OF ROBERT EARL OF ESSEX. 355 



Some particularities of that which passed after the 

 arraignment of the late earls, and at the time of 

 the suffering of the earl of Essex. 



BUT the earl of Essex, finding that the consulta 

 tion at Drury-house, and the secret plots of his pre 

 meditated and prepensed treasons were come to light, 

 contrary to his expectation, was touched, even at 

 his parting from the bar, with a kind of remorse ; 

 especially because he had carried the manner of his 

 answer, rather in a spirit of ostentation and glory, 

 than with humility and penitence : and brake out in 

 the hall, while the lords were in conference, into 

 these words ; &quot; That seeing things were thus car 

 ried, he would ere it be long say more than yet 

 was known.&quot; Which good motion of his mind 

 being, after his coming back to the Tower, first 

 cherished by M. D. of Norwich, but after wrought 

 on by the religious and effectual persuasions and 

 exhortations of Mr. Abdy Ashton his chaplain, the 

 man whom he made suit by name to have with him 

 for his soul s health, as one that of late time he had 

 been most used unto, and found most comfort of, 

 comparing it, when he made the request, to the case 

 of a patient, that in his extremity would be desirous 

 to have that physician that was best acquainted with 

 his body ; he sent word the next day, to desire to 

 speak with some of the principal counsellors, with 

 whom he desired also that particularly Mr. Secre 

 tary might come for one. Upon which his request., 

 first the lord Admiral and Mr. Secretary, and after? 



