ROBERT DEVEREUX, 2ND EARL OF ESSEX

Favorite of Queen Elizabeth of England. Participated in hostilities against the Dutch (1585), Portugal (1589), fought in the French army of Henry IV (1591) and excelled in the capture of Cadiz (1596). In 1599 he was appointed governor of the Queen in Ireland, which entered into a disadvantage for England, a peace agreement. Headed a conspiracy against Elizabeth, but was arrested, tried and February 25, 1601 executed.

Robert was born Nov. 10, 1566 in the family of Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex, a former governor of Ireland, and Laetitia Knollys, Elizabeth's cousin (from her mother, Anne Boleyn). After the mysterious death of her husband Leticia Essex secretly married a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, Earl of Leicester.

Robert was in the care of Lord Burleya. Marriage is the mother of Lester remained a mystery for the entire court before 1578, when the envoy of the Duke of Anjou, Francis did not tell about this Elizabeth. Angry queen demanded timeservers response threatened to put him in the Tower, but was soon replaced by anger at the mercy. Earl of Leicester managed to convince the Queen that all this is nothing more than vile slander, plotting mischief, jealous of their happiness . . .

Around the same time, the court appeared seventeen Robert Essex, slim and handsome, intelligence and education reminiscent of the phenomenal Philip Sidney, that "precious jewel in the crown of Elizabeth. "

Earl of Leicester, who introduced him to the court, praised Robert secretly hoping that the son of Leticia eventually replace him on the spot a favorite. Debut of a young Robert in the role of the courtier was highly successful and received universal approval.

It happened in the autumn, in Windsor. In a quiet, clear weather, Elizabeth went for a walk in the park, accompanied by maids of honor, of Leicester, Charles Blunt and Essex. Walking through the alleys, the queen, thinking, did not notice that was launched in the corner of the park. A huge puddle of rainwater blocked her way. Elizabeth paused, pondering her retreat or avoid a puddle on the wet grass. Noticing the confusion Queen, Essex ripped from his shoulder a rich cloak of blue velvet, embroidered with silver, and threw her under the feet of Elizabeth. This attentiveness and resourcefulness was subsequently appreciated, but at the moment kindly smile and a few words of welcome were reward young candidate minions, who served as the first step on the puddle to the elevation. It is fair to say that Essex is not the first nor the last favorite, thanks to the dirt came out in people . . .

After the death of Elizabeth Lester briefly mourned his favorite. Liberated vacancies during the life of Lester was busy young Essex. In winter 1588-1589, the intense rivalry between Charles Blunt, and Earl of Essex led to a duel. Elizabeth Blunt sent a golden queen of his chess set, which he then carried on a tape of his sleeves to show her affection, which led to taunts of Essex: "I see now that the fools really are lucky!"

Reprimanded duelists tone of good grandmother, pronouncing varmint-grandchildren, the queen of make up, and former enemies have become good friends. Comparison of the Queen's grandmother, and Earl of Essex and Blunt - with his grandchildren all the more appropriate that they both are over the age really were good to her in the grandchildren, but that's why she and receives Essex senile fervor of his heart: she was then fifty-six years, and favorite - twenty-two. Powdered, rouged, in a red wig, adorned with brilliant strands, Elizabeth arm in arm with Essex as a young girl, fluttered in the court balls in full confidence that old age, not sparing ordinary mortals to Her Britannic Majesty would not dare to touch . . .

Elizabeth for thirty two years, patronized Lester, showering his wealth and honors, surrendered to him as a wife to her husband. She probably even a little afraid of Leicester, who had her as a strong influence. For the young as she was mistress of Essex. The Queen caused him much inconvenience his jealousy, moods. But as soon as he tried to object to her, she dispensed with the favorite not too politely. New favorite resembled unhappy young man, sell the old, grumpy wife for her wealth . . .

In the meantime, Essex had been more honest, more generous, kinder, more talented than the previous favorite.

Photo — «Robert Devereux, 2nd
earl Of Essex»

Using a special arrangement of the Queen, he tried to thank her for his military victories, to what Lester had no skills.

Essex had to deal with multiple enemies and envious, while seeking every opportunity to discredit the favorite in the eyes of the queen. Essex had to control his every action, every word. Catherine blindly believe Lester in Essex also - doubted; last often had to justify itself before the high patron. Elizabeth calmed down, but soon began again, unsure when she brought another batch of rumors concerning the favorite.

In early 1589, Sir John Norris and Francis Drake conceived expedition to Portugal in order to return to the throne of the deposed Don Antonio. This idea - a dangerous trek to a distant region, coupled with the feats may be, and glorious victories, did not give Earl of Essex rest. And, without asking permission from the queen, he went to Portugal, from where he encouraged the court of Elizabeth menacing letter. Earl of Essex immediately returned. He waited for reprimands, detention, but Elizabeth unexpectedly met him with caresses and tenderness.

Insane jealousy in love old woman forced Earl of Essex very carefully to look for a beautiful young woman. He skillfully played the role skromnika consistently true to its patron. And even dedicated her touching poems. In them the poet renounced his warlike fame, threw his sword and helmet, giving the last place Bees hive, expressing his willingness to replace the military armor - a hair shirt, just to be confessor and chaplain mistress of his heart, then there is Elizabeth.

Life of the yard was a fixed set of secular ceremonies to honor the goddess of the earth with a splash of sexual favors to a beloved woman. The Queen liked to hear the most incredible assurance in the eternal adoration, and the Earl of Essex - and his secretary - perfectly captured the flattering style. One of the letters of Essex to the queen promised: "The two windows in the office of Your Majesty will be the poles of my hemisphere, where, until your Majesty decides that I am unworthy of this paradise, I will not fall like a star, but I will be absorbed as vapor, the sun, which elevates me to a vertex. While Your Majesty gives me permission to say I love you, my happiness, as well as my love, with nothing comparable. If ever you deprive me of this right, you can take away my life but do not shake my constancy, because even if all the sweetness of your nature suddenly turned into a fierce bitterness, which only can be, not in your power, despite the fact that you have a great queen, make me love you less. "

In 1590 Essex secretly married the widow of Philip Sidney, the only daughter of the Chancellor Uolsingema. Favorite enemies were not slow to bring about this queen. Elizabeth came to an indescribable fury! However, forced to maintain at least the appearance of propriety, Queen reproached Earl of Essex for this unequal, from her point of view, marriage is an obscene, degrading genus Essex. "He could make a lot more worthy - she said approximate - on his hands did not give any ruling would be a princess!"

In 1593 Elizabeth had included him among the members of the Council of State. Heart Elizabeth commanded her not to leave Essex, intellect, mouth of his haters, advised to keep him away from the affairs of domestic politics. Elizabeth pinned on him the honorary commission, with the successful execution of which he could earn new rewards and mercy.

In 1596 the Spaniards laid siege to Calais; observational Corps sent to Dover, was placed under the command of Earl of Essex. The famous admiral Howard, along with favorite was the plan a new expedition to Spain, and with a great landing, they sailed to Cadiz, who soon surrendered. June 5, 1596 Essex set sail from Cadiz, on 10 August has arrived in Plymouth, where he met Elizabeth and enthusiastic people.

In London he was invited to the palace to Elizabeth for important explanations. Derived from a constant Hex, machinations and intrigues of the queen unleashed all his anger at the Essex, and the enemies of the oligarchs. The Queen gave his favorite ring, which was supposed to keep him out of trouble. On the verge of death, which agreed in whatever offense under the executioner's ax Essex was entitled, upon presentation of this ring to the queen, to receive a full pardon.

Photo — «Robert Devereux, 2nd
earl Of Essex»

This ring was a gift of Elizabeth have fallen, but the beloved man whose life was her way, sacred.

However, the queen was strict and exacting to the favorite, has removed all those which he put forward. As a result of its recommendations have become a harbinger of dismissal from service. For example, after the Essex was unable to obtain the position of prosecutor for Francis Bacon, in the following year he tried to make him Solicitor General, but insisted so strongly that the Queen has threatened to give the post to anyone, but not Bacon.

Elizabeth, in response to the machinations of schemers in 1597 made the favorite in general feldtseyhmeystery. Earl of Essex immediately asked for her permission for a new expedition to Spain.

The expedition was not successful: a strong storm in Plymouth, and then winds detained the British fleet in their native shores. Essex canceled trip to Spain, and together with Walter Raleigh decided to sail to India. But this expedition with Admiral fell because of quarrels between the admiral and Essex. Their exploits have restricted the conquest of one of the Azores and the capture of three Spanish ships on their way from Havana with a rich cargo.

Upon his return to England, Essex, found at the court of a change for the worse, and this increase is hostile party of Cecil, that he decided to resign. Elizabeth, trying to calm a favorite of his intentions, made it to the grand marshals of England. Risen, he imagined that it is now in a position alone to struggle with his legion of detractors.

In 1597 Elizabeth made by Lord Admiral Howard of Effingema, Earl of Nottingham, which gave him an advantage over Essex, and the letter of grant enabled him to share the merit of Essex in the capture of Cadiz. Angry Essex was neither the court nor the parliament, made himself sick and called for a duel of Nottingham or any kind of Howards. He calmed down only after Elizabeth made him Earl Marshal, by putting so above Nottingham.

In 1598, between England and Spain, talks about the world. Lord rages and most members of the Council of State were in favor of peace, Earl of Essex also insisted on continuing the war. Generally in the past three years of life's favorite, embittered, derived from the patient, showed be illegal temper. Once, when discussing the situation in Ireland in the office of the Queen he was so broke that she hit him with a glove on the cheek . . . This slap in the face down in history . . . Not controlling himself, Earl of Essex grabbed his sword and stepped to the queen; witness scandal Earl Arondel barely kept him . . .

"The Queen and the Woman - cried Essex, glittering eyes glaring in the face of Elizabeth. - I would not forgive this insult, even Henry VIII, if he were in your shoes!"

And, furious, quickly left the room, ignoring the admonitions of the great admiral, or a queen, demanding that he stayed. In response to the proposal of the Chancellor to request an apology from Elizabeth Essex wrote him a long letter, in which not only proved that he is right, but the Queen heaped reproaches. The latter is not angry for long, and forgave the daredevil, inwardly knowing that he was right.

March 12, 1599 Essex was appointed governor of the Irish with unlimited powers. However, instead flashed quell the uprising there, Essex made a disadvantage for England and a truce was revoked by the Queen.

Elizabeth gave the Earl of Essex to trial the Star Chamber, which he very badly for himself, dumped their mistakes on others. Finally, anticipating the verdict, the judges offered to remove it from the court on the estate. Stress affected the health of the favorite, he stayed in bed. At the heart of Elizabeth woke up sorry. Putting aside for a meeting of the Commission of Inquiry, she repeatedly visited the graph itself filed a medication, and he soon recovered. Essex pretending! " - Whispered the envious queen, and she believed them.

Meetings of the Commission of Inquiry resumed. According to the verdict, approved by the State Council, Earl of Essex was freed from all his post-custodial awards and preserve his rank of general of cavalry . . .

Degraded Essex retired to his estate. In the summer of 1600, though the sun from behind the clouds, he finally smiled on happiness: the name of the Queen it was announced forgiveness.

Photo — «Robert Devereux, 2nd
earl Of Essex»

True, he was forbidden to appear at court. Seeing this, and not without reason, the enemies, Secretary Earl of Essex, Henry Kyuf, advised the owner to make a secret audience with the Queen and expose the schemers. Earl did not do, knowing the futility of such an undertaking.

The party consisted of Essex impoverished lords and courtiers, losers who were heavily in debt, and glancing anxiously toward the queen in the hope of financial support. But their claim to the lucrative post rejected, applicants Essex invariably preferred candidate Cecil. Elizabeth has changed the rules of the game . . . Own position graph was kept on the lease of the customs duty on sweet wines, which should reopen in autumn 1600. However, the queen refused a new lease.

Despairing, Essex, decided to overthrow Elizabeth, announce to the English throne of James VI, King of Scots (son of Mary Queen of Scots), or try on the crown itself, which for so long and unsuccessfully solicited the late Lester.

February 8, 1601 he and his supporters made a final attempt to reckless. They wanted to capture the queen and make her his hostage - but they failed to raise London, and the coup failed.

For the trial of Essex and his accomplices had been appointed a committee of 25 peers of the kingdom. Ministers of Queen, especially as Francis Bacon (formerly benefited Essex), easily refuted all of his testimony and forced to withdraw from their own words.

A prisoner in the Tower, Earl of Essex candidly confessed everything. However, this did not soften the fate of a rebel, and the court after a brief meeting, he was sentenced to death. After hearing the sentence, the execution of which was scheduled for February 25, Essex, had made no death-orders, expressed only one wish - to see the Countess of Nottingham, wife of his sworn enemy, his former mistress. The desire to convict was executed, and the countess a few minutes talking with him.

Elizabeth did not immediately decided to sign the death warrant to his former favorite. Her outraged not audacity, but the inflexibility of Earl of Essex, not once during the investigation did not express even the intention to appeal to the mercy of the queen. She was waiting for repentance - he was silent, she waited for a request for mercy, but proud of Essex did not want to fly life is the price of humiliation.

Morning of 25 February 1601 he was beheaded in the basement of the Tower. The attention of those present had not escaped disturbing views that cast Essex, as if waiting for something. Cannon shot announced the residents of the capital that the sentence of a rebel is committed, the justice is satisfied and the soul of the former timeservers ascended to heaven like a cloud of gunpowder smoke.

Essex's enemies rejoiced, was indignant at them from the date of death Elizabeth became pensive and scattered the name of a favorite, carelessly uttered in her presence, made her shudder. Remembering the Earl of Essex to hurt her, the queen had great effort to refrain from expressing his inconsolable grief.

In early 1603 the Countess of Nottingham, is dying, she wished to see the Queen and tell the important state secrets. Elizabeth went to the Countess, and found her in a hopeless condition, close to the agony, but in full consciousness and a clear conscience.

"Did you know that the Earl of Essex on the eve of his execution wished to see me?" - She asked the queen. "- I visited him in the Tower, and he begged me, in the name of God, to give you a ring . . . the most . . . and to remind. . . "

Sobs choked the voice of the patient. Snatched from her hand a ring, given to Essex after his return from Cadiz, Elizabeth repeated: "Forgot?" Forgot what? "

"Remind me of your promise in exchange for a ring to give it grace, whatever was his desire. Unfortunate Essex, named for the moment, sending you a ring, begged for mercy . . . "

"And you did not fulfill his wishes!" - Cried Elizabeth, rising from his chair.

"My husband found out about it, forbade me to . . . "