The English courtier Robert Devereux, 2d Earl of Essex (1567-1601), was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. However, his extravagance and desire for glory compromised his delicate position in the power structure.

Robert Devereux was born on Nov. 10, 1567, at Netherwood, Herefordshire, the eldest son of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, and his wife, Lettice Knollys. His father died when the boy was only 9, and he was placed under the guardianship of the powerful Lord Burghley, the Queen's chief counselor. Already the financial affairs of the family were much embarrassed. Essex was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and received a master of arts degree on July 6, 1581.

Career at Court

Although Essex first appeared at court at Christmas 1577, it was not until 1584 that his stepfather, the Earl of Leicester, induced him to enter the court seriously. It was noted that his "innate courtesy" and "goodly person" soon made him...