The ‘macho’ Earl of Essex threw fits – literally!

>Men as well as women in this period [**16th and 17th centuries**] were much more open and dramatic in their displays of emotion than we are today. The macho [Earl of Essex](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Robert_Devereux%2C_2nd_Earl_of_Essex_by_Marcus_Gheeraerts_the_Younger.jpg) would throw himself to the ground and beat himself in rage – and expect [Queen Elizabeth](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Darnley_stage_3.jpg) to be told about it. _______________________________ **Source:** Lisle, Leanda De. "Hope and Fear" *After Elizabeth: The Rise of James of Scotland and the Struggle for the Throne of England*. New York: Ballantine, 2005. 187. Print. _______________________________ **Further Reading:** [Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, KG, PC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Devereux,_2nd_Earl_of_Essex) [Elizabeth I of England / The Virgin Queen / Gloriana / Good Queen Bess](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England)