ALEX. But in extremes what patience shall I use? Nor discontents it me to leave the world, With whom there nothing can prevail but wrong. NOB. Yet hope the best. ALEX. 'Tis heav'n is my hope: As for the earth, it is too much infect To yield me hope of any of her mould. VICE. Why linger ye? bring forth that daring fiend, And let him die for his accursed deed. ALEX. Not that I fear the extremity of death-- For nobles cannot stoop to servile fear-- Do I, O king, thus discontented live; But this, O this, torments my labouring soul, That thus I die suspected of a sin Whereof, as Heav'ns have known my secret thoughts, So am I free from this suggestion! VICE. No more, I say; to the tortures! when? Bind him, and burn his body in those flames, They bind him to the stake. That shall prefigure those unquenched fires Of Phlegethon prepared for his soul. ALEX. My guiltless death will be aveng'd on thee! On thee, Villuppo, that hath malice'd thus, Or for thy meed hast falsely me accus'd! VIL. Nay, Alexandro, if thou menace me, I'll lend a hand to send thee to the lake Where those thy words shall perish with thy works, Injurious traitor, monstrous homicide! Enter AMBASSADOR. AMBASS. Stay! hold a-while! And here, with pardon of his Majesty, Lay hands upon Villuppo! VICE. Ambassador, What news hath urg'd this sudden enterance? AMBASS. Know, sovereign lord, that Balthazar doth live. VICE. What say'st thou? liveth Balthazar, our son? AMBASS. Your Highness' son, Lord Balthazar doth live, And, well entreated in the court of Spain, Humbly commends him to your Majesty. These eyes beheld; and these my followers, With these, the letters of the king's commends, Gives him letters. Are happy witnesses of his Highness' health. The KING looks on the letters, and proceeds. VICE. [reads] "Thy son doth live; your tribute is receiv'd; Thy peace is made, and we are satisfied. The rest resolve upon as things propos'd For both our honours and thy benefit." AMBASS. These are his Highness' farther articles. He gives him more letters. VICE. Accursed wretch to intimate these ills Against the life and reputation Of noble Alexandro! come, my lord, unbind him! [To ALEXANDRO] Let him unbind thee that is bound to death, To make acquittal for thy discontent. They unbind him. ALEX. Dread lord, in kindness you could do no less, Upon report of such a damned fact; But thus we see our innocence hath sav'd The hopeless life which thou, Villuppo, sought By thy suggestions to have massacred.