Essex's Own Words

I have such a humour fallen down into one side of my head                                                        as I dare not look out of my chamber.

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I live still to curse my birthday and to long for my grave.

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I beseech your Majesty pardon my confused, rude writing, for                                                     I protest unto your Majesty that unkindness and sorrow have                                             broken both my heart and my wits.

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I wish to be out of my prison, which I account my life.

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Earth, sea, heaven, hell, are subject unto laws ;                                                                             But I! poor I! must suffer and know no cause.