Gloriana
At a tournament, Elizabeth I reconciles Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, and Lord Mountjoy. Essex seeks permission to lead a campaign in Ireland, later becomes Lord Deputy, and eventually returns after failing to suppress the rebellion. Elizabeth’s affection for him conflicts with warnings about his political threat. Essex and his followers attempt to raise support against the Crown; after he is imprisoned in the Tower, Elizabeth signs his death warrant despite pleas for mercy, then reflects on their relationship and her mortality.