The Tree

Bacon has fallen from power. He is getting old, and is a sick man. Bess, Sir Walter Raleigh's widow, wishes to be revenged for Bacon's part in her husband's death and seeks to uncover Lady Verulam's infidelity and ruin their happiness. That hapiness has, however, already been destroyed by the wife's conduct, of which Bacon is aware. Faced by the two women, he disinherits his wife and on her departure is left alone with Bess. He shows her that his signature of Raleigh's death warrant was an official duty, not the willing act of an enemy. He loved Raleigh. Bess is softened. Finally Bacon show her the catalpas tree standing near them. It was brought from the new world by Raleigh and planted there. It is the latest tree to come to leaf, and a symbol of the spiritual elements which will outlive the best and worst human activity. Bess leaves him sitting in loving contemplation fo the tree.