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This short quote occurs as Kyd introduces the Portuguese subplot, after Villuppo falsely accuses Alexandro of shooting Balthazar in the back, and it is important because it reflects Kyd’s central argument that betrayal is rampant in 16th-century society. Here, Villuppo tells the Viceroy of Portugal that Alexandro has maliciously murdered the viceroy’s son, Balthazar, for no reason other than “hope for guerdon for [his] villainy.” Plainly put, Villuppo is looking to be rewarded for turning in Balthazar’s killer—whether or not it is true.
In telling this lie, Villuppo betrays Alexandro—whom the viceroy threatens to torture and hang for his crime—but…