ALEX. But in extreames what patience shall I vse? Nor discontents it me to leaue the world, With whome there nothing can preuaile but wrong. NOB. Yet hope the best. ALEX. Tis heauen my hope: As for the earth, it is too much infect To yeeld me hope of any of her mould. VICE. Why linger ye? bring froth that daring feend, And let him die for his accursed deed. ALEX. Not that I feare the extremitie of death-- For nobles cannot stoop to seruile feare-- Doo I, O king, thus discontented liue; But this, O this, torments my labouring soule, That thus I die suspected of a sinne Whereof, as Heauens haue knowne my secret thoughts, So am I free from this suggestion! VICE. No more, I say; to the tortures! when? Binde him, and burne his body in those flames, They binde him to the stake. That shall prefigure those vnquenched fiers Of Phlegiton prepared for his soule. ALEX. My guiltles death will be aueng'd on thee! On thee, Villuppo, that hath malisde thus, Or for thy meed hast falsely me accusde! VIL. Nay, Alexandro, if thou menace me, Ile lend a hand to send thee to the lake Where those thy words shall perish with thy workes, Iniurious traitour, monstrous homicide! Enter EMBASSADOUR. [EM.] Stay! hold a-while! and heer, with pardon of His Maiestie, lay hands vpon Villuppo! VICE. Embassadour, what newes nath vrg'd this sodain entrance? EM. Know, soueraigne l[ord], that Balthazar doth liue. VICE. What saiest thou? liueth Balthazar, our sonne? EM. Your Highnes sonne, L[ord] Balthazar doth liue, And, well intreated in the court of Spaine, Humbly commends him to your Maiestie. These eies beheld; and these my followers, With these, the letters of the kings commend, Giues him letters Are happie witnesses of his Highnes health. The KING lookes on the letters, and proceeds. VICE. [reads] "Thy sonne doth liue; your tribute is receiu'd; Thy peace is made, and we are satisfied. The rest resolue vpon as things proposde For both our honors and they benefite." EM. These are his Highnes farther articles. He giues him more letters. VICE. Accursed wrech to intimate these ills Against the life and reputation Of noble Alexandro! come, my lord, vnbinde him! [To ALEXANDRO] Let him vnbinde thee that is bounde to death, To make a quitall for thy discontent. They vnbinde him. ALEX. Dread lord, in kindnes you could do no lesse, Vpon report of such a damned fact; But thus we see our innocence hath sau'd The hopeles like which thou, Villuppo, sought By thy suggestions to haue massacred.