The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Earl of Essex, by Henry Jones

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Title: The Earl of Essex

Author: Henry Jones

Commentator: Elizabeth Inchbald

Release Date: February 25, 2010 [EBook #31397]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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[Illustration: EARL OF ESSEX

QUEEN TWIXT YOU AND ME
THIS RING SHALL BE A PRIVATE MARK OF FAITH

ACT IV. SCENE I

PAINTED BY HOWARD.]

THE EARL OF ESSEX;

A TRAGEDY,
IN FIVE ACTS;
BY HENRY JONES.

AS PERFORMED AT THE
THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN.

PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGERS
FROM THE PROMPT BOOK.

WITH REMARKS
BY MRS INCHBALD.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND
BROWN, PATERNOSTER ROW.

EDINBURGH:
Printed by James Ballantyne and Co.

REMARKS.

This tragedy was dedicated to the Earl of Chesterfield, who was the
author's patron, and who, it is supposed, assisted him in the
composition of the work.

There are two tragedies under the title of "The Earl of Essex;" but the
following, by Henry Jones, brought upon the stage in 1753, was most
favourably received, and became very attractive.

The dramatist, who founds his plot and incidents on history, generally
adds, from his invention, those scenes, which best describe the power of
love. Here it has been otherwise, at least in the character of the
queen; whom every distinguished historian has portrayed as more
enamoured of her favourite Essex, than even this play will exhibit.

The character of Essex is sustained with greater accuracy:--the fiery
quality of his temper; his alternate pride and humility, daring and
servility, in presence of his royal mistress; with all his boisterous
vows of loyalty to her; and tender oaths of love to another.

The few characters which compose this drama, all claim an interest with
the reader, were it but from their mere names. The great Sir Walter
Raleigh is of the least importance among the dramatic group; and yet
his appearance causes an association of ideas, that makes every li