A passage perilous indeed, hadst thou, poor soul; God grant thou madst a fair haven at last.
Another contains these words:
“IHS. Dio semine in lachrimis in exultatione meter. Æ. 21, E. Poole, 1562.” “That which is sown by God in tears is reaped in joy.”
In all the inscriptions left by these ill-starred gentlemen, there breathes the same spirit of noble and pious submission.
The greatest interest clusters about one little word, supposed to have been traced by the hand of one to whom that name was sacred. Directly under one of the Poole autographs is the word “IANE,” supposed to have been the royal title of Lady Jane Grey, written there by her husband, Lord Dudley, who was confined in this tower. Scarcely can the eyes be restrained at this touching reminder of the fate of those two unhappy children, the victims of circumstance and greedy ambition.
In the corner next the Beauchamp is the Devereux Tower, named from the brilliant Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, the chivalric soldier and courtier, first a petted favorite, then a victim of Queen Elizabeth. His story is one of thrilling and fascinating interest. Meteor-like he flashed through his court and army life, and after gaining the zenith of his power, sank as suddenly as he had risen. It is said that he was one of the many with whom the royal and fickle spinster coquetted, and that he really touched her haughty heart. The government of Ireland was in his hands, but enemies at court plotted his overthrow. He in turn plotted against these foes and rashly attempted to cause their removal. He was arrested and arraigned in Westminster Hall for high treason, pronounced guilty, and doomed to the block.
Elizabeth had a terrific struggle between revenge and affection, but the baser passion got the victory, and the accomplished general, statesman, and courtier trod the same hard road to death that so many knew full well.
“I have reached the highest point of all my greatness!
And from that full meridian of my glory,
I haste now to my setting: I shall fall