Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-01-29

The gay and accomplished Earl of Essex
| occupied proud and enviable position.
| He was the favorite courtier of Queen
Elizabeth, and had been loaded with honors
and made Lord-Deputy of Ireland. More
over, he had received a distinguishing
proof of the affection of his royal mistress
| in the gift of a ring, accompan ed with the
promise, "That should he ever forfeit her
favor, to return it to her, and the sight of
it would Immediately ensure his forgive
| ness"
But the alluring favor of a sovereign is
often fuctuating and dangerous. Dark
ness and sorrow soon overlook the proud
Earl of Essex. He was sent close priso-
ner to the gloomy Tower, under charge
of high treason, and he must yield his
life as penalty for his crime. Elizabeth,
with a bold hand, had signed the death
warrant, and the time for his execution was
rapidly approaching.
He had been conducted to prison in a
way most narrowing to his sensitive spirit.
The death instrument-the axe--had been
carried in advance of him, with its sharp
edge full in his view, and merciless, curl
Gus crowd had followed, cruelty taunting
him.
But his greatest danger came from his
rivals and enemies. There were courtiers
high in power and in favor with the Queen
who glolied in his downfai and thirsted for
his blood.
1t was terrible time for the unfortunate
Essex, and his soul was shrouded in black
| ness. His doom appeared inevitable.
At last faint ray of light arose and
struggled for mastery in his bosom. The
| Queens gift, the ring was in bis possess
ion, and he remembered her promise. Pos
siby it might lead to his deliverance.
How could he get It to her? He well
knew he was surrounded by treachery, and
it was difficult to distinguish friends from
foes. Could no trusty messenger be found
to whom he could contide the precious
pledge of past favor to his royal mistress,
and be certain it could reach herr
Long did he wrestle with torturing
doubts and fears, and after much reflection
he decided to make a confidante of the
Countess of Nottingham. She had always
seemingly manifested a strong interest in
him. and had constant access to the Queen.
Accordingly, she was sent for, and Essex
SdhC uCl JllC uLd DSSSNN hSl w ttlhS
it TO Elizabeth and entreat her royal par
don for his offence.
Unfortunate Essex! The messenger he
had chosen in this dark hour of despair and
agony was secret and bitter enemy. AS
soon as the Countess of Nottingham had
gained the ring, she hurried with it to her
husband, and they mutually agreed to con-
ceal the ling and never reveal it to the
Queen that it had been sent.
In the meantime, Elizabeth. the great
sovereign of England, was sorely agitated
and sorrowful She had firmly signed the
death Warrant of the Earl OF Essex, but
without designing execution. His rich
and versatile talents and manifold attrac-
tions had won her affection, and she anx-
ious to save him. He had her pledge of
past favor-the ring-and her royal prom
| Use tina; when she would behold it, it
would ensure pardon for any offence. Why
| did he not return it to herr HIS conduct
was unaccountable. Would this high
spirited nobleman prefer to suffer an igno-
minious death on the scattold rather than
| ask clemency.
There was no solution OF the mystery;
and as the hours passed and no messenger