queen, having previously got it from him. Some time after the death of Essex, the queen was informed of the lady who had the ring, when she hastened to her house, where she found her in bed, in a dying state, and dragged her from thence on to the floor by the hair of the head, uttering bitter reflections and imprecations on her for her conduct.—The queen never recovered her wonted cheerfulness after this affair, but was more retired, and less attentive to public business. Her spirits became more and more depressed, till the spring of 1603, when death put a period to her sufferings.
THE BALLAD.
All you that cry O Hone! O Hone!
Come now and sing O Hone with me,
For why, our Jewel is from us gone,
The valiant Knight of Chivalry:
Of rich and poor belov’d was he,
In time an honourable Knight,
When by our laws condemn’d to die,
He lately took his last good night.
