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284
SIR JOHN SUCKLING
[Act III., Sc. 4

Bel. O madam! you must think
Wise Nature, of such rich mould as she was fram'd,35
Would make as little waste as could be!

Queen. So, so.
What think you of the upper part o' th' nose, then;
Does it not look as, if it did give way,
The eyes should shortly have an interview?40

Bel. You're too severe a critic, madam: so good
A wit as yours could make, where there were any,
All bless'd perfections. After all,
Next to your highness, I'm resolved to think
She is chiefest beauty.

Queen. Not next to me, my lord!45
Now I am sure you flatter; but 'tis too late
To chide you for it. Good-night.[Exeunt

Scene IV
Enter the King going to bed, Cleonax, Lords, Attendants

King. Good-night to all. Lord Cleonax,
A word in private! [They whisper.] Take away the light,
And shut the door.[Exeunt King and Cleonax

Enter Parmenio and Lorenzo

Lor. Is the king gone to bed?

Par. An hour ago, my lord.5

Lor. What if he should not be asleep yet?

Par. No matter; ere his tongue can speak, our swords
Shall kill. What, though he call us traitors?
'Twill be his last, and may be pardoned.
Come, sir, bravely on! fear's worse than death:10
You're lord of all, or not of your own breath.

Lor. Nay, if I fear, may I not live! Follow.

[The King calls out, 'Treason!' Old Cleonax, rising to go out at the door to call for help, is met by his son, who took him for the King, and killed him: Lorenzo is presently of set purpose run through by Parmenio

Scene V
Enter the King in his nightgown, Lords, Attendants

King. Trust me, most sad and strange!
A flood of grief beats at my eyes for vent.