West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-01-10
The Earl OF Essex's Ring.

The gay and accomplished Earl of Essex
occupied proud and enviable position.
He was the favori,e courtier of Queen
Elizabeth, and had been loaded with honors
and made Lord-Deputy of Ireland. More
over, he had received distinguishing
proof Of the affection of his royal mistress
IN the gift of 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. lie was sent close priso-
ner TO the gloomy Tower, under charge
Of high treason, and he must yield his
life as "A 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 10 prison in
way most narrowing to his sensitive spirit.
The death instrument-tho axe-had been
carried in advance Of him, with its sharp
edge full in his view, and a mercless. 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 gloted in his downfa and thirsted for
his blood
II was a terrible time for the unfortunate
Essex, and his soul was shrOuded in black
ness. His doom appeared inevitable.
AT last q faint ray Of light arose and
struggled Tor mastery In his bosom The
Queens gift the ring was in bis possess
ion, and he remembered her promise. Pos
sibly IL might lead TO his deliverancs
How could he get ii TO her? He well
knew he was surrounded by treachery, and
Il was difficult % distinguish friends from
foes. Could no trusty messenger be found
to whom he could confide the precious
pledge Of past favor To- lfis royal mistress.
and be certain it could reach her2
Long did he wrestle with torturing
doubts and fears, and after much reflection
be decided 20 make a confdante Of the
Countess Of Nottingham. She bad always
seemingly manifested strong interest In
him. and bad constant access 90 the Qneen.
Accordingly, she was sent for, aud Essex
gave her the nng, and begged her 10 take
il to Elizabeth and entreat her royal par
don for bis offence.
Unfortunate Essex The messenger he
had chosen in this dark hour OF despair and
agony was a secret and bitter enemy. As
soon as the Countess Of Nottingham had
gained the ring she hurried with Il to her
husband, and they mutually agreed 70 con-
ceal the ling and never reveal il % the
Queen that It had been sent.
In the meantime, Elizabeth. 'hc great
sovereign Of England, was sore agitated
and sorowful She had firmly signed the
death warrant Of the Earl OF Essex but
without designing execution. Ills rich
and versatile talents and manifold attrac-
tions had won her affection, and she anx-
ious TO save him lie had her pledge Of
past favor-the ring-and her royal prom
ise tina. when she would behold II, It
would ensure pardon FOR any offence Why
did he not return it to herl HIS conduct
was unaccountable. Would this high
spirited nobleman prefer TO suffer an igno-
minious death on the scaffold rather than
ssk clemency.
There was no solution OF the mystery;
and - ths beurs passed ARd ne messenger